Victoria Falls River Lodge Review: Luxury Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, Family Villas, Game Drives, River Cruises & What to Know Before You Go

Why Victoria Falls River Lodge Is One of the Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe

If you’re researching Victoria Falls safari lodges, comparing luxury safari accommodations in Zimbabwe, or trying to decide between Costco Travel safari packages and independent bookings, Victoria Falls River Lodge is one of the most recommended properties in the region — and for good reason.

We spent two nights at this award‑winning lodge as part of a longer Southern Africa itinerary, and it quickly became one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip. From spacious riverfront villas and exceptional safari guides to healthy meals, sunset river cruises, and serene open‑air workouts, this lodge blends luxury, wildlife, and comfort in a way that feels effortless.

Below is our complete review of Victoria Falls River Lodge — what we loved, what surprised us, and everything we wish we knew before arriving.

---

Family Villa #2: A Private Riverfront Retreat

We stayed in Family Villa #2, which felt like a private sanctuary on the banks of the Zambezi River. The villa is spacious, beautifully designed, and ideal for couples, families, or small groups.

Villa Highlights

• Two separate sleeping areas and two full bathrooms
• Main suite with a California king bed facing the river
• Private deck with a non-heated plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi
• Indoor and outdoor showers, both with river views
• Large soaking tub and double sinks
• Open closet with robes, a safe, and plenty of storage
• Fully stocked refrigerator with water, soda, beer, cider, and more
• French press coffee and a tea kettle

The design strikes a perfect balance between luxury and nature — elevated but never overdone.

Main Bed and Sitting Area

Main Cal King Bed

Main Bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower

Bathroom Toiletries

Plunge pool with Zambezi River Views

Second bedroom with two twin beds in Family Villa

---

Food & Dining: Fresh, Healthy, and Abundant

The food at Victoria Falls River Lodge exceeded expectations. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy — a welcome change after two indulgent weeks in South Africa.

What to Expect

• Snacks and drinks on every sunrise and sunset activity
• Refreshments on the guided Victoria Falls walk
• Breakfast with a continental buffet and à la carte hot dishes
• Lunch served à la carte
• Dinner offered as à la carte one night and tapas-style the next
• Afternoon tea from 3:30–5:00 PM with appetizers, tea, and coffee

We enjoyed Pinotage every night, served in elegant barware — a small detail that added to the overall experience.

Dinner our First Evening: Salad, Beetroot Salad, Veggies, Crocodile, Chicken and Pinotage

Espresso Martinis for Dessert

Continental Portion of Breakfast

---

Game Drives, River Cruises & Victoria Falls

The activities at Victoria Falls River Lodge were a highlight of our stay.

Game Drives

Game drives are conducted in comfortable Land Cruisers with blankets provided for chilly mornings and evenings. During our drives, we saw:

• Hippos
• Baboons
• Monkeys
• Mongoose
• Kudu
• Antelope
• A wide variety of birds

Other guests spotted elephants and lions, so they were nearby even if they didn’t appear for us.

Baboons

River Cruises

Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are peaceful and scenic, with wildlife along the banks and drinks served onboard.

Hippos in River with Victoria Falls Spray in the background

Victoria Falls Guided Walk

Victoria Falls was absolutely spectacular — the sound, the spray, and the sheer scale of “The Smoke That Thunders” are unforgettable.

Our Guide

We had the same guide for every activity, which made the experience seamless. He was knowledgeable, prepared, patient, and excellent at orienting us before each outing.

The lodge follows a structured schedule with set departure and return times for all activities, including sunrise and sunset game drives, river cruises, and the mid‑morning guided Victoria Falls tour. Full seasonal times are listed in the information booklet provided in your villa. We have photos of our informational booklet below and you may be find answers to many of your questions. Click the photo to enlarge.  

---

Crowd & Vibe: Friendly, Relaxed & Family-Friendly

After two weeks in South Africa, seeing fellow Americans felt surprisingly refreshing. The lodge attracts many U.S. travelers — partly because it’s included in the Costco Travel safari package — but the atmosphere remains calm and respectful.

Guests mostly keep to themselves. We shared activities with a couple from San Francisco who were delightful and considerate.

Important to Know

• This is not an adults-only lodge
• You will see children, especially in the family villas
• The overall vibe remains peaceful and upscale

---

Spa & Gym: Small Spa, Exceptional Gym

We didn’t use the spa, but we did use the gym — and it was one of the best we experienced on our entire trip.

Gym Highlights

• Overlooks a watering hole
• Open-air design
• Best in the morning when it’s cool and wildlife is active
• Clean, well-maintained equipment

Fitness Center

Spa Overview

• Two treatment rooms: one couples, one individual
• Small, quiet, and serene

Spa Menu

---

Pricing: Independent Booking vs. Costco Travel

We didn’t book through Costco Travel — our stay was added as an extension through our main trip provider.

Our Honest Take

• Our price was slightly lower than Costco’s, but not by much
• For a two-night Zimbabwe extension, prices tend to be similar across reputable operators
• Costco’s advantage is the membership and credit card rebates
• The lodge experience is identical regardless of how you book

---

General Information

General Information

Tips for Staying at Victoria Falls River Lodge

These are the things we wish we knew before arriving — plus a few practical insights for June travel.

Clothing & Weather

• June is dry season: cool mornings and warm afternoons
• Bring shorts for the Victoria Falls walk — your legs will get soaked
• Bring long pants, and warm layers for chilly mornings
• Ponchos are provided for Victoria Falls 
• Warm blankets are provided for early morning game drives and cruises

Bugs

• We didn’t encounter mosquitoes in June
• Bug spray wasn’t needed
• The lodge provides insect repellent in your villa

Sun Protection

• Bring sunscreen
• A hat and sunglasses help on drives and cruises

Footwear

• Bring waterproof or water shoes for the Falls

Shopping

• Save money for the lodge shop — one of the most upscale we saw in Zimbabwe, the Eastern Cape, or Cape Town

Lodge Boutique

---

Conclusion: Is Victoria Falls River Lodge Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you book independently or through Costco Travel, Victoria Falls River Lodge delivers a luxury safari experience with warm service, beautiful accommodations, excellent food, and unforgettable activities.

It’s the perfect blend of comfort, wildlife, scenery, and serenity — and a spectacular way to experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Tweet

Game-Changing Cruise Essential: The Bladeless Portable Neck Fan We Now Pack For Every Warm-Weather Cruise

If you’re planning a South Pacific cruise or any warm-weather cruise, there’s one small gadget that has completely changed how we handle the heat on board and in port: a bladeless portable neck fan. We used this exact fan on our recent South Pacific sailing and now it’s officially on our permanent cruise packing list.

You can check it out here: Bladeless Portable Neck Fan on Amazon .

---

Why a bladeless neck fan belongs on every cruise packing list

Cruise ships are amazing, but let’s be honest—between humid port days, sun-drenched pool decks, and cabins that never feel quite cool enough, staying comfortable can be a challenge. That’s where this wearable, bladeless neck fan comes in.

• Hands-free & wearable: It hangs comfortably around your neck, so you stay cool while your hands are free for photos, drinks, or shore excursion gear.
• Bladeless & safe: No exposed blades, which makes it safer and more comfortable to use in crowds, around hair, and even when you’re half-asleep in your cabin.
• Multiple speeds: Adjustable airflow so you can go from a gentle breeze indoors to stronger cooling on hot port days.
• Rechargeable: USB charging makes it easy to top up in your cabin using the same outlets or power strip you already bring.
• Lightweight & packable: It takes up very little space in your carry-on or cruise backpack.

See the exact fan we use here: our go-to cruise neck fan .

---

How we actually use this fan on warm-weather cruises

1. On shore excursions in the South Pacific

We really enjoyed our South Pacific cruise but this gadget came in really handy!  From tender rides to walking tours and beach days, the heat in the South Pacific can be intense. We wore this portable neck fan on:

• Guided city and cultural tours where shade was limited.
• Beach excursions where the sun was strong and the breeze disappeared.
• Long pier walks back to the ship in the afternoon heat.

Instead of arriving back on board overheated and exhausted, we felt noticeably cooler and less drained. For anyone who struggles with heat or humidity, this is a must-have cruise excursion accessory.

Grab the same fan we used on our South Pacific cruise: Bladeless Portable Neck Fan .

2. Laying by the pool on sea days

Sea days are for lounging by the pool, but the combination of sun, reflective water, and minimal breeze can get uncomfortable fast. We started placing the fan:

• Around the neck while reading or people-watching on the lounger.
• On the side table pointed toward the face for a mini “personal breeze.”

It kept us cool enough to stay out longer without constantly retreating to the shade or the cabin. If you love the pool deck but hate feeling overheated, this is a simple upgrade to your cruise pool day setup.

---

3. By the bed when sleeping in the cabin

Cabin temperatures can be tricky—especially on warm-weather cruises where the ship’s AC sometimes struggles. We started using this fan as a bedside personal cooler:

• On the nightstand angled toward the pillow for gentle airflow.
• On low speed for a quiet, steady breeze that doesn’t dry out your eyes or throat.

It made a huge difference on nights when the cabin felt stuffy, and it’s especially helpful if you run warm while sleeping. For light sleepers, the bladeless design and low noise level are key.

You can see the exact model we use here: our favorite cruise bedside fan .

---

4. Near the vanity while getting ready

Blow drying hair in a small cruise cabin can turn the space into a mini sauna. We started placing the fan near the vanity while getting ready for:

• Formal nights when we’re using hot tools and full makeup.
• Early morning excursions when we’re rushing and the cabin heats up quickly.

The fan helps keep makeup from melting and makes the whole “getting ready” process much more comfortable. If you share a cabin, this is a small courtesy your cabin-mate will definitely appreciate.

---

Why this fan is perfect for cruise travelers specifically

• Compact for carry-on only travelers: It fits easily in a personal item or backpack.
• Ideal for hot ports: Great for Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South Pacific itineraries.
• Versatile: Works on the ship, in port, in airports, and even at home.
• Budget-friendly upgrade: Compared to the cost of a cruise, this is a small investment for a big comfort boost.

If you’re building or updating your cruise essentials packing list, this is one of those items you don’t realize you need until you try it—then you won’t cruise without it.

Check current price and details here: Bladeless Portable Neck Fan on Amazon .

---

Final thoughts: A tiny gadget that makes a huge difference on hot cruises

For us, this bladeless portable neck fan went from “fun idea” to non-negotiable cruise essential after our South Pacific sailing. We used it on excursions, by the pool, by the bed at night, and near the vanity while getting ready—and we noticed the difference every single day.

If you’re planning a warm-weather cruise and want to stay comfortable from embarkation to disembarkation, add this to your packing list now: click here to view the fan on Amazon .

As always, we only recommend items we personally use and love on our own cruises.

Tweet

Princess Premier Package 2026 Review: Is It Worth $100 Per Day After 54 Days?

 

The Princess Cruises Premier Package changed dramatically for 2026. The price increased from $90 to $100 per person per day, several popular benefits were removed, and Princess introduced a new shore excursion credit system that many cruisers are now trying to evaluate.

After sailing for 54 days from Los Angeles to Australia and back with the updated Princess Premier Package, we had more than enough time to decide which benefits were genuinely valuable, which ones we used every day, and which perks honestly did not matter much to us.

In this review, we break down:

• Princess Premier Package 2026 pricing
• Princess Plus vs Premier
• The new shore excursion credit
• Princess specialty dining
• Premier beverage package value
• MedallionNet Wi-Fi and multiple devices
• Casual dining lunches
• Princess photo package value
• Reserved theater seating
• What Princess removed from the package after July 2025

If you are trying to decide between no package, Princess Plus, or Princess Premier for your next cruise, here is our honest experience after living with the package for nearly two months at sea.

Watch Our Full Video Review

Watch our complete 54-day review here:

Tweet

The Ultimate 2026 Princess Premier Package 54-Day Review: Is the Upgrade Actually Worth It?

Is the Princess Premier package a dream come true or just an expensive add-on for your next vacation? With the 2026 Princess Cruises package changes now in full effect—including the $100 daily price and the new shore excursion credits—we decided to put the "unlimited" claims to the ultimate 54-day test.

We didn't just "try" the package; we lived it. We skipped the Main Dining Room to eat at specialty restaurants virtually every night, conducted side-by-side Wi-Fi speed tests, and even ran a "blind taste test" on the Wagner Family of Wines (featuring Caymus and Mer Soleil). In this review, we’re sharing the "secret" perks—like how we got custom cauliflower crust pizzas at Alfredo's—and the honest math behind a $5,400 investment. If you want to know if the Princess Cruises all-inclusive upgrade is worth it for your 2026 or 2027 itinerary, here is the unfiltered truth from 54 days at sea.

Crown Grill on Island Princess 54 Day Cruise

The 2026 Landscape: What’s Changed?

Before we dive into our 54-day journey, we have to talk about the "New Premier." For 2026, Princess shifted the package dynamics. The price moved to $100 per person, per day (or $105 on Sphere-class ships), but they added a crucial perk for long-haul cruisers: the Shore Excursion Credit.

Tweet

Palolo Deep Marine Reserve: Best Snorkeling Near the Apia Cruise Port in Samoa

If you’re looking for the best snorkeling in Apia Samoa, a marine reserve close to the cruise port, or an easy walk‑off‑the‑ship snorkeling option, the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is the top choice. This protected blue‑hole ecosystem offers vibrant coral, tropical fish, and a unique underwater trench just minutes from the harbor. It’s one of the most convenient and affordable ways to experience Samoa’s underwater world without booking a tour, and it’s ideal for travelers searching for high‑tide snorkeling tips, Apia snorkeling conditions, and DIY cruise excursions.

If you’re searching for the best snorkeling in Apia Samoa, the closest marine reserve to the Apia cruise port, or an easy DIY snorkeling option for cruise passengers, the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is the top pick. This protected blue‑hole ecosystem offers colorful coral, tropical fish, and a dramatic underwater drop‑off just minutes from the harbor. It’s ideal for travelers looking for high‑tide snorkeling tips, Apia Samoa snorkeling conditions, and walkable cruise excursions.

Palolo Deep is about a 10‑minute walk from the Apia cruise port. The walk isn’t scenic, and you’ll be sharing the roadside with cars and trucks, but the convenience is unbeatable. Entry is $5 USD, and they accept U.S. currency. Showers and changing rooms are available, making it easy to rinse off after your snorkel.

Tweet

Viking Ocean Cruise Ship Gym & Nordic Spa Tour: The Honest Truth & Review

If you are planning a voyage with Viking Ocean Cruises and wondering what the fitness and wellness experience is really like, you aren't alone. One of the most frequent questions we get is: Will you actually use the gym... or the spa?

After multiple sailings and testing everything from the Technogym equipment to the snow grotto, we found that the answer might surprise you. Viking takes a very different approach to wellness compared to most luxury cruise lines—focusing less on high-intensity classes and more on the Nordic philosophy of balance, intentional movement, and deep recovery.

In this Viking cruise gym tour and spa review, we’re walking you through exactly what you get, what’s missing, and our honest verdict on what’s actually worth your time onboard.

Which do we prefer? Watch our full YouTube video here:

Tweet

Tauranga Cruise Excursion to Hobbiton: Honest Review, Insider Tips & Is It Worth It?

 If your cruise itinerary includes Tauranga, there’s one shore excursion that consistently tops the list: a visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set.

Made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this working movie set is one of New Zealand’s most unique attractions—and one of the easiest to visit from a cruise ship.

We recently took this Hobbiton shore excursion from Tauranga, booked through Viator, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and well-organized days of our cruise.

👉 You can check the exact tour we took here: Book the Hobbiton Shore Excursion from Tauranga

Tweet

Viking Ocean Cruise Ship Bars & Silver Spirits Package: Complete Guide (Is It Worth It?)

If you’re planning a Viking Ocean cruise ship vacation, it really helps to understand all the places you can enjoy a drink on board and what your options are before you sail.

When you know what each bar and lounge offers, you start to see what is actually available to you throughout your cruise. And that knowledge plays a big role in deciding whether the Silver Spirits beverage package is worth it for you.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every bar and lounge on Viking Ocean Cruises, explain what drinks are included in your fare, break down the Silver Spirits package, and help you decide if it makes sense based on your travel style.

We’ll also share our honest opinion and practical tips based on our own experiences sailing multiple times with Viking Ocean Cruises.

---

Bars and Lounges on Viking Ocean Cruise Ships

Viking Ocean ships share a very similar layout, so this guide applies across the fleet. Whether you are sailing on the Viking Star, Sea, Sky, Saturn, or newer ships like the Vela, you’ll find these same venues.

Let’s start with a look at the main bars and lounges on board.

---

Tweet

Viking Ocean Cruises Dining Guide: Restaurants, Menus, Dress Code & What’s Included on Every Cruise Ship

Before you board a Viking Ocean cruise ship, there is one important thing to understand.

Dining onboard Viking Ocean Cruises is not just about dinner. It is about where you eat, when you eat, and how you want to experience your day.

Because on Viking Ocean, the best meal often comes from the most unexpected place. It might be a quiet breakfast with a view, a burger by the pool, or a five-course tasting menu that surprises you.

One of our favorite parts of sailing on Viking Ocean Cruises is the variety, flexibility, and options available all day long.

In this complete Viking Ocean Dining Guide, we cover:

• All restaurants and casual food venues

• Specialty restaurants Viking calls “alternative restaurants”

• How reservations work

• What beverages are included

• Dress code explained

• How Viking handles special diets

• Special culinary events onboard

• Our personal favorite places to eat

This guide applies to all Viking Ocean cruise ships including Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Venus, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, Viking Saturn, Viking Vela, and Viking Vesta.

To see our full YouTube video on this topic click below!

Tweet

Best Viking Ocean Cruise Cabins: Which Stateroom Is Really Worth It?

Before you put down thousands of dollars on a Viking Ocean cruise, there’s one decision that can quietly shape your entire experience: choosing the right cabin.

On Viking Ocean, the most expensive stateroom isn’t always the best one—and upgrading doesn’t always mean more value.

 The best Viking Ocean cabin depends on your travel style, budget, motion sensitivity, itinerary, and how you actually spend your time onboard.

In this guide, we break down every Viking Ocean stateroom category, explain what really changes between them, compare cost versus perks, and share our personal sweet spots after sailing in almost all of them.

This blog post is designed to apply across the entire Viking Ocean fleet, since Viking maintains a very consistent ship design and cabin layout. Footage & insights are based on our real sailing experience, including Viking Jupiter, & apply to ships such as Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, Viking Saturn, Viking Vela, Viking Vesta and Viking Mira. 

👉 You can also watch the full video version here:

---

Who We Are (and Why Our Opinion Is Different)

We’re Luxury Travel Docs—two cruise lovers who pay for our own trips.
We’re not travel agents. We don’t receive free cruises. And price matters to us.

We share honest, real-world experiences because we believe the opinions of ordinary travelers matter. And just as importantly, all proceeds from our videos and affiliate links are donated to charity.

Tweet