duquephart

I guess it makes sense in an odd sort of way and would explain why Viking allows it. And Viking isn't likely to include a "we are required to ----- " line in their excursion descriptions.

Drinking liquor is not a criteria - quantity is however.

One night in Chef's Table the upgrade white was Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. Viking should be ashamed.

Were we herded into a government-subsidized store? Is that a requirement or just any store will do? We went to XYZ "Carpet & Jewelry" although the guide described it as a "guild."

As good as Manfredi's is it gets old after 3 (maybe 4) visits.

The "sales routine" and the haggling were an interesting feature of the experience. I consider myself a savvy negotiator (car salesmen hide under their desks when they see me coming) but one of the tricks is to have a baseline starting point. With a car you can, with some research, arrive at a good idea of dealer cost and haggle up fom there. Much harder with the higher priced items in Turkey.

The carpet deal is not a part of any tour. Having "free time to browse ----- " is not the same as being herded into a shop. The guide waits around to get their kickback from any sales rather than taking folks back to the ship.

Does he/she keep the ship off the rocks?

One of the questions asked of the cadet giving the tour: What's it like working for Viking? Answer: We don't work for Viking.

Finally got to do a bridge tour while aboard Jupiter just recently. Very interesting and informative. One thing we learned is that Viking does not operate it's ships! That task is farmed out to a company that specializes in ship management/operation - as is the case for many cruise lines. Viking itself is "just" the hotel end of the cruise.

Couple of dark beers go very well with a dog (or burger) at the pool grill!

Well ----- now I know about Kuşadası. The port area is strewn with shops - most of which appear to be very nice/high quality places selling all the usual stuff, with Viking (as noted) providing a list of shops that meet their approval according to some set of criteria. Following the tour of Ephesus we were herded (invited?) into a rug/jewelry shop the bus stopped at for a "demonstration" of rug making and "presentation" of the goods that the tour guide had pitched on the way back from the tour. Very slick and clearly a set-up - and Viking should be called out for allowing this. The demonstration and presentation followed a pattern that can be seen in any number of videos on the subject. The rugs are stunning (of course) and basically sell themselves. My "we don't need any rugs" other half and myself were easily taken in - which is the whole point of the process they are very good at. We are quite pleased with our purchase. We also got caught by one of the jewelry guys on the way out - you are basically running a gauntlet. We have a habit of purchasing very nice jewelry items that a given area is known for - Baltic amber for instance - and in Turkey that means Zultanite.

"Lobster Night" on a Viking cruise is no big deal - unless one thinks frozen lobster of unknown orign is a big deal.

Convenient. How did that happen? 😃

You have to wonder if it's really machine made. How many have been sold?

"Go to the coop demo on the Viking tour in Kuşadası." Which tour is that? I've read on other threads that tour guides get an attractive kick-back for delivering cruise tourists (who often turn into buyers).

We are booked on the "Wonders of the Ancient World" excursion. I wonder if that will include a "demonstration" in Kusadasi.

Thanks! Now all I have to do is convince the other half that obtaining a rug is a good idea.

Thank you! What size is the one shown? Stunning!

Were you able to dig out the names of the dealers? Leaving in three days.

We have asked if a riesling is available. Never denied.

I can't imagine it would matter much. Are you talking over and above mandatory "gratuities?"

Always a plus when it comes to star watching.

Great example would be what Viking calls bisteca. Someone should be thrown in jail for that one.

Calling something something does not make that something what they call it.