Romocruiser

Im starting to think about a Princess Japan Cruise for 2025. Japan has been high on my bucket list. Any advice about which cruise to select? The number of days is not important, but the content is. I would like to experience as much of Japan as possible, within the limits of a cruise. Thanks.

I wonder if Viking will offer some kind of compensation for the missed Nicaragua port. In theory, we already paid for the included excursion, and I assume port taxes and other fees associated with visiting there. I havent heard anything yet. I really hope that some Viking representative is reading this thread. Viking should not take its most loyal cruisers for granted.

I agree that one needs to be flexible when traveling these days, whether by air or cruise. You just never know what might happen. That said, I think it is a little unfair for Viking to post a port in advance if they know there is little chance of stopping there. This is unlike cancelling a port because of weather. It could be the case that someone chooses a cruise because they want to go to that port, in particular. I have been to the Panama Canal before. Same for Mexico and Costa Rica. A draw for me was the chance to go to Nicaragua. I am not terribly disappointed. I have no intention of canceling. But I can understand if others might. I have a cruise coming up in 2025 that includes North Africa. I definitely would cancel if I knew in advance that the likelihood of stopping in some ports was practically nil. In short, I think there should be truth in advertising.

I received my email this morning. It would have been nice to visit Nicaragua — probably the only time in my life that a visit might be possible. But I agree with others who commented that other ports should be possible. Perhaps an over night in Costa Rica or other port in Mexico. I dont mind sea days, but there sure a whole lot of them on this cruise.

Also on the Dec. 17 cruise. Looking forward to it. Ill definitely read all the postings and advice about the ports and excursions. I’m not above waking up early and claiming a good spot to watch entering into the canal. But you know how people are—no doubt there will be people arriving very late and pushing their way through or pushing people out of the way.

I never traveled anywhere as a kid. Except to visit relatives. Now, I have traveled to 100 countries and can cruise once or twice a year. And on Viking, no less. It bothers me not whether there are dancers or singers to greet us. I am just so grateful that I have an opportunity to travel. I try to have a little perspective that while I can travel, countless — millions of others — barely have clean water or food, health care, or education. Let’s be grateful for our station in life, endure minor inconveniences while traveling, and be gracious to all — Viking staff, fellow passengers, and locals we may come across as well.

As for packing, I would bring a sweater or fleece. It can get cold in the Star theater for lectures and nightly entertainment.

I dont see this as being a problem. I dont remember the details, but we booked more than one included a few times. I even think we did one included in the morning and another in the afternoon on the same day.

We were just in room 7014 on Jupiter. Loved it. I would absolutely do it again. Near World Cafe and Explorer Lounge. It was quiet, even when there was a loud party going on in the WIntergarden area. I would avoid certain areas on Deck 3, especially above Torshavn Nightclub. We made that mistake once, and had to move cabins.

Anyone going to be on board? Will be fun to celebrate Christmas and New Years.

I have been on several Viking cruises now and each time there was a singles get-together. The cruise director also invited people with a specific interest to let him know. I would speak with the cruise director ASAP. He or she may have advice for you and may even arrange a special get-together, depending on level of interest. Speaking of which, I traveled on a land-based trip several years ago. To make a long story short, a group of friends traveling together went out of their way to “adopt” an older, solo, gentleman for the duration of the trip. It was a learning moment for me. Since then, I have done the same — look for singles. I was able to do so on a cruise when I was traveling with friends and came across a solo-traveler from Germany. We basically “adopted” him and he and I remain friends to this day. Finally, you can always post something here, looking for singles or others who are comfortable with singles, for your specific cruise.

I have booked on board several times and my land-based agent got credit for and handled the deal each time. It was never an issue. The incentives vary, I think, from ship to ship. It also depends on the length of the new cruise you are booking. On my latest booking, we the standard $200, plus another $300 off, plus an additional $200 credit on board our current cruise. In sum, the two of us received a total of $1000 off plus the on-board credit.

One cabin to absolutely avoid is on 3 above Torshavn. I dont remember the exact room number, but you can find it by looking at the deck map. When booking, we had no idea that this room would be a problem. At 9pm, the music came on and you could hear every word the performers said, as well as every note of music. Plus the vibration coming from the instruments and microphone. Was horrible. Luckily, Viking was able to move us to a different cabin and even had staff help with the move. So all turned out well. But by all means, please note when booking the location of Torshavn and select accordingly.

I was on this cruise this past Christmas and New Years. We had a wonderful time. A few pointers. First, they will announce in the Daily when to see the glaciers. For me, it was around 5:30am. By all means, GO. There were only about 12 of us on the Explorer Lounge, so plenty of room to maneuver around and take photos. It was glorious, among the best scenery I’ve ever scene. Second, about the extension to Iguazu Falls. I’ve been to Iguazu twice. The extension offered by Viking (unless it has changed) visits the Argentinian side of the falls ONLY. While good, the best view are from the Brazilian side (looking at Argentina). I took a pass on the extension for that reason. If you think you can go to both sides on a separate trip, then I would skip the extension. If you think this might be your sole opportunity to visit that side of the world, then consider it. Finally, there is an included excursion (I forget which city) that goes to the country side to a Welsh community and have tea. We didn’t do this excursion, but others who did said it was dreadful. You basically sit on a bus for about hour and half to go to a hotel, have tea, and get back on the bus. You can have tea in the WIntergarden. So, based upon what Ive heard, I would skip that excursion, even if included. Oh, one last note: If you absolutely must see penguins, then book several of the available options. Dont rely on seeing penguins in the Falklands, because it is hit./miss whether you will actually dock and use tenders. All because of the weather. The weather gods were with us and we had a wonderful time. Also, there is a small museum on the Falkland’s that is wonderful. (Free admission for Viking guests). It talks about the Falklands War, and also South Pole Exploration. One of the best small city museums I’ve ever gone to. Happy to answer other questions about this cruise.

Hi Clay. Where are you headed on the Saturn? We were together on the Iceland cruise a few years back. Since then, we did Belgium and Holland river, Chilean fjords, and most recently Norway. Hope all’s well. Steve.