duquephart

16 minutes ago, lovetosew said:

The fact that the shops on board are closed when in port is an important fact not many may think of. This is another reason to be self sufficient on our travels.

Makes me wonder how the jewelry store does any business. Only open, for the most part, when folks are at dinner or shows, or in bed. That combined with ridiculous prices would seem to work against any success.

Just curious - what has Bergen to do with British Isles?

There is a small area of the nordic shop for such things but probably best to bring what you may need.

45 minutes ago, SantaFe1 said:

Agreed!  Bottom shelf grocery store wine. 

We actually like it and keep a bottle or two in our wine cooler. My point is that it's much closer to average than to premium.

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.

1 minute ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

As I said, much discussion. As I’ve stated in other threads, IMO unless you drink liquor the SSP is not worth the cost. All wines are available for purchase so there is nothing exclusive in the package. It’s just a different way to pay for drinks.

Drinking liquor is not a criteria - quantity is however.

6 minutes ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

Your gratuity is available to view in My Viking Journey (MVJ). If you haven’t set up your account yet, do so now. Go to “Before You Go” and click on Pre-Paid Gratuities to see the amount. BTW most people do not prepay because on board credits may be used for this purpose. Even though you might not have any credits, you might obtain some during the cruise. For example if you book another cruise while onboard you will receive an OBC. Also if a paid excursion is cancelled you may end up with a credit that can be used for gratuities.

The beverage package includes additional wines. Whether they are an upgrade or not has been the subject of much discussion on this board. 

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

4 hours ago, bookbabe said:

One of our guides in Turkey on a recent cruise let it slip that it’s a government requirement that all tours stop at a rug shop, one of the government-subsidized ones, as part of their initiative to preserve the carpet weaving art.  There’s a whole system of schools to train new weavers, with a lot of financial incentives to get girls to attend.

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."

On 5/8/2024 at 12:57 PM, Baron Barracuda said:

On our recent 33 day Grand Polynesia sailing we were able to enjoy 7 different CT menus (plus a couple of repeats).  We passed on several others.  Did Manfredi's several times as well but became a bit repetitive.  When making reservations always had to check what we would be passing up at The Restaurant.

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.

14 minutes ago, DrKoob said:

And that's why (at least to me) the Hotel Manager is the most important person on the ship. 😀

Does he/she keep the ship off the rocks?

1 hour ago, CDNPolar said:

Sorry... getting a bit lost here...

 

What do you mean that Viking does not "operate its ships"?

 

Are you telling me that the Captain and the senior crew are not Viking employees?

 

I have heard Captains before state how long they have worked for Viking.

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.

1 hour ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

We visited the coop on our way back from Ephesus. The factory stores are literally across the street from the cruise terminal. Viking also provided a list of vendors that had been approved and included home delivery. We were told that the factory store employees do not work on commission. The government subsidizes the industry in order to train and employ the Kurds and keep the traditional hand weaving industry alive.

Convenient. How did that happen? 😃

7 minutes ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

During the demo the salesman  explained the process of making that blue silk rug and how many hours it took to hand weave. He then asked “How much do you think it costs?” DW shouted “$70,000” to which the salesman said “If you pay that, I’ll personally deliver it to your house.” 😆

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).

40 minutes ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

Go to the coop demo on the Viking tour in Kuşadası. They put on quite a show and will do the convincing for you. Low pressure, good prices, and it’s delivered to your door. 

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

6 hours ago, Azulann said:

It is 5’7”x4’.

Have fun finding a rug for yourself in Istanbul. Have a great cruise and do post here if you have time 

Cheers!

Patti

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!

On 1/27/2024 at 8:18 AM, Azulann said:

Give me a couple of days and I will  talk to my friend  who now lives in AZ. It was her cousin who  lived in Istanbul  as a teacher and they bought  many rugs from this dealer. My other  source I will check out is my neighbor in my condo building. He is from Istanbul and in fact his parents are here visiting. I will also ask him  too for a name.  Stay tuned... 

BTW when is your  Viking cruise? 

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.