Johannaj

You can go to the cruise director and arrange a get-together for gay passengers. We did that on a cruise a few years ago. We ended up with 5 people - a lesbian couple, a gay couple, and one fellow who thought it was an AA meeting! I'm not sure the AA fellow ever figured it out. On the plus side, I still correspond with the two gay men. And, waldorf, don't exclude those seniors - most of them are still very active - even hip.

Although Viking does not have a specific program for LGBT people, it's possible to set up an interest group while on one of their cruises. Just go to the assistance desk and tell them you'd like to set up a meeting. The people at the assistance desk can help by suggestiing the best time and place and will put a notice in the Viking Daily. All that said, the one time I did this we (two senior lesbians) did meet up with a couple of gay guys with whom we are stil in contact. There was also a fellow who thought it was an AA meeting. I'm not sure he ever figured it out!

Most people shower in the bathroom area of their cabin. I suppose that on a rainy day one could do an outdoor shower. 😉

I must be thinking of the river boats -

No extra fee for the specialty restaurants. Book early, though - the specialty restaurants are not all that large. And, yes, Viking is far more sophisticated than Princess. Viking's target audience is people who want to learn about and have experiences with other cultures. Regarding cabin and class - I book whatever veranda cabins have the best price at the moment. I do not care to book a cabin on the lowest deck because I want a full-size window. We did book one of the lowest priced cabins once when money was tight - it was OK, but I really like having a big window and, in warm weather especially, a veranda.

The two times we were there Viking ran a shuttle from the pier to the railroad station. The train to London from Tilbury station takes about 40 minutes - I think the round trip fare the last time I was there (2 years ago) was about US$ 8. Do be aware that there are TWO train stations in Tilbury. Be sure you get off at the right one! Of course, if you make a mistake, just wait for the next train. One morning I wanted to get to London early in the morning, so I walked from the pier to Tilbury station - it was about a 20 minute walk (I walk pretty fast for an old poop!).