Frenchberet

In my experience (3 Viking Ocean cruises), the Meet & Mingles were not well attended.  Each time there were 20 people that signed up on Cruise Critic but only 4 or 5 showed up.  I felt very sorry for the crew members and staff waiting with trays of Hors d’Oeuvres and drinks.  I think an informal gathering/meet up makes more sense.

1 hour ago, jakeHOU97 said:

The specific cruise we are looking at is the one you mentioned from Rome to Barcelona, in Feb. 2023. We want to have our honeymoon right after our wedding, which I soon found out limits the options of a Mediterranean cruise as most lines don’t do these itineraries during winter months. This one on the Sky is the only cruise us and our TA have found during this timeframe.
 

We would definitely want to do an extension since this itinerary is only 7 days long, and we’d like to spend about 10 days in Europe.

 

She also warned us about the possibility of rough seas on a cruise in the Mediterranean during winter months, but not sure if this would actually be a major issue in late Feb/early March.

Hi jake, lots of advice to help you in the decision-making process.  If this is a good itinerary for you, go ahead with it.  Viking is great and I’m sure you and your bride will have a wonderful time!  You’re going into it with eyes wide open and aware that the other passengers will likely be much older than you.  Viking ships are beautiful, the staff is excellent, and the food is very very good.  Both the spa and pool are nice.  It’s pretty much all inclusive.  Nice spa and pool, no extra charge for specialty restaurants, and no photographers roaming around the ship.  It’s a low key option (as to compared to a big party ship) but that might be welcome after all the wedding festivities.  Please let us know what you decide to do.  Congrats!

I love the Chef’s Table!  To me, this would be a more special birthday meal.  We’ve tried 7 menus and enjoyed them all.  Great atmosphere.

For the northern lights, check out GLOD Explorer.  This company handled our Viking excursion in Feb 2019.  I think you can make your own reservations to do a small group excursion (recommended). 

After the cruise ended, we took the train from Bergen to Oslo.  It was very easy to book our own train tickets (Komfort class).  We stayed at the Thon Opera Hotel for a few days.  Lots to see in Oslo. 

Enjoy your trip!

I don’t agree that buying insurance in your own is usually cheaper.  We always purchase our own insurance.  My travel partner is 10 years older than me so his insurance is several hundred dollars more than mine.  
 

For our next Viking cruise (Antarctic expedition), we purchased insurance through Viking.  It is a percentage of the total trip costs so we both paid the same amount.  His cost is a bit cheaper than the policy we usually buy, mine is a bit more.  The total cost for Viking is a little cheaper than our regular company, same coverage.  

With Covid still looming over our heads, we felt there might be an advantage to booking everything through Viking.

Yes, you need to call the airlines.  Be nice but firm.  Tell them this change is unacceptable.  I bet they can offer a better alternative for you.  This type of thing has happened to me, always resolved in a satisfactory manner.  Good luck!

Honestly, this sounds like a "comment".  Not a "serious complaint"...

1 hour ago, PBodek said:

I get it that is is an ocean forum, I can't comment about the possibility of ending daily testing?

Of course you can.  I appreciate the info and update on where Viking is with the testing program.  Thank you!

We did this cruise in Feb 2019.  We packed winter jackets, snow pants, long underwear, heavy socks, hiking boots, hats, and gloves.  Good advice to layer.

It’s your vacation.  Spend your money where it works for you.  We’ve done Viking river and ocean, and we’re planning an expedition cruise in August.  For us, Viking’s no kids, no photographers, no “nickle & diming”, beautiful new ships, free internet, no crowds, included spa, and included drinks, make it the line we want to travel with.  

On our Viking Ocean (Midnight Sun), the man in the cabin next to ours had a motorized scooter which he left parked in the corridor.  I tripped over it more than once.  I certainly understand the need and sympathize with the user, but it really should be kept in the cabin.

2 hours ago, NanciEA said:

I was wondering if someone who is much more technologically adept than myself could post a poll (new thread) with just one question? "Should Viking stop daily Covid testing and contract tracing?" The only answers possible would be "yes" or "no". It would, of course, be non-scientific, but I think many posters on this forum would be interested in the results. Reading various threads on the subject, I can't always get a sense which is the more predominate opinion. Maybe it's 50/50!

Honestly, what would be the purpose of a poll?  Viking has its policy.  You choose to either sail with them or not.  

22 hours ago, MSEm said:

 

We got our Covid PCR test this morning (Sun. April 3, 2022) At Piedmont Urgent Care.  Got paper copy and

noticed that time was not completed on test results. I was told that time was only needed for international travel.

Also there is a letter for international travel that goes with the Results form. If you are getting tested at Piedmont Urgent Care (Georgia) make sure your form has the time and you get the International Travel Letter.

Suggest you get paper copy of results and Travel Letter.  Yes it is on line and you can access the information by internet anywhere in the USA.

PS  Testing Cost covreed by Medicare & TriCare for Life.

Thank you for the info.  Hope you can relax now and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the nice report and great photos!  We did the Northern Lights cruise in 2019 and this brought many happy memories!

On 3/21/2022 at 3:37 PM, Cadodge said:

Except... I  found out the hard way if you carry a money belt under your pants and around your waist through TSA, you may be subjected to a strip search. They look for people trying to smuggle large sums out of the country. Take it off and put it in your carry on until past the check.

Correct!  I take everything (money belt, watch, rings) off while going through Security then find a restroom immediately afterwards and put it all back on.  

1 hour ago, ClevelandKid said:

Thanks mightly!  I didn't know Viking would bring the luggage to the room and pick it up in the morning!  I thought I would be doing the carting - this greatly simplifies my life.  I will pack the carryon for the one night (plus things I absolutely can't lose - like the passport) and essentially let Viking handle the rest.

Secure your passport in your money belt, not your carryon.

1 hour ago, Donna Claire said:

I just booked an ocean trip for the end of April. The excursions are mostly sold out. I can use my voucher and cancel the trip good for 2 years or go ahead and risk it. What do experienced people think?

Where are you going?  Can you book private or small group excursions on your own?  
 

If not, check with guest services once you are on board and inquire whether there are additional slots or cancellations.  

15 hours ago, Rdcjward11 said:

I recently received a notice from Viking telling me that they've changed my cabin from DV6 to DV4, an upgrade of two categories (although the cabins and amenities are identical, it is just one deck higher).  I don't like the location of the new cabin and was told by a representative of Viking that there was nothing they could do about it.  Supposedly, they are renovating the original cabin choice.  I went from middle of the ship several cabins away from the stairs to middle of the ship where everyone will be standing right outside my door for the elevators.  The cruise is not sold out but DV4 is.  Should I insist that they upgrade me again since I liked my old cabin location better than the new one?  Do I have any options?

Contact Viking or your travel agent and let them know your concerns.  If there is another cabin available, I’m sure they will work with you.  Based on our experiences with several Viking Ocean cruises, you won’t find people congregating around the elevators or stairs or anywhere else.  Even when the ship is at capacity, you often feel like you’re the only ones aboard.  Enjoy your cruise!

This was our first (and favorite) Viking Ocean cruise.  We had many special experiences (and great photos) including:
- Lofoten Sea Fishing - we’re not fishermen/women by any means but we caught a bunch of pollack and had a blast

- Tromso Husky Trek - we had so much fun hiking across the fields with these beautiful dogs

- Honningsvag King Crab Safari - we helped haul the crabs into the boat, learned how to filet and cook them, then had a wonderful lunch

- Orkney Standing Stones of Stenness - magical

- Greenwich Royal Observatory and prime meridian line - very interesting
Hope you enjoy this cruise as much as we did!

Wow.  I’m voting for ‘medical emergency’ as the only reason for this to happen.  We did this cruise in Feb 2019 but unfortunately didn’t see the Northern Lights.     If I was on this excursion, I would have had a real problem ending early… hours early!  Hard to believe.

“copy”

On 2/23/2022 at 5:40 PM, miami mama said:

When speaking with my in-laws today, they said they had just received a letter from Viking today talking about changes in testing for cruises. They don't sail until June but the letter indicated changes would occur in March. While people will still need to get testing prior to leaving for the cruise as well as embarkation, there will no longer be daily testing aboard the ship. Has anyone else received this information?

 

Frankly, I don't mind the daily testing. I like the extra safety measure. If true, I just hope this is not too big of leap to be making when you consider we are together in a confined setting for a prolonged period of time. 

Any chance you can post a cooy of the letter your in-laws received?  

We have been following all the rules for the past two years and will ramp it up prior to our cruise.  Can’t hurt but despite the best plans, I think the highest risk of exposure is traveling through the airport and spending hours on the plane.  There’s only so much you can do.  

30 minutes ago, emileg said:

We were scheduled for the February 15th sailing of the Octantis to Antarctica. We arrived in Miami for the overnight at the Sheraton, but Monday morning one of us tested positive. We were put in quarantine for five additional nights at the hotel and arrived home today. We are both in good health and showed absolutely no symptoms. Very likely either a false positive or asymptomatic case. We were very devastated at first, but now accept the loss.

 

Krys and I wish all of you wonderful expeditions ahead on Viking. We hope to do try again in two years.

I am so sorry to hear that you missed your cruise.  The information you’ve shared on this forum has been very helpful and I was looking forward to your report.  Glad you are both feeling well.

31 minutes ago, MSEm said:

Question on the boots.  Are the boots worn over "regular" shoes or is it just the boots?

Also I wear LLBeans , 5ft 2 in  size18 petite or 20 petite pants.  Are the pants and jackets in sizes for not tall. I also need coats in shorter sleeve length? I have a Talbots Women petite 1x that fits wells.

How did Viking determine what "size" an individual needs?

Excellent questions!  Can anyone provide a size chart for the expedition jacket, pants and boots?  I'm short too and hoping they offer some petite options.  Appreciate any info!