mariavii

It was the same on the Sky. by the last day of the cruise most of my preferred wines were out (or, in the case of the Gavi, were never available).

Just off the Sky and had an issue with with a dietary restriction. I celebrated my birthday at the Chefs Table. It was the Xiang menu and when making the reservation on board I informed the desk that I cannot have coconut (the granita was coconut). They said it would be no issue and they would most likely swap out w lemon- just let them know. Upon checking in at CT I informed maitre d' and he said to tell the waiter. We sat down and I told the waiter and he said no problem. When the granita course came, my friend and I were both served coconut granita by the runner. I said something and it was swapped out. The dessert course was next and the menu stated "chilled mango cream with pomelo and sugo" and a description that it was light and refreshing. When served it looked like there was toasted coconut on top so I asked and the server was like yes, it's coconut cream and coconut etc etc .. Um.... Luckily a) i noticed and b) they also.served me a birthday cake that was delicious but this put a major damper on my birthday and, for someone with a severe allergy who didn't notice, this could have been catastrophic. I did bring this up the following day with guest services, as this shows a clear lack of training and communication.

On the sky now. $25/day but i was told at living room bar that it now includes drinks up to $18 so champagne is included.

Ugh. I am boarding tomorrow and held off buying SSP because my mom (a TA) wanted to gift it to me once she realized the other celebration options were not to her liking - she wanted to send flowers. So with all the back and forth with her viking rep, when she went to purchase SSP/provide OBC for it she was told it was too late (like when MVJ cuts off).

I was "despairing" that I wouldn't know my cabin until boarding, but just about a week out from my Jan 3 cruise and I got the message. Our V2 guarantee became a confirmed DV2 on level 6. 😀 Yay, closer to the Explorers Lounge🍸!

Yes! It was my first Viking cruise (2018)..and honestly I stayed away from cruising because the thought of the mainstream cruise lines horrified me 🙂 We were among the youngest on the ship (Star) but that didn't even register. The trip had a nice amount of sea days, the scenery was beautiful, and you could be as active or a relaxy as you want. Best advice...Go! Otherwise... in geiranger we rented this exta tiny electric car. It was a hoot! Happy to answer any specific Qs...as are many on this board.

I havent done the BIE, but on our Midnight Sun we did the Highland Park day in Orkney - which is great if you are a whisky person. It was the tour, a very nice tasting, lunch, a visit to where peat is harvested, and then we hit some historic sites. Our guide was a hoot and there was additional whisky poured throughout the tour 🙂 In Shetland I had tried to book David Malcom, but he was already booked. Instead we spent a lovely day with his daughter (Kittywake Tours). We did what is think is the South Mainland Tour. So many puffins!

It's also on Viking's website: https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/my-trip/current-sailings/index.html

On a side note about prohibited items... My ex picked up a very cool hatchet in Norway and when we returned to the ship, we just let security know and they took possession until we disembarked.

It is! I was there on a 20-person bike/barge tour in 2012. There were a negligible amount of tourists. Then we ferried/biked up the up the islands. I fear what the cruise ships will do to this "little Venice." But, for those of you bemoaning the change of docking location, dont look at it as a negative. Venice is at its best in the early morning or late night when the hordes have gone. Not as a day-tripper. make is a pre/post-trip destination or a destination onto itself. Look at the benefits of Chioggia. Its an hour from Padua (worth a visit), A little over an hour from Ferrara (worth a visit) and for nature lovers, it is just north of the Po river delta (and its parks)..a wonderful place if you are a bird watcher (the flamingos!)

Years ago I stayed in the Terminus travelling independently. As far as I recall it was quite lovely with a very good location facing the lake.

I am doing this cruise with the extension so had to get the visa. It was $51.50.

I'm hoping I'm hit by the Upgrade Fairy. Still waiting on assignment for my V2 GTY for Jan 2 cruise. *crossing fingers* I had a pretty crappy 2021 and 2022 and so I'm kicking off 2023 celebrating my 50th in style. And yes, I will be 100% ok with a V2 (previously Ive been in a DV5) ...but a gal can hope, right?

I recognize at least 2 reds from my 2018 Midnight Sun cruise. SSP is $19.99/day. I think that's the same.

The equipment on my Lufthansa long haul flights (to/from FRA/PHL) in January was changed to Eurowings Discovery operated by Finnair. EW is the LH "long haul leisure" arm and as they are expanding they can't get their hands on equipment so they are leasing from Finnair (who has excess aircraft due to Ukraine/Russia). Dealing with AirPlus dept has been up and down. They weren't ticketing when my TA asked 60 days out (said they would 55 days out). Then when we called them 1 day later to explore alternate options, they were like...its ticketed! hmm. the airplus rep confirmed my seats for all 4 flights - yes, i know what the airline giveth, they may take away - but when I looked at MVJ the following day, the long haul seats were gone. Spoke with AirPlus again and they were able to get the PHL-FRA seat back, but were having issues with the return and would have to call LH directly. they would send me and TA updated itinerary when they were set. Yesterday, I still had nothing so my TA called. no seats were in my record for the return, but they looked on the LH site and they were there for all 4 flights. Not sure how much of this issue is technical, EW/Finnair lease, general 'post-covid' travel woes, etc. I never had issues in the past with Viking air, and since this is winter travel I definitely want Viking support once travel starts. I have my travel insurance, silver spirits, and I'll be on vacation. The rest...Ill just roll with whatever the travel gods deal out.