OnTheJourney

Well said. I have to agree. As much I we really enjoyed the Chairman's cruise, we're hesitant to get back on another Viking ship at present. Maybe next time we won't be so fortunate (as to all negative tests).

Above and beyond that, we were all (I think anyway?) also given the "Silver Spirits Package" that allowed premium drinks. Indeed a lovely event! How about that 65 year-old balsamic?! Unfortunately I didn't eat much of anything at that lunch since what appeared to be the beginnings of a pretty substantial meniere's disease attack came on. No rhyme or reason as to when they occur - puts a bit of a damper on travel. This explains why the excursion never sold out. Back when we booked it, I was told there were llike 4 rooms left (at the Castle). Subsequent checkings on MVJ never showed it to be no longer available. It was a tad disappointing, inititally, when we arrived at the hotel in town, but - much like the Castle - the veiws from the hotel were also pretty amazing.

Agree completely! Torstein referred to it (testing positive) as "drawing the lucky number". While I enjoyed his presentation very much, that particular wording was perhaps a tad ill chosen.

Actually a good deal more spit than we expected.. We never anticipated how much was actually required till we saw the tubes and the marking. The bottom is funnel-shaped, so that's not too bad, but then it takes a good bit more yet to reach the required amount. Not sure what would happen if a sample is submitted only half-full or at least below the mark. Throw in a bit of dry mouth upon waking and we found ourselves spending up to 20 minutes with it. Probably the nervousness of knowing that we HAD to do it didn't help. It delayed our medication schedule. Given the choice, at this point, between going with Viking and having to do this, and going with a different line that doesn't require it - we'll probably opt for the one that doesn't require any testing except for the pre-cruise. I'm saddened by this however, given that I am (or at least was) hoping to do more cruises with Viking - and have two booked for '23.

Most sorry to hear this. There were positive cases reported on the recent Chairman's cruise. We don't foresee doing an upcoming January cruise due to issues associated with the daily testing. I don't see them removing this protocol anytime soon either, having spent big money on setting up the labs.

We did indeed enjoy the cruise greatly, having never been anywhere in the 'Meddy' before. Our daughter's graduation was actually less than 2 weeks before the cruise, so it made for a rather hectic time to prepare for both - especially with having had the pre-extension yet. Summer won't be as relaxing as usual being that she will be preparing to pack and move to Irving, CA for a post-doc position. We'll be helping her out with both. The good news is that her (possibly temporary stay there) will afford some chances for additional CA sightseeing. Wonderful!!! That is truly above-and-beyond on the part of Viking. So glad that they are doing this for you. I would have enjoyed staying on as a B2B for the Trade Routes itinerary, but simply couldn't manage being away for another 2 weeks.

Wow...this is just....too much. I understand the precautionary approach but can ALSO understand why some some CC members have posted that they simply won't cruise with Viking due to potentially running into these issues. I worried about it somewhat every day after putting that tube back in the bag. I presume a negatively-testing partner is not allowed off the ship at any time?

I am SO sorry to hear about this...knowing how much you were looking forward to the trip. I alluded to this whole PCR thing in my reply on the roll call thread. This is why I think Viking really needs to address and hopefully revise this practice. Torstein referred, somewhat jokingly, to "drawing the lucky number" (relative to positive test results) during his presentation and seemed to suggest an indefinite continuation of the PCR protocol. Once again, I'm saddened that you didn't have the experience you hoped for.

Haworth....I agree completely. Viking will test upon embarkation anyway, so, doesn't make any sense. Also, requiring daily PCR in conjunction with not requiring masking doesn't seem to quite add up either. Viking's 24-hour testing mandate prior to international flight is simply nerve-wracking. I already had one covid test canceled the night before it was scheduled and had to scramble to find another right before a cruise. This is even less time to try and reschedule something if the one I'm planning on doesn't pan out. We will evaluate our participation in (at least international) future Viking trips based on how we feel after this upcoming one. Instead of worrying so much about testing their pax, it'd be nice if Viking would officially let them know about the change in the EUdPLF requirements.

Gives me the willies just watching the FB video that was posted. I was evac'd off a ship a few years ago, along with 400+ other pax. Rather frightening experience for sure.