Monday, November 18, 2024

How to Plan a DIY Amsterdam Extension: Tips from Our Viking River Cruise Experience

Are you considering a Viking River Cruise that begins or ends in Amsterdam? With travel delays becoming increasingly common, it’s a smart idea to arrive a day or two early or stay an extra day or two after your cruise. This gives you time to rest, reduce stress, and explore one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

While Viking offers convenient pre- and post-cruise extensions, planning your own stay independently can provide significant savings and unique perks. Based on our Grand European Tour experience from Budapest to Amsterdam in May 2024, here’s how we crafted a memorable Amsterdam extension at the #1 hotel in Amsterdam on Tripadvisor—the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits—and saved money compared to Viking’s extension packages.

Why Plan Your Own Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay?

Viking’s Extension Options

For Amsterdam, Viking offers two post-cruise packages:

Standard Package: Two nights at the Hilton Amsterdam for $749 per person.
Premium Package: Two nights at the Pulitzer Amsterdam for $1,249 per person.

Our DIY Extension

Instead of booking through Viking, we used American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts to secure a stay at the luxurious Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits for $645 per person. This rate included daily breakfast, a $100 food and beverage credit, and additional amenities like early check-in, which made our stay more enjoyable and stress-free.

We even found that booking directly with the Pulitzer Amsterdam, included in Viking’s premium package, cost about 32% less than Viking’s price.

Transportation: Stress-Free and Cost-Effective

Since we didn’t know our docking location in advance, we arranged a taxi through Viking the day before disembarkation. The cost for a large minivan from the dock to our hotel was $68—comparable to Uber in Amsterdam.

For our trip to the airport, we used Uber, which cost $67. This approach gave us flexibility and comfort at a reasonable price.

Exploring Amsterdam: Our Stay at the Top-Ranked Hotel

Our hotel, the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits, is set in a beautifully restored 1908 building near Oosterpark. Here’s what made our stay special:

The Hotel

Ranked #1 on Tripadvisor for its exceptional service and amenities.
Located in a quieter part of Amsterdam, away from the hustle of the city center and the Red Light District.
Features a serene setting with direct access to Oosterpark—a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

The Room

Elegant, tranquil decor with earthy tones and soft furnishings.
Luxurious amenities like a king-sized bed, USB outlets, a mini bar, and a spacious safe.
A bathroom with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a rain shower.
Complimentary wellness perks, such as a 30-minute hydro massage or a 60-minute private sauna session.

Viking includes for QuiteVox for use on excursions. We recommend the AirFly Duo to connect your Bluetooth headphones, keeping your hands free and allowing one device for two users.

Dining

Breakfast and dinner at the on-site Spring Café Brasserie, offering delicious and relaxed meals.
A 24-hour living room lounge with complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks.
While the rooftop bar was closed due to weather, it’s worth a visit in better conditions.

Nearby Attractions

We explored Amsterdam on foot, visiting iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum. The hotel’s peaceful location made it a perfect base for these activities, avoiding the noise and crowds often found near more central hotels.

Tips for Booking a Luxury Hotel

Here’s how you can secure the best deals for your pre- or post-cruise stay:

Start Early: Begin searching about a year in advance, especially if your trip is already booked.
Use AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts: Even if you don’t have an American Express Platinum card, you can browse options for inspiration.
Check the Hotel’s Website: Compare prices and look for discounts like AAA or military rates.
Recheck Rates: Keep an eye on prices periodically and closer to your stay for better deals.
Choose Refundable Rates: These provide flexibility in case of changes or cancellations.

Currency in Amsterdam

We brought both Euros and dollars but found credit cards were widely accepted. Cash was only occasionally needed for markets, tips, or public restrooms.

Final Thoughts

Planning your own Amsterdam extension is a fantastic way to enhance your Viking River Cruise experience while saving money and enjoying personalized perks.

Have you ever booked your own pre- or post-cruise extension? Share your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

And if you found this post helpful, consider checking out our YouTube channel. All proceeds are donated to charity, so by subscribing or giving us a thumbs up, you’re helping us help others. Let’s make meaningful and healthy travel happen together!

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Viking Jupiter Cruise Ship Tour: Inside the Explorer Suite and Deluxe Veranda on Viking Ocean Cruises

Welcome to our in-depth Viking Jupiter cruise ship tour, where we’ll explore Viking Ocean Cruises' exclusive Explorer Suite and other luxurious staterooms, like the Deluxe Veranda and Penthouse Junior Suite. This video and post are perfect for those researching Viking Ocean cruise staterooms, including cabins on ships like the Viking Sky, Saturn, Neptune, and the newest additions to Viking’s ocean fleet.

Viking Ocean Cruises are known for their elegant Scandinavian design, and the Viking Jupiter is no exception. Our tour dives into the top amenities and perks of these staterooms, including the expansive Explorer Suite, designed for the ultimate luxury on your Viking cruise vacation. If you’re considering a Viking ocean cruise on ships like the Viking Jupiter, Sky, or Vesta, and want an exclusive look at the suites, cabins, and amenities, this is your comprehensive guide!

Viking Jupiter’s Explorer Suite: Luxury on the Sea

The Explorer Suite (ES1) aboard the Viking Jupiter offers one of the most spacious and private accommodations on a Viking ocean cruise ship, perfect for travelers who want premium comfort. Located forward on Deck Four, this suite spans over 1,100 square feet and includes a luxurious veranda, offering unbeatable ocean views. Viking cruises are renowned for their well-appointed staterooms, and the Explorer Suite exemplifies this with its extra space, exclusive amenities, and Scandinavian-inspired decor.

See our full video walkthrough on YouTube by clicking below.

Spacious Living Area and Thoughtful Design

With expansive windows flooding the suite with natural light, the Explorer Suite's open, Scandinavian-inspired decor offers elegance and comfort. The living room area provides:

A dining table for four
A desk with convenient storage
Ample outlets (US and EU) but not USB ports, unlike newer vessels. We prefer a Universal Adapter to maximize charging capability on board and in hotels.
A well-stocked mini-bar, replenished daily, with a selection of beverages and snacks
Free Wi-Fi access and two flat-screen TVs offering on-demand movies, educational talks, and cruise information

Viking includes for QuiteVox for use on excursions. We recommend the AirFly Duo to connect your Bluetooth headphones, keeping your hands free and allowing one device for two users.

Private Bedroom and Elegant Vanity

The bedroom is a peaceful retreat, with customizable bed arrangements (king or twin), an additional flat-screen TV, and bedside outlets for convenience. Adjacent to the bedroom, the dressing area includes:

A full-length mirror and ample closet space
A seated vanity with a magnifying mirror and a drawer with a powerful hairdryer
A secure safe to store essentials, such as laptops and personal items

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Luxurious Bathroom Features

One of the most impressive aspects of the Explorer Suite is the bathroom, with:

Dual sinks, a large mirror, and additional shelving
Heated floors for extra comfort
A combined soaking tub and walk-in shower with a separate seat for added relaxation
Complimentary Freya toiletries, designed exclusively for Viking Cruises

While the bathroom doesn’t include grab bars in the shower, it does feature one near the toilet.

Expansive Private Balcony

Though forward-facing suites like this one don’t offer wraparound balconies due to wind exposure, the veranda is furnished with upscale seating options, ideal for relaxing while enjoying the view. The balcony is accessible only through the living area and offers panoramic windows for a bright and spacious feel.

Explorer Suite vs. Penthouse Junior Suite

The Explorer Suite's exclusive features are complemented by perks not available to all stateroom categories:

Shore Excursions: Explorer Suite guests can reserve excursions 137 days before departure, a 10-day advantage over Penthouse Junior Suite guests, which is particularly helpful on high-demand excursions.
Dining Reservations: Explorer Suite guests receive priority dining reservations 90 days in advance, offering flexibility in planning onboard meals.
Spa Reservations: Explorer Suite guests also get priority booking for spa services 90 days in advance.

While the Penthouse Junior Suite is a spacious and luxurious option for most travelers, the Explorer Suite’s larger size, additional amenities, and priority reservations make it an attractive choice, especially for longer voyages.

Conclusion

In choosing between Viking’s Explorer Suite and Penthouse Junior Suite, the decision often comes down to budget, preference for additional space, and the value placed on priority access to popular ship amenities. With the Explorer Suite, guests can expect a well-appointed, luxurious stateroom designed with comfort, relaxation, and priority services in mind.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Viking Jupiter’s Explorer Suite. At Luxury Travel Docs, we believe in making meaningful and healthy travel happen, and we’re grateful for your support. Every like, comment, and subscription goes toward helping us give back, as all proceeds are donated to charity. So please, help us help others by engaging with our content.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Exploring the Sapphire Princess Cruise Ship Inside Cabin: A Full Review Post-Dry Dock Refurbishment

Curious about the latest updates on the Sapphire Princess cruiseship inside cabins after the 2023 dry dock? In this detailed Princess Cruises review, we’ll walk you through the inside cabin experience, highlighting updates from the recent refurbishment, and sharing our honest opinion on what has changed. With our top Princess Cruises tips and tricks, you’ll get insights into cabin features, comfort upgrades, and the latest MedallionClass technology. Whether you’re new to Princess Cruises or planning a 2024 voyage, this inside cabin tour covers everything you need to know—from onboard amenities and what’s new to practical advice for making the most of your stateroom on the Sapphire Princess.

Background: Sapphire Princess Dry Dock Highlights
The Sapphire Princess recently underwent a two-week refurbishment in Portland, Oregon. The biggest transformation you’ll see? The striking new HD screen for Movies Under the Stars, providing a high-definition outdoor entertainment experience. Other enhancements included improvements to ventilation, plumbing, reupholstered furnishings, and state-of-the-art sound and automation upgrades in the theater, which promises a more immersive experience during onboard shows. While the public spaces saw the most attention, updates to inside cabins were more subtle, as many cabin improvements—such as the MedallionClass experience and re-carpeting—were added over the years leading up to this dry dock.

Inside Cabin Tour: What to Expect

1. Room Layout & Closet Space

Inside cabins on the Sapphire Princess have a cozy yet functional layout, with the open closet positioned conveniently near the door and opposite the bathroom. This design offers ample hanging space, with a large shelf above for extra storage. Next to the closet, you’ll find a mirrored shelving unit with six adjustable shelves for organizing smaller items. An additional tip: we like to relocate the life vests to the overhead shelf in the closet area, which frees up even more accessible storage.

See our Full Video Walkthrough on YouTube by clicking below:

2. Bathroom Features

The bathroom layout is typical for most Princess Cruises’ inside cabins: a single sink with a reasonable-sized vanity and three small shelves for toiletries. You’ll find the shower on the opposite side of the sink, with a retractable clothesline that’s great for drying swimwear. Amenities include Princess-branded shampoo and body wash in large bottles, but you may want to bring your own conditioner. There’s no magnifying mirror provided, so if you like to bring your own, we recommend a suction-cup style for flexibility.

3. Comfortable Cabin Bed & Climate Control

The Princess Luxury Bed lives up to its name, offering a comfortable night’s sleep with high-quality linens. However, our biggest cabin comfort question—was there a noticeable change in air conditioning? In our cabin, it felt fine, though we noted some temperature inconsistencies in the hallway during our cruise, a reminder that climate control can vary in older ships. If you’re sensitive to temperature, pack an extra layer or light blanket just in case.

4. Updated Technology: MedallionClass Experience and In-Room TV

Every Sapphire Princess cabin now includes the MedallionClass experience, which streamlines check-in, onboard purchases, and door access. Your stateroom is also equipped with a flat-screen television with various entertainment options. Both of these updates were rolled out across the fleet a few years ago, but they enhance the convenience and connectivity on board, which was once limited to public spaces.

Our Favorite Tips & Tricks for Inside Cabins on Sapphire Princess (click the highlighted text link for more information)

Utilize Magnetic Hooks
With limited space, magnetic hooks can be a game-changer. Use them to hang hats, jackets, lanyards, or even cords, keeping everything off the floor and more accessible.
Bring a Portable Mirror and Night Light
Inside cabins don’t have natural lighting, so a small portable nightlight can be helpful for navigating at night. The suction-cup mirror is useful if you prefer a magnified mirror for makeup or shaving and allows flexibility in placement.
Use an Over-the-Door Organizer
This is one of our favorite cruise tips, especially for inside cabins where countertop space is limited. An over-the-door organizer on the bathroom door keeps everything from toiletries to sunscreen organized and out of the way.
Luggage Storage Under the Bed
With 13 inches of clearance, there’s plenty of space under the bed for suitcases and bags, freeing up more closet space for clothing and other essentials.
Laundry Options
Inside cabins do not include complimentary laundry service unless you’re a Captain’s Circle Elite member. However, you can do laundry in the ship’s laundromats, available for a small fee. We bring laundry detergent sheets for convenience and use them for both the sink and washing machines.

What’s New in the Inside Cabin?

If you’re curious about changes to the inside cabins post-dry dock, here’s a quick rundown. While the overall layout remains the same, the cabin includes several previously added enhancements that have become standard across Princess Cruises. Key updates you’ll notice include the Princess Luxury Bed, designed for maximum comfort, and an in-room flat-screen television that complements the MedallionClass experience, allowing for easy access to entertainment and on-demand services. The cabin itself didn’t undergo any major new alterations in this dry dock, but you can count on fresh carpeting and a clean, inviting look.

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Our Final Assessment
So, did the latest dry dock bring big changes to inside cabins? Not really. The upgrades to public areas—like the Movies Under the Stars screen, theater sound, and ventilation—definitely added appeal to the ship overall, but our cabin felt familiar and comfortable rather than noticeably different. With the Sapphire Princess’s unique itineraries, including routes to South America and Antarctica, it’s a great ship choice, especially if you’re looking for a deal.

Is an Inside Cabin Right for You?
If you’re the type of traveler who spends minimal time in your room, an inside cabin is a budget-friendly option that lets you cruise more frequently. While small, these cabins are well-appointed and comfortable for those who prioritize exploring the ship and ports over having a balcony or ocean view.

We Want to Hear from You!
Have you sailed on the Sapphire Princess recently, or do you have a favorite inside cabin tip? Comment below or on our YouTube video, with your thoughts and experiences. Remember, all proceeds from our channel are donated to charity, so every view, like, or comment makes a difference. We’ve also placed links to some of the items we mentioned in this video’s description—using these links helps support our mission, with no extra cost to you.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

London Flights Cutback: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know About British Airways Cancellations and Limited Options

British Airways Cuts Back Flights: What This Means for U.S. Travelers

If you’re planning to fly to London, Kuala Lumpur, or other major destinations with British Airways, your options just became more limited. Due to ongoing engine issues with its Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, British Airways is suspending multiple long-haul routes, including the London Gatwick–New York route and key flights to destinations as far as Kuala Lumpur and Qatar. For U.S. travelers loyal to the Oneworld Alliance, which includes British Airways, American Airlines, and other key carriers, this change could lead to fewer choices and higher prices.

Why Are Flights Being Canceled?

British Airways relies on Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets for many of its long-haul routes. These aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, which have been experiencing significant wear and tear issues. With delayed delivery of replacement parts, BA has had to ground 15% of its 787 fleet, leading to widespread cancellations. Some of the most notable routes affected include the New York–Gatwick flight, the London–Kuala Lumpur route, which is now delayed until April 2025, and flights to Qatar, which have also been reduced.

Impact on U.S. Travelers

For U.S. travelers—particularly those using the Oneworld Alliance for international travel—the effects of these route suspensions will likely be significant:

Fewer Flights & Increased Fares
The Gatwick–New York route, popular for travelers heading from the U.S. to London, is canceled until March 2025. Meanwhile, routes to destinations like Malaysia and Qatar, often used as gateways to further travels in Asia and the Middle East, are also affected. With these reductions, travelers may face limited flight options, leading to higher prices and the need for alternate travel plans.
Limited Rebooking Options & Loyalty Impacts
British Airways has confirmed it will rebook impacted passengers with alternative flights, including those offered by Oneworld partner airlines like American Airlines and Qatar Airways. However, these rerouted options could mean longer layovers or alternative departure times, which may affect U.S. travelers loyal to Oneworld Alliance carriers.
Disruptions During Peak Seasons
The timing of these cancellations is challenging, as it impacts popular travel seasons like Christmas, New Year, and early spring. U.S. travelers hoping to visit family or spend the holidays abroad may face limited choices or need to adjust travel dates to accommodate the reduced capacity.

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Planning Ahead: Tips for U.S. Travelers

Book in Advance: With fewer available flights, securing seats early is advisable, especially during high-demand periods.
Stay Informed: Monitor updates on your specific flights, and sign up for alerts through British Airways or your booking platform to stay on top of any changes.
Consider Oneworld Partner Flights: Since BA is a part of the Oneworld Alliance, affected travelers may have the option of flying with partners such as American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Japan Airlines to access alternative routes.

These changes are expected to impact thousands of travelers. For U.S.-based travelers and Oneworld loyalists, booking early, staying flexible, and being open to alternate routes and carriers within the alliance could make a big difference.

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