Showing posts with label cruising tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruising tips. Show all posts
Today I am so excited to share with y'all 16 unexpected but necessary things to bring on every cruise that you go on. While a lot of packing tips and lists can be found on the internet as long as you have a satellite internet connection that include the usual items you would think to bring (clothes, camera, passport/documents/toiletries/etc) I wanted to share a few things that you might forget and are unexpected but are must pack items.
You can also find ALL of these items listed here and MANY more things for travel and home that I talk about on the blog in my Amazon Storefront HERE!
So in no particular order let's get started:
(1) Over the Door Shoe Hanger and Laundry Bags
On my very first cruise I didn't bring one and rectified that immediately for all future cruises! These are a great way to have dozens of small size compartments for a variety of different things and will help add extra storage to the small staterooms.
The one that I originally used on my cruises is no longer in stock so THIS ONE from Amazon has replaced it and it has worked perfectly for all different cruises (including a European River Cruise (but if you want a different option see below**) and stateroom sizes that I have traveled in! For less than $15 it is a steal! You can find it HERE!
** if you are going on cruise that has sliding doors only- THIS closet shoe hanger (less than $22!) is a perfect solution! You can find it HERE!**
The one that I originally used on my cruises is no longer in stock so THIS ONE from Amazon has replaced it and it has worked perfectly for all different cruises (including a European River Cruise (but if you want a different option see below**) and stateroom sizes that I have traveled in! For less than $15 it is a steal! You can find it HERE!
** if you are going on cruise that has sliding doors only- THIS closet shoe hanger (less than $22!) is a perfect solution! You can find it HERE!**
Laundry Bags
Throw in a couple of small (or large) laundry bags to make it easy to put in your dirty clothes at the end of the day. When you get home everything is already in the bag and can easily be cleaned. Another idea is to take three different laundry bags- one for whites, one for dark colors, and one for clothes that need to be dry cleaned. That way when you arrives home all she has to do is drop things off at the dry cleaners and through loads of laundry in the wash!
I personally love THIS set of laundry bags from Amazon. For less than $9 you receive 5 different bags and can separate things in a variety of ways making laundry incredibly easy when you return home from your vacation.Find them HERE!
I personally love THIS set of laundry bags from Amazon. For less than $9 you receive 5 different bags and can separate things in a variety of ways making laundry incredibly easy when you return home from your vacation.Find them HERE!
(2) White Noise Machine/Small Fan
For years I have been sleeping with fans and have loved the "white noise" that they provide as I am a very light sleeper. Depending on your cruise ship and stateroom the walls on a can be exceptionally thin (even more than a hotel room) and a small fan can be very helpful, to block out the noise. There are several different options and depending on where we are traveling I have used each of them:
Looking for a noise machine that is small and incredible? Choose this one...
*THIS ONE is great for louder noises, less than 2 pounds and is incredibly small and won't take up mush room at all! It is the only thing that I travel with now! You can find it HERE!
Looking for a fan and not a noise machine that is smaller and fits in your carry on? Choose this one...
*THIS ONE is a great size that easily fits into even a small carry on suitcase! It is not as loud as the other option, but is also less than $30 You can find it HERE!
Looking for a noise machine that is small and incredible? Choose this one...
*THIS ONE is great for louder noises, less than 2 pounds and is incredibly small and won't take up mush room at all! It is the only thing that I travel with now! You can find it HERE!
Looking for a fan and not a noise machine that is smaller and fits in your carry on? Choose this one...
*THIS ONE is a great size that easily fits into even a small carry on suitcase! It is not as loud as the other option, but is also less than $30 You can find it HERE!
(3) Travel-Sized Mahjong Tile Set
A travel-sized mahjong tile set — Tucking a compact mahjong set into your suitcase is one of those small additions that turns a quiet sea day or rainy port afternoon into something memorable. The cabin table is the perfect spot to learn the basics of American Mahjong with the annual NMJL card, or to try Chinese Mahjong if you'd rather pick up the older traditional style. Travel sets are smaller and lighter than you'd expect, the tiles are quiet to handle, and you'll almost certainly attract a curious tablemate or two from neighboring cabins by the second night of the cruise.
(4) Thermal Coffee Mug
For the coffee and tea lovers out there this can be a great tip for a couple of reasons. First, many times room service is not offered on disembarkation days when people are hoping for coffee most. Second, this is an easy way to fill your mug up with coffee and take it anywhere on the ship without spilling things, especially in stormy weather. This is an extra great idea right now as many cruise ships are requiring payment for room service starting in 2019! Save some extra money by getting a good walk in to get your coffee or tea and then have it with you as you enjoy the ship!
I love THIS ONE by Yeti in the seafoom green color (but there are tons of other colors to choose from!). You can find it HERE.
I love THIS ONE by Yeti in the seafoom green color (but there are tons of other colors to choose from!). You can find it HERE.
(5) Extra Hangers
Depending on who you are traveling with you might want to bring extra hangers. Many cruise ships will provide more if you request them, but if you are going on a long cruise or like to hang everything instead of using the drawers you might want to consider this tip!
Looking for some hangers that won't take up too much room in your suitcase? Check THESE out here! They are less than $11 and give you 12 hangers! Click HERE!
Looking for some hangers that won't take up too much room in your suitcase? Check THESE out here! They are less than $11 and give you 12 hangers! Click HERE!
(6)Power Strip
I shared this in my "10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canada Cruise", but this suggestion is universally helpful for anyone cruising. There are a TON of different options depending on the size that you want to carry with you (including cubes that can fit easily into a suitcase!). Check out lots of different options by clicking HERE!
(7) Ginger
A lot of people use Dramamine (or the patch) for motion sickness on a cruise which is a wonderful option, but ginger can be a great natural resource to help with nausea. You can read more about ginger and its health benefits by clicking HERE. I have mentioned this in several posts but I swear by THIS ginger here.
Also, if you are wanting to use dramamine- did you know that there is now a non-drowsy version made with ginger? You can find it HERE!
Also, if you are wanting to use dramamine- did you know that there is now a non-drowsy version made with ginger? You can find it HERE!
(8) A Picture of Your Luggage
I learned this tip from a couple that goes on a cruise almost every week. The wife shared how her luggage was "lost" one time and couldn't be found on the cruise that they were on. She was trying to describe her luggage to the cruise staff but all of the bags that they presented her with (about 20!) were not hers. Eventually (two days into the cruise) her suitcase was found in staff quarters. From that point on she always takes a picture of her luggage on her phone and said that she can now easily show someone her luggage without trying to spend hours of precious cruise time explaining it!
(9) Blank Cards
Y'all know how much I love letter writing and sending thank you cards to people and I highly suggest throwing a few cards into your luggage to have handy on the cruise. There are so many people that you can meet on a cruise and become friends with and so many people to thank. A handwritten, old fashioned card can always make a beautiful and long lasting impression! I love how pretty THESE Rifle Paper Co cards are!
(10) Towel Clip
If you plan to spend some time outside laying out and enjoying the ocean breezes at the ships pool, you will want to bring clips to hold your towels down. As the wind blows you don't want to be chasing the towel all over the ship (*smiles*) so bring a fastener to help hold down the towel.
There are special clips for deck chairs that you can find in a variety of places but THESE from Amazon are amazing and are less than $8!! Click HERE!
There are special clips for deck chairs that you can find in a variety of places but THESE from Amazon are amazing and are less than $8!! Click HERE!
(11) Your Favorite Snacks
Before we left on our last cruise, my best friend and I headed to one of my favorite stores and stocked up on some healthy (and gluten free for me) snacks to bring on board. While there is SO much food to be found on cruise ships, you might find this suggestion helpful, especially if you have food allergies like me and will want a snack (or are opting out of wanting to pay for new room service fees).
(12) Bungee Cords
Bungee Cords can be a wonderful resource to use in a variety of different ways. You can use the bungee cords to hold a balcony door open, secure your luggage, or even make a temporary clothes line! The options are endless but this will help you as you cruise! Again, there are a TON of different options that you can find in relation to bungee cords, but HERE are some great ideas!
(13) Duct Tape
I have heard from several seasoned cruisers that they live and swear by using duct tape on the cruise so throw it in your suitcase! I personally haven't used it ever, but some people love it!
(14) Ear Plugs/Eye Masks
I am a huge believer in eye masks, but recently I have been using ear plugs when I travel. Even if you don't completely block the noise from your cruise mates on the ship, it can help dim it and this can help you sleep better! I love THESE ear plugs and THIS eye mask!
(15) Deck of Cards (or Dutch Blitz!)
Sometimes, even on a cruise there are periods of waiting or "down time" and having a deck of cards for when you are traveling to the cruise, or hanging out in line waiting to embark on the ship or disembark at the end of the cruise can be a fun way to connect with others and pass the time. While a regular deck of cards is wonderful, consider throwing in a card game like "Dutch Blitz" which is fun and a little unique! (You can purchase Dutch Blitz cards on Amazon HERE!)
If you'd rather go digital, learning a new solitaire variation is a great way to pass the time on a long travel day. Spider Solitaire is a step up from classic Solitaire and genuinely addictive once you get the hang of it. Also, if you’re inclined, no physical cards needed, just your phone or tablet and a few minutes to spare.
(16) **Clothes Steamer**
This is a suggestion that I learned from a fellow cruise mate on my last cruise after I waited for hours for laundry services to come and pick up some clothing that I needed ironed. They kept saying that they would be there "in a minute" and low and behold, almost 2 hours later they still had not come. The simple and easy solution to this would have been a clothes steamer that would help take out the wrinkles (just like a regular iron, which a lot of cruise lines do not allow you to bring on board). I have found THIS ONE to be great and pretty inexpensive!
**please note that different cruise lines have different restrictions and I would suggest contacting your specific cruise line BEFORE your trip to confirm that you can bring this specific steamer on board.**
Looking for additional cruising tips? You can find more on my travel page (by clicking HERE!) or click on some of the links below!
**please note that different cruise lines have different restrictions and I would suggest contacting your specific cruise line BEFORE your trip to confirm that you can bring this specific steamer on board.**
Looking for additional cruising tips? You can find more on my travel page (by clicking HERE!) or click on some of the links below!
Fall weather brings out a love for a cruise to New England Canada in unique ways and these destinations always seems like the perfect way to celebrate this time of year! Cruising in the fall has been one of my favorite adventures!
When I went on my first cruise throughout New England and Canada in 2015 (you can read more HERE) I quickly learned that it was very different then packing for other cruises! For examples, cruises to New England and Canada aren't like packing for a cruise to the Caribbean. When I went cruising to the Caribbean my suitcase was filled with cute sundresses, lots of cute sandals and flip flops, bating suits, and adorable warm weather clothes. But unlike the tropical getaway that a cruise to the Caribbean provides, cruising to New England and Canada in the summer or fall provides a completely different climate.
When I went on my first cruise throughout New England and Canada in 2015 (you can read more HERE) I quickly learned that it was very different then packing for other cruises! For examples, cruises to New England and Canada aren't like packing for a cruise to the Caribbean. When I went cruising to the Caribbean my suitcase was filled with cute sundresses, lots of cute sandals and flip flops, bating suits, and adorable warm weather clothes. But unlike the tropical getaway that a cruise to the Caribbean provides, cruising to New England and Canada in the summer or fall provides a completely different climate.
When I took my first cruise to New England and Canada back in 2015, I searched for what to pack for this type of cruising climate and I struggled to find answers. There were tons of ideas for warmer weather cruising but not for "colder weather climates". So I searched to find anyone who had been on a New England cruise that could share their thoughts, talked with different cruise lines, and searched tons of travel sites for their thoughts on visiting this area of the world. The reality is that this area of the world in the summer and fall seasons yet it can bring unpredictable weather, beautiful views, and gorgeous opportunities.
I have taken two cruises through New England and Canada. In addition to the one in 2015, in 2019 my mom and I had the amazing opportunity to sail in August through New England and Canada on Holland America and it was so delightful (you can read all about our trip HERE)! The one thing though that held true was that despite the season difference (late summer versus fall) I found that the list here still helped me pack appropriately for these two different types of trips. I hope you find it helpful also!
So if you are planning a similar cruise, here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
I have taken two cruises through New England and Canada. In addition to the one in 2015, in 2019 my mom and I had the amazing opportunity to sail in August through New England and Canada on Holland America and it was so delightful (you can read all about our trip HERE)! The one thing though that held true was that despite the season difference (late summer versus fall) I found that the list here still helped me pack appropriately for these two different types of trips. I hope you find it helpful also!
So if you are planning a similar cruise, here are the top 10 things that you can't leave home without y'all:
1. Layers
With weather that is unpredictable during this time of the year (some days can be in the low 30s to the high 80s!!) it is important to pack clothes that you can "layer". I definitely threw in different coats along with lighter weather clothes (as you can see in the picture above) and the mix and matching of these items really helped me throughout the day!
2. Boots, Booties, Shoes, Sandals
Unlike the Caribbean where you live in sandals, you might want to vary your shoe "wardrobe" a little bit more for a New England Cruise. For time on the boat you might want to still live in cute sandals but time off the boat and the excursions that you choose might determine that you wear different types of shoes.
Taking a cruise to New England and Canada offers you a wide array of options as far as choices go for excursions and many that include hiking so don't forget to pack a variety of different shoes that you will need for your cruise!
3. Scarves
Lets be honest. If you have been around the blog then you know that I love scarves and where them in all different weather environments, but a cruise to New England and Canada is a perfect opportunity and excuse to wear a variety of different scarves on the cruise.
Scarves are also a perfect accessory for a cruise as they are lightweight and don't take up a ton of room but can bring a pop of color to an outfit, change up an outfit (by simply wearing a different scarf), and are the perfect addition to any cruising outfit.
4. Sunscreen
It can be easy to forget this necessary component of your New England and Canada cruise since you are not traveling to a "warm weather" environment but don't forget to pack your sunscreen! There are so many days where the weather is so beautiful and you will definitely want to have your sunscreen with you! THIS ONE is one of my ultimate favorites and it is less than $9 on Amazon. You can find it by clicking HERE!
5. Camera (and the Extras)
I use my phone for pictures alone with my camera, but still am a photographer at heart so I always bring my camera on all of my trips and travels! I have the Canon EOS Rebel T5i and absolutely love it. I purchased it in 2016 and am always amazed by the quality of the photos it takes. I love this SD card HERE (it's less than $10!!)
Some additional suggestions...
Portable Battery Pack
Some additional suggestions...
Portable Battery Pack
6. Extension Cord
Throw in an extension cord and you will be glad that you did! One that I bring along is the 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip simply because it allows for several things to be plugged in at once which is a must on a cruise! (Less than $10!)
I wrote an entire post (you can read HERE) all about my new favorite travel charger (that I also use all the time), so I am not exaggerating when I say that this is truly my favorite charger!
8. Purse, Bag, Etc.
Woven Tote Travel Purse (click HERE)
Those of you who know me know that I have a little love affair with purses. *smiles* I have had many over the years, and love large purses- especially for traveling. For each of my trips I look for purses that I feel will "fit" the climate and the elements and that will be a neutral based color to easily match the clothes I am wearing. I also want a purse that was leather that could transition easily into fall. I love the color tone of the Burgandy purse above and the size of it.
Also... if you have ready some of my other packing posts you will have heard me mention purchasing a Sturdy Purse Organizer and y'all. SERIOUSLY. Go purchase this for everyday life along with travel! I have started talking about non-stop and telling everyone about. Just the other day I was telling two friends that they needed to get one! It is life-changing! Hahaha!
This felt organizer (I chose the beige color so that it will go with any of my purses!) comes in 11 different colors and is less than $20 on Amazon (you can find it HERE). I love that I can easily switch purses now just by taking this out and changing it from one purse to another. SO simple and easy! Even if you don't travel a lot you will love it for daily life (for size reference I chose a medium)! For traveling mine was loaded up with tons of items and it was the easiest trip in the airports because of how organized it kept things in my purse! If you are interested in it you can find it HERE!
9. Journal, Travel Books, Etc.
Y'all know from my shop that I love creating and altering travel books and travel journals so this recommendation is probably not a surprise at all! *smiles* Some people like to pack travel guides to take with them on the cruise so they can explore in depth the ports of call while others like to bring journals on board so as to remember the special details and memories that are made. Check out the shop for perfect solutions for your travel needs!
10. Cruise Documents and Passport
Don't forget that you will need to bring all of your cruise documents and passport. Looking for a cute passport holder? I love THIS travel organizer and it is less than $15!
What about y'all? Any must pack items that you recommend for a New England/Canadian Cruise? Looking for more cruising tips? Check out the following cruising posts:
Cruising Tips:
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.jpg "viking rhone river cruise- answers to your most frequently asked questions")
Happy Monday friends! Today I am so excited to start sharing about the recent trip to France that I took with my mom through Viking River Cruises. I know I have already shared this before, but this trip was life-changing in deep and profound ways. Traveling on the Rhone River was absolutely breath-taking and I definitely have fallen in love with that area of the world. Experiencing it on Viking was something that I will never forget, and I would recommend everyone take this Rhone River Cruise at least once in their lifetime. It was just simply amazing.
In the next couple of weeks I am going to be sharing all about the cruise, including our stateroom, the cruise itself, the excursions, the people, the incredible crew, and so many fun things, including our entire Rhone River itinerary for those of you that may want to do this exact trip in the future. (And just a side note- right now through May 31st Viking is offering a special 2-for-1 deal on this and many of their cruises and some even include FREE airfare! You can check out this incredible deal HERE!)
To start things off I wanted to spend a little bit answering the most frequently asked questions that I received prior to the trip, during our cruise, and since I have returned. Some answers to questions I was asked you can find on Vikings Frequently Asked Questions Page (HERE) so I am not answering those but am trying to answer questions that aren't covered on their page. If you still have questions after this post please feel free to leave a question in the comment section below and I will answer it! So here we go...
1. I heard that Viking River Cruises are just for seniors or those who are 60+ in age- is this true?
This is probably the #1 question that I received across the board from so many people. I discussed this last time regarding our Rhine River Cruise with Viking, but I definitely got a lot of questions about this. On the Rhine River Cruise I made good friends and there were definitely a mixture of ages that attended. After going on this particular cruise I walked away thinking a couple of different things.
First, in general Viking River Cruises don't have a predominately young crowd but that doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of variety of ages on the cruises that they offer. On the Rhine River Cruise I would say that about 1/3 were over 60 years old, 1/3 was in their 40s through 60s, and a 1/3 were younger. I believe that the wide ranges of ages on that cruise was that it was over the holiday season. On this cruise it was not a holiday season (nor the height of summer season) and so one of the reasons that this didn't have as much of a mixture was simply due to work schedules, family commitments, and a variety of responsibilities that allows people to only travel at some specific times of the year. I think that if you are looking for a mix of ages that the holiday cruises would be the surest bet, but think you will find at least some age variety on each cruise. For this Rhone River Cruise there were maybe about 5 or 6 people my age and the rest fell into an older demographic- so more like 1/2 being 50s-60s and the other half being 60s and above.
Second, while Viking has not marketed themselves as a "college cruise ship" many people of all ages are starting to realize the wise investment that Viking actually is compared to some of the ship offerings of other cruise lines that appear to be cheaper. I will talk about this more in a minute!
Third, I think the real question is whether or not younger people will be bored on the cruise ship if it is for those that are older. That could not have been farther from the truth. Let me answer that question next...
2. Since it appears to be for those of an older generation will I be bored if I take this cruise?
My answer to this question is two-fold. First, I think that it depends on what you are looking for in a cruise. If you are looking for a party ship and want to just head to the Caribbean, lay out on the beach, and not think about anything than you may find this to be a bit overwhelming. Not boring- the exact opposite. Second, the days are so busy that if you are bored it is simply because you picked the wrong type of cruise to come on.
I think it is important to note going into a Viking Cruise that when they say it is a trip of a lifetime filled with amazing sites, amazing culture, and amazing learning they are not being flippant with that statement. This is definitely not the cruise to take if you don't want to be immersed in beauty, culture, inspiration, and see a ton of things.
The days are PACKED full of excursions and opportunities to really delve into the culture of where you are. I "studied abroad" (trip was cut short due to 9/11) in Europe when I was in college and spent only a few days in Paris. For our Rhine River Cruise we spent a day in both Colmar and Strausburg (which I adored), but other than that I would not even come close to claiming I know much about France. For this, I walked away feeling like I had truly seen an overview of the Rhone River area through this cruise and fell in love with it. I participated in nearly every single excursion that was included (plus an additional one that we purchased) and my day often started at 6 am to get ready for the day, then breakfast, then an excursion, then lunch, then an afternoon activity or excursion, then dinner and then there was the option for after dinner activities.
It was full.
It was non-stop.
It was just amazing.
It was full.
It was non-stop.
It was just amazing.
Now many people flexed the schedule and chose to relax or not join in on every excursion (choosing to see the town or village that we were near at their own pace) but either way bored was never a word that was whispered or said among anyone.
3. Viking Cruises look wonderful but they are so expensive that I could never afford one. Is it really worth the investment?
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Honestly as I started to do a comparative cost rate on Viking versus other cruises that I have been on I was shocked to realize how cost effective Viking actually is. On the Rhone River Cruise that we were on we had included excursions for every single day that we were on the boat. While there was the option to purchase additional excursions most people did not and those that did paid at most $289 (for a full day excursion of 9 hours). We chose to do an optional excursion which I will share about and the cost would have been $119 for each of us. Due to a media discount for this collaboration it was discounted 50%, but the excursion was so good I would recommend it completely.
Compared to other cruises that I have done where each excursion ranges from $100 to $500+ the fact that all of the excursions were included is a HUGE selling point to me immediately. In my opinion most people go on cruises to see different places and typically you have to purchase the things that you are doing on top of the cost of the cruise that you have purchased. That quickly adds up and pretty soon you are spending a lot of money simply to get off the boat. That is not the case at all in this situation since there are included excursions each day.
Another thing that is very cost effective about the Viking Cruises is the included alcohol and drinks. Now Viking does offer a package at a discount for day time alcohol/special alcohol or wine products but at every meal (and sometimes even when you got back from excursions!) you have the offering of the house wines and beer that are simply a part of the package. This includes soft drinks and juices for those who are not drinkers. And for those who love water like me there is an unlimited supply of bottled water in your stateroom. Absolutely wonderful!
I think one of the main things that is an amazing selling point also for Viking Cruises is the fact that there are so many deals that they constantly are offering (like their 2-for-1 sales that I mentioned above). On our last cruise there was a couple on their honeymoon and on this cruise there were several celebrating anniversaries and other special occasions. One of the ladies and I were talking and she said that she had compared all of the costs for where to go for their anniversary. After researching, she realized that they could fly to Europe for the cost of one person through Viking and get to see France together (something that they thought they would have to wait another 5 or 10 years to do) for under $4000! They said that they started saving for this trip and it was the best investment that they could have done for their marriage. They were so sweet and they truly made a good point.
4. Did you have access to the internet?
I am giggling a bit as I write this because yes, technically, you do have wi-fi, but it was a little slow sometimes. As this was a collaboration trip, I had planned on posting everyday, making reels, etc... and honestly I quickly realized that I wanted to immerse myself fully in the trip and was so thankful Viking was supportive of that. I personally found the wi-fi to be fine because my focus was on the trip itself, but depending on your needs and desires you may find it a little slow... which is common on any cruise that I have taken.
5. Are you fluent in French? Did you have to know French for this Rhone River Cruise?
The simple answer to this is no. Everything on Viking (including the local tour guides) uses English as the official language.
I am giggling again because if you know me well then you know that I have always wanted to be fluent in French and quietly work on it behind the scenes but I knew immediately that while I was able to understand somethings, I was out of my element. Here is what I found friends...as I took time to explore on my own and spoke with people they were more than exceptionally kind. Everyone that I ran into- even in the smaller villages spoke English fluently and was kind enough to speak that to me (despite the fact that I was in their country). We encountered some of the kindest people on this trip and I am grateful for their patience.
6. What are the other passengers like? Are the other passengers nice? Are the passengers all rich? Etc.
These questions (and a variety of versions of them) made me smile because there were a lot of them. I think that the Viking Marketing team has done an amazing job to show that you will be on a 5-star resort vacation on their cruises. With that comes so perhaps pre-conceived pre-judgment without truly any basis. On this trip I felt like I truly was able to talk with everyone and what was nice was that unlike the last trip, no one knew who I was or that I was a blogger on the trip. So yes, I do admit that there were a handful of people who were proud to just share all about their previous cruising experiences and where they had traveled to, BUT 99% of majority of people on board were sweet and kind people who were excited to have the experience with loved ones and friends.
At the end of the day I think that this is like any cruise or vacation experience- I think you choose who you hang out with and what you take away from any experience- the good and the bad. But if you are looking for the bad you will be hard pressed to find it as it was just amazing.
7. What were the crew on the Viking Delling like?
Incredible. Incomparable.
I do want to say as a disclaimer that this had nothing to do with the fact that I was doing a collaboration with Viking. With the exception of the senior staff no one on the crew really knew that I was doing a collaboration with Viking and it was incredible to watch. It wasn't just me - it was every single person who was treated with respect and kindness. I saw people kindly respond to guests who may have been a bit disrespectful and still were gracious. I saw crew go out of their way to try to bring happiness and kindness. I saw crew go the extra mile not only for the guests but for each other.
Captain Francois, First Officer Francisco, Hotel Manager Daniel, Program Director Nuno, Executive Chef Adam, Maitre D David, and the entire crew of the Viking Delling are nothing short of incredible. I will be sharing more in detail about different crew and roles in the weeks to come, but in the meantime I can't speak enough about this specific crew.
8. You have mentioned several times that the experience was life-changing. How So? Can you please share more?
As the weeks continue I will be sharing more, but for now, please know that both trips with Viking have been incredible... but this one... I have walked away deeply changed.
9. Did you have a favorite town/village/city you visited?
Honestly, this is so hard for me to choose. I loved the whole region and area... each place was so different in unique ways... maybe Viviers, Arles, and Peruges? Hmmm... it is to difficult to pick! *smiles*
10. Do you have some favorite memories from the trip?
There are so many to choose from.... but a few of my favorites were... spending time with my mom, falling in love with the Rhone River region, the charming towns and villages, the incredible crew, extended time on a boat, the unique opportunity to get to spend time with the senior staff, the opportunity to have conversations with the captain, sitting on our balcony cruising, walks in the villages, new friendships that were made, inspiration from so many things, and so many more things...
I hope that these answers helped! If you have any additional questions that I didn't answer please let me know in the comments and I will be happy to answer them for you! I can't wait to start sharing next week pictures and details from the cruise. It was amazing!!
Happy Monday friends!
If you are heading on a river cruise and worried about forgetting something- don't worry! This list below will help remind you of 5 things not to forget in your planning!
1. Local Currency
1. Local Currency
One of the most important things that you can do to prepare and bring on your trip is some of the local currency where you will be going. You can do this ahead of time at your bank or at a local vendor which will result in less fees than if you use a money exchange booth in an airport. While some people would prefer to use their credit cards - which is great, you will still need to have money for tips or for small shops that don't take credit cards so make sure to prepare for this ahead of time. (Also if you are going on a river cruise around the holiday season and plan to visit the European markets, like in Colmar, you will need to have local currency for this!)
Looking for a cute wallet to travel with to hold all of your different cards and some local currency? THIS ONE and I love because it contains a space for your passport also!
2. Passport Holder/Wallet
You will need to have your passport with you and I would definitely recommend carrying it with you at all times while you are on excursions. I use my wallet which is an older beautiful green Travel & Passport Wallet that is no longer available, but is very similar to THIS ONE (I mentioned above) and I love it!
2. Passport Holder/Wallet
You will need to have your passport with you and I would definitely recommend carrying it with you at all times while you are on excursions. I use my wallet which is an older beautiful green Travel & Passport Wallet that is no longer available, but is very similar to THIS ONE (I mentioned above) and I love it!
If you are looking just for a Passport Holder and don't want the entire wallet- there are so many different adorable passport holders that are available today! A favorite I found (for less than $10!) is THIS ONE (which has more than 21,000 amazing reviews and comes in TONS of different colors!!) The best thing is that many of the colors are currently are on sale!
3. OTC Medications
While it is true that you can purchase all different over the counter medication when you are off the ship- it can be more pricey and also be difficult to find depending on where you are traveling. Sometimes on river cruises there is not a doctor but there is a basic first aid kit available. You will want to think ahead and bring some of your own items.
Prone to seasickness when you travel? Definitely check out my post 4 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness when Traveling by clicking HERE!
Even though river cruising is an excellent choice for those who are prone to seasickness, there were still some people who said the movement on our cruise was difficult to them. A lot of people use Dramamine (or the patch) for motion sickness on a cruise which is a wonderful option, but ginger can be a great natural resource to help with nausea. You can read more about ginger and its health benefits by clicking HERE. I have mentioned this in several posts but I swear by THIS ginger here. It is organic and for less than $13 you can save yourself a whole lot of sickness!
4. Comfortable Shoes/Sandals
I shared this in my post, 13 Must Pack Items for Your Caribbean Cruise, but it is a definite thing to remember. Pack comfortable shoes and sandals!! You definitely want to look cute and have fun, but you don't want your cruise ruined by blisters either so take the time to pick out cute and comfy shoes. On a river cruise you do TONS of walking and you will want to make sure your shoes are comfortable!
5. A Watch
I was surprised to hear this suggestion from those who had done a lot of river cruising but honestly, have now seen the value in having a watch. One of the best parts of a cruise is having the chance to take a break from the "real world" and simply enjoy the moment. But if you are wanting to make sure that you are ready to meet for excursions, meal times, etc. and want to put away the phone, you will want to know the time. I LOVE my fitbit versa and totally recommend it! You can find it HERE!
What about y'all? Any items that you wish that you had brought on your first European river cruise that you would recommend to a first-time cruiser?
Check out more cruise tips by clicking on the links below:
Check out more cruise tips by clicking on the links below:
Curious to find out more about our upcoming trip with Viking or the one that we took with Viking Cruises in 2017? Click on the posts below:
Viking River Cruise (2025): // A Beautiful Upcoming Blog Collaboration //
Viking River Cruise (2017-2018): // Viking River Cruises: Answers to Your Most FAQ's //
// Viking Eir Ship Review // Viking Eir Stateroom 203 Review // Viking Eir Food and Dining Review //
// A Brief History of Old Town Colmar // Saint Martin's Collegiate Church (Place de la Cathedrale)//
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