TayanaLorna

We had one way flights twice but it was for cruises that ended or began in San Juan. We live in PR. One cruise was free airfare. The other cruise they reduced the airfare cost by one third.

In 2020 traveled on a cruise from Valparaiso, Chile to Buenas Aires, Argentina including a pre cruise stay on our own in Santiago during the social unrest and protests in that capital that year. No problem. We just avoided the city center at night as the marches usually began at 9 pm. Traveled on the cruise from Valparaiso to Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Around Cape Horn, The Falklands, Puerto Madryn, Montevideo and ending in Buenos Aires. Excellent cruise. We were 70 at the time. This year we cruised from San Juan, PR through some Caribbean islands to French Guiana and then up the Amazon River to Manaus, Brazil. Then we spent another week traveling further up the Amazon on a riverboat and then staying in Manaus. No problem with safety. We take normal precautions when traveling - aware of our surroundings, no jewelry, no wallets in back pockets etc. We live in Puerto Rico and don't want to travel to the US for safety reasons and feel that the US is at the first stage of social and political breakdown.

We had a friend pick up our mail at PO. Most of it was junk. All our bills were paid on line. Bank statements could wait. But now even those are on line. PO needed a letter from us stating who was getting the mail and the time period. Found that forwarding to someone worked but it took some time to kick in. Mail was inevitably still sitting at PO.

In 2020 we used Elizbet through Tours By Locals for an all day tour. We could have arranged an airport transfer but did not need one. She has her own company called Iconic Buenas Aires now and it is run by her and her daughter. Excellent.

We ask for a kettle too. The steward says just run water through the coffee maker or order tea from room service. Noooo not the same. Makes only one cup at a time, takes too long. So we insist. Wish cups were bigger in room. I wish more special room requests could be made on MVJ.

Even if you all get the same included and optional excursions be aware that you may not all be on the same bus. Often there are several buses for each excursion at the same time especially the included ones. The ONLY way to be on the same bus is agree to meet at a specific location on the ship and then get in line as one group to get your bus number assignment. When you reach the front of the line, let the Viking person know you are all together. Don't send two people to wait in the line to get all the bus tickets because they will be asked to go back and get everyone and then get in line. Just because 2 people get there first, the rest won't be allowed to cut the line. Sorry if i am being rude, i've just seen it happen too many times with groups.

I would suggest Ocean - something Scandinavian. Midnight Sun or Homelands. Scenery is spectacular and it is Viking land.

For 15 and 18 day cruises our 100% refund cancelation period was also 120 days prior. Also the US final payment is often 12 months before the cruise and 6 months for those who have other cruises booked. These times may also have cancelations just prior.

No. Just did not drink local water. Brought lightweight long sleeved shirts and pants and sprayed with insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. Had gotten hepatitis shots ages ago when we first moved to the Caribbean and traveled on our own sailboat. Did not get yellow fever vax for Amazon this year. Look at CDC recommendations and make your own decision.

Does the ship leave port on the same day as you board? Is your trip during winter or spring storm season? If so, definitely fly in the day before or take the Viking pre cruise with hotel and transfer. Don't take the chance of missing the ship.

We did the Valencia Viking included in 2021 and it was a very nice combination of panoramic bus ride and walking the old city. Our guide was very specific about pointing out exactly where to meet the shuttle bus for those who wished to stay in the city after the tour. Many people cut loose in the old city when she announced we were heading back to our bus.

Should join the Roll Call for your trip. Folks are talking about a Viking charter flight to Miami and then flights home from there. Some cruises it included overnight hotel in Miami, dinner and flight home next day.

My friend just talks to the waiter when we first sit down. Was no need to pre order.

Hmmm...getting way off the Strange things you've seen topic here. 🙂

Yes, salmon. A friend has very specific likes/dislikes and just says she does not eat lamb for example and they ask if salmon can be substituted. Menus will be available on the day you board.

Miami is horrible. Plan 3 hour layover at least. If you make it through fast, relax with a drink or grab a bite. Last time for us international to domestic had long lines at Global Entry and Mobile Passport. Then we had to collect our luggage, drop it off and go through security. The security line was SO long that we were in line 45 minutes before we even reached the luggage drop off point for connecting flights. Then AA changed the boarding gate from when we first checked the board upon arrival. When we found the right gate, our flight was long gone. We stayed at airport hotel ($$$) as there were no flights until the next morning. At least it was on the way home.

That is probably the best plan as bringing a "walker", cane or hiking poles do not require prior approval nor notes from doctors. Wheelchairs and scooters do.

Drink the offered glass of champagne and go to lunch. Make additional specialty restaurant reservations if you wish. When your stateroom is ready, unpack and watch the safety video (required) on your room TV. Walk decks 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 exploring all the spaces and learning where things are. OR check at Guest Services Deck 1 to see if they have ship tours for new guests.

Congrats Clay & Mike. So happy you went for it.

I agree that Barcelona Day Tours is excellent. Barcelona is amazing. Finally getting to Madrid this winter but been to Barcelona twice.

We used Sentir Patagonia for Puerto Madryn. It was an all day excursion and was excellent. Saw sea lions with pups, elephant seals, all kinds of birds, Magellan penguins with young and a great lunch at an estancia.

I would be more concerned about yellow fever. If contracted, its a death sentence. Dengue fever is most concerning to pregnant women or those who wish to get pregnant. Any disease could be dangerous for the elderly. Most cases are mild and resolve themselves but some could require hospitalization. Just like Covid. Its easier to avoid and protect yourself from mosquitoes then coughing, sneezing, breathing cruise ship passengers. Do your research, assess your risk and make your decision. I live in the Tropics and we had a dengue break out/scare a few years back. I guess i am more relaxed about it

I never noticed that. Thx.

We had the Patrick Watts tour in the Falklands scheduled but the ship departed the port after determining that tendering was dangerous. Fortunately we also had an excursion booked to Peninsula Valdez from Puerto Madryn. Can also have penguin tour from Punta Arenas but it is weather dependent as you go by boat.

The only place i can think of on board where he would need to negotiate stairs are the 2 or 3 steps up into the Wintergarden. Tea is served in that gorgeous space. However the overflow is served in the lanai along the sides of the Wintergarden with no steps. The Star Theatre where evening shows take place as well as lectures, port talks and movies during the day has stairs to seating up and down. However there are some rows of seats level with the entrance doors. In the Explorers Lounge on Deck 7, you will see a staircase to the lovely upper Explorers Lounge on Deck 8. Deck 8 EL can also be reached via the forward elevators. From there just walk down the short hallway of staterooms to the end and there is a door directly into the EL. You can also reach the Deck 9 forward "sports" deck and outdoor seating areas by using the forward elevators. Don't avoid the World Cafe self serve buffet or carry all the food to the table yourself. The staff is happy to help carry your dishes if needed. Enjoy your cruise.