vafoodie
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A friend of mine took a Vantage Cruise and really liked it. Any others to consider?
Viking is an excellent cruise line. We've done a couple of European river cruises with them. But they have many competitors, and from what I've seen there aren't many differences between them.
Cruisecritic.com would be a good place to look for alternatives.
We took a Caribbean cruise with Small Ship & Cruise Adventures | Cruise Trip - Blount Small Ship Adventures It's a very quirky and enjoyable alternative to those giant ships covered with what looks to us like dog kennel doors. Among other Good Things, alcohol is BYOB, so no ripoffs in that category. And "small" means really small, like 40 people. The ever-reliable internet is a little unclear when or if they will resume operations after the pandemic, but if "small" to you means no crowds, their trips are worth a look. If you like crowds, piano bars, swimming pools, and lots of surcharges, look elsewhere.
A friend of mine took a Vantage Cruise and really liked it. Any others to consider?
Costco has some good deals on cruises
No—just wondering of there are less expensive alternatives. Do you have any tips for getting the best deal on a Viking cruise?
If you're talking about a European river cruise, Viking is the largest in the retail market.
I think Tauck is even more luxurious and gets great ratings.
My sister went on a Ama Waterways trip, and she was extremely impressed. They went on a brand new ship--largest ship going as far as Budapest.
My wife and I don't have enough time to take "slow" river cruises due to family obligations. We have to travel a little faster, and have seen virtually all the river cities already popular cruises stop at.
DW and I took an UnCruise in the Gulf of California just before the pandemic. Very active, lots of fun.I've endorsed UnCruise here before and will again. I'm booked on my 6th cruise with them in August. (Have been to Alaska with them twice, Central America, Baja Peninsula and Hawaii). Ships under 100 passengers, very nature-focused, pretty much all-inclusive, they attract a group of smart, curious people. Guides and crew members typically have advanced degrees in areas such as Marine biology.
They started sailing within Alaska in early May. So far so good. Crew and passengers must be fully vaccinated and have a recent negative PCR test. They also do some within the US such as the Snake River. I was supposed to go to Belize and Guatemala in October with them but the COVID situation in Belize is dicey so I selected the Alaskan cruise instead when offered a chance to change my mind at no cost.
I've endorsed UnCruise here before and will again. I'm booked on my 6th cruise with them in August. (Have been to Alaska with them twice, Central America, Baja Peninsula and Hawaii). Ships under 100 passengers, very nature-focused, pretty much all-inclusive, they attract a group of smart, curious people. Guides and crew members typically have advanced degrees in areas such as Marine biology.
They started sailing within Alaska in early May. So far so good. Crew and passengers must be fully vaccinated and have a recent negative PCR test. They also do some within the US such as the Snake River. I was supposed to go to Belize and Guatemala in October with them but the COVID situation in Belize is dicey so I selected the Alaskan cruise instead when offered a chance to change my mind at no cost.
DW and I took an UnCruise in the Gulf of California just before the pandemic. Very active, lots of fun.
Be careful what you wish for. We did the Russia cruise with them 12 years ago and even now not a week goes by without some Viking advertising arriving. Sometimes two pieces on the same day. It is beyond annoying.Viking runs sales all the time. Free airfare, free excursions, etc. Get on their mailing list and you'll see them. ...
Ms G and I have done the Sea of Cortez with UnCruise twice, this is a great trip and so so close to home for us.
UnCruise Costa Rica/Panama is the the same stuff just more of it. I would have liked to have transited the canal during the day.
UnCruise the Hawaiian cruise is a great way to see lots of islands and do lots of fun stuff. If you like sea turtles you will love it.
We have done 6 UnCruises and have never been disappointed.