KiwiClaire

22 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Not trying to "split hairs" here, but the question is whether "Champagne" is available on the SSBP.  We have been on 10 Viking cruises and never seen "Champagne" included on the SSBP.  Prosecco yes, Cava yes, Sparkling yes, but not Champagne.

 

So is the Jacquart on the menu above inside the SSBP?  It is certainly available to pay for by the glass, but is it in the SSBP?  I thought that $15 per glass was outside the beverage menu pricing ceiling?

 

I could be wrong...

Until recently champagne wasn’t available in the SS on ocean (although it was on river 🤷‍♀️) but now it is definitely included.

On 12/15/2023 at 6:31 PM, PGI GUY said:

We are on the Star enroute to Hawaii.We have had some issues, this our 9th VO cruiseand things are not going well.Im writing this on my phone in hvy seas, so please excuse  my errors. We had dinner in Manfredies and experienced the "new" menu and not in a good way. There is no veal itms of any kind, no lasagna, no osso bucolic, how can they call it an upscale italian restaurant with out any veal items. I ordered the mushroom powder rubbed rib eye. What I was served was a very thin ribeye that was ordered med rare, it was a grey sad looking piece of meat. My wife ordered chicken parm, it came out looking like it came from the supermarket freezer section. I requested to speak with the wine steward,he appeared with two bottles of house wine, Isaid we had the beverage package and would like a recommendation for a wine. We'll he walked away and returned with the wine list and walked away not saying one word.

The next day I went to guest services and spoke to a supervisor who said the head chef would contact me very soon, that was 3 days ago, nothing yet from him. The head of the beverage dept did contact me and wine problem has been resolved.

Last night I did speak with a manage at Manfredies who said that the current menu has not been well received and anew menu will be introduced in 1 or 2 months.

Remember the thick burgers at the pool grill? They have been replaced with a very thin frozen Patty and are not chargrilled. They are cooked on a flat opener grill and they load up the grill with frozen meat and as it defrost on the grill and starts to cook in excess water the boil on the grill resulting in a grey thin disc which was then served on a cold untrusted bun. The menu has been downsized and the hot isn't much better.

 

Yesterday the sewer backed up in our shower and we had to change cabins. We usually book another Viking Cruise while on board,  I think we will not be doing that on this trip and await to see how things play out.

 

I have to agree about the burgers on Star. I don’t often eat burgers but I loved the thick juicy pool grill burgers on the 5 previous ocean cruises we’ve done, so the day after we set sail on the 14 Feb cruise we went to the Pool Grill in high anticipation. The thin burger was like cardboard, I didn’t bother eating it. So disappointing. The cheesesteak sandwich however, was delicious! The tuna was good. It was a shame the pulled pork sandwich wasn’t on the menu. 

On 2/15/2024 at 9:12 PM, SantaFe1 said:

Yes, the Jacquart is available by the glass on the SSBP.  we are in PV and it is in the frig.  Once that is gone, you can ask to have wine delivered each day.  As for the bottled water— I asked this morning at the Viking Bar for Perrier or Pellegrino only to be told they didn’t have it.  But I’ve had it on other cruises so it pays to ask.  

We were on the same cruise in a PV and we had Prosecco in our fridge not the Jaquart. But we had the SSP so no big deal. 

I've always wanted a deck 8 room, with the upper explorers lounge right though the door at the end of the corridor! Never been early enough to bag one yet but I'll keep trying! 

On 6/13/2019 at 6:01 PM, What was that? said:

I am a complete stranger to Viking Ocean, and would like to hear personal experiences with these cabins on cruises. Noise, access, etc. We are looking at the maiden cruise on 26 January 2021 B2B with the Northern Lights cruise on 2 February, so we would have plenty of cabin time.

Definitely go for the aft rooms over the dining room. 

2 minutes ago, FoggyEthan said:

Mine was never visible (in my pocket) and no one said anything.

I realise that different cruise directors may run things differently, but that was the rule on our cruise. If they can’t see it, they don’t know if you’re carrying it or not. But obviously different ships are doing it a little differently. Odd though, you’d think they’d have the same policy on all ships. 🤷‍♀️

2 hours ago, Staffordshirecruiser said:

Hi Osprey, I am sure the letter will be fine, we will have them with us in case Verify fails.

The U.K. govt has said only the NHS App or a printed version from 119 is official proof of vaccination for people in England. Scotland, Wales and NI have similar systems. 

16 minutes ago, Staffordshirecruiser said:

Hi - just checking those people who have booked UK Star voyages or those who are interested know about the book of faces We love Viking UK, the US site is also really good.

The U.K. based group is really aimed at U.K. passengers as the way Viking does business here, and local issues, are different from other places. 

3 hours ago, Jaea said:

How do you get a packed lunch from the ship?

Ask your room steward. 

3 hours ago, Glenndale said:

Dear Viking Guest

Thank you for choosing to travel with Viking. and we are looking forward to welcoming you on board.

If you have not already done so, we would like to invite you to pre-book your included shore excursions, dining, and spa reservations via MyVikingJourney. A variety of optional excursions will also be available for you to choose from and these can be booked and paid for once you are on board.

We would also like to take this opportunity to update you on the additional boarding procedures and requirements for your sailing.

As you may already be aware, in line with Viking's enhanced COVID-19 protocols, all guests must adhere to a dedicated time slot for embarkation. This will ensure a seamless check-in for all our guests while maintaining social distancing and reduce congestions at the terminal. Embarkation slots for your voyage are now open for booking, and this can be done via the Shore Excursion section of your MyVikingJourney account.

Health and COVID-19 screenings will take place for all guests, which will require a non-invasive PCR test, contactless temperature check and verification of your pre-travel health questionnaire. Please note that due to the length of time required for testing to be completed, all guests must arrive to the port at their prebooked embarkation time. The latest arrival time permitted to the port will be 12pm.

As a reminder, these sailings are only available for guests who have had their full COVID-19 vaccination, at least 14 days prior to departure. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately via 0800 319 66 60.

You will be asked for proof of your vaccination dates or prior to embarkation. Confirmation of your vaccine dates can be found on the NHS app or letter. You can download the  link to the app here, or obtain a COVID pass letter by calling 119.

A final requirement for boarding will be completion of a health questionnaire. This will be available for you to complete via your MyVikingJourney account from 7 days prior to departure, and we ask that this is completed prior to travel to avoid delays at embarkation.

Should you have any questions before your departure, please contact Guest Services on 020 8780 7900.

Thank you for traveling with Viking; we wish you a wonderful journey.

Yours sincerely,

Guest Services
Viking UK

 

Above the email we received, I cannot see anywhere where it states that the PCR test will be taken on shore. On our Viking cruise in June we took our tests in the cabin, handed them to our attendant and were then free to go for lunch. 

We were very impressed with Vikings safeguards.

As far as our Scilly Isles stop, we don't anchor until 1pm and there will probably be only time for one excursion. As we wanted to visit the gardens anyway we are happy with the included excursion.

The Tresco Abbey Gardens are wonderful.  Try and make sure you're on an early tender though. We were assigned the 4.30 one, which meant we had to really hustle round in order to be back on time - the people who went earlier had all afternoon. 

2 hours ago, bardstowntraveller said:

Our 8/3 cruise is fast approaching and I am trying to finalize our touring plans. Could anyone provide feedback on the following tours

Isafjordur & Bolungavik Village Tour

Seydisfjordur on Foot Tour

Beluga Whale Center & Bay by Boat Tour

Heimaey on Foot Tour

Wildlife of Heimaey by Boat

 

Am considering replacing Beluga Whale Center with Wildlife of Heimaey by boat and cancelling the ships tours  If I do, we will tour Seydisfjordur and Heimaey on our own and enjoy ship in place of Isafjordur tour. Will I miss much if I do?

We are doing exactly that - we cancelled the whale centre because its right in the middle of town and you can walk and do it on your own.  We are going the included bus tour and the Heimay by boat in the afternoon, leaving the morning free to see the town and visit the whale centre. We will probably take a packed lunch from the ship with us. 

Just now, Triptkr said:

Curious...is that what you were told?   I just ask because our experience very recently on our Bermuda cruise was different.  Yes, we had wear our contact tracing devices all the time but we never wore them in plain sight.  Usually in a pocket or bag.  Never had an issue - no one ever said anything to us.     🙂

Interesting. Well I'm only referring to our UK cruises, but if the staff can't see them, how do they know you're wearing them is the idea.....  we were definitely told they had to be visible on the ship, outside your room. Obv not on tours, or in the pool!! 

34 minutes ago, patchicago said:

I was looking at the CVS website about their COVID-19 testing and just discovered that the test is self administered. I don’t know if I can successfully test myself! I’m afraid that once the swab makes me feel uncomfortable I won’t go as far up as necessary or keep it in my nasal passage as long as necessary. Rats! I think I need to find an alternate testing option.

Honestly, its not that bad. As long as the swab makes your nose tickle and your eyes water a bit, you're good!  I have to do them for work and I've got really used to it. 

On 7/17/2021 at 7:54 PM, SteelCity Cruiser said:

Question on the contract tracing devices.  Are we required to wear them around our neck on the lanyard, or can they be clipped to a belt or jacket zipper instead?

 

As long as they're visible you can wear them how you like. 

2 hours ago, StuLaurie said:

At home I use a dye free no scent detergent for sensitive skin. Can the washing machines be run without adding the detergent if we just want to rinse things out. And for those that have used the detergent does it leave your clothes with a strong floral smell?  Thanks

Yes - as I found out the first time I did laundry and didn't realise you had press a button for detergent!

On 7/17/2021 at 2:55 PM, bluesea777 said:

 

Not sure but the US bookings for Sky and Jupiter prove very successful and they are already or nearly sold out on the Iceland sailings - and maybe they need to reduce the pax count, so they're adding a third ship to the Iceland sailings to help with the demand.

 

Viking Orion's Bermuda Escape sailings proved very successful so they added 6 extra sailings. These aren't shown in the UK Viking. 

 

In other news several cruise lines are now disallowing passengers on their ships who, although have been double-jabbed, had mixture of AstraZeneca & Pfizer/Moderno shots.

 

 

Some people had to have a mix of vaccines if they had a reaction to the first one, or it was contraindicated for them to have a second dose.  Usually AZ first then Pfizer/moderna.   Should be relatively tiny numbers affected though. Seems harsh if there’s a medical reason for it. 

On 7/15/2021 at 3:57 PM, Snit13 said:

Hoping and praying no other cruiser has the need for quarantine.  We don't sail until August 31 on Jupiter and I am reading all posts on 3 sites now and so sorry for those on current trip.  Hope he/she has trip insurance for possible assistance in paying for quarantine.

We’re supposed to be on that sailing too, from the U.K. We’re doubly vexed with the U.K. foreign office still “advising” against international cruises so insurance is void, and watching to see if the situation improves around managing positive cases. I love the Viking experience but if I want to spend a few days exclusively on board, I can do that here, I don’t have to fly to Iceland to do it! 

On 7/13/2021 at 4:42 AM, mancunian said:

Can I ask advice from those of you have done this parking before at Portsmouth.

 

How far is the walk to the car park.   I am partially disabled and use a rollator and my husband has recently had a complex operation on his arm. This means I am not sure about him pulling suitcases.

 

We are at present torn between the two firms.  The advantage of CPS would be that they drive the car to the park.  Of course my husband could drop me and luggage and then take the car.  However coming back is more problematic.  CPS reserve disabled spaces the other firm says they have them but you cannot reserve.   The bigger problem is of course the luggage.  Do you think if my husband went to collect the car he could get back to pick up me and the luggage

 

Finally if we use the other firm and you are taking and collecting your own car does this mean you keep your keys which we would prefer as we are coming on from a week in Cornwall so will be leaving stuff in the car.

 

Many thanks

 

 

There is no valet parking offered. Your best bet is to go and offload your bags outside the terminal where Viking staff are collecting them, then drive to the car park, and walk back with your carry on bags. It’s about 500m walk, and flat.   

9 hours ago, MarkBearSF said:

I saw a menu picture from California theme Chef's Table. It appeared that there were no choices for the main course (or others). Is this the case? In our case, we'd have to cancel because my husband is allergic to fish. (I'm also a bit picky, which could be a potential issue)

Not to mention we probably wouldn't pick the "California Cuisine" theme, well because....

 

We had this on Viking Venus last week.  It wasn't great.  The amuse bouche was fine, and the tiny little crab cake starter was very good, and the pudding was good, but the main course halibut was overcooked and uninteresting. The ginger and vodka granita was interesting but too gingery for my husband. I think you either love Chefs Table or are 'meh' about it. I'm definitely 'meh'.   The food in Manfredi's and The Restaurant is phenomenal, and CT just doesn't match up.