Cadodge

Somebody posted on a Facebook site that The Restaurant on the Orion is closed for the duration of this sailing. Is this true? 

I think they are on the electronic Table/boards in the atrium.

19 hours ago, bpolen said:

Thanks for the options,  I do like the idea of proctored test.  Are any of those an acceptable option with Viking?   Reading the link below it doesn't seem like it?  

 

 

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/my-trip/health-and-safety/covid-19-testing.html

It says they are. "

• Guests may take a COVID-19 antigen test (with a laboratory-certified proof of negative result) within 24 hours prior to boarding your first international flight from your home country.  

Select at-home tests will meet Viking’s travel requirement, provided they include a laboratory-certified proof of result. 

Just now, AnyWayIsGood said:

What does this thing look like?  

A small white disc (about the size of a half dollar or Euro) at the end of a red lanyard. You can take it off the lanyard and carry it in your pocket if you wish.

On the Orion now. Almost everyone on our deck leaves the tubes outside their cabin. Pro tip. Put them in their sealed baggies in the stationary holder.

21 hours ago, RavensFan2011 said:

Cruising on Octantis in August.

 

i think I saw that masking was no longer required on ships?

Does anyone know if PCR testing is still daily?

 

Thanks!

Yes.

3 minutes ago, austinetc said:

How many passengers does the Orion have on board?

We were told 720.

3 hours ago, Oceans 8 said:

Don’t disagree with you at all jtwind.  Just wanted to inform people that even though our cruise began March 28, Viking was planning to suspend mandatory mask use as of April 1st for us too. Now that’s not happening. 

On the Orion right now. Masks became "recommended " yesterday, rather than mandatory. This morning about 1/3 of passengers seem to be maskless. That said, we seem to have a lot of passengers coughing and sneezing, and some don't seem to have learned much over the past 2 years about how to not spread your illness to others, whatever it may be. Finally, I got a scare upon my return from an excursion yesterday afternoon in the form of a phone call from the Dr. He said I to remain in my cabin until they re-ran my morning test because the first was "inconclusive." It took another two hours (no new sample, they used the same one from the morning) and he called to tell me I am negative and could again leave the cabin. Whew!

On 3/22/2022 at 11:15 PM, voyager23 said:

Reading on other posts, wondering if it varies by ship, but it is true with the current daily testing, you have to wake up before 8:30 to provide saliva samples? I know some people will say it's not a big deal because they are always up early, but doesn't seem like the best routine on a vacation, especially on sea days. Is there a reason why it's not done at night? 

On the Orion now. We were told if we want to sleep in to fill the vile when we could before 9 and leave outside the door and go back to sleep. Early morning toilet trip and spit and back to bed for both of us did the trick. When we left the cabin at 10:45 all had been taken care of. 

2 hours ago, Frenchberet said:

Secure your passport in your money belt, not your carryon.

Except... I  found out the hard way if you carry a money belt under your pants and around your waist through TSA, you may be subjected to a strip search. They look for people trying to smuggle large sums out of the country. Take it off and put it in your carry on until past the check.

Usually different transport vehicles from airport and from hotel. Ship is not in so probably no place for Viking to store your luggage. Ask the desk at the hotel if they could hold it until you check out and get the transfer to the ship.

37 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Just what exactly is "deplorable"?  That a company chooses to make pricing decisions on their products that reflect their corporate vision?  Would you prefer that the per diem for every cruise just be raised by $20 to $50 per day to reflect an all-inclusive beverage policy?  What is so wrong in your view, and why?

I thought what was being described as deplorable is that is that both passengers in a cabin have to purchase the package. I don't drink alcohol but my wife does enjoy wine. Might make sense for her to have the package but certainly does not for me.

8 minutes ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I think this policy is deplorable, by the way, but I'm just wondering what non-alcoholic beverages are included in the Silver Spirits package that are otherwise not free?  Does anyone know if they carry any NA beer or wines (non-alcoholic)?

There is usually a NA beer available. And some "mocktails."

1 hour ago, millybess said:

Good point. I’m certain I read that on MVJ  for our cruise as recently as 2 days ago.  I brought to the attention of my DH at the time. I just checked and poof!  It’s gone. 

As of tonight.

44 minutes ago, stretchcruz said:

Was her roommate confined to the cabin?

This is the policy for ocean cruises as of tonight.

20 minutes ago, jtwind said:

4-6 hours?  So, some kind of room service must be available, right?

Previously posted by many others who have boarded and awaited the test results is that room service is totally available .

1 hour ago, JeriGail said:

On embarkation day I made reservations for Chef's Table, Manfredi's, the spa, and changed some excursions.  You can also check to see if wine tastings or special ship tours (like a galley tour) are available.

If we are still having to test and wait in the cabin until the results are determined - and if that is taking 4-6 hours - I don't know how much I would count on making it to any reservation in one of the dining venues, let alone waiting until the last minute to board.

1 hour ago, jtwind said:

From which restaurants?

The World cafe.

My wife and I took our plates to an outside table by the pool regularly. Occasionally back to our cabin. Never a problem.

16 minutes ago, junnipper said:

I booked our first Viking cruise today with air.  What's my next move? Do they call me and ask if I want Air Plus? 

Thanks 🙂

When I booked, the agent transferred me to the Air Department and I did it then. Call the air department directly and ask.

13 hours ago, Eggtuary said:

I've been sharing everyone's posts here with my wife.  I think you've convinced her we'll want most of our dinners at the World Cafe! 🙂

 

Now she has a question for you:  Is it possible to take food from the World Cafe back to one's room?

I am an early riser. On past cruises (2), I would have a leisurly breakfast at the World Cafe and then take a plate of fruit, muffins, bacon and toast to the cabin for the late sleeper. And yes, we would stock up with a few cookies for the cabin as well.

3 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

They have sugar free syrup. My DMIL had it for her pancakes. Just yesterday one of the cruisers on the World Cruise posted that there was a jar of Jiff at the WC.

Thank you.

1 hour ago, KBs mum said:

Accepted, but those are not syrups, the sugar free sweeteners are different. There are sugar substitutes for tea and coffee available

If you Google "sugar-free syrup" you will see about 35 brands for sale. At least here in the U.S. Regardless, people with medical or weight conditions like to put it on waffles, pancakes and other items instead of fruit or regular syrup. Just wondered if Viking ocean provided anything like that, or should we pack our own? Same with peanut butter. 

Anyone know if Viking offers sugar-free syrup? Peanut butter?

43 minutes ago, Twitchly said:

Are the mocktails free or is there a charge? (Assuming no drinks package.)

There is a charge. $4 or $5 I think.