2dogcarol

I have done both. Norway by a landslide!

My mother and I had an aft DV cabin on deck 5 on our recent Viking Sea cruise. It was a beautiful room and the deck is a little longer than side decks. We were able to use our deck in all weather as we never got the breeze. Our cabin was right under the infinity pool so we had protection over ahead from the sun and any rain, also. I would highly recommend a cabin on the stern.

I have cruised on Oceania, Regent, and just returned from my first Viking Sea cruise. I have to honestly say, I was blown away by Viking. The Sea was only 3 weeks old and everything was perfect! The food was the best I have ever eaten at sea. The service was divine and our cabin steward couldn't do enough for us. I liked the little touches, like the throw pillows on the chairs and couches and the cashmere blankets thrown around for people who were chilled. I also liked the fact that you could get a table for two, in the main dining room, which was close enough to other tables that you always ended up conversing with your neighbors. The ship itself, was so beautifully and simply decorated. I loved the beautiful pictures at the top of the grand staircase that were constantly changing. I think Viking has really got something going with these new Ocean cruises. I would definitely choose Viking over Oceania or Regent.

I was just in Norway. They only accept the krone. However, most places accept credit cards, including the taxi drivers. Norway is very expensive and it is surprising how fast your kroner disappears!

I always take my bonine (available at Walmart) every morning during a cruise. If the sea is particularly rough, I may pop another one during the evening. I get sea sickness very easily but have never had a problem when taking bonine.

Senior Gators,

Your review was spot on! You and I didn't know it but we were sitting next to fellow Cruise Critic members during lunch at the Eiffel Tower. We were the mother and daughter and joined in the singing of happy birthday to your wife. We also got a second refund for an excursion when we received our bill. We were also in the same capsule with you at the London Eye. I didn't know you were CC people as I didn't see you at the Meet and Greet. Happy Travels in your future cruises. Carol

I just got off the Viking Sea. The Barcelona to Bergen segment which included the christening in London. After reading all the problems the Viking Star had when it first started out, I wasn't expecting much. I can honestly tell you that this was far and above the best ship and cruise I have ever been on. Everything Agent Ralph said was spot on! Including the mouth watering rib eye steak in Manfredi's. The food and service were superb. The areas around the ship exceptionally beautiful. The ship never felt crowded, even on sea days. The entertainment was much better than I expected. The shore excursions, included and paid for, were acceptable. On one excursion to Paris, we were to go to the Louvre and have lunch at the Eiffel Tower. Due to a traffic jam going into Paris, we were unable to get to the Louvre. When we returned to our cabin, we had a letter waiting that stated we each got a $100 credit due to missing the Louvre. We also each got a $25 credit for another paid excursion and we have no idea what that was for. Please don't dismiss Agent Ralph's review. It would have mirrored my own. Even the ice tea out of the machine was good!

Thank you Thaxted and lannp for your quick replies and the photos. I have cruised on a lot of ships but have never come across this before. We often get cabins on the stern which are protected from the wind. We will be taking a Transatlantic in September so the sheltered balcony may come in handy.

[quote name='foodsvcmgr']As I am booked for a sheltered balcony in November, interested in your impressions of ship conditions, Britannia food and service overall since I have not been onboard since 2010.
Have a great cruise![/QUOTE]

What is a sheltered balcony???

What does a sheltered balcony mean on the Queen Mary? The website says these rooms are 20 sq ft larger than the regular balconies? Are they really?

I just got back from a Barcelona to Venice cruise. You would NEVER want to pull all your luggage to Plaza Roma. It is a looooong way. My mother and I used http://www.venice-airports-shuttle.com. The charge was set ahead of time at 38 euros. The driver was supposed to meet us at 8:30am but getting off the ship went so smoothly that we exited the terminal at 8:10am and there was the driver with my name on a sign. He took our luggage, put it in a nice van and had us at the airport by 8:30. I was very impressed and it was no hassle at all. I would highly recommend them.

If you don't want to pay the premium prices of the harborside hotels, we stayed at the Hyatt, about a a 5 minute walk to George St where all the shopping is and a 10 minute walk to the harbor. We stayed in the new tower addition and it was very nice. We paid $10 for a taxi to take us to the hotel and $25 for a taxi to take us to the airport-about a 25 minute drive.