Are you looking for Viking River Cruise tips to help you plan your trip?
Do you have questions about what life will be like when you are on board?
Look no further because I sailed the on an extraordinary Viking European river cruise and I have answers and tips for you.
When I sailed, I had no idea what to expect! I can assure you that Viking far surpassed any expectations I had!
Be prepared to be pampered by the attentive Viking staff. Be prepared to visit fantastic and interesting locations, with local guides hired directly by Viking, to narrate and enhance your experience.
Be ready for sumptuous food. Be ready to meet interesting and wonderful people experiencing your Viking River cruise alongside you. Are you ready???
Viking River Cruise Tips: 21 Imoirtant Things You MUST Know!
#1) Viking River Cruises Are Small and Intimate So Be Prepared To Get To Know Your Fellow Travelers
I had never been on a river cruise, only on the mega-huge ocean liners. I did not know what to expect.
There were only 186 passengers on our Viking River cruise.
Because your Viking River cruise ship will be smaller it will be easier to master its layout and locate everything.
So one of my first Viking riverboat cruise tips is to be prepared for a more personalized trip,
Prepare to be pampered, and look forward to meeting your fellow travelers on a personal level.
Viking River cruise tips: you decide how busy you want to be during your Viking River cruise!
#2) Be Prepared to Be Wowed By The Viking Staff Who Works Diligently To Ensure Your Perfect Trip Right From the Start
From the moment you sign up for your trip of a lifetime Viking river cruise, Viking will assign you a booking agent.
This will be your Viking ambassador who will do everything in their power to make your processing effortless.
Another of my Viking River cruise tips is to ask your booking agent all the questions you have.
The stunning lobby of the Viking Baldur.
#3) Another Of The Viking River Cruise Tips Is To Make Your Online Profile At Home
Once your booking is completed, Viking will instruct you to set up your personalized online account.
You will have access to the daily options during your cruise, with descriptions of shore excursions and lots of information about the Viking ship you will be sailing on.
Another of my Viking River cruise tips is to familiarize yourself with this personalized online resource. There is a Q & A section, videos, and tips for every day of your journey.
Viking River cruise tips: familiarize yourself with the information in your online personalized account while you are still at home.
#4) Utilize The Personalized Cruise Documents Viking Will Send You Before Your Trip
Well before your departure date, you will receive your cruise documents in the mail from Viking.
Your cruise documents booklet will contain everything about your Viking River cruise in one place.
The itinerary, your specific ship, your flight information (if arranged through a Viking booking agent), and detailed embarkation details for the sailing day.
There’s a “before you go” section, containing information about passports/visas, onboard dress code, packing tips, and local currencies.
The “your cruise in detail” lists in great detail each stop on your itinerary, and explanations of the tours Viking offers, both included and optional tours.
One of the best Viking River cruise tips I can share is to read your cruise documents booklet from front to back to prepare for the best Viking trip ever.
#5) Do Not Worry About Transfers Because Viking Will Transport You To Ship And Back To Airport
You won’t have to worry about getting to the ship or to the airport once your river cruise is completed, because Viking Viking handles all of that for you.
If you decide to go a bit early or stay on your own to explore after the cruise concludes, (not arranged through Viking) then you will be responsible for your transportation.
This is a great Viking tip to be aware of.
Viking River cruise tips: plan to read the daily newspapers (on the tabletop) Viking provides for several countries, to stay on top of current events!
#6) Take Advantage Of The Trip Extensions Viking Cruises Offer
You are going to a far-off destination anyway, so why not consider staying longer to enjoy the sights and experience the culture and history?
You will have a variety of cities and destinations to select from which you can add on at the beginning or at the end of your trip.
I was not able to take advantage of this Viking River cruise tip for a variety of reasons.
But my fellow passengers raved about the hotel accommodations and the arranged tours Viking Cruises offered through these extensions.
If you plan a longer stay before or after your river cruise, speak with your booking agent about your dates.
You can extend your travel plans within 30 days of the beginning or end dates of your cruise. This is a great perk and a great Viking river cruise tip!
#7) You Will Have More Room Than You Think In Your Cabin On Your Viking River Boat Cruise
If you are wondering how you will manage in a small cabin, I can assure you that you will have plenty of space.
You will find a surprising amount of storage space in your stateroom. There are lots of drawers to organize your clothes and unmentionables in.
The closet was large and easy to accommodate the hanging clothes of two adults. If you need more hangers, ask your room steward who will bring them.
Read also: All about my experiences the first week of the Viking Grand European Tour
There is plenty of room for two to walk around the room on a Viking river cruise.
When your unpacking is completed, you store your luggage under your bed! That is so genius.
Even the largest, most cumbersome piece of luggage can fit under your bed ensuring a tidy room with space to move around comfortably!
Viking River cruise tips: once you finish unpacking, place your suitcase under your bed.
#8) Utilize The Refrigerator Viking Provides In Your Stateroom
Viking thought of everything by placing refrigerators in every stateroom!
This is a great perk because you can have chilled water, juice, or whatever you want right at your fingertips in the privacy of your room.
There is no 24-hour room service offered on Viking riverboat tours. So a few Viking tips are to eat a hearty dinner and stock your cabin refrigerator with snacks and drinks for the midnight munchies.
Read next: Week two of my Viking Grand European Tour
A delicious Viking River cruise tips is to keep snacks and drinks in your stateroom refrigerator.
#10) You Will Find A Large Screen TV In Your Room But You May Not Watch It During Your Viking Riverboat Cruise
There is a huge television in every room and there are some great viewing options. You can select from television shows, movies, documentaries, news outlets, and follow your ship’s location.
Another of the Viking riverboat tips is you can decide when you wish to watch TV, if at all, or spend a relaxing afternoon catching up on the world’s current events.
An important Viking Riverboat tip is to place your audio devices in the charging station.
#11) Make Use Of Amenities In Your Stateroom Bathroom During Your Viking River Cruise
While the bathroom was a smidge on the small side, it is modern and welcoming.
The walk-in shower is luxurious, and Viking even provides a retractable clothesline for washing your unmentionables during your trip.
One of the best Viking riverboat cruise tips is to lighten your packing load, bring less, and handwash some of your clothes during your trip.
Use the clothesline to hang them to dry, overnight or while you are out on an excursion.
There are plenty of shelves for 2 to place toiletries and makeup.
Also, Viking river cruises are so smooth that none of your things will slide around.
Beautifully sleek and modern stateroom bathroom.
Shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, and body lotion are all supplied.
A great Viking river cruise tip is to turn off all bathroom lights during the night, which will trigger the nightlight to come on.
You won’t be worried about stumbling while getting to the bathroom at night.
#12) Utilize The Safe In Your Stateroom During Your Viking Riverboat Cruise
Another of my Viking River Cruise tips is to keep your passport and credit cards in your room safe securely locked.
You may be advised at the beginning of the cruise it will not be necessary to bring your travel documents when you leave the ship.
There may be one or two shore excursions when bringing your passport will be mandatory, but otherwise, keep them securely locked in your room.)
One of my additional Viking River Cruise tips is to make copies of your travel documents while still at home and carry these with you instead as a safeguard.
Lock up your travel documents, jewelry, credit cards, and money.
#13) Be Prepared To Be Pampered Because The Viking Cruise Staff Caters To Your Every Need With A Smile
The staff-to-passenger ratio is very close on the smaller and more intimate Viking River Cruises.
You will get to know your cabin steward personally as he/she will be responsible for the daily upkeep of your stateroom, plus fulfilling your daily wishes.
Another of my Viking River Cruise tips is to ask for those things that will enhance your trip as the Viking staff are there to serve you.
The dining room staff, the bar staff, the reception staff, and the officers of the ship you will be sailing on will all be there to serve you.
And you will recognize them and soon call them by their names. They get to know you very quickly and address you by your name.
Here I am with the officers of the Viking Baldur.. One of the best big Viking river cruise tips: just ask!
Here I am with Tessa, the program director.. Do not hesitate to approach any Viking staff member with questions or concerns.
#14) Let The Staff Know If You Are Celebrating A Milestone While On Viking Riverboat Cruises
If you will be celebrating something special such as a birthday or an anniversary, one of my Viking River Cruise tips is to notify the staff of your riverboat.
You can inform them online while still home in your personalized online account, or onboard the ship once sailing has commenced.
The Viking staff will make sure to personalize your special celebration.
Notify your wait staff of any occasions you want to celebrate.
#15) Dining Options Are Up To You During Your Viking Riverboat Trip
Viking continually is winning top awards for culinary excellence. The Viking kitchen staff stands ready to create unforgettable meals to please you.
My Viking River cruise tip is to notify the Viking staff of any special dietary restrictions or preferences you have. They are professionals and capable of dealing with just about any request.
Another Viking tip is to seek out the Maitre D or the chef as soon after you arrive onboard and identify yourself and your specific dietary preference.
Sit at different tables in the main dining room each time to meet more of your fellow passengers. Seats are not assigned.
#16) Breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner On A Viking River Cruise: It’s Up To You!
The two dining locations you can choose from on your Viking River cruise are the main dining room, and the terrace, which is smaller and a bit more casual.
A Viking cruise tip is that you may select which location you wish to dine at, and then inform your wait staff of your dining preference and your customized meal will be served to you.
Another cruise tip is to familiarize yourself with your breakfast and lunch option
Breakfast is served in the main dining room and the terrace.
Muffins and scones are available at two coffee stations, where you can make any fancy coffee you desire, with tea being available as well.
Read Next: The Ultimate 2 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary. if you will be flying into Amsterdam to begin a Viking river cruise!
Consider having lunch out on the terrace. Or breakfast. Or dinner!
Plan to sit at many different tables, with different people to meet more of your fellow passengers.
The same is true for lunch, with cookies and regional pastries being available instead at the coffee stations.
During your trip, a great Viking river cruise tip is to mix things up, be flexible depending on your specific plans for a specific day, take turns trying out all the eating options you have!
Here is one of two coffee stations available on board a Viking River cruise ship.
Breakfast and lunch are offered within a window of time at your pleasure.
Dinner, however, is served promptly at 7 PM for all guests.
Decide to have dinner or lunch out on the terrace.
There is no 24-hour room service onboard Viking river cruises. A great Viking tip is to eat a full dinner and carry away a snack or two to store in your onboard refrigerator.
An additional cruise tip is grab some cookies from either of the coffee stations.
#17) Consider If A Silver Spirits Beverage Package During Your Viking Cruise Is for You
Onboard during your journey, soft drinks and house wines, both red and white house wines are available to you during lunch and dinner hours.
This is ample time to enjoy a delicious glass of wine or a soft drink.
However, Viking offers for your consideration the Silver Spirits Beverage Package. This includes all wines, beers, cocktails, mixers, long drinks, and soft drinks anytime throughout your day and night.
A great Viking river cruise tip is to consider if the Silver Spirits Beverage Package is a good choice for you, or not.
This is a personal choice, so discuss it with your Viking booking agent, as we did. If you decide to onboard during sailing, you will be accommodated on board.
Decide if Viking’s Silver Spirits Beverage Package is for you.
#18) Take Advantage Of The Daily Excursions Viking Offers, Each With A Local Guide
In your personalized online Viking account which you will set up, you will find all the excursions Viking offers you during your cruise.
Every day Viking has an included tour. These tours are free to all passengers. I signed up for every single included tour on our Grand European Tour cruise that I took.
There are also additional optional excursions offered by Viking at a lot of the destinations, which have additional fees.
The Viking motorcoach in Vienna, Austria. All Viking coaches for all excursions are comfortable and quiet.
ALL tours offered by Viking are exceptional and dive into the local history and current culture of the cities and villages you will visit. .
On each tour, Viking provides a local guide, who usually lives in the area, and will narrate everything.
They are open to questions from the group. You will wear Audiovox hearing devices to hear your guide, which you will find in your room.
One of my top Viking tips is to place your hearing device back on its charger when you return to your room, so it will be fully charged for the next excursion.
#19)You Decide What To Do, Or Not Do, Onboard During Your Viking River Cruise
Another one of the great Viking tips is while traveling on a Viking river cruise, you are in charge of your schedule. You decide how busy you want to be. Or not!
There will be mornings or afternoons during your trip when the ship will be sailing to its next destination. Or days when your ship will remain in port overnight or for a few days.
During these times, Viking always has onboard enrichment programs available.
It is my experience that Viking hand-selects only people who are experts in their fields, who are engaging, and who present their information in an interesting and captivating way.
Viking river cruise tips is that I recommend you carefully consider your schedule and how rested you are, and attend as many enrichment lectures and demonstrations as you can.
Attend as many onboard enrichment lectures/demonstrations as you can.
#20) Be Aware WiFi Is Available But Not Like At Home On Your Viking River Boat Cruise
You will travel through some of the most beautiful countryside and scenery on the planet.
That often precludes a strong internet signal, due to remoteness and mountainous regions.
Once on board, you can ask for the ship’s WiFi password.
One of the biggest Viking river cruise tips is to be careful and check your phone settings frequently.
Be certain that you are on the ship’s Wifi, and not its satellite system, which would be prohibitively expensive.
Another Viking cruise tip is walking around onboard your ship, and speaking with your fellow passengers to reveal the best location(s) that provide the strongest wifi.
Wifi bandwidth is strongest when in port, very early in the morning, or very late at night.
The strongest signals are usually in the individual towns and villages your ship will visit.
You want to text and check email when out on your excursion tours.
And of course, McDonalds and Starbucks offer free lightning-fast internet anywhere in the world, so a great one of my top Viking River cruise tips is to look for them if you wish to use the internet.
Read Next: 7 Best Things To Do In Passau Germany if this wonderful city is on your itinerary.
#21) Gratuities Are Expected (You Won’t Mind Tipping!) On Your Viking River Boat Cruise
So what is the the tipping policy on Viking River Cruises?
You will get to know your onboard wait staff during your Viking River cruise.
They are all truly dedicated to serving you and go out of their way to please you.
In your cruise documents booklet mailed to you, a Viking River Cruise tipping guide is availabe with suggestions for the program director, wait staff, and local guides.
Viking River cruise tips suggest that tipping is totally at your discretion.
Austria night in the main dining room of the Viking Baldur.
Viking River Cruise Tips: My Packing List!
If you want packing tips read my How to Pack lightly article.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
These RFID sleeves would be a solution.
This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.
These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and fits nicely in a backpack or purse.
This replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water when you fill your Bobble.
You will want a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phones, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
If your Viking River Cruise is in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear at dinner or on local excursions. I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lots of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
If you need new luggage, this expandable soft-side spinner luggage is affordable.
Like hard-sided better? Then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.
Do not forget TSA-approved luggage locks! These come in a pack and each has 3-digit combination padlocks.
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Christine Russo
This all looks and sounds lovely, I think I shall just have to try one out. Thank you.
Linda Malys Yore
Christine, you would love river cruising. Much more intimate and pampering than a large party cruise ship.
MARLYN L HOBSON
10/2018 Danube river cruise was a bus trip due to low river. Viking did not inform their clients.
Linda Malys Yore
Marlyn, I received an email before my Viking European river cruise about the possibility of a trip disruption due to low river waters. Did Viking not pre-warn you via email about this possibility?
Judith Lundin
We did our eleventh Viking cruise this fall, Basel to Amsterdam. This was our third time on this particular cruise.
Viking did inform us by email that due to the low river levels, we may have to change ships during the cruise. This did happen, but it was greatly preferable to having the cruise cancelled! It was inconvenient to have to pack up our room in the middle of the cruise and then unpack again. But the Viking crew did all the carrying and transporting of luggage between ships.
Meanwhile we had a slightly longer bus trip to our planned destination of Heidelberg Castle, and another slightly longer bus trip back to the ship afterwards. However, we were able to see quite a bit of the German countryside that we normally would have missed, so we thought that was a plus.
We heard that Viking was the only cruise line allowed on most of the Rhine with the water that low. In Cologne, the water level was less than three feet!
Linda Malys Yore
Wow! Eleven Viking cruises! That’s amazing!
Our experience was similar to yours, and only one optional excursion had to be canceled. I thought Viking did an exceptional job of handling the situation. Not too many of our fellow passengers complained because it was not Viking’s fault, it was Mother Nature herself!
Have you tried a Viking Ocean Cruise?
Lory Ragnio
Hello Linda, I found all your tips helpful and encouraging. My husband and I have an upcoming Danube Waltz cruise on Viking. Do you recall any information about the mattress brand and/or pillow brand that Viking uses? Or can you describe the firmness of the mattresses, and thickness and construction of the pillows? I am wondering if I should bring pillows from home for comfort sake. Thank you, Lory
Linda Malys Yore
I do apologize but I did not check the mattress brand. It was unbelievably comfortable though. Sometimes too hard or too soft hurt my hips and I do not sleep well and I am a wreck the next day, however I had no problems w/the mattress. The pillows were light & fluffy with a good weight. However I did not use them to sleep. I brought my own pillow. That is my personal choice though. I always travel w/my own pillow wherever I go. I am excited for you. I love the intimacy of river cruises. Have a fabulous time.
Joyce Britt
I took my first Viking River cruise last June. I was on the Viking Var. It was amazing.The staff, the food, everything was excellent.
Linda Malys Yore
Ooooh I am so happy you love Viking as much as I do.
Nancy
We are leaving in two weeks on our first Viking cruise from Basal to Amsterdam. We are getting excited. This is for our 40 th anniversary. Any tips on what to wear.
Linda Malys Yore
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Happy #40. Bring sturdy shoes bc you will probably be walking more than usual. Viking dress code is comfortable. Like what you would wear to church or out to dinner. Check the weather. That will dictate what to bring. My next cruise is having weather in the 90s! Now that really has dictated the attire I will be bringing! Check out my “Alaska Cruise Packing List” on lindaontherun.com. Although it is for Alaska, it has LOTS of cruise suggestions for you to consider, from clothes to electronics and sunglasses. Best of luck to you as you sail with Viking. That is such a pretty part of Europe too!
Mary Jo
Took my son in 2017 first time Viking and it met all expectations and surprised my son on how much fun he had with all us “old folks”. He is dairy free and they made special meals for him each day. My husband and I have cruised the oceans for the past 18 years and are now moving into the Viking world.
Value, service and small boat cannot compare with the other experience!!!!
Linda Malys Yore
So happy your son had a great Viking experience. I am planning to sail with my daughter as well. Hope she loves Viking as much as we all do!
Linda
Thanks for the informative post, Linda! We’re booked for Vikings Waterways of the Tsars in the fall. Have you had any travel experience in Russia?
Linda Malys Yore
No experience traveling to Russia yet. This sounds like a fabulous experience to have. You will be in great hands with Viking!!
Jan Thompson
This is an amazing trip! It was the only item on my bucket list, and I wasn’t disappointed. My adult son and I often travel overseas (the hubby is not a traveler) and he was awed also. Take LOTS of digital cards and extra batteries for your camera. Viking will stop in town for you to exchange money, BUT you have to ask them (then even helped translate!). Also, the banks want CRISP, UNUSED dollar bills. Not sure why, but fortunately I had those (they refused to exchange our used bills). The son and I took several tours independently of each other, and loved everything. We really enjoyed the Bana option – do be sure to take a swimsuit. The son is a professional concert musician, and picked up sever CDs of chants. I collect Russian lacquer boxes, so I enjoyed discussing that with several artisans. My best friend collects Santas, and I purchased a lovely one for her. Either make sure you have plenty of room in your suitcase, or carry a foldable one for everything (we do foldable). Can’t say enough about the Viking Russian cruise. Totally awesome!!!!!
Linda Malys Yore
This sounds amazing. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!
Susan Feltes
We will be on Viking Hild, Basel to Trier, Rhine and Mosel Rivers. September, 2019. This will be our first Viking Cruise! Really getting excited about this first class experience. Thank you for your information.
Linda Malys Yore
I am very very excited for you. I wish you a very happy trip!
Cinna Hatcher
We are going on our first Viking cruise on the Rhine. How large are the groups on the included excursions.?
Linda Malys Yore
Viking does an exceptional job diving up the guests into groups of about 25 or so on excursions. Each group has a local guide that narrates. You will have an audio sound unit w/headphones in your room. You will be able to hear the guide very well. Have a wonderful trip.
Alice Ventura
Hello Linda,
Thank you for all the wonderful tips. Anyway my hubby n I will be doing our first Viking cruise from November 16-23; this year from Basel to Amsterdam. This will be cold and possibly rainy. Any tips on what to bring to wear?
Thanks,
Alice
Vicki
My mom and I are leaving for Viking Homelands in late August and will need 6 different currencies for tipping local guides (excursions). And I’m not sure how prevalant credit cards will be accepted for shopping during the excursions. Any pointers on this front?
Linda Malys Yore
I would suggest you call Viking or the travel agent that booked your cruise for you for some info and answers. Those are important questions. I am currently traveling in Europe visiting several different countries. In my travel info, locations that only accepted cash & not credit cards was disclosed beforehand. The cruise line or your booking agent will probably have answers for you. Have a great time. PS- I travel a lot with my daughter too.
Cinna Hatcher
We will fly into Basel for our Rhine Getaway Cruise. Should we have Swiss Francs in addition to euros? Or will even have time to site see and be on the ship instead?
Linda Malys Yore
I am so excited for you! This sounds fantastic. I would call Viking directly to get the answer to your question.
Linda Witt
Great article. Viking is the Best. We are taking our 4th in March; Passage to Eastern Europe this time. Have done the Grand European twice as we loved it so much the first time. Paris to the Swiss Alps was also great. We always do pre or post extension since we are already there and it adds to the great cruise.
Linda Malys Yore
Linda, I am currently on Vikings Waterways of the Tsar’s cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow. It is *unbelievable* and I encourage you to add this to your list! The food, the itinerary & of course the staff are all unbeatable!!!
Renee
Considering a Rhine River cruise with Viking. Do you know if Fox cable news is available on the in cabin TV? I know if sounds like a stupid question, but my travel companion can’t sleep without it being on at night.
Linda Malys Yore
I am going to say I am pretty sure, but I would call Viking to be specifically sure.
Terry Michalek
We are going on our first Rhine cruise later this month. Are curling irons allowed on board ?
Linda Malys Yore
Look in the fine print of the cruise document booklet Viking sent you to clarify. On my trip, they were not permitted. (But Viking did not search luggage either)
Christine Nonn
I’m so excited to go on my first Viking Cruise. I’m doing the Cities of Light. What is customary to tip the boat staff & who all should I tip. Sorry I have no clue.
Linda Malys Yore
I am SO HAPPY for you. Viking Cruises has a tipping policy you can access on their website. Wishing you the absolute best trip. Bob Voyage!
Christine Nonn
Oh great, I will check it out.
Do you have any idea when we eat a meal off the ship
What the tipping would be?
15-20% like here in US?
Jeff
Thanks for all the information! We are getting ready to leave on our first Viking river cruise – Danube Christmas Market!
Danyelle Moss
We just went on the Viking Danube Waltz cruise. It was amazing! Your tips were very helpful on what to expect. We did an extension after the cruise in Prague. Very worth it! Funny thing, the hotel room was enormous compared to our cabin on the boat, but had less storage space. I preferred the bathroom on the boat!
Linda Malys Yore
Thank you so much for sharing your Viking experience! I love all the storage on the Viking river boats!
Diane
Did I see gloves (dress gloves? rubber?) amongst your items in your stateroom? What purpose does these serve?
Linda Malys Yore
Hi Diane, I used gloves to wash undergarments during the cruise.
Cary Killian
I can think of only one tip: GO! Book a cruise now. You will not regret it. Best time I ever had.