PasadenaDave

We walked off ship and took the first taxi. There is a shuttle service by an outfit which is unaffiliated with the Sanctuary, however they take this time to go on holiday, he was very responsive to my inquiry. You can purchase admission on website of Sanctuary with no specific time, it is good for one year

October 2024

Today, Thursday the 28th was such a great day that I am awake after nine! The day began with cappuccino from the Living Room at 0630 and then steam and soak at Nordic Spa. Breakfast in World Cafe and wait to leave ship which was delayed until 11:35. We took a taxi to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There is a tour but it was full and we are glad that it was. We were almost done there when the tour arrived. We had a great time feeding and petting kangaroos and seeing Tasmanian devils. The taxi hung around as business is slow and he drove us back via Richmond to see a historic bridge and village. Upon returning we walked the city and waterfront. We were very lucky to see the number 3 and 4 finishers of the Sydney to Hobart race, the winners crossed the line at 0800. I was so excited to see this as it is to me the World Series or Super Bowl. Shared hot dog and relaxed in room and on sailing watched number five approaching the finish. Nap and then dinner in restaurant which was the bast meal ever at sea. Tomorrow is a sea day.

We booked two cruises yesterday while on board Auckland to Sydney. Based on the occupancy levels of both cruises booked, there is no need to worry about Viking filling their ships.

Wednesday the 27th was more of the same. The seas were rough with walking, I mean waltzing to and fro around the ship. Our excitement, we watched Baggo while waiting, was booking a River Cruise to Portugal and a Japan to Hong Kong journey. We ate at Manfriedies. It was a disappointment, poor service and my pork chop was very salty. The Carbonara was very good. We would have had a better meal at the Restaurant which has been good. Yes, I am critical when served a dish that I could have made it better myself. Tomorrow is Hobart! Hint, it was better than imagined with Maxi class racing yachts!

Boxing Day was more of the same at sea. All meals in the World Cafe today as we need a break from mega dining. Three highlights: I finished my book about Shackleton, I did a full mile walk around the ship, and I saw a pod of whales at a distance. Today I learned that there had been a pod of ten near the ship. Bed by nine, yes we love excitement

We were in Auckland for one night December 18 and stayed at the Hotel Britomart which is two blocks from Shed 10 where Viking docks. Most convenient hotel to the ship at that pier. New modern hotel which we learned about from booking at aa.com frequent flier site as we used ff miles to book and pay.

Yesterday was Christmas in these parts. I am a creature of habit enjoying the Nordic Spa on opening. The day was devoted to reading, World Cafe for breakfast, The restaurant for lunch and dinner. Dinner was scallop appetizer and beef Wellington followed by blueberry cheesecake. A cool and cloudy day.

Yesterday we were at Lyttelton/Christchurch. There were provided shuttle from ship to local town and separate shuttle to Christchurch. The route from port went through a long tunnel and dropped off at CBD. We had a nice walk visiting the art museum and craft fair. As expected it was quiet due to Sunday and it being Christmas Eve. Weather began cool in the fifties with low clouds rising to 70 and sun. Morning activities limited to hot tub as the steam room was under repair. My wife had her hair “fixed”, I don’t have those issues. Due to the port of Dunedin being skipped due to Christmas we learned that we were all awarded $150 US in onboard credit each. That is fair. We had a late lunch and enjoyed a drink in Explorers Lounge as we sailed out of the port. A late dinner in World Cafe and time in our books.

OBC is that, onboard credit as described in FAQ section of the website. Salon, store, bar. Many opportunities to use it. A hat at $45 took one third of my portion.

While we have been aware for six months that the port of Dunedin would not happen due to Christmas, we received a gift today. $150 on board credit which is fair. This is per person.

The vineyard area is a very flat flood plain and the vineyards are more similar in that regard to vineyards for table grapes. Both wineries we visited indicated the height of the water , about three feet, which amounted to a large lake and the water took a considerable amount of time to dissipate. There is visible damage, however if I wasn’t aware of the flooding I don’t think I would have noticed. The river is very wide and shallow with built up dikes marking the banks. Many of the e vineyards were planted twenty years ago on what was considered wasteland and I suspect that 2022 wasn’t the first flood. We did take a detour as a temporary bridge installed while a damaged one is replaced can’t hold the weight of a bus

Yesterday was Napier. The day began as all others do with my routine. we met with the Cruise Consultant to look into future plans and we were shocked to see how little for the next two cruises have for available cabins in 2024. With that amount of occupancy don’t be concerned with the finances of Viking. Early lunch in World Cafe then off to see farmland and two wineries on the optional wine tour. We probably have gone to enough wineries but learning of the history and the devastation from the February 13, 2022 cyclone flooding was nice. We drove through Napier but did not have time to stop and walk around. Dinner in the restaurant excellent salmon. I have to say that prior posts from others on Cruise Critic about noise and slow service has not been our experience. My typical challenge to stay awake until nine continues, my body likes sleep…but we need to ask for an egg crate topper for the bed. Bye

The Wi-Fi has been fine. I actually thought of zooming in in an HOA meeting but then remembered that there is no need to get riled up! I have also seen that some secure document depositories for two consulting gigs have had items added to them….not going to check them as I don’t want to think about my response to them as after all, while I am retired, this is holiday

Yesterday was Tauranga. Up earl for coffee from the Living Room, the in room coffee is rough. I also wait until 8 for the opening of the NordicSpa for a steam and a soak. We had an early lunch in the World Cafe, I am enjoying the gelato! Our 12:30 excursion was on time but it was slow leaving the port/beach area due to summer traffic. This area has had a growth spurt in the past decade and between that an the installation of bike lanes, not the first time I have heard that complaint from bus drivers, the going was slow. The driver provided a good history of the area and description of the kiwi fruit industry. We went to a Community Center where kiwi products were available and watched a Māori dance troupe. The excursion seemed a bit dull, but I like seeing new geography and how locals live so it was a good afternoon. A bonus was watching all of the port activity including rows of timber awaiting shipping. Note that the driver kept his distance from the door so there was no guilt about not tipping. Tea in Explorers Lounge for the sailing and then dinner in restaurant of roast beef with proper Yorkshire Pudding. Dropped to sleep at nine. Temperatures in low 70’s and I was fine in shorts and short sleeves but my wife was glad to have a sweatshirt. The included beer and wine are fine for my taste. We also have a bottle of gin and whiskey brought on board. I am drinking more than normal but I have no need for spirits package. Your needs might vary.

We have only done one excursion and yes people were tipping. I gave the driver/guide two $2 NZ coins for my wife and I. I did see a few people fishing out US currency for tips. US currency is preferred in places like Egypt, but in a country like New Zealand I see it as a lack of respect. There are ATMs everywhere so no excuse not to pick up some local currency. No need to get it at the airport. Also I didn’t mention that there is no need to use ship transport to/from airport. Taxis are plentiful and have a fixed rate and there is no waiting for a shuttle to fill, get in and go.

Early morning coffee from The Living Room at 0630 and breakfast delivered soon after. I had an enjoyable steam and soak in the Nordic Spa when it opened at eight. we had an excursion at 11:30 so enjoyed waffles at Mamsens. The included excursion took us to parts of Auckland with a proper amount of time at a museum. We did a bit of shopping on our own before returning to the ship. An excellent burger at poolside grill on return. Enjoyable gin and tonic in our room, read and watched many sailboats as we departed. Dinner in World Cafe, the lamb and gelato top notch. Getting ready for bed at nine and it isn’t fully dark yet.

Today was walk to the ship day. Fully recovered from the flight, was wandered around the CBD and we were on the pier at 11 and in the World Cafe within 30 minutes. A leisurely lunch and relaxing sit in Explorers Lounge until room was ready at 1:00. A quiet afternoon and then an enjoyable meal in MDR with two other couples. Steak cooked to perfection. It seems that there are more young people on board than we had on prior journeys and the other couples at our table are on vacation from work. The included beer and wine is delicious. We are low key people. If there is something you want to know, ask and I will answer, or find the answer

Travel to destination complete. We departed a few minutes late which shouldn’t have been an issue but due to two bouts of turbulence we were unable to make up the time. We flew business class which United refers to it as Polaris Class. I continue to consult in retirement for as much as fun and interest which allows for upgrade in travel class without the concern of wasting money when we go on international flights. The lie flat seats actually allow for some decent sleep. Polaris Class Review. The Polaris Lounge at LAX is the best lounge experience ever. They only all Polaris Class flyers so no long wait due to holders of special credit cards. They have a sit down wait serviced dining room with good good I. A quiet atmosphere. After dinner drinks in lounge area. A 200 yard walk to the gate. Service in the air didn’t match business international on British Air, Lufthansa, or Air France. Immigration and customs was efficient and caught the first taxi in line and we were at the Hotel Britomart by 9:30, plane arrived at 7:30. We paid for an early checkin upgrade so a shower was welcome. The hotel is two blocks from the ship which is here. We had a good walk, lunch, stop at ATM and ice cream. Back to the room for a nap, then a walk to buy gin and jack for our room on Orion. It is now 6:04 pm with full sun….yes it is almost the solstice here. Hope to stay awake until 8:00. We board tomorrow morning

Here is my attempt so bear me. Presently at United Polaris Lounge in LAX. We dropped off the dogs for boarding and Uber picked us up at 4:00. Quick ride thanks that protesters did not prone themselves on the freeway today. Easy checkin and no line at TSA Pre. Good food and drink. We board in than one hour. We arrive Auckland Monday morning and board the ship on Tuesday. We will pick up a bottle of booze prior to boarding. It will be good fleeing the brutal winter weather in Pasadena, it was 78 today. Stay tuned

There is a huge benefit to living close to a major international airport such as LAX, SFO, ORD, DFW, ATL, or JFK. The capacity of flights allows fewer changes, and a greater chance of a nonstop to Europe. Even places such as Denver have flights routed through other gateway cities. Daughter flew Amsterdam to Denver Tuesday but had to change in Atlanta….tight connection plus immigration caused luggage to arrive one day late….but she was home. We fly LAX to Auckland on Saturday and since May we have had five flight changes but all were about changes of aircraft type and time of departure that only varied by 5-10 minutes. Not a big deal but raised anxiety level when reading subject line of email notification.

Thanks for confirming what I thought. I also prefer giving business to local in town businesses

We are flying in Auckland on Monday and will join Viking Orion on Tuesday. There are a number of liquor stores near our hotel. We usually buy a bottle of gin and sometimes bourbon to take on board which Viking allows. My question is, how are taxes in New Zealand? Does it make sense to buy at Duty Free or is the hassle of carrying more weight from the airport not worth the savings?

Remember that is in Australia dollars converted to USD about $60 which for a world class city is in line with others

It is very rare we hear people acting or speaking with an attitude of entitlement which we uncomfortably experienced on a luxury line. Agree, but we have heard "I could never live in California, such high taxes and your governor!", but we have also heard, "When I was in California..... it must be so wonderful to live there." Entitled people are everywhere, but we actually found more entitled people on Princess with the caste system they have with that line. More often I have had conversations with very wealthy people who talk about rebuilding race cars or taking their boys backpacking when they were in Scouts. More often I find great people on Viking who could care less of your station in life.