CDNPolar

6 hours ago, wine-wine-wine said:

I think river and ocean cruises are very different in this regard. We don’t care too much if it is only one on ocean but would be very disappointed if only one per day on the Nile. 

We went on multiple on River with Viking.

When we booked in advance we chose one or two per day depending on what times were available, but when we boarded we were on more...  more meaning that they just put us on additional excursions without advance notice.  We just received the tickets.

Not sure if they were additional included, or what they were.  We did not investigate, we just went. 

44 minutes ago, 2cruisecats said:

 

Yes, there is one port on our upcoming Iceland cruise (Heimaey) where there are 2 included tours offered -- Heimaey on Foot and Snapshots of Heimaey. You may only select one of the free tours when booking on MVJ.   On another post I read that if the one not selected has space, you can get on it the day of the tour.  Don't know if this is true but I'm going to test this out in August!

The day before at the Port Talk, speak with the Shore Excursions manager right after the talk - don't wait until the day of.

If there is room, the port talks generally foster some interest and you may lose a spot if you wait.  They will sign you up immediately and charge your stateroom account.

1 hour ago, oskidunker said:

I have seen two free tours in some ports. Rare, but possible.

Yes, somewhere there is a discussion about this but we have never seen this happen yet.

12 minutes ago, Mike07 said:

 

 

The issues with this model --- it turns into something like Boeing. Everybody "works" for Boeing, but nobody is responsible for the end product, because "I'm just a contractor."

 

I appreciate the insight into the industry we've seen here, and not just what I put on a Viking survey. I know many ship departments are often outsourced (casino, art auctions, gift shop, and other departments). I realize the maritime industry is also using techs and engineers to take care of the propulsion and electrical systems.

 

I personally do not find contractors to increase quality or knowledge. Yes, I have to work daily with contractors, and yes, I can give you horror stories. And yes, I could sell out, easily, and see a 50-100% salary increase by going contractor. This isn't Nam though, and I still have standards.

I appreciate your concerns about this model, but I think most people would be amazed at how much of our world is outsourced today in this kind of model.

This does not mean - if executed well - that the individual crew member that you meet on the ship is not trained and held to the exacting standards that the client company demands.  That is all part of the outsourcing.

Believe me, every nurse we present to the UK either at least meets, if not exceeds the UK's standard in knowledge, ability, and care.

It does come down to can the company do the recruitment, onboarding, training, contract management, scheduling, etc., as well as the specialist that this is all they do?

This is not the same contracting model that I believe you are referring to with 50-100% salary increases... in this model no one is being paid more than the cruise company would pay if they did it all themselves.  In this kind of model the cruise company or client company is paying a service fee for the services but likely pay rolling the crew themselves.

13 hours ago, Water_Baby_ said:

 

Am I interpreting this correctly? With NEXUS I get expedited entry into Canada and the United States no matter where I'm travelling from? That sort of seems like a no brainer. 

Yep... many folks have an impression that it is US/Canada but we have only flown to or through the USA perhaps 3 times in the last 10 years.

It is expedited security at Toronto Pearson - with TSA Approved so you don't pull your liquids or laptop...etc., and all that BS.

When coming back to Canada from anywhere you skip that 300 person line and breeze through immigration only to wait at luggage claim for the next 45 minutes.

When you transit through the US - such as Chicago - on the way back to Canada, you go quickly through their Global Entry system.

It is a no brainer to us.

Born and raised in the greater Toronto area and Pearson has been my primary airport.

I will admit that there are many better airports in Europe and especially in Asia, perhaps I am numb to what Pearson really is.

Yes, it is over crowded, and the food outlets suck, but we know that and are prepared for that so I guess we enter with low or no expectations.

We pay for the credit cards that give us Maple Leaf Lounge access and this makes the experience a bit better.

8 hours ago, goletans said:

Greetings, oh knowledgeable ones.

I found reasonable flights for our return from Tokyo on Delta.

Our flight to Beijing is still not booked. The best we've found is on Hainan - really good reviews and best prices we've found. However, while entering my husband's name, there is no place to note his suffix - III. It is on his passport so we want the passport and reservation to match. I called Hainan and the rep said she would find an answer, but I'm still waiting.

Does anyone have experience with this issue? 

I have just read several forums where some say don't worry, but others have been denied boarding.

This has been a hotly debated issue on CC - not necessarily around Suffix, but around middle names.

My passport has my middle name, and I was finally allowed to board, but many years ago was almost denied boarding because my middle name was not on the ticket.  Many have said this does not matter, but since my experience I have always ensured that my middle name is ON the ticket.

We cannot assume that because a domestic flight or an American airline may not want or need this, that it is not something that a Chinese or other national airline may deny boarding if it is not there.

Did you try in a mock booking to add after the surname?

For me on many airlines, I have to put in the first name field if there is not a middle name field.

On a couple of Chinese airlines this was recommended because Chinese don't typically have middle names, and they don't have that field, but they still wanted my name on the ticket to match my passport. 

17 hours ago, Nippy Sweetie said:

One of the reasons I like river cruises is the company. I go on other holidays with my OH but, as we do the same activities together all day, it can be a bit dull to also eat every meal together on our own. On river cruises and also, to an extent, on ocean cruises we've really enjoyed the chance to meet people from very different places and enjoyed their company. We actually ask to join a larger table.

We love Ocean and River cruising.

On Ocean cruises if we are not travelling with others, then we eat exclusively at 2 tops.

On River, we do like the variety of people that we sit with and that is mostly at dinner.  We find that breakfast and lunch the people come in and out at different times and tables are not necessarily full.

What we have become is the couple that will walk in and scan the dining room and find a different group of people, or an empty table, so that we can sit with new people and not the same as yesterday.  Easier to make a variety of friends this way and the conversation is never boring.

18 hours ago, CJANDH said:

It seems that the Viking claim of "One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call" has to be taken literally. I was under the assumption that you would get one complimentary excursion from a choice of included excursions as you do on Regent and Silversea. Instead it seems that they are offering a range of extra cost excursions and a pretty lame free tour as a fall back. Not what I think of as "all inclusive" luxury cruising.

I will object to your comment that they offer a pretty lame free tour as a fall back.  

This has been discussed here many times too.

We are very well travelled and we are looking for excursions that are informative and enriching and we probably on any Viking cruise book 30% optional and 70% included and we have very little - if any - negative to say about the included tours.  For the most part we find them to meet or exceed our needs.

I will say that it would be nice if Viking did offer more than one included choice, but they offer what they offer and we have not found them "lame".

And, I would add that we have paid for optional tours that we have not enjoyed and would never do again.

10 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

I vote for letting us know the CT menus when we book!

This would be a great enhancement for most people for sure.  I understand why folks would want this.

Many years ago now in our neck of the woods when "tasting menus" were becoming popular, we were huge fans and the tasting menus that we engaged with were anywhere from 7-11 courses with a paired wine for each course.  

The FUN of this for us is there was no menu.  You basically did not eat the tasting menu unless you had no food restrictions, and some restaurants would make NO substitutions under any circumstances, and you had no idea what was coming next until it was put in front of you.

The FUN for us was the wine steward would come just before the next course and pour a wine and tell us the story of the wine.  Based on whether the wine was white, rose, or red, and based on the whether the wine was a light, medium, or full bodied we would try to guess what the next course was... sometimes we were right and sometimes not.  Then occasionally they would come with a Craft Beer and throw us off all together.

We just had a tasting menu where they tell you at the point of reservation, that they make no substitutions and if you have restrictions, then the tasting menu if not for you.

I know this would never happen, but we would be fine without a menu, and this is also why we blindly book the CT for each menu change and are not concerned with what the menu is.

14 hours ago, KBs mum said:

We avoid the lot of them, they are average at best. 

We don't need to be entertained, we can occupy ourselves. We'd prefer no music or 'entertainment', other than the lectures. 

 

 

Like most things, the shows and the entertainers are subjective.

We take them for what they are, and we find all the entertainers on Viking to be a brief diversion and a bit of fun and enjoyment.

36 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Virtually all ships' crews, on all vessels around the world are hired by the shipowners through manning agencies in the home countries of the crew.  Shipowners find this practice very efficient, as the company does not need to keep a large personnel department, with contacts in many countries, but relies on the crewing agencies to have large pools of candidates available at all times.  In the US, crew are hired through unions, for the much the same reasons, the union is responsible for maintaining the pool of mariners, not the company.

The following is my conjecture and my experience, but I am not saying that this is what is happening, but it may well be...

I have worked in the "Staffing Industry" and in this industry Globally for over 25 years and this makes perfect sense to me.  You might be surprised at how many industries are literally staffed through agencies which allows companies like Viking to do what they do best.

Viking have very complex contract and staffing requirements for all their "hotel" roles from the dishwasher to the bartenders, cabin stewards to servers.  Contracts start and end mid cruise and individuals are swapped out.  We have often gotten to know a crew member that tell us mid-cruise that he or she or they are getting off the ship tomorrow and going home until their next contract.  This can be a very complex scheduling game, and when the replacement of a contract backs out at the last minute to meet a ship mid-itinerary, then this agency has a raft of replacement people ready to deploy.  In contract operations like this the turnover, no-show, resignations, and terminations are frequent and this agency is ready to fill the gap wherever it occurs.

If Viking are doing this all themselves, they would have to have recruiting arms in many countries and be in the "staffing" business and would have a LOT of recruitment offices.

My company moves people around the world - not with cruise lines - because we have the experience and expertise in certain industries to certify, and procure the immigration requirements to move these people around.  This is what we do and we do it for a lot of companies.  My company has moved over 20,000 nurses from the Philippines to the UK alone and we manage everything that they need to do to get to the UK.  For this we are "employed" by hospitals in the UK to supply where there is not current supply of nurses in the UK.

Most large companies that use staffing agencies of some kind are doing so because these staffing agencies are better equipped to advertise, attract, select, deploy, and manage the whole process on behalf of their client company.  This is what they do.  

I would be surprised if Viking did not have this kind of sourcing and supply model in place.

This also does not mean that the crew member does not "appear" to be a Viking employee.  They are trained and held to Viking standards and to every outside eye, they look and feel like Viking.

17 minutes ago, sjde said:

Sometimes I like sitting with other people at lunch or dinner on a river cruise and sometimes I don’t want to , but on Viking my husband and I didn’t have that choice.  We were always with the other people unless it was breakfast,  when not everybody ate at the same time and there was room to spread out. I don’t think there were any two-tops. Or even four- tops.

 

So my question is -which lines give you that choice? 

Viking Douro River cruise had two tops, but not many...

Others will recommend if there are two tops with other lines, but my understanding is that this is part of river cruising.

On Viking you can grab a two top table in the Aquavit Terrace, but you have to sit at it around or just before the port talk. Some put coats or belongings on the tables to reserve before dinner starts.

Yes, please indicate the ship or cruise line.

We sail Viking Ocean and there is never a charge for room service.  
 

I get coffee delivered every morning as a standing order at 5am.

7 hours ago, ecs66 said:

Yes.  And I'm surprised that people even consider that option.  Disputing a claim with the cruise line's employee is a bit like, "Never argue with a man whose job depends on not being convinced". (Mencken)

 

We buy from at least one private provider.  Sometimes more if the trip is more complicated than normal.

I have also read that many of the cruise line offered insurance packages do not insure pre and post extensions that you are doing on your own?

I think that it is flight there and flight home on the day that the cruise ends?

12 hours ago, Mike07 said:

 

 

 

Wait, so I've seen on other cruise lines where the engineers and technical staff are obviously contractors. But, the actual ship captain, first officer, and bridge officers aren't employed by Viking?

This is what I asked above and it was answered NO, the captain and officers are contractors.

...and I have to admit, that this shocks me a bit.  I have heard Captains say the number of years that they have been sailing and the number of those years "with Viking", so perhaps what they are saying is through a contract with a third party to Viking?

13 hours ago, DrKoob said:

And that's why (at least to me) the Hotel Manager is the most important person on the ship. 😀

And the Guest Services Manager... reporting into the Hotel Manager... but I agree with you on this one...

11 hours ago, benjaminnicholas said:

On the Polaris now and it's been 10+ days of very repetitive entertainment.

 

Even the 80+ demographic is complaining.  I've overheard them talking.

 

My main problem with this particular ship is that they have the larger theater and tech to do some pretty impressive things, but they don't. 

 

The shows are very simply lit and the tech is, sad to say, a little lazy.  

 

At these prices, I'd like to see Viking get a little more creative.

 

 

We enjoy the shows as I mentioned above, but Viking is not known for their BIG shows, tech, and lighting.  It is not what they do...

I read in other forums that some people choose ships because of the shows, and I can tell you that what I have seen of some they are nothing short of spectacular and Vegas like, but that is not what we are after in a cruise.  For us the show - even if a bit repetitive - is just a short distraction after dinner and before a drink in the Explorer Lounge.

11 hours ago, CJANDH said:

Where do I find them?

Do you have your MyVikingJourney account set up?  If not, then do that.

Once excursions open then you will go to the Shore Excursions section of MVJ and you will see day by day all the excursions.  One will have a small banner indicating "Included" and others will have a price associated.

8 hours ago, CurlerRob said:

Welcome to CC! If you use the search function, you will find many discussions that attempt to compare pricing between cruise lines. 
 

In the end, it becomes a highly individualized answer, depending on what matters to you. For example, if you don’t drink, included alcohol at any amount can be viewed as wasted money. Or, if you always tour on your own, the inclusion of multiple included excursions is of no value. 
 

Further, sales and promotions have a huge effect and are obviously transient. 
 

To your question, there’s no consistent answer. Just look at the things that matter to you and do your personal price analysis for each cruise. 🍺🥌

Above what @CurlerRob is saying, when we try to compare cruise lines, rarely do you find the same duration of a cruise with the same ports when you are trying to compare.  It is just never apples to apples.

Viking has never failed us on the sea, and for that matter we stick with them.

21 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

You have a couple of options with respect to acquiring the necessary Visas for a World Cruise. I have completed the process for UK & Canadian passports, so a a Sri Lankan passport holder, you may require additional Visas, but the process should be similar.

 

Easiest method is hiring a Visa procurement agency. You complete the application form, providing your personal details, provide your passport, a copy of the itinerary and they do the rest. However, some Visa applications may require you to complete a more detailed form, such as China, which included about a dozen pages. The downside of this option is high cost, especially if it includes multiple Visas.

 

You can also complete the process yourself, just takes lots of time and research. I normally start with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Officer website and the Canadian equivalent. They have very well updated and detailed information on Visa requirements based on your type of visit. Your Sri Lankan Govt may provide a similar service. In addition, some Travel Agents may be able to assist. The eVisas are generally an online application and payment that are quickly approved. Some need to be printed and affixed to your passport, while others are provided to the border authorities for your arrival.

 

Unfortunately, some countries still require personal visits to their Embassy, to apply for, and then return a few days later to collect your passport and Visa. If you require a number of these Visas, it can be very time consuming.

Brilliant information - thank you.

Question for you though... some countries that have eVisa options also assign a validity period when you secure the visa.  If you are on a World Cruise and that country is not in that validity period what do you do?  Are you applying for visas while on the cruise?

My experience with Cambodia and Vietnam was this, that there was a limited validity after the application.

Viking only offers booking of the hotel if you book the extension.  If you are not interested in their full extension then you are on your own.

We book outside of the pre/post extension when we are looking to save money or there are other advantages..

We have booked the same hotel as Viking's post-extension in Mumbai, and a private tour that goes to more sites than Viking's one tour, and we are doing it for less than half the cost including all transportation charges.  We are saving over $2000 doing it ourselves.

We did book the pre-extension on this same cruise through Viking because although we could do it somewhat cheaper, there was value in the transportation based on where the pre-extension was and where the harbour/port was...

1 minute ago, CJANDH said:

No. What I am saying is that if you want to arrive two days before embarkation and book flights and a pre hotel through Regent they will provide transfers (not if you are doing your own thing). Regent also always offer a pre night hotel, included for higher suites and at extra cost for others. Viking will not consider any flexibility. In fact, on an Iceland cruise next year we can either fly in on the day of embarkation (RISKY) or purchase their two day extension. They will not allow us to fly in a day before embarkation and stay in their hotel and get transfers. If we don't take one of their options (arrive day of embarkation or buy the two day extension) we are on our own. With most travel advisers recommending against a risky day of embarkation arrival this policy seems against customers' best interest.

Yes, I understand what you are saying but I am confirming that if you are not doing the Viking pre or post, then they do not have flexibility.  If you are on your own you are on your own.

If Regent are more flexible, good for them.  Not every cruise line operates the same way.

10 hours ago, Fouremco said:

As a general comment, I think that there is some minor confusion with respect to exact reporting requirements today, brought about by the introduction of new programs (e.g. Nexus), new technologies (kiosks), different approaches depending upon means of entry (flight, drive, boat [with variations: pleasure, ferry, cruise], bus, train) and the reduced requirement for completing a Declaration Card. Unfortunately, CBSA has yet to compile a single, comprehensive website that would enable someone to quickly determine what is expected of them given a combination of factors.

Yes - this is what is confusing.

I think that in respect to the confusion on this discussion it is because the first part of the discussion was about a land border.  I have never used my Nexus at a land border so I am not up on the rules.

I think that the discussion got further confused because then the airport arrival got brought into the discussion, because at the Kiosk, there is not even a question any more.

I know my allowable duty free limits, and have always been under the impression that as long as I am under or at these limits, and arriving in Canada by air, that I did not have to make a declaration because I was uncer or at my allowable.

Now, if a Canadian Customs Agent asked me are you bringing anything back, I would say "Yes, and it consists of this and that" and all would be good.  If I knew that I was over my allowable limit then I would tell them that without their asking, because even if you get past this individual without declaring you risk the pull off to secondary inspection once you have your luggage and then here if you are found to be over your limit and not declared, this is when you can get into trouble with your Nexus.

I have been pulled off before and had liquor and gifts but within my limits and all was ok.

I have also declared at the immigration agent being over limit on liquor, and at the point of leaving the luggage hall had the agent there ask what I was over with, and I stated 2 bottles of liquor vs. the one allowed, and he said carry on and did not pull me in.

I think the whole point of what I am asking / suggesting here is that if you are within your limits and the agent asks no questions, you don't have to volunteer any information.

If the agent asks "are you bringing anything into Canada" then I believe that in your limit or outside of your limit you must declare.

In my experience and opinion, it is the way that it is on a River ship because there is essentially one dining venue.  Yes, Viking has the Aquavit Terrace, but if weather is not on your side then the indoor portion is small and to my memory only 7 or 8 tables.  This also is just an extension of the dining room.  Same menu, same service standard.

On Viking anyway, you can see why they like a table to be fully seated before taking orders.  I have watched our serving team as they come out from the kitchen...  yes the kitchen is cramped and the kitchen team is small.  They prepare and serve the appetizers table by table, then bring the main, and then the dessert.  You can see the appetizers come with the team for each table in the same order that orders were taken.

It is not that they cannot prepare a appetizer for someone that comes "late" but the kitchen has moved past service of the appetizer for 98% of the guests. 

The dining staff and kitchen staff are also a very limited and tight group.  They have a lot of prep after dinner for breakfast and this team has been going since 5am'ish already and served three meals.  They don't have the same staff contingent to run different seatings.

River cruise dining is about efficiency of the kitchen and serving crew.