Codecow

More like the combination of food, alcohol, and gambling.

I am scum and my preference would be to go on a cruise with drinking and gambling. My wife is way higher class and enjoys enrichment and all Viking has to offer. So it works out!

Silver spirit was so worth what I paid for it with many sea days. Unlimited alcohol saved the trip for me!

It almost worked last time but they stuck us on a bus with BA people who were flying out 5 hours later than us and wanted to go on a bus tour on the way. Didn’t work for me. We’re doing the extension in London and if all else fails I have friends/coworkers in the city who can help us out.

I have no idea what these towns are like. I don’t know when our flight gets in (time) and how far from the airport to the hotel. I have even had trouble in the US getting to the airport in the morning as I would have excepted cabs at 5:30a and was told to just order a Lyft the night before. We’re getting there a day early so we can have an easy onboarding without having to worry as much about the substantial jet lag I am sure to have on +10h. Last time I did a +9h and had to immediately do stuff the next morning it didn’t work out well for me and I felt sick/off for two days. Then again I drank at the lounge, drank on the plane, and then when we checked in we immediately had to take a shower and dress for a reception which unfortunately had a hosted bar. So I learned my lesson on that. 2024 cruise with Viking is Norway all around the UK ends in London, hopefully we make it to Shetland! London I have no worries, I have dealt with trying to get to the airport at 5:30am from Brighton so if I can do that I can get from central London to T5.

I had my wife book our seats. It resulted in a hassle at de-embarkation trying to get from the port to the airport. I ended up calling a Lyft myself as despite many trips to guest services they were somehow unable to arrange it. That said, I’d rather have a ground hassle than have to fly in economy or economy plus. The next two we have coming up we used a travel agent who gave us flexibility in booking our business class flights. Again this means we’re not able to take advantage of their ground transport most likely. In a major city it’s not a problem but I’m a bit worried about getting from the airport in Norway to wherever our hotel is.

Used the laundry a lot on Octantis with no issues. My wife had been on Viking before and knew about it so we didn’t pack as much as we normally would have, it worked out perfect for us with no issues. It does bring you back in time a bit to being a kid in the dorms or in an early apartment where you’re dealing with community washers.

I ate a many course meal one time with a wine pairing for each course with a heavy pouring sommelier. I got up to walk out and I almost passed out right onto the floor. I basically had to carry my wife out and back to our room. With that said one of the menus here posted IIRC had 2012 Dom which wouldn’t tempt me but Cristal would or perhaps some interesting regions with sparkling like south east England. If the wines are interesting enough then maybe I’m in even at $300.

You’re here discussing it, so I guess yes? What if they’re sitting right in front of you or next to you? Should you turn your chair? If you’re supposed to wear a jacket then wear one, it’s not that hard.

Here’s an example of a “shared experience” dining I had as recently as last weekend. My wife wanted something nice so we went to a nearby Michelin star place. We wanted to sit inside, so we dressed appropriately for that restaurant although I have to say the shirt I picked for it was maybe slightly loud, I checked with her first. Anyway we get in and they seat us next to a few other tables and I notice it’s real quiet. I said something to my wife and it sounded like my voice was booming in the restaurant, so I kept trying to talk more quietly because I felt my dumb loud voice would be annoying for other guests. I wouldn’t want to listen to other people’s conversations so they probably don’t want to listen to mine. So my choices do extend past my table.

I’m happy to pay more for something as long as it is actually good. I debate with my wife on “value” and “good” constantly.

I haven’t sailed Silversea yet. Planning on booking Alaska with them as soon as we can fit it in. We have a Viking ocean and a Viking River booked in 24 and 25. I always bring at least one nice sport coat and a shirt that looks good with a tie, even for casual lines. You never know if you’re going to get invited to something where you need better dress. We usually bring one large suitcase with a garmet bag and have to check it, but with that I can fit a couple jackets and some decent shirts.

I think there was also a lot of difference between early 2000s say till 2008 or so and the more modern. I stopped drinking it, and I agree that the older vintages were the best.

I’m not. I don’t mind wearing what everyone else is; so if they change the rules that’s the rules and it’s fine with me. I’m just saying if they’re selling dressing up as part of the “experience” then I want that experience. If they’re not selling it, they’re not selling it and that’s also fine.

As a scrubby guy who dresses like garbage, even I have no problems putting on a Brooks Brothers President blazer or something like that for dinner. A tie is also not a problem. With that said, if you have a mix of old and new customers I think it’s a bit of a problem. I don’t like going into a nice restaurant with people who are clearly underdressed for it. I also don’t understand how they’re comfortable being underdressed. There’s a social contract in places like that and they’re not living up to it. So if you go on Cunard, you know what the dress code is and if you don’t like it then don’t book it.