Frenchberet

2 hours ago, kctwinmommy said:

Do you by chance have a picture or know what they were? And were they difficult to book? What did you guys do in Venice? Thanks for any info!

Sorry, I didn’t keep a copy.  I think there were two included walking tours and two optional tours to choose from on transfer day.  No problem booking, just stop at Guest Services.  We chose an optional tour to Murano/Burano, very good.  
 

On our other days in Venice we did an included walking tour, “Highlights of St Mark’s Square”, and an optional tour to the Doge’s Palace.  We booked these during the regular excursion booking process prior to boarding.

The issue with Venice is that you are docked 90 minutes from St. Mark’s Square.  You’re spending 3 hours in transit (by boat) each day which limits the time you can actually spend sightseeing.  Just something to keep in mind.

We just returned from this cruise.  The full itinerary was Barcelona to Istanbul.  We sailed Rome to Istanbul (legs 2, 3 & 4).  Venice and Athens were change-over days where passengers got on and off for a new leg.  Viking offered several included and optional excursions for passengers continuing on.  We received a handout in our cabin a couple of days before the change-over with all the info.  Great cruise, enjoy!

I wouldn’t spend any more time waiting for the person to call you back.  Just call Viking at 1-800-304-9616 and ask your questions.  Have your booking number ready.

Figure 5 pm back on board for a 6 pm departure.

On 3/5/2024 at 8:57 AM, FoggyEthan said:

I'd thought I remembered reading that you have the option to hike without a dog of your own. Do you remember if that was an option?

I don’t recall that option but I suppose you could just walk along.  We shared a dog and passed him back and forth.  They told us it’s a reward for the dogs to be selected for this assignment 😊

On 3/4/2024 at 9:30 AM, miwakaly said:

How demanding is the Husky Trek?  The description in My Viking Journey says you jog attached to a dog.  I'm very interested in this, but am not a jogger. 

I’d give the Husky Trek a ‘moderate+’ rating.  You wear a belt and the dog is attached to you as you hike (not jog) through the tundra.  The huskies are energetic and strong and at times can be hard to control.  They are wonderful, friendly animals and we loved seeing where they were housed and playing with them.  

The Saturn gift shop has a thermal cup (probably 8-10 ounces) with a lid for 44 euros.  They offer several Nordic designs. 

We stayed at the Grand Mercure Auckland prior to boarding our Viking cruise.  We liked the location and proximity to restaurants and the dock.

2 hours ago, BlairsvilleCruiseGirl said:

We're thinking of doing the Sea Fishing in Lofoten.  How was it?  Do you have any tips or suggestions? Or pictures?  And lastly, did you tip the captain or mates on the fishing boat? We're trying to figure out how much/if any NOK we need to bring.  Thanks!

We aren’t fishermen by any stretch of the imagination but we loved this excursion!  There were only 10-12 people onboard a medium sized boat so there was plenty of room.  The company provided waterproof jumpsuits and fishing equipment.  We were out for about 2 1/2 hours and caught a bunch of pollock, each maybe 24 inches long.  It was a lot of fun.  The guide was very informative and helpful.  We tipped him but I don’t recall the amount.

We’re still talking about some of our favorites from the Midnight Sun itinerary — 

- Grieg’s House & recital (Bergen)

- Sea Fishing (Lofoten)

- Husky Trek (Tromso)

- King Crab Safari (Honningsvag) 

- Greenwich Observatory (we did this on our own following Viking’s included excursion)

Great cruise, have fun!

11 hours ago, wpklee said:

I believe when you sailed in February 2023, the submersible ride was free or included in the fare.  I can imagine the demand must have outstripped the supply of seats, with lots of disappointed guests.  Viking changed the rule in June and for our sailing, they charge $499 a ride, most likely to mitigate the issue and complaint. 

 

I've watched a couple of You Tube videos of the sub ride.  I'll be honest, what you can see on the Antarctica sea floor is really underwhelming to me.  Maybe my expectation is skewed by the colourful coral and fishes that you frequently see on those brilliant National Geographic TV programs.

 

Did you get a chance to ride the sub yourself?  Would you have done that if you had known that's what you'll get, and had to pay $1K for 2 for the "been there, done that" bragging right.  I know $1K is nothing compared to the cruise fare in the grand scheme of things.  I suppose this is all personal too.

You're correct. The sub excursion was included in the fare when we sailed.  We didn't do it but looking back, sort of wish we did (I'm a bit claustrophobic...).  There was a special line for the subs where they weighed each person and provided more info.  We talked to a couple who did the sub excursion and they showed us some nice photos.  I honestly didn't see any disappointed guests or problems with signing up for anything.  We were busy every day and thoroughly enjoyed this "once in a lifetime, hard to top" trip!

15 minutes ago, wpklee said:

Hi everyone, we're booked on the Feb 21 Antarctica Explorer on the Polaris. 

 

We are late to the game and the kayaking activities are all sold out.  I understand that guests are allowed only one kayaking and one special operation boat cruise per cruise, but multiple Zodiac cruises and landings, and all subject to weather and sea conditions. 

 

For those who have done the Antarctica cruise on either ship, can you please shed some light on your actual experiences related to the availability of these excursions and how many of these did you end up getting.  Thank you in advance for your info.

 

Wallace

Hi Wallace, we did the Antarctic Explorer on Octantis in February 2023.  Prior to sailing, we were asked to indicate our interest in the various activities - kayaking, sub, zodiacs, and special ops.  We didn’t actually pre-book any specific activities. Once on board we were able to sign up for everything we wanted to do.  We did at least one activity at each landing site (some days more than one).  There were also lists where you could sign up to be called if there were cancellations.  
 

The expedition cruises are different than ocean cruises.  Everything is weather dependent.  The expedition ships are beautiful, mini versions of the ocean ships with the addition of all the scientific equipment and “toys”.  We had a terrific time and would do it again in a heartbeat!  

50 minutes ago, wp bob said:

do we submit sizes for expedition jackets (Antarctica) ahead of time or on board? I know pants and boots are done onboard.

We received an email 60 days in advance of our trip requesting sizes for jackets and pants.  The staff was very helpful in exchanging things once on board to ensure we had the best fit.  

27 minutes ago, FoggyEthan said:

 

Thanks for the favorites! I'm thinking about a husky trek for one of our two days in Svalbard. Do you think the one from Tromso might be better in some way? Did you get to eat the crab at the end of the safari?

We visited Svalbard on another cruise, “Norway & Iceland’s Arctic Explorer, but didn’t do the huskies there so can’t comment.  The husky excursion in Tromso was really nice.  We toured the facility, met the dogs, then took them (actually, they took us) on a hike.  Fun.  We did a similar husky excursion out of Tromso in the winter (Midnight Sun) and went dogsledding.  It was magical! 
 

The Crab Safari was fantastic.  We went out on a high speed rigid inflatable boat, pulled up the crab traps, then landed on an island.  The guides gave a lecture on king crabs and explained how they were imported from Russia.  They explained the parts of the crab, then proceeded to dissect them.  We went to a Sami lavvu (tent) where the guides cooked the crabs in a large iron pot.  They served the legs and soft meat from the inside of the crab with bread, a slice of lemon, and coffee.  Plenty to eat.  A wonderful experience.  

5 hours ago, philw1776 said:

Did not know that these homes were now available. Ephesus along with Pompeii is a top favorite for me. Gotta go again. Will bring along lots of left over salmon from breakfast. Those who've been there know why.

Watch out for any tours that end at rug merchants. Do not enter the building.

We will be traveling there soon… I give up, why did you bring the salmon?  Snack or did you need it to feed something?  

We did Into the Midnight Sun.  Our favorite excursions were the Husky Trek in Tromso, Sea Fishing in Lofoten, and King Crab Safari in Honningsvag.  Nice itinerary, have fun!

We did the Antarctic Explorer Feb 2023.  We did the extensions and flew American Airlines.  The flights were fine.  If you are using Viking Air, call and ask what they are offering.  We stayed overnight at the Hilton Buenos Aires before flying on to Ushuaia.  This was a wonderful trip and one that it will be really hard to top!  Enjoy your cruise.

21 minutes ago, CurlerRob said:

Just FYI, the timing and penalty varies with the length of the cruise. I have a 35 day trip that costs $1000 up to 180 days prior. 
 

You’re correct for shorter trips. 🍺🥌

Sorry.  I just looked at our invoice (trip is 28 days).

Islandwoman, maybe contact Viking re specifics for your itinerary.  

You can cancel your Viking cruise 120 days or more prior to departure for just $100 per person.  Cabin availability is anyone’s guess.  Suggest you check the website periodically and take the leap when you feel you can’t wait any longer.  We ❤️ Viking, hope you will too!

Following this thread and hoping you receive some helpful feedback on this extension.  We are planning to do this pre-extension too.  It appears that there is only about a day and a half of free time in Rome.  Trying to decide how to make the best use of it!

On 12/2/2023 at 4:57 PM, KBs mum said:

Also ask if you want a kettle, no boiling water is available elsewhere on the ship for tea making. 

Bring your own tea bags, liberate a tea pot from the atrium bar and mugs from the world cafe. The ships RO water makes a decent brew, so no sugar or milk needed 

 

Wanted to share a memorable story from a recent cruise on Viking Orion.  Our steward stopped by to do a turn down just as I was heading up to the World Cafe to get a cup of tea.  He asked me to wait and returned minutes later with a tea service complete with a carafe of hot water, cups, tea bags, cream, sugar and cookies.  I was totally impressed.  
 

It is my habit to get a cup of tea at the WC each evening but this was a nice treat.  On subsequent nights, our steward had a pot of boiling water waiting for me in the cabin.  Great service.

2 hours ago, Bob Boag said:

We're taking the Explorer-class Octanis from Santiago Chile to Ft. Lauderdale next March 2024.

I didn't catch on that this was a new, smaller specialized vessel until recently; the price seemed pretty typical relative to our other Viking ocean trips.

It seems to me this is a repositioning trip from their Antarctic season to their Great Lakes season. What does an ice exploration ship offer for a trip up the coast of South America? Do they even use the equipment like the subs and the expedition vehicles? I suppose no boots and parkas.

Is the entertainment paltry? No shows or bands? Is it hard to get reservations to the specialty restaurants since they don't have a main dining room? I like the science stuff but we're not really exploring anything.

Some of your questions can only be answered by Viking.  It likely is a repositioning cruise.  Do they use the subs, zodiacs, and special ops boats?  Boots and parkas?  Probably not but you’d need to check with Viking.  
 

We did the Antarctic Explorer cruise on Octantis (Feb 2023).  The expedition ships are beautiful.  They are designed and decorated much like the Viking ocean ships but on a smaller scale.  Entertainment is limited to performers in the Living Room Bar and Explorer’s Lounge.  It consists of a classical duo (violin, cello), a pianist, and guitar player.  There are also lectures in the Aula.  Dining choices include the Main Dining Room, Manfredi’s, Mamsen’s, and the World Cafe.  No problem making reservations for the MDR or Manfredi’s, just use the app.  The World Cafe is huge and the choices are amazing.  The Grill is part of the WC and you can get made-to-order steaks and burgers.  There is also a large sushi area.  We do not normally eat dinner in the WC on ocean ships but happily ate there on the expedition ship!  There is also room service with a full menu. 

2 hours ago, CharTrav said:

Not necessary to go down totally.  Most do but some just went down enough to cover their shoulders. Other idiots actually dove in scaring the medical staff who were monitoring things. 

The ship’s doctor was standing by with a defibrillator…

6 hours ago, Mike07 said:

 

They apparently do it in the pools onboard. You don't actually jump in the ocean water like other lines might.

That’s correct.  On the Viking ocean ships the crossing/Blue Nose celebration is conducted in the main pool area.  On Viking expedition ships there is a series of plunge pools that are used.  Lots of participation, lots of fun.  Bonus is a shot of akvavit at the end!

Hi DaveA, on the US Viking site, there are tabs that give you the option to enter your email - Why Viking, Complimentary Brochures, Sign Up To Receive Updates From Viking.  Check the UK site to see if you have something similar.  I think this might trigger some nice offers for a first timer.  Hope you enjoy sailing with Viking as much as we do!