Dauntless

8 hours ago, rudychance said:

No bad reputation,  just like holding the stem; more enjoyable for us 🍷😁

 

But the wine should taste the same if it's from the box, bottle or glass.

8 hours ago, agnesd said:

Thanks for the info.  I think we can do better on our own.  

In Bergen, yes you can.  The Flybussen leaves from the airport and goes as far as the Radison Blu which is the hotel Viking uses and fro there you will the ship is a short walk.  I forget the price but you can pay by card on the bus

48 minutes ago, eyevea said:

Did anyone go to the Fiskars Arts Site from Helsinki?  We'd like to not take the cruise tour.  Has anyone done it independently?  or at all?  Was it worth the trip?

Though I did not go, I was going to warn you that where we docked was a way from city center.  In looking into it, it seems that our dock was on the side of the city where you will be heading and their site says you can get there by public transport but it varies by season.  hope you enjoy it.

27 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 

If you don't like to be managed, why do a cruise at all?  Just book a hotel and a flight somewhere.

The hotel never goes anywhere.

3 hours ago, just_dont said:

I'll never connect home through Dulles again. Period.

But typically flights arriving in DEN as the first US stop would be fewer segments than the alternatives.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

 

That is exactly how I felt  after the Homelands Cruise.  We had a 3.5 layover and got to the plane 15 minutes before take off due to getting through customs..After Med. Ody. Cruise we were routed through Dulles again.  I questioned viking about it since they did air that cruise but they said it would be fine.   We were about 30 minutes total from gate to gate with customs.  I don't know which is normal.  We did go through a National weather emergency in Dulles the second time so I'm glad customs was so easy and left time to deal with that.  it delayed arrival home about an hour. 

On 4/28/2019 at 10:05 PM, flashfearless said:

Hello, while this might not be needed on a cruise, I often travel with a device called Hot Logic Mini.  It's basically used in situations where you want a hot meal but you may be somewhere where there is no microwave or the microwave in the hotel is just plain gross.  

 

So, my question is, should I fathom that I might want to take it along, have you heard if Viking prohibits it or not?

 

https://www.amazon.com/HotLogic-Mini-Personal-Portable-Oven/dp/B00EC7XJ28

I can't imagine why you would bring this for the cruise but maybe it is for you stay before or after the cruise.  At any rate, I had a friend travel with Viking and they had something Viking was wondering about in their bag and the bag was not delivered to the cabin so they had to go and get it when they received notification.  Among questioning about said item the bag was released to them.  If they don't want you to have it in the cabin you might have to relinquish it during the cruise and claim it before departure.  I'm not with Viking and don't speak for them but you might try Tellus@vikingcruises.com.  I looked this up on Youtube and it seems like it wuld take up a lot of luggage room.  Of couse I guess you could fill it during travel and not loose the space.

On 4/29/2019 at 8:40 PM, Nonnie1975 said:

We will be riding on the train on the Full Day Railway Journey after getting off the Sky in June.  Is one side of the train better than the other for views and photos? On the return is it motor coach, the description in the information didn't clarify what it will be? Again, is one side better than the other?  Any hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Is Viking arranging this or you?

8 hours ago, arlybest said:

Any issues with getting reservations for other dining rooms after boarding?

On first cruise 14 nights, we had no trouble getting reservations and ate in specialty restaurants on 7 of those nights.  The Chef's Table changed every 3 days.  Not our normal way to dine and being in a V cabin we could not make dining reservations before boarding.  We liked the first one we tried on it's last night and made plans to come back the next night for the new menu the next night and when we left that night we had reservations for the other three menus.  On the second, a twelve night cruise, Chef's Table had changed to a new menu every other night.  Traveled with someone else and they had dietary restrictions so that also figured into planning.  On this cruise we could not get in on two of the rotations since we didn't act early enough.  We ate in specialty restaurants 5 of the 12 nights.

5 hours ago, Arizona Desert said:

Going there in July.  Has anyone taken the metro tour offered by Viking?  Is is worthwhile or skip?

I'm sure it is worthwhile if that is your interest.  I love mosaics and was very impressed with our quick trip through two of the stations and our short ride that was part of our Grand Tour with Alla.  I had never been to Russia and probably won't make it back so I wanted to see as much of SP as I could in the time that was allotted.  I had heard so much about the city and the conception and purpose when it was begun.   There is just so much to see there.  When I came home I researched other subway stations in SP to see the variety and was totally impressed.  Having been there I had a greater appreciation of what I was looking at and how grand it really was after seeing one in person.  The same can be said about some other sites we visited on that tour.  When the touring company of "Anastasia" The Musical", came through town and they visited some of the same locations in the play that I had been  to in person, I had a greater appreciation for what they were trying to project and how well they had captured it.  The trouble with cruising in this area is they are not 'one trick pony' ports.  If that's all they had it would be easy to concentrate on that one aspect and delve deep.  SP is like a jewel box of sights and it is so nice to see the ones you like up close but they take on a different perspective when viewed as a collection. 

1 hour ago, Dauntless said:

 

We were on the April 21, 2018 cruise but you will find a more detailed run down on a May cruise this year. (I hope that's right.   I was passing along info in several posts of our cruise so they could get an idea.

It was the March 14, 2019 of MO and Empires combo on the Star   Roll Call

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

 

Edit: Found some info you posted earlier.  Thanks for sharing that. 

We were on the April 21, 2018 cruise but you will find a more detailed run down on a May cruise this year. (I hope that's right.  It might have been April as I seem to remember so people report back.  You'll be able to find it through my profile) I was passing along info in several posts of our cruise so they could get an idea.

7 minutes ago, BruinBuckeye said:

I agree that this thread has lots of good information!  We are off on our first Viking Ocean cruise in July on the Star (Mediterranean).  I used a TA recommended by a friend, but I'm not satisfied she has done a great job.  No miracles expected here, but we didn't receive any OBC or other perks.  I asked & she said they weren't offering deals.  We received a small discount by paying our balance via e-check.  

 

My question is, does anyone have any pointers/advice on how to find a good cruise specialist TA?  I know we can't name names on Cruise Critic, but how would I go about finding someone reputable & fair?  Again, we don't expect special treatment, just the benefit of the TA's experience...

 

Thanks,

Leslie

Viking is usually offering something and what ever that is usually changes each month so it's hard to know what that might have been.  It might have been OBC, SSPackage, whatever.  A TA could offer OBC if Viking isn't doing it but that's up to the TA and regardless of who it comes from, Viking determines the amount that can be offered depending of the number of nights of the cruise.  The e check is a policy of Viking so that's not a TA extra.  If you had been recommended to the line there would be a small discount from Viking but I guess that is not the case or you didn't mention it when you booked.  For first cruise that is about it.  Second cruise will be the same with a returning passenger discount--how much depends length between cruises and how soon you booked after you last sailed.  For that part my discount was $300 my last cruise.  But I have worked with Viking each time though I do know people in TA business, I just wasn't fond of their attitude.  I don't know how you feel but I don't like to be over managed.  I used Viking Air for one cruise but not the other because I could get a better price on my own.  I would never do a Viking extension in Europe as I feel you can manage fine and do it for about half the price Viking is offering even doing you own transports in most cases.  If you want an agent -- I do wonder why you are not using who you used before -- there will be several sites if you look up the cruise on Google or Yahoo.  Look at what they have to offer and some have videos on Youtube.  Sometimes you see other agents when you're researching and they look like they may have what you are looking for.  I found one that way when looking into another cruise line that I've been in contact with, though I have not booked a cruise with them.  Since you can not mention them here those would be the type of suggestions I would suggest.

We did Mediterranean Odyssey in spring last year and loved it.  Hope you enjoy yours as well.

38 minutes ago, zitsky said:

I'd prefer to have one big pool of money instead of separate accounts.

On my 2 cruises with VO, I have always traveled with a friend and we have had separate accounts for that reason.  When you are on board, you will be able to access your accounts at anytime on the TV.  The first page will show you the account for the cabin.  The next two pages will show the account for each person on the account.  If charges are appearing on one persons account and you notice, then the other can make sure the next purchase appears on their account so it balances out.  There was never a problem for me on my cruises.  Now with the wifi set up, so many devices pp, having two accounts for the cabin gives more access for those involved.  This was not in place when we sailed

On 4/26/2019 at 2:42 AM, Parsley Cruises said:

Sailing in and out of Flam though is truly beautiful.

Yes but check the sunrise and sun set time of your cruise.  When we went, it was fogged in that morning and dark by the time we left.  That was September.  By midday we did go to the observation point that is now part of the 'included' excursion and had a great view. 

On 4/26/2019 at 12:04 AM, Pushka said:

 

Sounds very nice. I love Carrot cake.  But I guess once you tell Viking it’s up to someone else as to what happens with it. 

And you can always tell the restaurant manager, once on board of your preferences

On 4/24/2019 at 7:41 PM, SargassoPirate said:

I would love to be able to take some cultures off one of those mats that only gets brushed off with a used napkin.

 

If it doesn't bother you to eat at a dirty table after sneezy has been there after he skirted the handwashing station after a good healthy number two on the way to dinner, more power to you.

You do know this is not a Disney cruise.  You mention Sneezy and another dwarf has come to mind.

2 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

FWIW, when we tried to parlay our “free” air promo into business class, Viking gave us a price that was more expensive than what we could buy ourselves...so we were resigned to fly long-haul coach for the first time in 10 years on our return from Europe after our spring TA  😢

 

But, we were pleasantly surprised 😲 that our requests to upgrade our “free” American Airlines Econ seats to business for points+cash cleared so for 25,000 points and $350 each we rode home in comfort! 😃. And got tasty food (Korean beef) and even an Ice cream sundae!

These are great accommodations for the flight.  We got a $500 pp saving on our fare and with your increase cost that would just about eat up that savings and you are only going one way.  I don't have points since I haven't spent as much money as you have with airlines and that would also factor in.  Now I can see that more room to  stretch out would be good for some, for the time I'm on the plane while on the whole vacation I could not justify 'my' money being spent that way, but if you can then more power to you.

2 hours ago, zitsky said:

  Too much cake.

That's an oxymoron!

1 hour ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

You were lucky. Most of the time, Viking is on Moll Adossat. I've only heard of them being at WTC once or twice.

I guess I'm living a charmed life!!

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

Thanks Just_Dont.  I don't know why I couldn't find this.

 

I see a few options for vegetables (creamed spinach, asparagus) but not too many.  Mostly meat and carbs.  Not a big surprise but I did expect more obvious vegetable choices, like a caesar salad etc.  There is one vegetable salad on the appetizer menu.

I can't remember  if there was one in the restaurant but if so,  I'm sure they can get it for you, just ask 

5 hours ago, zitsky said:

Thanks for the great advice.  A few places we have been before.  In Marseilles I plan to book Le Castellet excursion.

We did that too but chose the morning excursion, figuring the sun would not be as high in the sky and maybe we could avoid sunburn.  It worked out great.

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

Thank you for that. 

It was listed as a tender port on the documents but we docked.  We wanted to see Nice and Eze along with Monaco but the ships excursion was sold out so we used Italy Tours.eu.  They met us at the ship and were taken up in the elevator to the rock.  Walked through the gardens to the palace and the church with a little time for souvenir shopping and then were taken to the casino.  We could go in the lobby but the casino was not officially open until later.  If it had been our interest we could have gone back after the tour.  We then drove to Nice where we went to the Market and had time for lunch on or own and then went to Eze with a couple of stops along along the way.  we had about 2 hours to explore Eze on our own and took in the cactus gardens at the top.  We had the same guide and he was able to take us into the locations.  We also were at the Palace and the Royal Motorcade was departing.  The price was about the equivalent of the ship tour but we only had 6 people.  I can highly recommend and you have later departure so you might be able to some things after dinner. 

16 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

Depends on the city.

 

Here is what I have experienced:

 

Naples -- no shuttle because dock is in the center of town. (IMHO, don't miss the National Archeology Museum; take a cab from the dock).

 

Rome (docks in Civitavecchia, 70mi to Rome) -- must take shuttle from ship to front gate. Paid shuttle into Rome is "Rome on Your Own" (one am departure and one pm return; to and from Vatican City) or take included tour and ditch at first stop and then take train back to Civitavecchia.

 

Livorno --  all day shuttle between ship and Tourist Office in Livorno (15 minutes or so, depending on which dock). Paid shuttle to Florence (Florence on your own). There are also cabs on the dock.  If you are taking the train to Florence, team up with another couple and share a taxi to the train station. On the return, team up with people who are returning to the ship. It was a flat fee to return to the ship (maybe 25€).

 

Monte Carlo -- no shuttle because you dock in town.

 

Marseille -- according to the Daily from our cruise: starting at 9 am, from pier to Virage Vaudoyer in the Old Port. Schedule available at Explorers Desk. (We took the tour to Aix-en-Provence and never got into Marseille; maybe next time)

 

Barcelona -- shuttle from ship to Esplanade in front of the World Trade Center. Every half hour except during lunch break; schedule at Explorers Desk. Not on embarkation/disembarkation day. If you are going to have to take a cab to your destination, might as well take it from the ship. If you want to save a little and take the shuttle, there is a taxi rank in front of the hotel.

 

 

X is ship on Moll Adossat. V is where the shuttle drops you and T is where the taxi rank is. La Rambla is marked in red and the Colon monument is circled.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our cruise we originally scheduled for X position but as time approached we were moved to dock at the World Trade Center, position VK.  Be far a better location as you don't get to the port and then cross the long bridge to the dock.  In this location you have a view of Barcelona from the Explorer's Lounge and the other location, not so much.

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

Had this response from Viking about OBC.

 

------

 

Shipboard Credit provided as a promotional amenity from a travel agent will be shared via notification upon logging into My Viking Journey, 

 

Please note that Shipboard Credit provided as a gift, however, is reserved for onboard use, and is not available on My Viking Journey.

This was my understanding, that it could only be used 'on board'.

We have always arranged our pre  and post stays on our own.  On the last night of the cruise we do not put our bags out.  We took them with us to the Explorer's desk, had breakfast and then returned to pick them up before departure.  I didn't even know there was a departure time if you were on your own.