ChrisB123

Sorry, I forgot to say, check the Viking roll calls for that date.

There might be a post for that date. Have you checked?

We are doing the same, but Aug '24. I asked my TA to check if Mariehamn was changed to Tallin. He called Viking and they said no and it was just a rumor. Perhaps it changes for the 2025 cruise, but unfortunately it doesn't appear so for mine. I would have LOVED to go to Tallin.

I wonder why 2024 isn't going to Tallin? 😢 I'd have loved to see it. Oh well, we will be on the ship and that's all I really care about. 😁

I don't have a map, but I know the included tour is a train ride from the dock to Berlin.

I paid for gratuities a year in advance, right from the MVJ site. 🤷‍♂️ It's easy to do and easy to see. By the time we actually cruise, we won't even notice it. That way our favorite crew members will get a cash amount extra. 😁

Viking ( MVJ ) still has me staying at a different hotel than the one they emailed me about and my TA confirmed. Maybe the itinerary changes in 2025.

I must say, you have a good point.

I asked my TA about this and his answer from Viking was: A change to Tallinn is just a rumor. WHAT? Someone said they got a letter from Viking saying it was changed on their trip in 2025. They need to get their act together!

That's what I'm hoping for but MVJ still has Mariehamn.

You went to Tallian, Estonia? I've heard a number of people say their itinerary was changed from Mariehamn to Tallian but MVJ is still saying Mariehamn. I'm not really picky, but Tallian sounds fascinating.

Exactly!

Good point!!!!!! 😧 I assumed as most Viking passengers are American ( as I am ), a European would already know the answer, as would most Aussie's. 😃

It's people like that, that give the term, "Ugly American," credence. So EMBARASSING.

Absolutely. Thanks.

I can't get over what CDNPolar had to say about people actually saying cobblestone streets should be paved over! 😂 WOW!

I'll be on the Homelands cruise. Excursions aren't open yet but I have my eye on a couple. 😁 It's good incentive to get off my butt and walk more.

No, I'm not worried about keeping up. I'll give my body and other passengers the benefit of the doubt and choose easy, just to be on the safe side. I'm power walking daily to build up endurance and may choose moderate by August. I was just wondering ( maybe too much time on my hands? ) if it's common to experience, from what others have said, if the tours have gone down hill due to people not choosing the correct ability level.

A thread on another group became very long and at times contentious. Frankly it caused me hesitation to even book a pay for excursion. This will be my first cruise with Viking and we're going on the Homeland tour. I realize the demographics is mostly over 55 and I'm 72. ( Just an FYI ). I will be signing up for the free excursion that are easy, and thinking hard before booking moderate. According to many people, some people with many disabilities will go ahead and book moderate and difficult, expecting help from other passengers and the crew. Also many said they missed part of the tour, due to extremely slow moving Passengers holding up the tour guide . Is this true with most cruises or only once in a while? TYIA.

We don't travel enough to want to bother with anything other than the pre check unfortunately. I just discovered that AAA has pop up interviews for the pre check at some of the local offices. One is less than 4 miles from where we live. 😁 How far in advance can you do the paperwork before the interview? It doesn't say on line. Thanks for all your answers.

We don't travel much out of the USA so global entry wouldn't be worth it. TSA precheck might if it shortens the time in line.

Is TSA pre check worth the time and cost?

Other ships would cut their prices on things like sweaters and boots to get rid of them when they are going to relocate to a warm climate on their next sailing.

Thanks for the information

Does anyone know why August 26th is the last date for the Homeland cruise? Also, do the on board shops and port stops have sales like in Alaska at the end of the cruise season?