CCWineLover

On 3/28/2019 at 8:27 PM, Pushka said:

I attended a Viking information session last week which was excellent. They gave away a nice pen and two luggage tags which I love.

 

It was stated specifically you can bring on your own alcohol and that it can be served anywhere on the ship without any cover charge. Reference was also made to River cruises that traverse through the beautiful wine regions of France, where people attend winery excursions. And a joke was made about one passenger who purchased a dozen bottles of good Australian red wine here to drink on the way to New Zealand. 

 

Well Pushka - in my opinion, Australia has some VERY good red wines!!   So I might have done the same things 🙂

9 minutes ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

A question about this one-year policy: once you've paid your full fare, are you then ineligible for any adjustments if the price of the cruise drops?  I'm going to assume the answer is yes.  But then again, does Viking honour any drops in prices after you book, even if you haven't paid in full?

 

I can only respond with our personal experience, but we had a cruise already booked and did not have the final payment made yet.  They then had a flash sale and the price dropped quite a bit.  In order to get that new price, we had to "cancel" the original room reservation and pay the $100 pp.  Then the room was released to inventory.  We could then "rebuy" the cruise at the new price and hopefully the room we had would be available.  In our case it wasn't so we got a very similar room.  Since the sale price savings was quite a bit more than $100, it was well worth it!

On 3/22/2019 at 6:21 PM, Pushka said:

 

I see from your blog you are booked on a World Cruise on Viking Sun in 2020. That ship is currently here in my city today which is Adelaide South Australia, a rather small but capital city here. It’s a warm sunny day so should be nice. 

 

Hello Pushka -

Have seen your many interesting posts.  We are planning to visit Adelaide (and Barossa Valley for wine!) ahead of our trip to Australia in early 2021 to take the Viking Orion from Sydney to Bali.  Looking forward to this city, which seems (by pictures, weather, and reading) to our own wine country city in California.   You live in a nice place!

3 hours ago, philw1776 said:

I sincerely hope that posters here who strongly object to Viking's "pay WAY in advance policy" either cancel their booking or avoid booking with Viking altogether.  I'm tired of having to pick my Viking cruises 2 years out because of high consumer demand making them fully booked.

 Please stop booking so that I can book the Viking cruises I want within less than one year lead time.

 

Here, here!   I would have to agree with you, after reading through this thread.

Still not sure why those who dislike Viking keep having to say all the time they will never use them.  Perhaps they feel the need to vent.   Certainly as a consumer they are welcome to spend their money where they wish, but if they truly would indeed stop booking Viking, and their numbers are as large as implied, then perhaps there will indeed be spaces opened up to those of us who have seen availability on Viking Cruises shrink rapidly this past year!  I personally say, go for it!  (Leave Viking).  More space for us!

 

Another aspect that people have not brought up is that this year especially, prices seem to keep going up.  I have been keeping track of prices the past year for several Viking Ocean cruises, even after booking.  We booked early at what we though a good price. Those same cruises this year (same date/same itinerary) are now several thousand dollars more.  So by booking early we did indeed have an opportunity cost at low interest rates, but that was more than offset by the not having to pay the large price increases, as well as getting the specific cabin we wanted.  First come, first choice, least price.

Of course, a declining demand could always lead to lower prices in the future too - but for now this seems to be the way the game is being played.  Just some thoughts.  Much like investing, you need to understand the supply and demand.

16 minutes ago, lackcreativity said:

Aussie Cruise Nuts,

 Indeed, this reader greatly appreciates the valuable contributions of the posters you mentioned, as well as your recognition of them. The wild speculation on the part of a few posters here has been a source of real frustration for me. Your comments have helped to ease that.

Much appreciated comment, Aussie Cruise Nuts.  Totally agree with you!

And so many thanks to those with valuable contributions that shed non-speculative, not-conspiracy light on things - I so appreciate the posts of Chengkp37, Heidi13 and Seadog.   We certainly value your input!

On 3/20/2019 at 2:23 PM, zitsky said:

The only negative I have read (correct me if I'm wrong) is that people use the Infinity Pool as another hot tub instead of actually swimming in it.

Zitsky -

On the fantail, the Infinity Pool is not a hot tub.  No need to use it as one, since there is indeed a separate hot tub right behind the Infinity Pool, and just a bit above.  So you have 2 bodies of water, one that is hot and one that is cool - very Scandinavian.   Also, the Infinity Pool is not really large, so no one really will be "swimming" in it - just "lounging" and enjoying the fantastic view!  You even get a view from the hot tub, as it sits a few feet above and behind the Infinity Pool.  Hopefully these pictures will help as they show the Infinity Pool, the Hot Tub, and them together.

 

 

9 hours ago, CharTrav said:

I’m surprised.  That wasn’t our experience last year (Jan 2018). Two ports in a row were cancelled and all four of our resident lecturers were miracle workers - each either had backup lectures in their back pockets or dreamed something up on the spot. The team trivia master dreamed up new variations on the game that on our last sea day drew in a good chunk of the ship - teams on both levels of the explorers lounge with answer sheets fluttering down from above after every round. I really do need to scan all the dailys from that trip and post them to share (use the link in my signature block). I never felt like I was “stuck on” a small ship during those unplanned for sea days. 

 

Per Hikinginheels comment that Viking does nothing when ports are cancelled...

You must have been very unlucky.

My experience was like CharTrav - they cancelled a port due to weather and immediately sprang into action, revising the entire day's schedule with a host of new activities on board.  The guest lecturers and resident historians were called into action and gave some outstanding presentations. There were some special movies put on, as well as a Crew versus Guest Cornhall game in the Attrium (well-attended!).  I heard many people talk about how great it was to get this unexpected "sea" day and there was so much to do!   Was quite impressed with Viking Cruise Director and Staff to make these last minute modifications and additions!  It is things like this that make us want to return and return.

10 hours ago, CharTrav said:

I was going to reply earlier on this topic but let me reply by riffing off yours.  It’s a matter of picking your cruise. Just did a quick check  Many of the Caribbean cruises include 3 or 4 sea days making them very leisurely. Viking Homelands includes a sea day in the middle. Cruises from Montreal and down the eastern seaboard have 4. Sydney to Auckland has 3.  I’m sure there are others. 

 

I totally agree with you CharTrav.  I just love those other people though who speak in generalities without any research.

As in " The other consideration, unless taking a World Cruise, or segment, Viking has very few, if any sea days. "

 

So untrue.  Viking provides cruises of all types where you can have a port-intensive cruise, or a cruise with several sea days to break it up.  And this does not even include the World Cruise segments or the TransAtlantic, TransPacific cruises.   We are actually taking a Viking 14 day cruise next month from Barcelona to Copenhagen that has 4 sea days - perfect!

1 minute ago, Dekksguten said:

Helmet cam footage from one of the rescue squads. 

 

Wow!  THis makes it even more real!  I can't even imagine taking that ride up!  What a job the Norway resuce crew did!

22 minutes ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

 

Thanks for your kind words. We all hung together, supported and helped one another. The relaxed attitude and camaraderie here at the hotel has almost been like a reunion of old friends!  Still I woke up many times last night reliving the experience of seeing all the slack go out of that winch line as my feet were suddenly lifted off the ship. You KNOW it’s gonna happen but still......Guess some folks would pay for something like that?  More exciting than ANYthing that was on the optional shore excursion list!!!

 

Love your attitude, gretashwhtfalcon.  And those around you!   Really appreciate the good stories of crew AND passengers and getting through this difficult time.  Just think!  You and your fellow cruisemates will have a lot to share in the future - perhaps even stronger friendships and maybe even some "reunions" !!

28 minutes ago, photopro2 said:

 

Thanks for informing us of your first hand experiences gretschwhtfalcon. It is clear from what you and others directly involved have said that the response of the crew, the company and the people of Norway have been exemplary. But maybe there is something special about Viking passengers too?...

I say this because of the consistenty in the way people have apparently taken these events in their stride and later described what happened in an entertaining but level headed and unsensational manner, just as you have. 

You all come across (passengers, crew and locals alike) as exactly the sort of people we enjoy spending time with and we can't wait until our own Viking trip to Norway in June. 

 

      

 

I think you hit on something photopro2 - I do believe there is something about Viking Cruise passengers that is special. We have seen it ourselves and have even remarked about it - so different than other ships, in our opinion.  Again, Viking not for everyone, but we are glad to have discovered them as they fit our likes and preferences to a tee - including the passenger set!

And we do enjoy meeting those kinds of people on these cruises! 

We head to Barcelona in April to go on the newer Viking Jupiter - so looking forward to it.

1 minute ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

Yes. Evacuated last evening around 8. To my knowledge no evac’d pax have been allowed back on the ship yet, but certainly can’t speak for those leaving tonight. I suspect their things might be shipped to them if they couldn’t board. We are in the hotel until further notice. 

 

You are all very brave and thank you so much for your posts - from someone who has experienced the actual rescue!

We were on the VIking Sky last May on the Homelands cruise, so seeing all the shots of the Explorers Lounge and more were rather unnerving.   Our trip was one of the best we've ever had, and due in major part to the Viking staff and crew, including the Captain and his officers.  We always felt that our best interests were being taken care of.

 

I am so glad that this Crew has handled themselves so well and that the passengers safety has been the most important thing.  We are scheduled for future Viking Cruises and this just makes me realize how good they are.  I will appreciate it!

 

As I told my wife, though, I think I will pay a LOT more attention to the muster drills  🙂  🙂

 

Seriously - many kudos to the Viking folks for how they handled this very tense and difficult situation.  So glad that everyone is safe and heading home - what stories they will have to tell their children and grandchildren!  (Especially those who took the helicopter ride)

1 hour ago, Turtles06 said:

 

It's the "Grand Tour of Copenhagen," offered by Copenhagen Free Walking Tours, and they start from the City Hall Steps.  Right now, their web site only shows 11am starts, perhaps they offer more in the summer.  (Last summer, they did have 10am and 11am starts.)  You could email them to ask.

 

http://www.copenhagenfreewalkingtours.dk/

 

I had already been researching these free walking tours, which seemed to get great reviews.  Glad to hear someone else mention them.  They also have the Christianhavn and Classical tours, which are 3 hours, for those who may already have some experience with Copenhagen.  Thinking of doing one or both of those.

I think they are legit, since I had heard in some posts that one needs to be careful about scams.

Had an enjoyable time in London taking London Walking tours and think this might be a great way to see large cities.

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

And the "obvious" answer is that the worst place for a large cruise ship to be in a major storm is docked (or anchored) in a port!  The norm is to get the ship out to sea (where it is actually safer) and try to avoid the storm or the worst part of the storm.   In fact, most harbor masters will close ports in severe weather and request that ships depart....generally before the storm reaches the port.

 

What happened here is not necessarily related to the weather but to a major power failure (usually electrical).   None of us who routinely cruise (we have spent over 1000 days on cruise ships) or spend time at sea are "making light" of it!  In fact, I have texted a family member who is on that ship (she is doing fine) to express our concern and inquire about her well-being.  And as I posted earlier, she replied that they are doing OK and waiting to be rescued (they are still thinking by helicopter). 

 

What I find distressing are the comments (such as yours) that immediately want to point the finger of blame to something, or start asking about compensation.  Neither of those issues are appropriate at this point in time when over 1100 folks still remain on that vessel.  Trust me that my wife's cousin (who is on the ship and at her muster station) is only concerned about getting to land..   There will be plenty of time later to deal with the blame game.  For now, it is about saving lives.

 

Hank

 

1 hour ago, Hanoj said:

I get that. My concern has more to do with whether this incident was impacted by an error in judgment, which is conjecture at this point.

 

I totally agree with your points, Hank. 

And the most important thing is to get the people onshore safely - then and only then even think about other things. 

We were on the Viking SKY last year and certainly seeing the videos of the Explorer's Lounge that we remember with fond memories, being rolled back and forth, was quite unnerving.

Thoughts and prayers to everyone to get off safely!  

 

The cruise ship Viking Sky has suffered engine failed in windy conditions off the Norwegian west coast. The ship has 1,300 passengers on board who are due to be evacuated. A mayday signal has been sent out as the huge ship is drifting towards land, Norway’s maritime rescue service has said.

Viking Sky in bad weather is adrift off Norway.

https://www.euronews.com/2019/03/23/cruise-ship-adrift-off-norway-to-evacuate-1300-passengers

Here are some screen shots from Marine Traffic showing details and it's current position.  Current time on scene is 1600 hours.

Yes, the infinity pool "looks" nice and sort of "hangs" by the edge.  Thought I'd post a pic of it.  There is a hot tub up and above it.  We did see people hanging out in the pool and hot tub.  Understand the outside eating tables are all around as well, which does make a nice view when you are having dinner or drinks outdoors on the fantail.

3 hours ago, Cyber Kat said:

 

The river cruises are different, but the Viking Experience is the same. Other than that long list which is more ocean, than river, there is something undefinable that is very different and very addicting about sailing with Viking - either river or ocean. You either feel it or you don’t, but most do. 

 

We did a river cruise first and loved it. Did an ocean cruise and loved it. Booked another ocean cruise, another river cruise, did the river cruise, booked another ocean cruise. We are now hoping to win the lottery so we can book all the cruises in their brochures 😁

 

The question was will you have fun. I’d say that depends on your definition of fun. Mine is simple - anything that’s not work is fun. My definition of work is anything I don’t want to do 😜

 

On Viking, I have found the people make it fun - both staff and fellow guests. We have met the nicest people all around on Viking. They are full of the joy of life and make whatever they are doing fun. 

 

Well stated Cyber Kat!

I couldn't have put it better.  I totally agree - there is a special feel on board that Viking has managed to create.   We look forward to getting back in that mode, no matter what the ports or itinerary are.

9 hours ago, Relaxing Rita said:

CLOTHES LINE ... question... is there a pull out line in the bathroom to hang out our wet socks etc??? Would be hand if there is. Thank you

 

We have been on the SKY and the SEA recently in different cabin classes, and can confirm that there is indeed a pull out line in the shower to dry things.  It stretches diagonally.  Very handy.   The heated floor is also helpful!  (A note on the heated floor - on our last trip on the Sea, it was not on the first night so we told the steward.  He said he would check the master panel to verify if that was the issue and it was - presto - the floor was on the rest of the trip)

On 3/18/2019 at 8:33 AM, Gnoelj said:

 

Not sure about having friends on board for lunch. However, on the Viking Sea (am still on board the ship)  in Dominica a couple of days ago, and saw about a dozen tour guides in uniforms helping themselves to the buffet at lunch-time in the World Cafe.

 

 

 

That's interesting!  We were on the Viking Sea in February and the same thing happened in Dominica for us.  All the various tour guides were there, including their managers.  We'd had such a fantastic trip Tubing down the River and then a wonderful guide for the afternoon included tour in Dominica, that we went over and thanked the tour managers and let them know.  They were quite appreciative!  

22 hours ago, Viking Cruises said:

Greetings,

 

We’re happy to step in to provide information and clarify confusion about the new booking windows that have been discussed on this thread.

 

As of March 16th, the time at which shore excursions, dining and spa appointments go on sale has been adjusted from 12am PST to 12pm PST. This adjustment was made with all guests in mind, and after careful review of feedback from past Viking travelers around the globe.

 

While My Viking Journey accounts, as well as our website FAQ section, were immediately updated to reflect this change, email notices communicating the correct times are also being distributed to each impacted guest the day before their booking window opens.

 

We appreciate this opportunity to share the news and hope you all remain excited to plan your upcoming voyages. We continue to welcome any questions or feedback at tellus@vikingcruises.com.

 

Thank you for traveling with us, and for being a valued member of this community.

 

Best regards,

Viking Cruises

 

Thank you Viking!   No more alarm clocks just to sign up for excursions.  Plus, for 12 noon Pacific time, it will still be evening in Europe for those cruisers.   And depending on the time of year, it might not be too early in the AM for the Aussies.

My wife and I (in our 60's) enjoyed our 2 VOC's so much that we booked several more while on board the last one.

Per your concerns about "having fun", I think that everyone's definition of fun might be different.  You should probably try to decide what things are most important to you since you won't likely find every top item on any one cruise line.  There are pluses and minuses to all of them.

We'd been on other cruise lines (that start with 'N') and didn't care for the loud parties (i.e. balcony issues on the previous post!), noisy casinos, waiting in line to get on/off the ship, boorish behavior, getting nickeled and dimed for everything, and more.  I swore I would never do a cruise again - until friends took a Viking Ocean Cruise and highly recommended them... for us and our interests.   Again - that might not be the right cruise line for everyone of you.   If you are "a bit put off by Viking's casino/kids/formal nights policy ... I think those are all good things, in moderation.  Photographers never bothered me", then perhaps Viking isn't for you.

Viking does have a very loyal fan group I have seen and now know why.  They have indeed become much more popular in just the last year, so they must have hit a good market niche with the product.

This list came from a poster in a Viking Forum and I'm sorry I don't remember who to credit, but it was so appropriate.  Hoping this gives you more insight. 

WHY TRY VIKING OCEAN CRUISES:

Try it because you are tired of mindless entertainment.

Try it because you don't need a casino.

Try it because you are sick and tired of the nickel-and-diming.

Try it because you can live without other people's children.

Try it because you are more interested in the ports of call than in partying until dawn.

Try it because you are never asked to pose for photos.

Try it because you are never asked to pose for photos.

Try it because you like cruising among friendly people.

Try it because you are invited to BYO wine, beer, or other potables.

Try it because you don't have to hide in your room to drink your BYO.

Try it because there is no corkage fee in the dining rooms.

Try is because specialty dining is included.

Try it because there is no formal night.

Try is because there is no bang-bang music

Try is because there are nooks and crannies everywhere to read, relax, and just be.

Try it because the tables in the cafe are set with silverware and napkins and a beverage server comes to take your beverage order as soon as you sit down.

Try it because room service will deliver delicious coffee and juice, even on debarkation day, within 10 minutes of your call.

Try it because room service is included and you can even have the free beer & wine at meal time delivered to your room.

Try it because the free spa area is ubelievable!

 

Take Viking because the staff can't help enough.  If you have an issue they are quick, efficient, and do their job with a smile.

Take Viking because even the service at the buffet is better than any other cruise ship.

Take it because you love the regular English tea in the afternoon.

Try it because you never have to wait much at all to leave or return to the ship.

Try it because everyone, including the crew, greets you with a smile.

Try it because you are a guest, not just a wallet.

Try it because there are no inches of golf tables blocking the Atrium.

Try it because you'll be sailing with 900+ people rather than 2500+.

Try it because there is no karaoke.

Try it because there is no bingo.

Try it because people do not need to reserve/hog lounge chairs in the pool area or open decks.

Try it because you will not see a flaming Baked Alaska parade

Try it because of the Resident Historian and Enrichment programs.

Try it because you'll never have to see a napkin waving waiter sing-along at dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Danish viking said:

According to the port Authority website all the Viking ships (pun intended 🙂 ) are scheduled to dock at Langelinie in all the season.

That includes Viking Sun, Viking Sky, Viking Sea and Viking Jupiter. 

 

Thank you Danish Viking.  Interesting.  It was Viking Cruises that told me, in response to my query about where we dock, that we are at Oceankaj (May 8-9).  Perhaps that is because we are overnighting?  and need certain supply loading facilities?

The quote from Viking:  " Typically Viking docks at one of two locations in Copenhagen, and is currently showing docking to: Oceankaj Cruise Terminal, Oceanvej, Free Port, 2150 Copenhagen. This location is just 5 miles North of city center, and taxis are available for transportation. "

Hello Danish Viking - you have been so helpful with your great information!

We are arriving in Copenhagen in early May - and just got word that we are likely arriving at the Oceankaj cruise port which they say is 5 miles away and advise us to take taxi's into the city center.

We have purchased a Copenhagen Card to be picked up at the Visitor Center or Tivoli Gardens upon our arrival, which we thought would be at Langelinie Pier (20 some minute walk or #26 bus ).   We are on Viking Jupiter on 8 May.

Do you know if there are public transit options to get to the City from the distant pier?  Or are we "stuck" with expensive taxi's?

Thank you for any insight.    Also - how much time then to allow for travel from this distant pier.