My First River Cruise | Paris and The Heart of Normandy FULL REVIEW

Рет қаралды 72,132

Ай бұрын

Full disclosure: I was part of a PR trip with Viking and that means they paid for my cruise and my roundtrip airfare to and from Paris. Having said that all opinions are my own and I had no limitations or mandatory posting requirement and received no monetary compensation for making this video.
I recently went on a Viking River Cruise and in this video I'll be sharing what I loved, what I didn't love, and exactly WHO I think should go on a river cruise! Huge thanks to Viking for hosting me for this lovely 7 night Paris and the Heart of Normandy river cruise. I hope this video will help you decide if you should go on a river cruise and give you some tips and tricks to help you feel more prepared.
To get all the details and book your own Viking River Cruise, head here: www.viking.com/
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Пікірлер: 345

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Two things I forgot to mention: they give you 2 huge glass bottles of water in your room each day (and more on request) and there is also a mini fridge in the room. A couple of you asked in the comments so thought I'd pin that here!

@sherryblazek9605 Ай бұрын

Yes! Viking thinks of everything. Can’t go wrong cruising with them. Jen, you should inquire about booking a cruise and inviting your subscribers. We would have a great time 🤗

@rmathca Ай бұрын

Regarding the off-hours food issue: You need to grab a few cookies and pastries when they are present and bring them back to your room. It works and is free! That's how we solved the problem.

@vcorcoranXXXX Күн бұрын

We already have snacks packed to fill the late night munchies!

@cherylmorrow7821 Ай бұрын

We took the Viking Grand European cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam and “magical” is the word I used as well. We booked our own “pre and post” stays for a few days in both Budapest and Amsterdam and highly recommend that. Arriving a day or two early at the departure location meant we didn’t have to worry about flight changes and had some time to get over jet lag. At the time, we were 60 yrs old. We met couples we are still friends with. Highly recommend a Viking cruise!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I love hearing that!

@spark_6710 Ай бұрын

Ahh ~! That sounds so- good !! 👍👍😍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

@rickgonzalez1218 2 күн бұрын

Deb here. We did the exact same trip and agree it was magical.

@barbarakhan5275 Ай бұрын

Totally spot on with your review. As a travel advisor who specializes in Europe, I think river cruising is a wonderful way to travel. I too feel it’s magical walking off the ship into town. So happy you were able to enjoy with your son.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Memories that will last a lifetime!

@bobcochran2890 25 күн бұрын

We’ve done numerous Viking river cruises…Bordeaux, Rhine, Rhône, Douro, Danube all the way to the Black Sea. First class, great service, comfortable accommodations, very good food.

@ke11ym0 Ай бұрын

Avalon and tauck are the two river cruises I have done. Love love love river cruises. I’ve been ocean cruising my whole life but river cruises are just so special. We loved tauck so much we did a land tour with them to Hawaii and it was fabulous. I’m in my 30’s and the older age demographic didn’t bother me because I get along better with old people than my own age lol

@leilaniwilliams1474 Ай бұрын

I'm glad you mentioned Tauck! I'm now looking at their Japan tour packages.

@sherriemoore6705 Ай бұрын

Love Love Love Tauck Tours done their River cruises and land tours. Going again this summer

@Traveler-nu8xc Ай бұрын

Tauck is awesome ! We love them but they are pricey.

@vmestates3266 10 күн бұрын

@@leilaniwilliams1474 As another commenter noted, Tauck is pricey, but it is first class all the way. They do an excellent job of curating a trip/tour.

@jaimeflowersashley9380 Ай бұрын

Jen, I’m so delighted you were hosted! I know you will always tell the truth, hosted or not! What a great memory for you and your son!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

It truly was such an amazing experience and THANK YOU!

@sarah.sarah.sarah.sarah. Ай бұрын

dearest jen, i’ve been recently disappointed by the attitudes and behaviour of another travel creator i had previously enjoyed, so i cannot tell you how much it means to me to watch videos from someone with as much honesty and integrity as you. so happy you had such a wonderful time away with will xx

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video!

@normapaschich6341 Ай бұрын

Please, please try AMAwaterways for your next cruise. Incredible service. Snacks several times a day in the lounge. 95% of excursions included. No need for beverage package. Amazing people. Will do our fifth cruise in May.

@pamelawooden6012 Ай бұрын

We have booked 2 & 3 cruises for this year, Emerald & Avalon, but would love to try Amawaterways as well as Viking. Glad to hear a recommendation!

@vmestates3266 10 күн бұрын

@@pamelawooden6012 And try our favorite, Uniworld.

@stephaniecampbell6811 4 күн бұрын

I have done 2 AMA European river cruises. Couldn't agree more.

@lisamonsma4423 Ай бұрын

I am soooo glad that you loved it!

@dndrusso Ай бұрын

Great review. Thanks for being so thorough. I’ve been on the fence but now I think we’ll plan a river cruise.

@christineanderson3745 Ай бұрын

What a great review! Thank you!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Absolutely my pleasure thank you for watching!

@sarahphilbricksandhage1443 Ай бұрын

Great video. Thank you.

@Alicia_1970 Ай бұрын

That was a very helpful video. Glad you had a great time 😃

@BetsyDudash Ай бұрын

My husband has never been to Europe, while I lived in the Netherlands for 3 years 3 decades ago and traveled extensively. A river cruise sounds like a great choice for our first European vacation together in a couple of years. Thank you for this review!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!

@spark_6710 Ай бұрын

I think that'll be a wonderful, memorable travel !! 👍👍😍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

@adriennecruz4964 Ай бұрын

Looks like so much fun

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

It really just was. Low stress, high fun!

@jenniferb.5787 Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your insight! I'm going to share this with my significant other and I think this may be our next big trip!

@rhillyermiles Ай бұрын

How lovely and blissful. Thank you for sharing.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Blissful! Yes this! Thanks so much for watching.❤

@amandab6490 Ай бұрын

What a lovely review! Your commentary made it seem even more magical! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience.

@Marie-FranceLemire-xr6vl Ай бұрын

Yes, I have to go. 🙏for your answer!

@marvawiebe4364 Ай бұрын

This was a very interesting review/vlog for me as I am considering a Viking river cruise in the near future. Thank you!

@willapanzer4233 Ай бұрын

Thanks for this awesome review- we've been debating and I think you answered all our questions and more - time to start planning!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I love hearing that!

@LexiAhr Ай бұрын

Wow, sounds like a wonderful trip and something I would love. Thanks for the review!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

My pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

@rcusick973 Ай бұрын

Great video! We are booked on a Scenic river cruise from Amsterdam. You gave a lot of great info thank you

@rickgonzalez1218 2 күн бұрын

Went on a Viking river cruise in 2017 and had the best time. I do not drink much alcohol so people should know that you get free soda at lunch and dinner.

@nancymitchell8976 Ай бұрын

Jen, So glad you enjoyed your river cruise! Weve been on several and love them, as well as ocean cruising. Our favorite was Vietnam and Cambodia, a combo of land and river. What an experience!! The 14 day Grand from Budapest to Amsterdam was also fantastic!

@mmrgratitudes Ай бұрын

Love love love Viking Cruise ❤ I have been on both the ocean and river cruises - and I love them both ❤

@denisefazio6708 Ай бұрын

This was so informative.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I'm so glad! That was my hope!

@kaiserinisla 16 күн бұрын

Very interesting. Thank you for your honest assessment. This is really helpful information.

@lisasproul8027 Ай бұрын

It’s on my bucket list now!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Lisa you will love it!

@marypruitt6312 Ай бұрын

Sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing your trip! I’m in for a river cruise!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

You would LOVE IT, Mary!

@RUSSELLHAND-lg7mk Ай бұрын

Another great video. Thanks so much for your honest reviews done with tact and grace. So glad you got to spend time with your son. He's a lucky boy to have such an awesome Mom. Really enjoyed it. ❤

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

You're so kind - I'm very lucky to have him as my kid!

@user-zx8ri1we7j Ай бұрын

My husband and I have been on two Viking River cruises and loved them. We most loved the Grand European, Amsterdam to Budapest with extra days in Prague. So wonderful. You’ll love it. Thank you for your video today. Saw the unpacked video and found it helpful. When we cruised from Switzerland to France we stayed in Paris for a week and took a shopping tour. So cool to see a different part of the city and the shopping was awesome.

@pattorelli3451 Ай бұрын

I love river cruises and thought you did an excellent job describing your trip. Thanks as always!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh thank you so much!

@robinwaibel6852 Ай бұрын

So very excited for this video. My husband and I have been considering a river cruise for years. I appreciate all of your advice, observations, and input.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for the kind words, Robin!

@majorhollingshead5906 Ай бұрын

Great video and review. ❤️😘

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Thanks as always, Major!

@MrSheals2U Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your river cruise experience - we’ve been wanting to do one for years and it looked lovely! ❤

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Lovely is the perfect word! So relaxing which I don’t think I’ve ever done on a European vacation before

@bww1267 Күн бұрын

Great information!

@stephaniecampbell6811 4 күн бұрын

You should give Amawaterway a try. Their excursions are not divided by large or small groups, but they offer multiple excursions at every port of call based on level of difficulty. So most every port offered a hiking/biking excursion, and a moderately paced excursion as well as an easy pace one. Each one has a score of level of difficulty to help in making a best decision. I like that they accommodate all levels of ability regardless of group size.

@nilsabarbera3649 Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the helpful feedback on the river cruise, beautiful Jen! I've been contemplating on taking a river cruise and now I'm convinced to try a Viking one.😍

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

you won't regret it. This is my second experience with them and consistently good service and product!

@jbbb7418 26 күн бұрын

Looks amazing

@Ahhposition Ай бұрын

We took this cruise in 2021 the first Welcome Back after COVID. First passengers on a new ship, the Forgyn. So nice to revisit this itinerary! Great review & lots of great information!

@MumsieAR Ай бұрын

Great review! Hubby and I are doing the Rhine Getaway in August and as a new traveler to Europe I can’t be more excited to see it from this type of accommodation. Loved that you enjoyed it so much and that you and your son got such a special vacation together. Kudos to Viking for hosting such an astute traveler like you. Love all your videos and I always look forward to watching them.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

What a kind comment! Thank you! And I hope you have a beautiful vacation.

@diannem2411 Ай бұрын

I was so interested in the Viking River cruises and this clog answered so many questions I had. It’s now on my bucket list! Great review.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I’m so glad you found it helpful!

@BethMusz Ай бұрын

Nice video! My husband and I are in our late 30s and have LOVED Viking. We've done 2 river cruises and are about to take our second ocean cruise with them; We've had nothing but wonderful experiences ❤️

@leighims Ай бұрын

Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re considering a river cruise on the Seine.

@jillyoung8323 Ай бұрын

This was great! You answered questions that I didn't even know I had! We are big cruisers and recently, while in Amsterdam, we walked by a river cruise ship. It caused both of us to think that maybe this would be in our near future! Thanks in advance!

@deannabosch1434 26 күн бұрын

Love, love river cruising. Never getting on a big boat again. Thanks for the tips.

@Travelswithmonique Ай бұрын

Thanks for this wonderful review! I will be going on a Danube one next year and you actually answered a lot of the questions I had! Indeed it seems a lot more relaxed than ocean cruise!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Monique I honestly cannot express how chill it was. For me, trips to Europe have always meant STRESS (fun and culture but stress) and this completely eliminated all of that!

@shellychandler5583 Ай бұрын

We just made reservations to take this trip based on your two videos! Can’t wait!!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

It’s truly a wonderful itinerary - I’m so happy for you!!

@thelmagerdes3475 Ай бұрын

This was my very first cruise of three river cruises with Viking and my very favorite!

@TraciCuthbertson Ай бұрын

Thank you for this informative and thoughtful review. A river cruise sounds like a great option for taking my father on his first trip to Europe.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Traci YES there were a few older folks who were making their first big Europe trip and it was perfect - no worries about the language barrier or not being able to find food they liked or concern about transportation, etc., so great for them and great for their grown kids traveling with them. Fabulous choice in my opinion.

@kathyazzarito5950 Ай бұрын

I love Viking! We went on this cruise the week of Thanksgiving last year and had a wonderful time. Our first cruise with Viking was the Romantic Danube in 2019. Beautiful cruise!

@katyj8316 3 күн бұрын

Just Wow. We've wanted to go on a Viking River Cruise for years, but life interferes. Now I really want to go.🤩

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 3 күн бұрын

Oh I hope you can make it happen, Katy!

@Marie-FranceLemire-xr6vl Ай бұрын

Belli Jenn and thank you for the nice views of the Region. My ancestors on my father’s side of the family came from Rouen and I still have to visit! Been once in France 5 days.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Marie you must go! I have to tell you, I liked it maybe better than Paris! So many smaller and amazing museums, great food, and the people were SO friendly and lovely!

@user-wo5ph9yv6r Ай бұрын

New to your vlog. Love it and your personality! Going on Viking Emlba Passau-Budapest with a pre cruise to Prague. My first river cruise, so I really loved your review. Also watched your "unpacking " video. You gave great tips and a few laughs too. Also subscribed.

@derekandsamevans1912 Ай бұрын

Going on this exact River Cruise June 1 ! So excited!

@katorade52 Ай бұрын

we were in Paris at the same time! How fun! Thanks for documenting your trip. I've been hesitant to do a river cruise, but I'm thinking I might try one having watched this video.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I think a perfect trip would be a few days in Paris and then board the cruise for a week of the more scenic side of things. It was so relaxing and lovely!

@terireid651 Ай бұрын

We just finished our 12 th Viking cruise. Love everything about them. Going on the Egypt cruise in September. Glad you enjoyed it. God bless.

@Traveler-nu8xc Ай бұрын

This was helpful bcs we currently use Tauck which we love but have wondered about Viking.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I'm so glad I could help! Thank you for your kind comment!

@stephenschroeder6567 Ай бұрын

First time to your channel. I have never been on any type of cruise, but this video has me interested. I had a chuckle at the thought your cabin was small. If you had been in some of the dormitories and military ship accommodations that I have experienced, you would have thought your cabin as spacious. It is all relative, right? LOL I like your presentation and the balance of information. If I ever take one of these trips, it will be because of you and the effort you put into your communication. I wish you a long and happy life!

@barbarasullivan6752 Ай бұрын

This was our first Viking cruise and I loved it and agree about the river cruising. I loved going to the farm and tasting the calvados. Le Peq is a nice docking location.

@saraspalding5572 Ай бұрын

I’m glad you had a great experience. We had a 2 week sailing booked and had to cancel due to a death. It was not a good experience with Viking for that so I’m not sure when/if I will try again.

@kamillsap3155 Ай бұрын

Viking Rhine Getaway June 2024! Can’t wait! So glad you had this opportunity and thank you for your honest/candid review!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Of course and in June you will definitely have better weather then we did!

@vickyb5935 Ай бұрын

Hi from Switzerland! We have done 3 river cruises (we are in our mid 60s) with a swiss ship company: one from Porto, Spain on the Duoro river, one from Passau,Germany to Budapest on the Danube and a 4 day one for the Christmas markets on the Rhine. LOVE river cruising for all the reasons you gave. Cruising the Duoro is incredible with the scenery and we always spent 1/2 day cruising and 1/2 sightseeing. This trip included going through 10 or so locks, all during daylight, so that was a fun experience. The Danube also had locks but we passed in the night while sleeping. The rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and cork trees during sooo many days in Spain was magnificent!

@Springermom2 Ай бұрын

Thanks for this terrific review, Jen! My husband & I are traveling to Prague (pre-cruise), cruise through Germany then end in Paris next month. This will be our first Viking cruise so appreciate your timely review. ~Melissa

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I know you will have a wonderful time!!

@rickdove9901 26 күн бұрын

Excellent video. We are considering this cruise, and our video helped fill in gaps not addressed in Viking or travel agent videos.

@bobbyhammond601 12 күн бұрын

We took this same trip last September……agree completely with your comments!

@MsJackRyan Ай бұрын

I have been in several Viking River cruises and absolutely loved every single one. They do service right. The excursions are well planned and the guides were all well-informed.

@coralgwyn-williams9933 23 күн бұрын

I love Viking River cruises and can't wait to go on my next one! I have never felt so well cared for and the food was fabulous!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 23 күн бұрын

They really do an excellent job. This was my second time sailing with them (my other sailing was Viking Sea) and definitely won't be my last!

@beckymorton6655 Ай бұрын

So happy to see your review. We are going on a Viking river cruise for the first time next month in France. Really looking forward to it! Your input was so helpful. We definitely plan to spend time on our own exploring and just having lunch or dinner off the boat. We do not want to be booked with excursions all day. We will also have snacks handy in our cabin 😊

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

It’s really a smart way to do it!

@peggyrogers2562 Ай бұрын

My friend and I took the Paris to Normandy trip in 2019 and it was wonderful. It was our first Viking cruise and we felt as you did it was magical!!!!! So much fun to see the places we saw. The food and service is first class. ❤

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

YES and I didn't even really get into the customer service but it was impeccable! Can't wait to sail with them again.

@user-ie8ho8rd8d 19 күн бұрын

We’ve had great river cruise experiences with Amadeus/Lueftner too

@kathryndelacote7374 7 күн бұрын

Okay, great video! I so want to do this!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 6 күн бұрын

It’s such a fun and surprisingly relaxing adventure!

@ellencole9766 Ай бұрын

Hi Jen!! I'm so happy you had a wonderful trip on Viking River Cruises! I was a travel agent for many years and every client I booked on a Viking River Cruise itinerary returned to report that it was "MAGICAL"! So it came as no surprise to me that you described it the exact same way. River cruising is definitely on my bucket list. I haven't yet tried one.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

People told me but I don't think I really got it? Now I do! Can't wait to do it again!

@sharibonn7876 Ай бұрын

We have river cruised the past few years in Europe. It truly is magical! It was so relaxed and planned out. That is how we like our tours. We are getting ready to do 2 big ship cruises this summer. There is so much more pre-planning that go into those cruises. I look forward to the end of the summer to decide what type of cruise I like better. But then again, they are 2 different species!😊

@rpeterson9770 Ай бұрын

I’ve never been on any cruise but river cruising looks amazing. Another cruiser I watch went on AmaMagna and her rooms were very very spacious. I think she said they were the largest rooms for a river cruise. More food options would be amazing. I much prefer snacking through the day rather than meals.

@kathybell3843 Ай бұрын

I'm so glad you did this review! I was on the fence about these river cruises and am totally up for one now. We leave for Normandy, France this Sunday and are doing a tour of the region via bus/ walking.....I now am excited to taste the Calvados! Thanks for the great review of Viking River cruises.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Just be careful - it's VERY strong and after a couple of sips I was feeling it! Have an amazing time!

@kathyscrapper Ай бұрын

You will love it, we just got back. Hope the weather holds up. Omaha Beach incredible.

@loripenney4925 Ай бұрын

Thank you for this! If I had a bucket list, a Viking river cruise of the British Isles would be at the top!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh my goodness YES that would be amazing!

@suzyack Ай бұрын

Great review and covers things others don’t consider. Having somewhere else to sit whilst another person gets ready is a great shout. The snack thing is also really useful to know. So many people, particularly my husband get peckish at night. More so in Europe I find so surprising no snacks on board

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Thanks so much Suzy!

@pamelawooden6012 Ай бұрын

I really enjoyed your video! We have cruised on Emerald Waterways and did their 15 day Grand Eurorpean cruise....Budapest to Amsterdam. We had normally just taken bus tours but river cruising has become my favorite way to see Europe. We have and will still do that mode of travel but we have two river cruises booked for this year. One with Emerald and one with Avalon. Maybe we will try Viking after that. Loved hearing of your trip. We will be doing the Avalon Paris to Normandy in early fall. We have already been to Normandy so we are opting to see Monet's home and VanGogh's last place of residency instead. I'm so happy that you are informing people about how relaxing this mode of travel is. I just love it! Thank you for sharing!

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Honestly, I had no idea how relaxing it would be! All of my previous trips to Europe have been lovely but somewhat stressful and this just felt completely different. Loved it and hope to do it again in the not so distant future!Thanks for watching!

@apfelstrudel714 Ай бұрын

I loved this Viking cruise! The only time there isn’t food laid out is between maybe 10pm and 6am, and even during those hours they would have brought to your cabin a snack if you had asked. I used to take a cookie or pastry from the snack area every evening right after dinner, and I was never hungry during the cruise!!

@Benandmycat Ай бұрын

What a great way to explore France. Really appealing arriving at small villages and being able to take in the local life ! What a trip !

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I found places I will DEFINITELY return to (like Rouen) that I had never even heard of! Amazing trip.

@Benandmycat Ай бұрын

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge ❤️

@martyscheall9626 9 күн бұрын

Having been on 2 Viking River cruises before (with a third one scheduled for July), I thought you did a good job at covering the bases. The fact that it only has one restaurant is no big deal for us as there are so many choices of food. The space also gives a very intimate experience making it easy to make new friends, if you’re feeling social. 😊. We are hoping to do this cruise next year!

@heidii.4024 Ай бұрын

My husband and I have been to 3 river cruises through Uniworld. All inclusive and service is impeccable. The laundry service is free if you’re a returning customer and you get other perks. We’re active so we are glad that there are many hiking and biking activities offered. Food choices are excellent, also.

@dawnturpin Ай бұрын

So it gives you more of a real experience of the different areas as opposed to a tourist trap at port and I love that.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

DAWN THIS EXACTLY. What I didn't love about my DCL mediterranean cruise is we were all (all 2800 of us) arriving at the same port at the same time. The much smaller ships (168 people small) means very little impact and you can just kind of hang out. I LOVED that.

@joanneivins4097 2 күн бұрын

Loved your review and that you traveled with your son. I will travel with mine too, and think is a great gift to give that kind of memory to see beautiful places together. I look forward to your other videos as I subscribed. Thank you.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 2 күн бұрын

Welcome and thank you!! Lifetime memories for sure!

@junehamer5880 Ай бұрын

Thank you for doing such an excellent job describing river cruising. We've done 14 and we want to point out that there are a number of river cruise lines. We especially like Avalon and Ama Waterways. Avalon has more excursion choices, many of which are geared to more active travelers. Ama Waterways is more luxurious. As you said, your true balcony stateroom was small but very nice. Again, be aware that the other almost 50% of staterooms are French Balcony which are much smaller. Happy cruising to everyone!

@lisawilliams8039 Ай бұрын

Thank you! I just sent this to my husband to view. I believe that this would be a great option for us.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

We met so many couples who were on their fifth or sixth river cruise with Viking! And I totally get why!

@marisadawndesigns5458 Ай бұрын

Jen, this looks fabulous! Now I have to put a river cruise on my list! Seems like it would be a good/safe way to travel as a single woman, too.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I didn't mention that but I thought it many times, Marisa. TOTALLY great for a single traveller!

@erinconrad1685 Күн бұрын

We just came home from a Viking cruise on the Danube - lack of any kind of snack, and few evening activities were my biggest issues (which wasn't much, and yes, we stopped and got some snacks in some of the towns. Aldi (Hofer) is everywhere in Germany and Austria.).

@dianamourer5244 26 күн бұрын

I was on that same trip in 2022! Fabulous! Enjoyed and agree with you seeing the small villages and being on the Seine. My only problem with Viking is I am a solo traveler and have to pay for two. Will not travel Viking again until they give single rates

@sharonkeesler Ай бұрын

Hi Jen, We used Orlando Transportation by Mike for our last trip to Disney World. Everyone was amazing. We had Stella going and Justin coming back. So easy and comfortable. Thank you for mentioning them.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I love hearing that! Using them in a few weeks!

@edwardfersch9661 18 күн бұрын

Excellent review.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 18 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!!!!

@nataliyalalor4915 Ай бұрын

I’m so glad Viking hosted you! We have a Viking sea cruise booked for next year and I feel like it’s not a company that most people consider when thinking of booking a cruise in our age range (40s). I feel like they’re such a great company.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

They were wonderful to work with on the PR side, too. I knew I liked them when I sailed the first time and this confirmed it! Great company.

@lisamonsma4423 Ай бұрын

We did a Viking river cruise in 2015…Amsterdam to Budapest…it’s called the “grand European”. I would highly recommend it to you and your hubbie….

@ilsehunt6798 Ай бұрын

Great review Jenn! I’d buy snacks locally to be fair as I like trying local produce !

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

YES it's actually a great plan. Next time I will do the same!

@blesskittens4484 Ай бұрын

First, your handsome son looks like you! ❤ We did this tour and loved it as much as you. We are much older and never looked for more food! 😂 They take such good care of everyone which is great for older people. We love the quality and option to pick meals for the region as you travel up river. Not a dry eye at the Normandy Memorial and ceremony. We love the relaxed pace and fewer people. ❤❤

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

YES Normandy was very moving and a tough day but a great one. And yes, thank you! He does look like me and I love it!

@karenbergeron4734 Ай бұрын

In 2021,we took our first river cruise with Viking. The trip from Budapest to Amsterdam was wonderful! We are interested in the cruise that you did.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

I am trying to decide what itinerary I want to do next!

@celinedavis2189 Ай бұрын

I really enjoyed your video. My friend and I enjoyed a trip to Paris several years ago, staying in a VRBO for 2 weeks. Now, as I am 80, that did not appeal so much, and we have discussed river (and ocean) cruises. I just shared your Viking review with her as we further our contemplating. Thanks for your insights.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Oh I love that, Celine! Happy planning!

@Lifeandtimeswithcyndi Ай бұрын

I love the concept of this. I have the feeling it’s out of my price range but France/Paris is on my bucket list of places to visit and this seems a less stressful way to do it lol One of the things I loved about living in Europe was all of the small towns and villages. I love exploring the less “touristy” parts of a place.

@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Ай бұрын

Cyndi, this kind of trip would be perfect for you - adventuring but somebody else is worrying about all the details!