nanface

Amen

The point is, we do not disagree that the main tourist attractions are too crowded - globally. The issue is how to change this.

It is more than a hop across the Channel for me (and most Americans) to see Europe. Therefore, not getting off the ship because it is crowded, is not a real option. I understand changes need to be made, but personally, it took a long time for us (hubby and I) to even achieve the ability to take a trip like on Viking and finally see another part of the world. If I booked it, paid for it, I want to see it.

Ports do need to be scheduled less intensively and also non-cruise tourists considered. It will be figured out. Meanwhile, I still hope to be a frequent Viking passenger and see many more places on my bucket list. If they schedule it, I will go.

Nan

We are all in agreement that these fabulous destinations are inundated with too many tourists. How and if they start to enforce quotas is the question. What a logistical nightmare! It is easy for us here on the Viking threads to say ban the huge mass market ships but that is not fair and would not fly with the HAL type lines. I can't see staggering the ship schedules helping, as every single day of the week these ports seem to be teeming.

It would be difficult to change the already scheduled itineraries too. For example, if my paid cruise has to change from crowded Venice, that would affect disembarkation, flights, extended tours, hotels, etc. How ever a quota system is enforced, it will widely affect the whole tourist industry and individuals - natives and tourists. It is more than just a mayor declaring a quota.

The "hows" are out of my pay grade. I will leave it to the experts, but it sounds like the the direction towns like Dubrovnik are going.

Also, no, I have not seen anything more recent regarding Tourist Visas for Europe. I quoted it originally from short travel update summary in my local Minneapolis Star Tribune 12/30/17 that attributed Bloomberg. Probably hot air in response to Trump policies.

It may be needed in the long run, but selfishly, for those of us already scheduled to visit these ports, it is a concern if they enforce it in 2018.

The article I read said all tourists, not just cruise passengers, will be limited in crossing the gates of the old city.

Phil, we are on the same cruise in October. I can imagine that wall to wall people is not good for the travelers, natives or the city itself. The day we are in Dubrovnik, there are 6 other ships scheduled as well, the most of any other day in October (http://*******/2lsH7au). With a cut or more than half allowed, cruise lines are going to have to scramble for other ports. How are they going to determine which ships can dock?

In the newspaper today, a Bloomberg article warned, "Europe voting to end visa free travel in March," as well as "Dobrovnik capped visitors to 4,000 per day." With a cruise in October going to 5 European countries, including a stop in Dobrovnik, I am getting nervous. I heard these changes were in the wind, but now it seems they're reality. Does anyone know more at this point about how this will affect scheduled cruises?

Nan & Dean

Today the website for our favorite hotel in San Juan, Hotel Caribe, says they are not open for reservations until June 30, 2018.

I am glad to hear this. It just didn't make sense that there was a real difference. Other than port issues, I am assuming the negative comments were anomalies and not the norm. Thanks for the comments on this. We are excited to sail on the Sky next October - hopefully the first of many Viking cruises!

Nan & Dean

Being a first time Viking cruiser for a trip October ‘18, I find myself glued to these Viking Ocean threads. I want to learn from everyone and most seem to be multi-cruise Viking experts. I am finding a distinct difference in much of the posts from Caribbean itineraries to the European, even for the same ship.

The Caribbean cruises seem to be receiving many more negative posts on service, food, the embarkation process, etc. I read from one poster that because the itineraries for the Caribbean are so new, Viking just hasn’t shaken out all the bugs in their processes, excursions and the like. That may account for some disarray in new ports, but not for bad attitude of staff or food service. So, what gives?

Is the staff is the same no matter where the ships cruise? Or are they switched out when totally changing hemispheres? (kind of seems like it). Is it the passengers themselves that are different based on their chosen destinations? What do you think, oh Experienced Ones? [emoji4]

Can’t wait to hear more. We are also sailing on Sky next fall.

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Hi All Experienced Viking Cruisers,

Simple question. Can the beds on the Sky be split into twin beds? We have DV2, if it matters. Thanks.

Nan and Dean

When we cruised north to Alaska, we spent a lot of time on the balcony, early mornings with coffee or later with an adult beverage. I believe the starboard side is best going in that direction too to see more wildlife and shoreline. Alaska is all about the view, the beauty of the land and wildlife. Personally, I can’t imagine a cruise without a balcony.

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You are right. I need to let the worry go and have my capable TA do the work for me. Thanks.

You all are making me nervous about our 10/18 cruise out of Barcelona (from MSP). Our flights are not booked yet, but we told our TA we want business class via Viking Air. We are newbies to all of this and thought doing everything through Viking would make make everything hassle free including transfers.

So what is Air Plus? Do we need Custom Air to be assured a decent business class flight? Why is this so difficult and frustrating for people?

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And what about on the non-huge cruise lines, such as Viking? Do all cruise lines deal with luggage in the same manner? What are your experiences?

So, how do you know your individual room is ready? Or are they all ready at one time?

20 points for you, Peregrina! :) I actually didn't mean to post that, but meant to type into my search bar instead. However, like other museums, I did find they do have some foldable totes!

MIA shop

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Does the excursion pricing show when they load the excursions into My Trip?

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Caribe Hilton now closes to end of March 2018

Wow. Thanks for the update on the Caribe. Love that place.

Caribe Hilton now closes to end of March 2018

Wow. Thanks for the update on the Caribe. Love that place.

Has anybody heard about the status of the Caribe Hilton?

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Has anybody heard about the status of the Caribe Hilton?

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Just some general snorkeling suggestions. I am not sure about Bonaire, but I have been snorkeling in Belize and Puerto Rico and have suggestions. 1. Wear swimming or surfing shirts to prevent sunburn on your back- even if you repeatedly put on spf 90 sunscreen. And 2. If you wear eye glasses for distance, buy prescription goggles online. They’re not too expensive. The first time I went, I got a terrible blistered sunburn and though had a spectacular trip, I couldn’t see much without glasses. A learning experience! I love snorkeling!

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