Lexus550

It's always been "automatic" for us. Possibly it has to do with the room category, but more likely it's the steward

Last year on our Empires Med cruise there were 2 tour groups: 1 of 30 people and another of 40 people. None of them were over 30 years old. The rest of us were in the 50-70 range. We've done 2 cruises since then and it's pretty obvious that Viking is trying to cater to a younger demographic. Rightly so I suppose. Maybe it depends on the region. Lots of muscles, muscle shirts, bikinis and speedos.

A couple of cruises ago this was an issue for a couple we knew on the ship who had a private excursion. They had to go in search of the GM so they could get off with the Viking excursion groups.

My husband and kids have been diving in the Great Lakes; usually around shipwrecks. Of course, the time of year would be important!

It's all has to do with who you get on the phone. If you don't like the answer they give you, just call right back.

We have always been able to make our final payment 6 months out whether we have another cruise booked or not. If it was further out than that, I doubt we'd book. With their current promotion of $25 down (although in some cases the penalty is $100 for cancellation) and with payment 6 months out, we think it's a good deal.

That would be a very bruising experience for me even without a walker.

On our last cruise we experienced this. The line was very long and even though they said it would only be 20 minutes, it took about 45 minutes. The manager of Chef's Table came up and said there were free tables there. We would have gone with him, but we didn't like that night's menu. We didn't mind standing in line. It was a way to chat with fellow cruisers and it was fun. When we were finally seated it was at a very nice table by the window.

We just finished our 8th Viking Ocean cruise (where I heard about this forum!). We really enjoy their aft ES category. If you're worried about being able to book all your desired excursions, ES passengers choose second (after the Owners Suite). There are also DVs at the aft. The views are amazing. We have also stayed a couple of times in a PS and once in a PV. The PS is much more roomy that a PV. If you choose a PV, you have to be careful about location because photo opportunities under the World Cafe are limited because the balcony is covered.