After enjoying several (15+) ocean cruises on different cruise lines, we wanted to experience river cruising as we had heard about Viking river cruising through ads everywhere and direct mailing coming to us every few days.
And it was all marketing hype and I am not sure what factors are considered in their ranking as our experience was very disappointing.
To start with, because of low water level somewhere, we were put on Viking Modi when we started in Budapest. Our group of 22 was promised vegetarian food (Indian style) everyday but staff on this ship was not aware of this request and that turned into week-long disappointment for food. The worst part ? If you can't satisfy your hunger at the designated time and place, there is nothing else available except chocolate chips cookies if you are hungry at any other time !!! After the first week on Modi, we were transported by 3 hour bus ride to our designated ship Viking Skirnir where experience with vegetarian food was little better. Entertainment on the ships ? A pair of musicians/singers for week-long entertainment. Nothing else for other entertainment. Nothing for any activities. If you are not in a group to spend time together, this would be the most boring period unless you are looking for some quiet and/or solitary time for yourself. Lounge not big enough to hold ship's 180+ people for lecture or music. Some of the excursions are good with knowledgeable guides but the others were ok or so-so.
Response from VikingS, Community Team