OneSixtyToOne

We were in a suite on C deck and were awakened by someone who decided to go jogging at 5 AM. On our next trip we booked a veranda on D deck.

Be sure to coordinate with each other as to the time of the selected excursion so when the DV timeslot opens you can choose the same one. Also worth noting, some excursions will result in multiple groups/busses/tour guides. Once onboard you can request to be placed in the same group. Some popular optional excursions may sell out quickly so be sure to book the DV as soon as the timeslot opens. As noted in other threads, plan ahead and determine your top priority, then book and pay for it immediately. Some people put everything in their shopping cart only to find out at checkout an excursion has filled up. Placing it in the shopping cart does not guarantee a spot, only payment does.

There are supply chain issues just about everywhere. I just received a pre-cruise email to purchase Viking branded Helly Hansen Clothing from their online store and there is no Viking branded clothing available. Most of this merchandise comes from China and it is in the middle of another COVID lockdown. As an example, Apple’s new iPhone is in short supply and they are moving some of their production to India. I have a relative who works for a major sports company and there is a world wide shortage of printing capacity. They are taking whatever is available and the result is an extreme drop in quality. Expect this to continue for the foreseeable future. It takes time to build alternate manufacturing facilities.

This

We used one on either a river cruise or ocean cruise, I don’t remember which. I do recall we had to use it outside the bathroom and used the ice bucket as a basin to catch the water. Yeah, I know. Yuck 🤢 BTW I now never use the ice bucket for ice.

There is a liquor bottle shortage. This article is from a year ago but is still true. Distillers are concentrating on the most popular sizes so small bottles are being squeezed.

This is the most under utilized and misused asset on a Viking ship. We were on Jupiter's 2nd voyage and went to the ""planetarium" shows, which was just IMAX movies. After a lecture by the resident astronomer I asked if he could do a presentation in the planetarium. He checked into it and the next day printed out tickets for a show. He found out how to operate it and actually used it as a planetarium and did an ad hoc presentation of the planets, stars and galaxies. IMO Instead of automated IMAX movies, this is what it should be used for.

Years ago I received a Davek umbrella as a gift (The Davek Solo, 11.5 inches closed). It's the best travel umbrella ever made. Designed for NYC commuters, it features one touch both popup and collapse so getting in and out of cabs/cars in the rain is a breeze. It also has anti-wind tech that actually works. It has an unconditional lifetime guarantee and if lost they will replace it at a discounted price. One great NYC feature is a lead weighted handle that can be use as a weapon if you are attacked.

Yes. There should be one in your closet and they are also available on the gangway when you leave.

Some good info in a previous thread about docking in Chioggia. After reading this earlier in the year, I never expected to dock in Venice and have been planning accordingly.

Just received this email today from Viking for our April Mediterranean Odyssey cruise.

From the Viking FAQ: Prohibited Items List* for Luggage Loading PROHIBITED ITEMS ø All firearms (working, nonfiring, replicas, imitations & air/pellet guns) ø All forms of ammunition ø Stun guns, Tasers or any electroshock devices ø Cricket or archery bows & arrows; crossbows; darts; diver’s spearguns; catapults; any bats, hockey sticks, etc. ø Axes, ice picks or cleavers ø Knives or scissors (if the blade is longer than 3 inches or 7.6 cm) ø Scalpels ø Shaving knives or blades ø Wallpaper knives ø Martial arts or self-defense gear (pepper spray, knuckle-dusters, rice flails, clubs, nightsticks, batons, etc.) ø Handcuffs ø Illegal drugs ø Hookahs ø Candles or incense ø Coffee makers ø Flammable liquids & all explosives (lighter fluid, fireworks, flares, etc.) ø Hazardous chemicals (bleach, paint, etc.) ø Extension cords (USB and laptop charging cables are exempt) ø Any electrical device that produces heat, such as: - Clothes irons, including steam irons - Hot plates or heating kettles - Electrical air humidifiers & refreshers - Heating pads ø Any electrical device with a surge protector ø Ham radios ø Aerial drones not allowed to be operated from the ship ALLOWABLE ITEMS √ Cigar cutters √ Disposable razors √ Knitting needles √ Crochet hooks √ Knives or scissors (if the blade is shorter than 3 inches or 7.6 cm) √ Nail files & clippers √ Tweezers √ Syringes for medical use √ Umbrellas √ Curling irons *The above list is subject to change without notice. Any such items shall be surrendered to the Ship’s Security Officer (or delegate

All Viking products: ocean, river, and expedition.

Here is a video of breakfast aboard a VRC

TellUs@vikingcruises.com

Just to follow up.... I received a call from Viking today. Rep was very nice and noted in their system when our anniversary is and said she will check daily until our departure to see if anything opens up. She kept on referring their "complimentary" pre-reservation system so that seems to be PR line they have been coached to use. I pointed out that "complimentary" and "guaranteed" have vastly different meanings. She went on to say there were no tables for two that day and I pointed out that MJV won't allow me to even look at any days at all and states "Dining reservations are not available at this time." I also mentioned the time discrepancy. She said she would ask IT about both these issues. Being in IT for 40 years I expect this to go absolutely nowhere. After reading about the experiences others have had, my gut tells me the decision was made to limit reservations to above the DV level. Given COVID uncertainties, possible crew shortages, etc. I think they would rather have fewer advanced reservations to avoid possible cancellations upon arrival. Has anyone in a DV been able to book an advanced dinner reservation in the last month?

Yes, but it’s typically already reflected in the price (regular price is striked out). Entering the EBD code doesn’t appear to change anything.

It’s a vanilla Early Booking Discount that they often use in their brochures when announcing the cruise schedules a year or two out.

Egypt cruises seem to sell out very far in advance. I don't recall seeing any promos except the EBD one.

DV1 We are trying a stern cabin the first time. Looking forward to the backward views.

Excursions opened exactly at the stated time (noon PST). I was able to book everything I wanted. A few sold out within the hour. We have another cruise booked and that one opens in the middle of this extension. I hope the hotel has good wi-fi and there is no problem booking from abroad.

I sent an email to TellUs... asking about the time issue and closed with the following statement. Awaiting their reply. We will be celebrating our wedding anniversary on this cruise and were very much looking forward to a table at Manfredi's to celebrate this special occasion. Not knowing if that is possible reflects badly on Viking and contradicts your DV category advertising: "1 guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant 60 days prior to departure" If you no longer intend to honor this "guarantee" of prior reservations, I suggest you update your website, advertising brochures, and other promotional materials where this is stated.

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Received a message today from Viking that dinner and spa reservations were now open for our upcoming cruise. I found this odd since it previously stated they opened at 8 PM my time. Instead it looks like it happened at 8 AM. Results: spa reservations available, no dinner reservations available. Guess I'll try at 8 PM and see if this is a glitch or SNAFU.

The credit card info registered on MVJ is for onboard use. You can register ACH (bank exchange) info for pre cruise excursions. When paying by credit card you will be asked for the information upon checkout.