Reviewed by: Tina Wheelock
Sailed: ‘Rhine Getaway’ – Amsterdam to Basel
Date: 21 May 2022
Cruise line and ship: Viking River Cruises / Viking Herja (pronounced ‘Heria’)
Passenger capacity: 190 passengers maximum (50 crew)
Year built: 2017
Currency onboard: Euro
Staterooms: 95 Outside staterooms (25 Standard, 22 French Balcony, 39 Veranda, 7 Veranda Suite). All suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room & a French balcony in the bedroom.
- Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
- Library & onboard shop
- Elevator from Middle to Upper Deck only; no elevator access for categories E & F
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Laundry service
- 42″ flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, CNBC, CNN, Nat Geo ++
- Sun Deck with 360-degree views & shaded sitting area
- Organic herb garden & solar panels; putting green & walking track
- Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow for al fresco dining
- Lounge & Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
Pre Cruise Experience
Arrived at 5pm to Sydney airport for my 9pm flight. I had pre-booked a PCR test as this is a requirement for boarding a Viking Cruise. This is not a requirement to fly with Emirates nor to enter The Netherlands.
The PCR test did take 90 minutes for the results and I was able to receive a printed copy for my records. It is a good idea to have all documentation printed as you may not have access to wifi at all times. I also recommend a copy of your passport and an international vaccination certificate.
Emirates flights were enjoyable and the stopover was a quick 2 hours en-route to Amsterdam. You do need to allow at least 30 minutes to move between terminals in Dubai.
Upon arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, I had the option of a taxi or train to Amsterdam Central. I opted for a train which was 5 Euros and only 14 minutes. A taxi was 30-50 Euro and 30 minutes. The Doubletree by Hilton hotel in town was a short walk from the station in the heart of Amsterdam and chosen as it is just moments from the cruise departure point.
Check-in for the ship was 11am. My cabin was available and I was able to check in after a RAT test was conducted by the ship’s staff. I was able to do a tour of the cabins prior to other guests embarking Viking Herja ( pronounced “Heria”).
My cabin was a Standard stateroom with a panoramic window, and it really was a high window. My recommendation would be the French Balcony or above as the ships travel through some dramatic scenery and it is amazing to experience travelling through the many locks on this itinerary – in my cabin type you would need to be in the public areas in order to make the most of this experience.
Our journey was from Amsterdam down to Basel in Switzerland.
Itinerary
Day 1 – As the ship was in Amsterdam until 11pm, I decided to walk back into town and take a 75-minute canal cruise for approx 15 Euros. I was back onboard the ship by 5pm for live music and pre-dinner drinks, we had a muster at 6pm and then a meet and greet and ‘what to expect onboard’ until dinner at 7pm.
Day 2 – We cruised into Kinderdijk visiting a farm where we experienced the art of cheese making and also visited the famous windmills.
Day 3 – Cologne. We started the day with a walking tour of the old town and in the evening experienced a cultural beer and dinner tour.
Day 4 – Koblenz. A visit to the medieval Markenburg Castle with breathtaking views over the Rhine River and a day of exceptional beauty as we slowly cruised the Rhine River.
Day 5 – Rudesheim to Mannheim and an afternoon Speyer walking tour.
Day 6 – Strasbourg. ‘Flavours of the Alsace’ walking tour from 10am until 5pm. This was really a highlight. The tour guide was so knowledgeable, the town was so picturesque and as it was a small group we felt like locals wandering through town. Our guide took us to the markets to buy fresh strawberries, we visited local bakeries and sampled delicious pastries, coffee and cheeses before a long lunch at a little local wine store. She really made us feel what it was like to live the day of a local.
Day 7 – Medieval Colmar. Charming medieval lanes and squares. We explored its ‘Little Venice quarter with its 9th-century streets, 13th-century Gothic churches and original Old Town, Colmar seems torn from a storybook. We were told that parts of the movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’ were inspired by this town. In the afternoon a trip up to the Back Forest for a stroll in the countryside before we were treated to a Black forest gateau cooking demonstration.
Viking has an included shore tour every day plus optional shore tours at an additional fee that you can pre-book prior to your departure.
The meals were lovely with a set menu every evening as well as a changing menu daily for lunch and dinner, so a wonderful variety. We had an option for three dining venues (same menu). The Aquavit Terrace was indoor and led to a terrace that opened in fine weather, The Lounge area, and the Main Restaurant.
The staff onboard Viking Herja could not be more accommodating, the ship had a lovely cozy feel and after a day of exploring it was like coming back home each afternoon as we were made to feel very welcome onboard. The ship briefed us each evening before dinner with a short port talk, an update on the evening events and a little rundown on what to expect for dinner. We had a great German night on board where some of the staff dressed up for the evening and the dining room was converted into a lovely German-themed dining room.
It was lovely to experience life onboard a Viking Ship. I opted to include the Silver Drinks package which includes unlimited drinks. Otherwise, Viking does include Wine and Beer with Lunch and dinner. You are also able to bring your own drink onboard if you wish.
Our final day was in Basel, Switzerland. A short taxi ride can be organised by the ship to the train station or the city centre if required.
