For many years Debra and I talked about going on a river cruise in Europe, an opportunity for us to see the interior of the continent. And every year we went on another ocean cruise (or two!), and toured the towns and cities along the European coasts. That changed in early 2018 when we booked an eight day Rhine River cruise on the Viking Mani. Our cruise was one way, from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In between, we made six stops in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and we had a day of castle-watching as we cruised the Middle Rhine. (Click on the map to see route and itinerary.)
The Mani, named after the moon god of Norse mythology, made its maiden voyage in 2015. It's a streamlined vessel - 95 feet wide and 443 feet long, with four decks and 95 cabins that accommodated fewer than 200 passengers, far smaller than any ship we had cruised on before. And unlike most large ocean-going cruise ships, every cabin faced out. Debra and I booked a French-balcony cabin on deck 3; it was small but well-appointed and comfortable. We walked down a flight of stairs to the restaurant and up a flight of stairs to the Sun Deck, where we played a few holes of miniature golf, talked with fellow passengers, and watched the world go by as the ship navigated the river.
The Mani, named after the moon god of Norse mythology, made its maiden voyage in 2015. It's a streamlined vessel - 95 feet wide and 443 feet long, with four decks and 95 cabins that accommodated fewer than 200 passengers, far smaller than any ship we had cruised on before. And unlike most large ocean-going cruise ships, every cabin faced out. Debra and I booked a French-balcony cabin on deck 3; it was small but well-appointed and comfortable. We walked down a flight of stairs to the restaurant and up a flight of stairs to the Sun Deck, where we played a few holes of miniature golf, talked with fellow passengers, and watched the world go by as the ship navigated the river.
What did we love most about our experience? Two things. First, the daily shore excursions included in the cruise fare were topnotch. The sites and sights were great and the tours were well organized. Second, customer service was the best we've experienced on any cruise, from our cabin steward to the ship's officers, and everyone in between!
It was a great cruise!
It was a great cruise!
My Stories, One Port at a Time
I will post stories from each port of call, with a new story every month or so.
I will post stories from each port of call, with a new story every month or so.
Permission to Come Aboard, Sir!
A Storybook Journey
Picturesque Strasbourg
Welcome to Heidelberg
From Historic Old Town to Royal Palaces
Dutch Treats
Castles, Castles Everywhere!
A Taste of Koblenz
