Zippeedee

They sent around an invitation to participate in a focus group discussing these new itineraries two weeks ago on the Star. Not personally excited about flying that long so I didn’t volunteer. Interested to see how they turn out.

This is a huge change from the ship I stepped off three days ago. Important to note that 150 crew members, including the Executive Chef, disembarked on Tuesday. There has to be a learning curve as everyone gets used to working together. I guess one of the benefits of being new to Viking was that Manfredi’s was my favorite restaurant, my ribeye was thick and perfectly cooked and I enjoyed the burgers at the pool grill. I also heard people raving about the tuna made there. I hope your experience improves.

I was very concerned about “fitting in”, mostly because of a few social media snobs and bullies. Just about everyone I’ve met on board is wonderful . Make the leap!

It showed up on my fb page. I thought it was a scam until I checked with a travel agent. Yesterday I saw Antarctica for $7999!

This was a ridiculous deal, no one wants 21 sea days! I got free airfare Boston/LA and a DV6 cabin which is the lowest level deluxe. It was $11,600. The price dropped twice after I booked but I was happy! Just having the thermal spa, refilled ice and still & sparking water twice a day and free laundry rooms (with soap!) all included has spoiled me for life.

I’m on the Viking Ocean Star right now. I saw an offer and grabbed it. 33 nights, solo from Los Angeles to Hawaii, French Polynesia and back to LA for $1000 more than the 15 day Prima Iceland cruise I cancelled. There is so much included and the service is beyond amazing. Breakfast in the buffet area includes at least three servers making sure water, juice and coffee are on your table within minutes. There are 830 guests and 440 crew. Twice a day room cleaning and mini bar restocking (soda, chocolate and peanuts at my cabin level). Wine, beer and soda included with lunch and dinner. One shore excursion at each port. I have onboard credit and need to go shopping to use it. Keep watching for those sales!

There are lots of reliable cruise YouTube channels. Everyone needs “clickbait” titles to be seen. I like Emma Cruises, La Lido Loca and Tips For Travelers. Just find someone who has similar tastes.

If anyone is interested here is our route.

I was in the World Cafe around 8 pm when someone asked an officer who confirmed the patient had been picked up. We started moving soon after. I’m sorry for your friend, I hope they will be ok.

Thanks! I was in the Wintergarden and it was hard to hear.

I am onboard as well. I thought they said we just had to go back to US waters so the coast guard helicopter could pick them up.it may have already happened, I haven’t checked the tracker in the last few hours.

There is a toothbrush holder but I don’t think dentures would fit. Just get room service soup or gelato and keep the bowl. (I wish they had those lamb chops at the World Cafe!)

If you haven’t used it, cruisedeckplans.com has all of these details and more. I’m in 3045 on the Star right now. Near the forward elevators but close enough to the Atrium to make using either elevator easy.

Not at all. I am used to paying extra for a balcony cabin, WiFi, bottled water, specialty meals, the thermal spa etc. The price I paid for my upcoming 33 day Viking cruise is $2000 more than I paid for a 14 day cruise on NCL.

I will board my first Viking cruise next week. I’ve sailed with Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. I am completely stunned by everything that Viking includes. I used to work in HR for a very generous nonprofit foundation. We always said no one should join us for their first job. They wouldn’t truly appreciate what we offered and subsequent employers would be disappointing. Maybe Viking should require sailing with another brand as a prerequisite to booking? 😁

I’ve done this on multiple cruise lines. As long as you are paying for the transfer and book it in advance they don’t care. I’ve arrived a day early and stayed in an airport hotel just to avoid flight delay issues.

Thanks Clay! I was planning to get hiking poles and didn’t know where to start. I just ordered a pair of these. Appreciate your help!

My first Viking cruise is in less than two months. As of now the only issue I would love to see addressed is the addition of steps in the pools and hot tubs. Thankful for the thermal spa but l would love to be able to use the outdoor pools as well.

Sorry if this is a bit off topic. I prefer iced coffee, black. Not the coffee shop 2000 calorie melted ice cream versions. Is it available anywhere on the ship? I suppose I can make it with the Nespresso machine if not. Just request ice delivery?

Almost… Periodic weekend closures of the Sumner Tunnel resume from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. During this time, the tunnel will close on Fridays at 11:00 p.m. and re-open to traffic on Mondays at 5:00 a.m. Traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes. Through the end of 2023, the tunnel will be closed the following weekends: Weekend of September 15 Weekend of September 22 Weekend of September 29 Weekend of October 20 Weekend of October 27 Weekend of November 3 Weekend of November 10

Probably an unpopular opinion but I love the spa on the Epic. It all the way aft with an outdoor balcony area. Great views and fresh air.

Thank you Clay. I really appreciate your clear explanation and photos.

Do the hot tubs have ladders too? I guess I’ll be spending more time in the spa.

Just wondering how one fills and empties that pool on a balcony? I don’t want to be on the balcony below.

Is it just me or is anyone else uncomfortable with a spa employee inserting an IV? Yikes! “Other additions include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy; four-senses loungers for for deep relaxation; and Kneipp haptic foot therapy, which massages feet as guests walk across the pebbled moving stream that alternates between hot and cold foot baths”