lonagarr

On 12/7/2021 at 3:05 PM, KBs mum said:

This is why there is a limit on how many bookings you can make prior to the cruise. Everybody gets their guaranteed bookings in the speciality rastaurants, hopefully at times that suit, then it opens up when on board. 

This is all on Viking's website with the cabin info. The main restaurant doesn't ordinarily take bookings, if they are needed it's a covid social distancing precaution. 

Sounds like your TA doesn't know the product they are selling, and you didn't do any research about what you are buying. 

 

If you dislike Viking so much probably best to cancel, to be honest if you think casual dining is beneath you, you probably won't fit in with the relaxed atmosphere, now you've got your knickers in a twist. 

 

AMEN!!!!

On 12/4/2021 at 1:21 PM, OnTheJourney said:

Now we know what happens late at night when most guests are sleeping....😁

Shark's dinner!!!

On 5/2/2020 at 7:36 PM, knoxclone said:

Looking to replace our cancelled 2020 cruise by booking the 'Trade Routes of the Middle Ages" in ' April 2021.

Any suggestions or preferences  starting Bergen vs. Barcelona? Air travel will require  least 2-3 stops regardless of either destination. 

Any additional comments or reviews info on this itinerary would be appreciated as well. 

Thanks!

 

If  you decide to try Atlanta, try airportparkinginc.com. You can park your car at a participating hotel and use their shuttle system to get to and from the airport at a much cheaper rate than the airport or surrounding lots. We flew to Oslo as we were doing the precruise to take the train to Bergen (very much worth the trip) and had one stop in Amsterdam; our return flight from Barcelona was non stop. If you do the train trip, do the one that leaves the day after you land so you have more time in Bergen. On the train, sit on the right side if when you board you are facing to back of the train; the left side if you are facing towards the front of the train. 

On 5/2/2020 at 10:18 PM, knoxclone said:

Sadly, coming from E. Tennessee,  an additional flight to a hub city is needed unless we drive to Nashville or Atlanta...  We did Homelands in 2018 and did fly home from Oslo - but still three flights. I lived in Madrid in the late 70s - just after Franco died - so definitely interested revisiting Madrid.

 

Did Kuekenhof - last year - agree it was fabulous.  

 

Can't tell from itinerary if you actually pass through straits of Gibraltar during daylight hours either direction? Does anybody know?

Thanks

We did the Bergen to Barcelona last October and went thru the straits at about midnight.

On 2/8/2020 at 2:25 PM, gacruisefan said:

The advisory has changed again.  So, now we're changing from Hong Kong to Singapore - nowhere near each other.  This will make the cruise many more days at sea, which we do not want.  FYI.

 

Coronavirus Update, February 7

We are monitoring the Wuhan coronavirus situation closely and are aware of the travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department on January 30, 2020, in addition to updates issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

As the safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority, we have implemented enhanced health screening procedures for all guests boarding our vessels within the next 90 days. Please note, any guests who have traveled from or through mainland China within 14 days of beginning their trip with Viking, will not be permitted to embark the ship.

For sailings scheduled to visit the area within the next 90 days, we will be replacing Xiamen and Hong Kong with Singapore. Guests on impacted itineraries and their travel agents will be contacted directly within the next two weeks.

It appears that the virus has also been contracted in Singapore as well.....

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/11/europe/steve-walsh-uk-coronavirus-patient-intl-gbr/index.html

On 1/15/2020 at 5:39 PM, AuntieWerewolf10 said:

April 2018 sailing 

Barcelona embarkation overnight 

Barcelona overnight 5:00 pm 

Cartegena 12:00 pm 6:00 pm 

Malaga 8:00 am 7:00 pm

Sea day

Leixos (Porto) 8:00 am 2:00 pm 

Sea day

Falmouth 8:00 am 6:00 pm 

Portsmouth 8:00 am 6:00 pm 

Le Harve 7:00 am 8:00 pm 

Zeebrugge 12:00 pm 6:00 pm 

Amsterdam 8:00 am 6:00 pm 

Sea day 

Bergen 8:00 am overnight 

Bergen overnight disembarkation 

 

It was generally enough time for an introduction, the tours are scheduled accordingly. It was a great cruise, we made all the ports and the seas weren’t too rough. Really appreciated the sea days As a break from the touring. 

We did the reverse cruise in October, and if I remember correctly, we had to be back on the ship by 4:30 in Porto. The rest of these times are similar to what we had except that due to the demonstrations in Barcelona, we were only there for disembarkation.

On 1/10/2020 at 12:41 PM, propinquity said:

Has anyone stayed on the 7th deck on the Viking Jupiter or in 5105 on the Jupiter?

Yes, and we couldn't have been happier on the 7th deck. We were so close to so many offerings, and the passenger area on 7 is very small compared to other decks, so it was very private. The other side of the deck houses the Owner's Suite, so the whole area is very quiet. Getting to the other decks is quick and easy thanks to the swift elevator, and the nice, high views from the balcony are wonderful. If you are in one of the DV1 cabins, of which there are only 2, the only thing you'll be missing is a laundry room as all the other suites have laundry services included in their amenities, a small drawback compared to the benefits of privacy, quiet and an excellent location to many venues. Bon Voyage!

We loved our Trade Routes cruise. We did the pre cruise and took the scenic train from Oslo to Bergen, and it was fascinating. We did the one where you stay in Oslo for two nights and then go on to Bergen; if I had it to do over, I would do the one where you get on the train the day after landing and spend more time in Bergen, which IMHO is cooler than Oslo. Whatever you do, you will have a fabulous cruise - it's one I'd do again if they didn't have so many great ones to choose from!

Great hairdryers, and since they can not be used in the bathroom, being able to sit at the desk instead of standing in the bathroom is an added luxury!

Congratulations, baycruising!!!! This is so exciting. On our last cruise, we were on the same floor as the Owner's Suite and loved it! So convenient to everything, and the swiftness of the elevator made it so easy to get to other spots on the ship. We will always try for the 7th deck - there are only 4 DV1 cabins there, so we have to book early, but it was so nice to be so close to the Explorer's Lounge and so many other things. And it was so quiet because there are no other rooms on the Owner's Suite side and only a handful of cabins on our part of the deck. There are no laundry rooms on deck 7 or 8 because all the other cabins get free laundry service, but even on a 15 day cruise, it didn't pose any big problems for us. There also wasn't more ship sway than I thought there would be, so enjoy your stay on Deck 7! Bon Voyage, baycruising!!

19 minutes ago, Lorizack said:

What I can remember hearing, but can’t remember who said it, was that the excursion was good and they enjoyed it. But the husband mentioned that he was disappointed that he didn’t learned about crabbing, but just got to eat it. I will say, we’ve been served crab several times on the Sky this voyage. That’s very impressive! And tomorrow night....the famous chocolate buffet! 

I've been crabbing in the Savannah area many times, so that won't disappoint me! Thanks!!!

16 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

You may cancel excursion up until 36 hours in advance. So, you can't cancel an excursion you have booked on Day 2 but you would have time to cancel any other you have booked.

Thanks, Peregrina! My plan was if I had the information now or any time before the 36 hour cutoff, I could cancel the excursion if I chose. Best laid plans of mice and men........a walk around Bergen, a boat trip on a fjord and eating freshly caught king crab.....someone would have to give a pretty bad review to make me want to cancel! Just weighing my options.....

16 hours ago, Lorizack said:

I haven’t forgotten your question. The person I was planning to ask did a private fjord sail, so not what you are wondering about. But I continue to ask the question.  It’s a good conversation starter!

Lorizak, you are wonderful!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much. The excursion is pricey, so if someone told me it wasn't good or not worth the money, I would have time to cancel. Not so once we are on the ship!

On 9/28/2019 at 4:31 PM, Lorizack said:

On 9/28/2019 at 4:31 PM, Lorizack said:

Although we love the views from the Explorer Lounge, we’ve become fond of the Viking Bar in the Living Room. Staff there have learned our name and cabin number. And we see our fellow CC cruisers as they walk by, so are able to connect. It’s the little things, right? 

Have you happened to see the people who did the king crab excursion in Bergen again? I'd love to know what they thought about it if the chance arises. Thank you for taking time away from your trip to keep us informed and heightening our excitement!

54 minutes ago, Lorizack said:

I do know someone who did the King Crab excursion. I will seek them out and get back to you with their opinion.

Thank you so much, Lorizak!!!!  You rock!

3 hours ago, Lorizack said:

You bet! We did The Viking extension of Oslo to Bergen. Loved Oslo and wished for more time. We saw the new ski jump, which was impressive in size. Then the Viking museum, which was very interesting.  Then the Fram Museum. Both museums were great and we learned so much. We could have used so much more time. Both had public washrooms and were very accessible. In the Fram, you can tour the actual ship. That could present some mobility issues. In the bus between stops were saw the palace, and learned a lot about life in Oslo. 

We rode with our guide on the train to Bergen. It took just over 7 hours. The walk from the bus to the train was not difficult but the surface was uneven. If pushing carry on bags, it was a bit cumbersome, but not bad. We had two train cars for Viking, with two guides. They served a bag lunch and coffee or tea. Washrooms were airplane style and right there. The scenery was lovely and the trip enabled us to connect with fellow travellers. A short bus ride (5 minutes) and we were at our hotel. No check in required at hotels...Viking guides passed out room keys. Luggage was in our rooms.

There are many places to eat and drink right outside the door in Bergen. We met up with a few CC connections for a drink in the bar.  Prices in Norway are high....be prepared!

The included Bergen tour was coach and foot. We stopped at a restored neighbourhood/museum, which required a steady foot. Cobblestones, steep streets and rickety steep stairs may be a challenge, but it would be possible to avoid those areas and stay nearer the bus. Washrooms there. We also visited the fort which was across the street from our ship. A few stairs but everyone seemed to manage those. Then on to the ship, which a very easy process.

We purchased the Dale sweater factory excursion.  It took an hour by bus each way, which was pleasant. The factory was interesting, and we were able to see each step of the process, and chat with workers. There is a factory store which had a good selection of items on sale, along with newer items. I thought the prices were better than online or in town. Washrooms were right there.

We were dropped off in town and walked to the fish market before returning to the ship. That afternoon there was a person brought in to the ship who offered tax refunds for any items purchased over 315 Nk. So keep your receipts. We took the refund in Euros to prepare for our next stops.

Phew! We were ready for today’s sea day.

Hello, Lorizak! It sounds like you are having a wonderful time so far which is making me even more excited!!! We are doing the Oslo extension as well, and your info is very helpful indeed. By the way, do you know of anyone on board who did the Scenic Bergen Fjord and King Crab excursion? If you do, could you ask them if it is really worth it and comment on here? I know you will be very busy enjoying your trip, but if you hear anything, please let me know. Have a wonderful rest of your trip, and I will be looking for any further comments from you! Thanks for your update - it is greatly appreciated!!!

7 minutes ago, hallasm said:

I think you'll get more answers at the Viking Ocean Forum like:

I posted this same question on May 10th at VO.....no really helpful response. Thanks!

 

Has anyone been on this excursion? Please tell me if you enjoyed it and what to expect. Thank you!

3 hours ago, kcpvwill said:

Hi All

 

Having been on VO 4 times and yet never bothered swimming, I decided to take swimming costume this September.

That got me wondering about changing facilities.  I know there are changing rooms in the spa, but have not seen any at the main pool or at the infinity pool.  Do people change in their stateroom and walk there in their robes or have I missed something?  

Thanks 

These days, swim trunks look a lot like shorts, and that with a T shirt and flip flops would be fine. Ladies usually have some kind of cover up which should be fine, too. Have a wonderful trip!

3 hours ago, suspaul said:

one word of advice tho, if this is a tour you have your heart set on, book as soon as you’re able, only a limited # of tickets are available per day and this can lead to disappointment.  If it’s not available thru Viking you’d have plenty of time to check out a different company, just don’t wait too long.

I was lucky enough to get the excursion through Viking. Thanks for the info!

I was just reading over the TA reviews from October, 2018 to get a feel for the crowds. Several posters mentioned that passports/ID's were randomly checked upon entry. Has anyone out there experienced this? 

1 hour ago, Lorizack said:

Thank you. From what I’ve read here on CC, we will most certainly have a wonderful trip with Viking. You too, have a wonderful voyage.

Thanks!

15 hours ago, Lorizack said:

September 22. I’m getting pretty darn excited!

I bet you are! We are not on that one........sure would like to have met you! Safe travels and have a ball!

4 hours ago, Lorizack said:

Thank you for your message, Peregrina ! We’re in 4060 on our upcoming Trade Routes Cruise, and with no scheduled tenders, I’m guessing it will be a quiet location. The fact that you will be returning to that cabin area by choice is reassuring.

Which upcoming Trade Routes cruise are you on, this year's September 22 or October 6?

3 hours ago, Lorizack said:

Thank you for your message, Peregrina ! We’re in 4060 on our upcoming Trade Routes Cruise, and with no scheduled tenders, I’m guessing it will be a quiet location. The fact that you will be returning to that cabin area by choice is reassuring.

Which upcoming Trade  Routes cruise are you on, the September 22 or October 6 2019?