FetaCheese

Thanks for suggestion. When exiting the coach after tour, a V rep asked me how the tour was, I did tell him my disappointments. Asked me for cabin#, and wrote it down on clipboard sheet, saying "for documentation". Am planning to visit shorex mgr. and/or Guest Services. Did complete digital survey, and was honest with responses. Unfortunately, there is not a text box to add comments.

Have come to learn that tour quality is dependent on quality of guide. Luck of the draw. However, I would expect Viking to perform a more thorough vetting of tour operators, coaches and guides.

Agree that Viking Bistecca is smaller than 1st experienced on Venus, December 2021, the piece I had Monday night was not as thin as yours, yet of very high quality and not tough. Very surprised that chef admitted cost cutting measure.

So sorry, I meant to ask you to correct MY spelling of Cotes du Rhone wine. Glad you're enjoying my posts.

@stretchcruz Hope you feel better real soon.

The wine variety spelling. Grilled swordfish, and and end cut prime rib. Both excellent. Restaurant Cheese Plate, very fine quality and presentation

Forgot to say: Driver/guide drove coach with left hand, microphone in right hand. With narrow, winding, hilly roads, did not feel real safe in coach. All prior V shorex had driver and guide. Is driver/guide the new scheme ?

John, singer/guitarist at pool BBQ. Tiger prawns in Restaurant, a new presentation with jumbo prawns.

Took included shorex, Scenic St. Martin. Very hot today. Coach A/C very weak; we roasted. Cooler outside. 1st stop, 10 min lookout to sea and surrounding island. Guide was nearly impossible to understand, and was not very knowledgeable about island. Entire trip just pointed out neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, hospital. Considerably below Viking standards, to which we have become accustomed. Very disappointing. Then on to Marigot, 45 min available. y mission accomplished! Found the Fromagerie, and purchased 3 varieties. Clerk was very helpful. On way back to coach, stopped to buy a French Cote d' Rhone bottle. @CCWineLover, please correct spelling! Highlight was the Marigot cheese and wine shops !

Yes, above menu is what is on offer in Manfredi's. Thanks, @CCWineLover

@Cyber Kat Will try to find out about Jenever, although never heard of it. Have not sat at LR Bar, yet all staff very friendly and accommodating.

Non refundable credits posted a couple days after boarding. App had an early notification saying when they would appear, to preempt many questions. TA Refundable credits were available in onboard account upon app setup.

Almost docked. Compare Wonder of the Seas with Marella Voyager, the former Celebrity Mercury , and Mein Schiff 2 ship. We will dock on other side of Marella. Island will most likely be crowded. Whale and Dolphin Man has been doing live commentary, using Quiet Vox, during sail in. Very knowledgeable guy. He was also onboard during our Hawaiian Islands Sojourn cruise.

Yes, taking the included tour. Planning to visit the Fromagerie in Marigot, to purchase some French cheeses.

Attended his CIA museum lecture, presenting interesting facts about spies and tools of the spies. Also spoke about the spy Moe Berg. Another lecture is scheduled for today, the CIA museum, what you missed the first time.

Today, arrival to St. Martin has been advanced 1 hour, to 11 am. Tonight, a BBQ dinner is planned for the pool deck, with roof retracted. All entertainers are scheduled also, with dancing under the stars. (Yesterday, pool roof was partially opened in afternoon) Today, weather is sunny, clear and up to 79 f.

M&M has been scheduled in WinterGarden, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

They had it on Regatta last Sept. Later in voyage, a 2nd Art Hunt was added, so I think, 120 photos to identify. Was really lots of fun.

Now on Star TA. No astronomer lecturer.

Lunch in WC today. Started talking with person a few seats away. By chance, enjoyed meeting @stretchcruz and had a pleasant conversation, sharing cruise experiences.

Cabin steward, Yudi, told us 824 pax onboard.

Lecturers

Officers

Was good to hear John -- singer/guitarist in Explorers last evening. We remembered his fine, talented performances from Sea in December 2022. Conversations can be had during his repertoire. Last night went to Restaurant at 8, waited about 10 min., even for share, so went down to Manfredis to enquire if they could take us as walk in. No problem. Went back up to get Mrs. FetaCheese, still waiting. Enjoyed an excellent meal. Quality seemed better than prior December/January 2024 Hawaiian Islands Sojourn. Exec Chef Joseph Dabassious is back. Menu is same as before. Fried shrimp/calamari app was fabulous, lightly breaded, lightly fried. A very large quantity. So delicious. Shared a salumiere app, good quality and presentation. Mrs. had beef short ribs entree, with half portion of Spaghetti Carbonara, both excellent. I will order the Carbonara next time. I had Viking Bistecca, cooked to my preference, also excellent. Shared a Castanea dessert.

Hello all, OP here. Flight arrived 4 pm with all bags. V rep was waiting at bag claim with manifest. Told to wait at seating area with bags until all pax were here, some from ORD. A short wait, then we were led to coach. Was disappointed that V did not porter bags, so got our own with 2 pax we knew from PHL gate. The coach was about half full already, but enough seats for all. FLL very close to port, but with traffic exiting airport, about a 15 min. ride. Driver did load and offload bags at term. Claimed bags and handed off to port porters, who were waiting for us, the last coach to arrive. Security and check in very quick, and we boarded ship. Short safety briefing, then went to cabin. Bags arrived a few min. later. Unpacked, ordered a room service cheese plate, which is of excellent quality, no feta cheese however! Getting ready for dinner.