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Viking River Cruises Christmas Market cruise |
| Reviewed By: Andrews, Redditch on 12th Mar 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises |
Times cruised before: 0 |
| Cruise Ship: Viking Helvetia |
Sailed:
December,
2007 |
| Destination: Rhine |
Age: 46-55 |
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From the moment that we were met at Dusseldorf airport to our return to the UK we were looked after by the friendly and professional staff of Viking River Cruises. Check in was quick and the accommodation on the Viking Helvetia was first class.
Our cabin was furnished with all the amenities you would find on an ocean liner and to the standard of a 5 star hotel. There was plenty of storage space, luxurious bedding and a large picture window to watch the world go by.
The lounge had panaramic views with comfortable seating where we enjoyed a coffee and watched the scenery unfold as we cruised along the Rhine River. The lounge had a bar and in the evening there was entertainment. For bookworms there was a library at the end vessel.
The food was out of this world - better than I expected. You could enjoy a buffet or set dining for breakfast and lunch with a wide choice of food that was prepared fresh. Dinner was a five course menu that had something for everyone and served by attentive waiting staff - nothing was too much trouble. There were courses based on local cousine and the staff were happy to answer any questions. Each night we all swore we would not eat as much as the night before but the menu was so good we
all ended up sampling each of the courses some nights we had desert as well as cheese and crackers!
My favourite stop was at Rudesheim with a traditional Christmas market and a visit by mini-tain to 'Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Collection' which was included. The atmosphere was magical quaint cobblestone streets, mulled wine and lots of unique shops to purchase last minute presents to take home.
Our last stop was Colgone where we had an informative walking tour which finished at the gothic Cologne Cathedral. I would definitely return to Cologne as there was so much to see. Be prepared as it was the busiest shopping area I have seen out side of New York City! All of us were amazed at the sheer amount of people in the pedestiran zone area. You have to time you moves if you want to go from one side to the other or you will get pulled along in the sea people.
I would like to go on a longer River Cruise and I would recommend it as a pleasurable way to travel. It is very relaxing, the river is calm and you have time at the places you visit and all the excursions were included in the price,
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A Taste of the Rhine
Viking Christmas Cruise
Viking Helvetia
Viking 
