fnewman

Just stumbled on this thread and, as an electrical engineer, immediately wanted to know more because we have taken and used the Belkin model frequently mentioned on many ships with no question or problem. For those who would like a clearer, but somewhat technical explanation of the problem go here:

http://www.uscg.mil/tvncoe/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf

So the facts are that there are at least two versions of 120 v electrical systems used on ships. A very commonly used type (delta) can result in problems when used by cheap surge protectors with adequate capabilities for typical US land systems. The other type (Y) of ship system is much like the land systems. The problem cruise lines have is that they may have some ships of either types and really can't expect most of their employees (much less passengers) to know the difference. Neither can they afford to have a technical expert at the dock to check each suppressor. Consequently, the easiest way out is to ban all surge suppressors - if they choose to, that is their right because after all, it is their ship.

All that said, having reviewed the above article and the information on the Belkin BST800BG, I am comfortable that it's design offers safe surge protection for either type of ship electrical system, so will probably continue to use it until a ship tells me I can't.

Only once and not a good experience. Recently Venice to Rome. Flight left late and made no effort to help us get to our connection with DL to Atlanta (which left early because they had already notified Delta we would not make it). Had to spend the night in Rome (night of the Earthquake). They were responsible for rebooking us for the trip the next day and messed that up as well. I had to spend half the night on the phone to get our reservation corrected. Hopefully they are not always that inept!

Can't answer all of your questions, but would think if you have navigated tenders on the previous cruises you have taken, you should be able to do so on Viking Ocean as their tender boarding arrangements are pretty much the same.

Most, if not all, river cruises in that area include a tour to Normandy. However, as with all cruises, such tours are as usually short 'survey' versions due to time limitations. If you are more interested in a deeper experience it might be better to schedule a land tour with a company that specializes in WWII.

Yes, I doubt that we would likely want to do China twice - that's why we selected the longer trip this time.

We're doing China next June with Viking. On the bucket list, I suppose. No too late to sign up:)

Hi all,

 

I've just booked my first River Cruise and the information in this post was very helpful!

 

Kathy Q

Hi Kathy! Good to hear from you again!

As you can see from our list, Debbie & I have gotten hooked on Viking - both River and Ocean. Hope we can end up on the same ship again one day.

Never seen them on any trip we have taken, but a few do them, I suppose.

Suggestions about doing the research and making your own decision are right on. Much better than taking a specific recommendation from others that have experienced only one or two lines because people tend to recommend what they have traveled. That is where an experienced travel agent can help, but we can't recommend any here.

We made this trip last March. Booked our own air and had no problems despite the limited flight options from Bergen. Either way there will be a bunch of Viking travelers on your flight out.

Just stumbled upon this thread - so wanted to add us to the list of GA cruisers; from Dublin, to be exact!

We have booked the Viking "Undiscovered China" cruise tour for next June. Would love to hear feedback from those who have made this trip. TIA

Fortunately, we have never experienced any of the above, regardless of the cruise line brand. Thanks goodness!

Another measurable difference is included excursions. On Ama there were only 2 or 3 optional excursions. On Viking there are more optional excursions you need to pay extra for.

I'm not sure I understand about the variances in the number of optional excursions. VIking has an INCLUDED excursion at each port of call, so you don't need to pay for any additions unless it is something you prefer to do. I have seen as few as 2 optional excursions on a Viking River cruise. As I recall both were cancelled because everyone was apparently happy with the included tours.

Having sailed both I can tell you that the detergent was automatic on the Star but required a button push on the Sea. They may eventually decide on one or the other, I suppose.

Thanks Mark and mhb1757!

 

I suspect we will figure it out. We have gone through CDG several times and left from there once back in 2012 but each time there was construction going on and never the same twice.

 

I will call Viking and get a ship phone number in case we have a plane delay. Supposed to have a non-stop from Charlotte, NC airport but never know if plane will be on time.

Not to worry-Viking already knows who is arriving on what flight and will probably know that you will be arriving late before you do😃 They will not leave you stranded if you have purchased a Viking transfer. I've never had a problem connecting with the airport Viking rep, even in a busy place like CDG.

'At night' is generally true, but as with any cruise ship, the time of departure depends mostly on how far the ship has to travel to reach the next port on time. As river cruise ports are sometimes pretty close together, departures can be pretty late at times so that people can enjoy activities on shore. The only way to know for sure is to ask Viking if you need to know far ahead of time. Otherwise, ask someone on the ship once you board.

Hi - we have a story where we directly compared Ama vs. Viking. Give it a read!

A very good and balanced comparison which points out the relatively few features that would tend to make a person favor one over the other based on their activity preferences. I appreciate such a review because I know I can't make a fair comparison not having sailed both!

With respect to size vs number of passengers, the real question is how much of the space is areas I will actually use? For example, for a river cruise, I personally have no use for a pool. Small differences in cabin size don't matter much either, IMHO.

I also discount opinions from people (no one in particular) who have not sailed both lines being compared. In this case I have not sailed both so have no opinion as to difference.:)

We are booked on the Sea next July in Jr. Suite on deck 8. No prior Viking experience but from what I've read it appears you can get early morning coffee at Mamsens on deck 7 forward, which appears to be at the entrance to the Explorer Lounge.

Mamsens is just on the left when you enter the lounge on the starboard side. The waffles with fresh fruit are my favorite, but they have other light breakfast items as well. It can get pretty busy between the time the breakfast buffet closes and 11:00 am when Mamsens closes for 30 minutes to change over to the light lunch format.

So far, based on our cruises on the Star and Sea the roll calls don't seem to be too active so the interaction by passengers for private excursions has been light as well. I also noticed very little of that on river cruises as well. Don't know, but perhaps it is due to the fact that every port has an "included" tour that is designed to hit the main spots of interest. Or perhaps it is due to the fact that any specific cruise has fewer passengers - for Viking, only about a third or less compared to typical ocean cruises.

I hope they make a decision for all ships soon - otherwise can be confusing.

Just off the Sea ( and OP of the link referenced above). I hear what this poster has said, but found our experience to be almost completely satisfactory. Yes, Viking is having some 'startup' difficulties in the area of excursion management and the translation their river cruise procedures to the ocean format, but I have confidence they will get the kinks worked out. I am impressed that they are not trying to operate 'just like' the others.

So the 15% discount applies to what? The Viking brochure ( 2 for 1) price, total trip cost, including air, or other? In other words how is it calculated? Thanks

The excursion started with a bus ride to a downtown hotel with a rooftop restaurant. Not enough seating to accommodate everyone, but nice views. Dinner was at a restaurant, after a short, but crowded walking tour. Food was good, But nothing special (main course was chicken kabobs). Entertainment was good as well, but ran a bit long, IMHO. By the time they finished most were ready to go do bit of shopping before getting the bus back to the ship.

Overall it was a pretty good start to our cruise, but a bit long for people who had just arrived from the US earlier the same day.