Frenchberet

We've cruised several times on Viking.  Under "normal" circumstances, the waiter assigned to take you to your table in the main dining room stands in front of the wash station and requests that you wash at the sink or use hand sanitizer.  I'm expecting things on our next trip to be much more serious.  No doubt you will be required to wash up.  I don't have a problem with that.  

2 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

 

I, for one, speak up to the offended when I see a passenger ignore the serving tongs or ladles and use their hands at the buffet.  I hope it embarrasses them enough to change their behavior. I also notify a supervisor.  On a recent cruise I saw an ignorant passenger handle several rolls with her hand until she found the right one.  The tongs were right there, but she apparently didn't know what they were for.  I said "Please don't handle other people's food with your hands."  She  huffed and puffed and walked away mumbling about me being rude.

 

I also speak to the supervisors when I see tables pre-set with drink ware - especially if unused drink ware is left on the table for the next person to use.  

 

The next time you are on a cruise, any cruise, watch to see how the buffet tables are cleaned between uses.  I often see the tables given a swipe with a used cloth napkin and then drink ware placed upside down on the table surface or the multi-use placemat.

 

And then they wonder how viruses spread.

Agree.  Not to be rude, but it’s time to speak up. 

2 hours ago, bbtondo said:

Elle:  I feel badly for your friends being denied boarding and missing their cruise. Did they do the right thing and tell the cruiseline that they transited via HKG 2 days ago?  Or, where they "caught"? Do they think they are above getting sick?  The rules are there for EVERYONE to follow.

 

 

Honestly, I’m glad to hear that Viking is taking this seriously and strictly enforcing the rules.  I don’t want to get sick on board, quarantined for 2 weeks after our cruise is over, or maybe even die.  

The new version of the Viking Voyager app says it’s “available for our river and ocean itineraries”.  Try it!

28 minutes ago, Cyber Kat said:

I have always considered gratuities - on any cruise on any ship - part of the cruise fare, like port charges and/or taxes.  I prepay them and forget them.  Over and done.  I have never even thought about removing them.
 

We tip extra to those we deal with on a more frequent basis throughout the cruise  - cabin steward, dining staff (we generally find a service group we like and request their section), and bartenders.  We do this at the end of the cruise - cash in envelopes.

 

Quite frankly, I don’t understand this quibbling over it, nor the gnashing of teeth over the subject.  What the cruise lines choose to call this charge is semantics.  It’s a fee, and we pay it.  Viking river is pretty specific as to where the money goes.  I assume it’s a similar distribution on ocean.

 

I agree with Peregrina651 that it’s splitting hairs and cheap.   That’s my opinion, but the OP asked for opinions.  I really don’t understand why people ask.  It’s pretty much a dead horse that just keeps getting beaten and people do what they want anyway.

 

 Just an aside.  We have never had less than stellar service on any of our Viking cruises (2 river, 2 ocean so far)

I agree.  We’ve done one Viking river and are embarking on our third ocean cruise soon.  The service on every ship has been great.  We pay the regular fee and leave additional cash for the cabin stewards near the end of the cruise. 
 

We don’t need or  expect a lot of attention but it’s very nice when someone goes out of their way to bring extra hangers, towels, or a pot of hot water for your evening tea.  I really appreciate it.  

Sorry, I was looking at 2020 not 2021. 

Personally, I’d pick the newest ship.  What are your travel dates?  I don’t see an option for Venus in 2021.  The price difference might be due to the time of year you’re sailing.

We aren’t foodies or wine connoisseurs, but we really like the Chef’s Table!  On two cruises to Norway we’ve tried the Asian, Indian, Xiang, and Norwegian menus.  All the food was good and the experience Itself was so much fun.  
 

The only really spicy item we had was on the Xiang menu.  The first course was fried prawns with crispy garlic and chili.  It was very hot but good! 

We’re going to Australia/New Zealand in a few weeks and looking forward to trying the Australian menu.

Try the Chef’s Table.  If you don’t like it you can always get something at the World Cafe or room service.

10 hours ago, in rod we trust said:

here is a useful link for all those coming into Sydney you can check out smoke haze etc with it and there is few other live cam's around Sydney  you can google as well

 

https://webcamsydney.com/

Just checked out the Sydney webcam.  Is it fog/raining or smoke today?

Sorry to read all the negative comments.  We are sailing on Orion is a few weeks and I'm really looking forward to the planetarium.  Will report back!

We did a one hour tour of the Oslo Opera House that was very interesting.  It’s a beautiful building and you can walk up on the roof for a nice view of the harbor.  We also went to the Nobel Peace Museum and military fortress.  The main shopping/restaurant street is Karl Johans Gate.  All within easy walking distance from the Thon Opera hotel.  Have fun!

Wow, that’s great news!  👍

We did the Northern Lights cruise Feb 6-18, 2018.  Unfortunately, we did not see the northern lights.  While we understood that sightings weren't guaranteed, we didn't think the Viking excursions were optimal, too many people and too little time.   Suggest that you book one or more private excursions to increase your chances.  Good luck!

7 hours ago, just_dont said:

Honestly, the only crewmember on our cruise that I would in hindsight call unhelpful was the person manning the reservations table in the World Cafe on boarding day. Everyone else bent over backwards to help us with anything we needed or wanted.
Perhaps they are given guidance or rules that they have to follow on boarding day. I don't know.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

This was exactly what we experienced.  On embarkation day we tried to book an additional date at the Chef’s Table.  The crewmember refused and said we should come back in a few days, after the V cabins had an opportunity to book.  We circled back a few hours later and a different crewmember was manning the desk.  He was very helpful and got us a reservation for that evening.  Keep trying.  Love CT, love Viking!  

Looking forward to your report.  Hope you have a wonderful trip!

18 hours ago, Homosassa said:

While you don't have a lot of time to spend in the Everglade National Park, I have two suggestions for a short visit to the Park. I do not know of any public transportation to the Park . You would most likely have to rent a car.

 

You will be visiting in the dry season when the water levels are lower and wildlife are closer to the trails.

 

Your first option is to go to the Shark Valley Visitor Center and take the two hour tram ride.  You will need reservations, and hopefully, there will be one that leaves around 9 AM that will give you time to return to Miami.

 

The second is to go to the Homestead entrance (Ernest F Coe Visitor Center).  Once in the park, go to Royal Palm and take the Anhinga Trail (an anhinga is a bird). The trail is on boardwalks and hard surfaces . You will see alligators and different birds.  We have done that trail and it is a favorite of ours.

 

It is a short trail and you will have time to drive further into the Park before turning around to go back to Miami.

 

The website below is for the Everglades National Park and has information about anything I mentioned.

 

https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

 

 

Another option is to arrange a private tour. I found the following through Viatour (we have used Viatour while in Europe).  It is a private jeep tour through Big Cypress Preserve (still a part of the Everglades).  According to the information , you arrange the time for pickup in the morning at you hotel. The Port of Miami is listed for drop off (you would have to check about your luggage on the tour).

https://www.viator.com/tours/Miami/Private-Tour-Everglades-Sightseeing-at-Big-Cypress-National-Preserve/d662-6866JEEP

 

While the tourist information will say the wet season is the "buggy" season,  the difference between the "buggy" season and the non buggy season is just a matter of degrees.  No matter when you go, you will need strong insect repellent  for the mosquitoes, noseeums, and flies. A repellent with at least 25% deet is best.

 

The best way to prepare is to wear light colored (mosquitos and other critters are attracted to dark colors) long sleeve shirts, long pants, closed toed shoes and socks and a hat. Tuck the pants legs into the socks. Spray the repellent from your neckline down to your shoes. Spray the hat. Apply the repellant to any bare skin (hands, back of neck, ears, face).

 

The first time you walk into the shade under trees and the black cloud of mosquitoes cover you, you will be glad of these precautions.  

 

You will smell lovely and you will appreciate the free washing machines for your clothes when you board the ship.

 

I hope you have a chance to do a short trip into the Everglades. It is a unique natural wonder.

I’m very impressed with the helpful people and valuable information on this forum.  Thank you for taking the time to provide this terrific response.  Hope you have a great New Year!

Here’s another thread on the same topic.

2 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

This cruise, I have been learning to play bridge on sea days.  It is something I have always wanted to do, but not had the time.  The instructor on our cruise is quite good, and incredibly patient!

 

The showers are good sized.  They aren’t huge (at least in the DV and PV cabins) but you do not get claustrophobic.  You don’t bang your elbows washing your hair, and there is a ledge in the shower.  The bath amenities are Freya, there is body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion.  I have only used the body wash, DH has used the shampoo.  World Cafe is a buffet each evening, The Restaurant is table service, and what these 2 restaurants serve mirrors each other.  No reservations at The Restaurant, it is first come, first serve.

 

No charge for soft drinks, coffee, iced tea, beer or wine at dinner.  

On Viking, soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer and wine are included at both lunch and dinner (all venues).  In addition to the World Cafe and main dining room, you can make reservations for the Chef’s Table (multiple course themed dinner with wine pairings) and Manfredis (Italian) at no extra charge.  Food is also available at the Pool Grill and Mamsens (waffles, sandwiches, desserts).  The spa is very nice with (free) access to the sauna, snow grotto, hot tub, and hydrotherapy pool.  On sea days we do the spa, afternoon tea, fitness center, sports deck activities, and enjoy the view from the Explorer Lounge.  We are sailing on Orion this year which also has a planetarium.   

I saw Valentines Day candy & cards out on Dec 26...

Thanks to everyone who responded.  Appreciate your help!

Hello, we will be cruising Auckland to Sydney in March 2020.  Hoping for some input on what type of weather to expect - temps, rain?  Planning to bring a rain jacket and a fleece to layer.  What do you think?  Thank you!

Thanks so much for posting!  I miss the beautiful Viking ships, food, and excursions!  Can’t wait until our next trip.

4 hours ago, lovestx said:

Thanks for the helpful info. Glad to know I didn’t find the port times because they aren’t on the website!

 

i sense from all of you who responded that I shouldn’t worry that the port times will be inconvenient or too short.  My future daughter in law is most excited about the stop in Lofoten so hope that’s a well planned stop.

I checked our itinerary and we were in Lofoten from noon to 6 pm.  We did the optional sea fishing excursion and it was a blast.  There were only about 8 people on the boat and we each caught several big fish (pollock)!  We’re not experienced ‘fisherpeople’ but we had a great time.  It was one of the highlights of our trip.  
 

We also enjoyed the optional excursions with the huskies and crab safari, both in Tromso.  My favorite included excursion was a visit to the Ring of Brodgar in Kirkwell.  

The port times are shown on the Guest Statement (page 3) that was emailed to your son.  We did this cruise in July 2018 and had a great time.  Norway is a beautiful country with lots to do and see.  They made a good choice with this itinerary.

On 11/15/2019 at 2:12 PM, Kiwi_cruiser said:

Hello from the Queen Elizabeth
We are now in the Southern Hemisphere as we crossed the Equator Yesterday! :D

King Neptune came to visited the Queen Elizabeth as we had our crossing the line ceremony! It was good fun!Unavailable

 

What was involved with the crossing ceremony?  Looks messy!  

When we crossed the Arctic Circle there was a ceremony where some of the (brave) passengers jumped in the wadding pool filled with  ice.  They were rewarded with a shot of aquavit and a smidge of blue colored egg white on their nose!  Lots of fun!