CCWineLover

2 hours ago, deec said:

Was most of the trip warm enough to use the pools (open roof)?  Thinking of this trip mostly to escape Northern Winter!!

We did the Dec 21 Valpo to BA cruise. 

It was often quite windy and cool out and the roof was open just some of the time - but still pleasant.

We were fortunate to visit every port, including the Falklands.  We only had one really "difficult" sea day and that was when we went outside the fjords for a bit into the open Pacific Ocean (it is the only way to get south from Puerto Montt).  We were rewarded with spectacular fjords cruising.  Unlike the Jan 7th cruise (where the poster above said people complained they weren't seeing fjords), we had no one upset at all.  The captain told us what we were going to do and everyone's expectations were just fine.  The Amalia Glacier and the Beagle Channel were worth the trip alone! As was the Falkland Islands.

We went to Iguazu Falls after arriving in Buenos Aires - and albeit expensive, was every bit as impressive as we'd read about!  So glad we made the effort to see them!

3 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

ROTFLMAO!!!

 

And that is just one of the reasons we prefer Viking.

We too!   In reality it is good that there are other cruise lines different from Viking to provide for their needs and wants.   And those that like what Viking provides will keep coming back.  There's something for everyone that way!

48 minutes ago, dwlmg said:

This site has a Viking Restaurant Guide based on the Nov 2019 Viking Homelands cruise.  There are links to several menus from the cruise.

 

https://eatsleepcruise.com/2019/11/viking-ocean-cruises-restaurant-guide/

 

Thank you.  This is certainly the most complete guide I've seen.  Menus do change, especially the Chef's Table, as there are a number of new ones being offered now.   But certainly this is great for those who have not been on Viking or its been awhile.  We just got off a Viking cruise and it looks fairly accurate.

5 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

 

Ours was in March also, on the Sky in Norway, and....well...you know what happened to that one. Granted it was an extraordinary set of circumstances, but until a few months go by without hearing any sort of reports of accidents, I won't rest easy until we board another Viking ship and successfully complete a journey free of any significant issues. It'll be interesting to see how we react once we board the Venus next year. A little unsettling being in the same room we had on the Sky but...see how it goes. 

We'll certainly hope that your Venus Cruise goes extremely well.  Wishing you the best.  Hopefully it will and then you can begin to put that other cruise behind you.  I would imagine that in March the anniversary will be difficult, so hoping you can get through it.

Just now, Peregrina651 said:

 

Definitely a ruin hunt -- and you will be seeing some of the finest!

Thank you so much for all the tips, Peregrina -

We are on the Rome to Miami Viking Sky this October and plan to visit/stay in Sorrento for many days and Rome a couple ahead of time.  We planned to see Pompeii from Sorrento (some friends did that) but now am thinking that Herculaneum might actually be better (we hate massive crowds!).  Maybe we should even skip Rome or cut the days down.  I hear it is a mass of tourists!

2 hours ago, Not a Georgia Peach said:

I used to feel that way about the food until our cruise a few weeks ago.  We felt that much of it was mediocre and many other passengers felt the same way.

Sorry it was bad!  Hopefully a very unusual experience.  Don't know which ship or itinerary as you didn't state.

We've been on four VOC's and the food has always exceeded our expectations.  In fact, the last one (Jupiter around Cape Horn), the sushi chef was the best ever - and we absolutely gorged ourselves on the best sushi we've had on Viking.  In fact, all the food the last trip was a level above the very nice food on the previous Viking cruise.

Hopefully you'll look at it as an aberration and give Viking another chance.

1 hour ago, Mich3554 said:

We arrived in Miami from a trans Atlantic in Dec 2018.  Th longest part was finding our luggage in customs.  We had 22” bags and they were obscured by larger bags.  I think that there were a few people ahead of us in line at passport control, I do not remember a long wait though......maybe 10 min?  We were the only ship in dock though.  
 

We got a cab outside the terminal to pick up our rental car.  Like going through passport control, there were a few people ahead of us, but not a long wait.  

Thanks, Michelle!  And Jim Avery too!

Sounds like it will be a relatively painless process.

46 minutes ago, ep1919 said:

Booking Viking Ocean Excursions

 

Just booked excursions using the “Wishlist” function (Jan. 26, 2020).

 

There are many strategies suggested for getting your excursion choices.  The Wishlist feature speeds things up considerably.  I don’t understand why the Viking web site FAQ page doesn’t have detailed instructions on this topic. 

 

I opted for a simple fast strategy by having each of us use separate Wishlists on separate My Viking Journey pages so we could divide up the excursion booking process to speed things up. 

 

When bookings opened up at 3:01 pm EDT I already had my wishlist on the screen.   I did paid excursions, my wife did included tours.  

 

I clicked the “more information” spot on the screen for my first wishlist excursion.  When bookings opened, I could add the tour to my shopping cart by selecting the option.  CAUTION, if there is more than one time, be sure to select the time you want before adding it to the cart because the earliest time is the default choice.  Also, both persons sharing one booking number are booked together by default unless you choose otherwise. 

 

After booking the first choice I closed each wishlist item by clicking the X at the top right of the description box, and opened the second and subsequent tours adding each one to the cart. 

 

When I finished my paid choices I clicked on the shopping cart icon at the top of the My Viking Journey page and entered my credit card info. As previous posters have noted, your credit info does not display even if you have already entered your card for use for on-board purchases. 

 

My spouse’s choices of free, included bookings did not use the shopping cart.  Instead she reserved each included tour sequentially which took a little longer than adding everything to the shopping cart and paying all at once as I did. We both finished in less than ten minutes. 

 

At the end, we looked at the calendar feature, and are separate bookings were all listed on my calendar. 

Great strategy!

We have just prioritized the excursions we want, based on past experience, people talking about them filling up, etc.   If there is one or two that are very popular, we will just complete the transaction for those immediately and be done in a minute and then go back to the lesser priority ones, where there is more time.  Also helps to have a laptop and have your credit card info in a document file with the number already in copy/paste mode.  It can be quite quick!

34 minutes ago, rbslos18 said:

I am an excited Viking Newbie looking to plan additional cruises and trying to understand the lay of the land! From your experience,  when are the best prices offered? Is it when the cruise calendar is first announced, during sales, or during a cruise? 

Thanks!

RB

We've been planning, buying, going on cruises, and buying again now for 2 years so there are a number of folks out here that started at the beginning of Viking Ocean (2015).

However, we found that:  you can get a good deal if you buy a future cruise while on board one (or within 2 weeks afterwards).  There are some other benefits to booking onboard, such as not having to pay for a longer while such as 6 months before travel, being able to modify reservations up to 4 months ahead, and more.

Often in the recent past, they've also had specific sales, such as Father's Day, Explorer's Sale, sometimes Jan/Feb sales, sometimes fall sales.  There is no set schedule, it just likely depends on demand.  With more ships coming online, hopefully this will help the consumer!

Also, the less popular routes have sales often, especially as they near the ship date.  We've seen transatlantic runs have some good last minute prices.  Also, we've seen last minute segments on World Cruise, that need filling, have good prices.  Reminds me of airlines pricing.

And if you use a Travel Agent to book, or transfer a booking made with Viking within 30 days, you might get OBC's (OnBoard Credits).  TA's have the option of passing some of their commissions on to customers up to a maximum that Viking allows.  Depending on the length of the cruise, you could get $0 or up to $150 or $300 or $500.  There does not seem to be any consistency among travel agents.  Some are generous, some are not.  (Search for various threads on the forum).

If you want a specific cabin type and location, you might be best to book when you see it, especially if it's a popular itinerary.

The itineraries we've seen that appear popular are Homelands Cruise, Wake of the Vikings, Mediterranean itineraries, US Eastern Seaboard, Alaska, New Zealand-Australia.

Good luck!  Hoping you enjoy whatever you find!

We have 2 upcoming cruises - on one we arrive in Miami and another we arrive in San Pedro (Los Angeles).   Those have done those ports on Viking, was there much a a wait or a line in trying to get through customs (and then on to the airport) ?   We are so used to Global Entry and flying back into the United States from abroad, but I began to wonder what the situation is in these ports.  I might imagine that with 900 people suddenly descending on the port (not too mention other ships like in Miami), it might take quite awhile to process, especially if there is no Global Entry.  Thanks for any advice!

16 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Star was launched in 2015. Sea was launched in April, 2016 and we sailed on her just a few months later, our first VO.

Got my info from Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Viking_Sea_(2015)

It says:  Launched June 25, 2015, Maiden Voyage April 3, 2016.

Not sure when they start counting for the 5 year dry dock (launch date or first voyage).

13 minutes ago, workstocruise said:

I’m happy to report back that I emailed Viking and 2 days later they emailed back and booked me on the three excursions I was looking for.  Thanks for all your suggestions.

Fantastic!  Another example of being persistent and never giving up!

You will absolutely enjoy this cruise - we just got off the Jupiter from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires and enjoyed it immensely.  Did lots of excursions as well. 🙂

42 minutes ago, Minnygirl22 said:

Hi Everyone,  I’m sailing on The Sea in 2021, as I understand the Sea is a few years old at this point and will be about 7-8 years old by the time I cruise on her.  How is the interior holding up? Carpet, upholstery etc...everything I have read indicates that it looks great but I just wanted to hear a few opinions.

Thank you. 

Viking Sea was launched June 25, 2015.   It went into service some time after that.  As such, that makes it 5-6 years old in 2021, not 7-8.   They do a 5 year overhaul/check/refresh on the ships.   I would imagine the interior will be just fine for you!

36 minutes ago, CharTrav said:

I've just looked through the excursions for the great lakes cruises and notice that it appears that either all the excursions in each port are explicitly included (https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/cruise-destinations/great-lakes-canada/niagara-and-the-great-lakes/index.html) or included by inference, e.g., the days that are presented as "A day in the life...." (https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/cruise-destinations/great-lakes-canada/great-lakes-explorer/index.html). Also, as a previous poster noted many of these included excursions involves RIBs, kayaks, and other gear provided by Viking. So when one analyzes the factors behind the higher cost - these things should be considered.

Good Points CharTrav!

Had at first discarded the whole idea, but reading this thread makes me want to relook at it!  Especially fall colors.

So hard though to think 2  1/2 years away.  Hope we are all still around and fit!

7 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

I'm with you.  I definitely want to see Viking go to a gratuities included model.  

 

I also would like to see them give TAs a bit more latitude than just OBC, or at least  be able to give me an OBC that will be refunded to me when I don't spend it on board. Like Clay, I am not really an on board spender. I'm not a drinker and DH may have a glass or two but our laundry bill tends to be bigger than our bar bill.  The shops and the spa have no allure. And, if my TA is going to give me an OBC, I would like to see it on my account in time to use it to book shorex, because that is something I do buy.  

You all have great TA"s that give you the full allowable Viking OBC.  We traveled a couple cruises before even learning that Viking had a published maximum amount.  Our Travel Agent definitely was way below that amount and made us feel privileged to even get any OBC.  I wish there was a way we could get the fully allowed OBC, but likely only if we can find a new TA that discloses that they will give that.  I believe that TA's have to give up some of their profits to supply the fully allowed OBC so they might be motivated to give their customers less (i.e.  $100-200 pp on a cruise where others get $500 or $1000 pp).  Sorry - this stinginess on OBC's by TA's still riles me, especially when I hear so many of our fellow Cruise Critic people talk about their "full" OBC's and how are they even going to spend all that OBC !!    Guess I just have to find a new agent.

5 hours ago, grimsbybud said:

As late as 20 minutes ago ((Monday, Jam 20th) comets are being posted about Engine related issues with the Viking Sky forcing slower cruise speed and resulting missed scheduled port stops. 

Also, tug boat assist needed to leave Miami.

 

Anyone have any info on this issue with our ship (June 3 Iceland's Majestic...)??

 

Suggest you read the very good post done by chengkp75, with his excellent discussion of other's comments - particularly regarding propulsion systems and the use of tugs.

16 hours ago, angela miller said:

Does anyone know if the Super Bowl will be  televised on the Viking Sky Panama Canal Cruise? 

Why don't you ask/contact Viking if this is important?

I can only say that we were just on the Jupiter in South America over the holidays.  Viking piped in several games for us on the room TV's but did say that service might be iffy due to our location (south) vis a vis the satellite feed.

We got to see the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, along with several of the NFL Playoff games from the feeds.

Someone did ask this question and a good answer was posted.  Think this clears it up.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2149

Obviously a hot topic.  I would hope that Viking could give us all a clarification, since what Jim Avery has passed on sheds a different light on what we were all told.  If true and I have no reason to doubt it, that would make tipping strategies entirely different for us.

Am wondering what the River Cruises do?  and what other comparable lines do (like Oceana, Celebrity).

1 hour ago, duquephart said:

We will be missing several meals due to excursions. Mostly lunches but also a couple of dinners. Perhaps a third of them. Given that we will be partaking of a substancially reduced amount of "service" would we be justified in cutting back on the amount of auto gratuity that we allow to be charged? Am I splitting hairs or being "cheap"/unethical?

You are indeed splitting hairs, and you are indeed "cheap"

I couldn't believe you actually asked this.

1 hour ago, TayanaLorna said:

What kind of medications are stocked in the on board medical facility?  Antibiotics, allergic reactions, gastro-intestine?

Tayana -

I would seriously suggest that you contact Viking directly regarding this, as it seems important to you and others.  I would not take anyone's word for it (i.e. past passengers) as things could change.   I had the "opportunity" to visit the medical area on Deck A forward on our cruise, and it certainly seemed they had quite a bit of things.  However, only Viking would be able to help anyone out for their specific situations.    Let us know if you hear from them.

12 hours ago, MSEm said:

We will be taking the South America cruise in Novemeber 2020. The cruise begins in Buenos Aires.  How far is the dock from the airport? Also it looks like the ship can dock at the city.

Any info on private tours for Buenos Aires?

Thanks for the info and help.

Someone just asked this question yesterday I believe.

However, the port is not that far from center of town.  You have to take the port bus to get from the ship to the security area.  At that point there are numerous taxi's.  Viking ran a shuttle bus as well.  (We just finished our cruise and still in BA).  Various prices for taxis to town ranging from $10 to $15 USD.    The dock is close to the domestic airport (AEP) and quite a ways from the international airport (EZE).

A private tour I would highly recommend looking into is the AsadoAdventure - an incredibly unique way to spend the day.  We just did it yesterday and were blown away.  Great guy (Frank), visited his house, walked around Palermo with him shopping for our meal, and then having a fantastic late Asado lunch in his own courtyard.  Very unique experience.

https://www.asadoadventure.com/

14 hours ago, dandylion said:

Is Zumba offered as an organized activity? Since that is the only exercise I participate in, I will not pack special exercise clothes if it is not offered. Thanks from a first time Viking Ocean cruiser.

No Zumba has ever been offered on any of the Viking Ocean Cruises we've been on - and I've never heard of it being offered.

Perhaps time to branch out.

They did have yoga, pilates, and water aerobics on our just completed cruise, along with stretching classes.  It was $10 per class or $50 for the whole cruise.  Quite popular.

On 1/10/2020 at 8:11 AM, AuntieWerewolf10 said:

Read the description of the tours carefully. Panoramic is generally a bus tour with a couple of stops.

Depending on location, even the walking tours can start with a bus ride to exit the port authority area. 

Group size is 25-30? Viking offers multiple times for the included tours, but you must sign up and have a ticket. 

We tend to do a mixture of included, paid and private. Arranged private tours using the roll call for our sailings. I have found the cost of a private tour is less than what Viking offers. 

We've had good and bad included tours.  We enjoy walking and are reasonably fit so the good ones (in our opinions) generally were described as moderate or demanding and involved nearly all walking.  Yes, you may have a short bus ride to get off the pier past local security but then you all set out walking for several miles.  We love these ones!

The ones that described "panoramic" bus tour - were the not so good ones, just bus tours that had some photo and bathroom stops and not much more.  You have to read between the lines.

Our good included tours were in Copenhagen (all walking), St. Petersburg, Gdansk, Tallin, Malaga (Spain), Amsterdam (a wonderful canal boat cruise), San Juan Puerto Rico (all walking).  

Hopefully more to follow on future cruises!

10 minutes ago, Insanityx4 said:

We sailed on the Orion last year and not only were the Planetarium presentations very non-memorable, but we found the Explorer's Lounge (deck 7) to be freezing all of the time. We had to wear a jacket or sweater whenever we were there whereas Deck 8 (upstairs) was really hot. Did anyone else find this to be the case? Our next trip is on the Sun and we are glad they don't have the Planetarium. Also, sailing on the Jupiter next year and are disappointed to learn they do!

Having just gotten off the Jupiter in Buenos Aires, I can confirm the Deck 7 Explorer's Lounge was a bit cold - and the planetarium was VERY cold.   We are on the Sun for our next cruise - and SO looking forward to getting our favorite 8th floor Explorer's Lounge back again.  We found the 7th floor tended to be dominated by the bar crowd and the 8th floor was much quieter and easier to relax and read.  But something for everyone!

6 hours ago, pghflyer said:

It would be great if each significant vendor had their own thread that we all used, so future cruisers don't have to do a scavenger hunt for assorted vendor feedback and reviews in many different threads. I was looking into PuertoMontt-Excursiones and curious if people had good experience/ feedback?

 

We just completed a South America cruise.  We chose an independent tour in Puerto Montt for 6 of us (Maximum).  Total was USD$130 per person.  6 hours Petrohue Waterfalls & Chilean Lake District.   It was done by Juan Humberto Sunkel Cerro.  You can contact him at juansunkel@live.com

You can also look at the website:   http://www.tourslakedistrictchile.com/

It was a most fantastic tour.  Juan is a local and was a wonderful guide and host.  We got to the falls after the ship's excursions were just about done and so had quite the pleasant time there.   We learned quite a bit and enjoyed our visit thoroughly.   We did not use GVTours.