$hip$hape

Tigervixxen,

Thank you for taking us along on your journey! Catherine and I will be taking this same cruise in one year, and I will be re-reading your notes.

Michael

10 hours ago, rowval said:

We did this 10 yrs ago I wondered why they don’t stop at Bora Bora thanks

From what I’ve seen, Bora Bora wants(and gets) tourists who stay in their hotels and eat in their restaurants.

There’s not much money in cruise passengers that look around, then leave.

34 minutes ago, $hip$hape said:

My DW has this posted in our kitchen;

 I hope you have a sense of humor.

Sometimes I use me empty wine bottle as a water bottle, just to keep others guessing. 

3 hours ago, tigervixxxen said:

That’s good to know because we feel like food options are starting to get limited. DH didn’t feel like chic night in the MDR so we hit the OVC. Compared to last time we skipped chic night there was less choices. One whole station was just hamburgers and hot dogs. At least two full dishes of cut carrots. Only kale at the salad bar, only fruit is melon and pineapple. I noticed tonight was the last night salmon is offered in MDR unless the menu is revised again. The pizza isn’t as good as it was on the Equinox either. 
 

I hope we get new supply in New Zealand or the last week might be rough. We have enjoyed the OVC ice cream station this cruise with a nice rotation of flavors. Tonight the lady at the station offered a cookie, I said sure. It was rock hard, seriously I had to give a bit of effort to break it in half. Maybe they were just for looks, idk. Also we had another mishap in the MDR. It was chicken and beef skewers for lunch which I enjoyed a few days ago. They served them with the chicken still raw. So overall the food is declining and so is my patience. I feel like I’ve had everything I like at least twice and am ready for something different. I did have banana pancakes at OVC for breakfast and liked that, might have been the best thing I had today. I will also say the Indian dishes have been consistently good at least. 
 

Weather was fantastic today with a gorgeous sunset. I like the little cooler temps, more like 70 degrees with nice breathable air with a slight chill. I even enjoyed the hot tub after dinner. Great temps even after sunset, completely deserted pool deck, it was perfect. 
 

 

My DW has this posted in our kitchen;

 I hope you have a sense of humor.

56 minutes ago, Mackdogmolly said:

I like to read to escape on my cruises too. 😊

I brought “Infinite Jest” by David Foster Wallace ( as a challenge) on our last TransPacific cruise.

Only got through about 80 pages. 😘

21 minutes ago, xiphoid76 said:

Super excited to be on our first Viking cruise on the Sky in just over 60 days...woohoo!  Been waiting 2 years for this trip and can not wait.  Any advice on first things to do when we get on board appreciated 🙂  

Check in, then take a nap…

after you get to your cabin. 🙂

2 hours ago, KBs mum said:

Can any collared shirt you might be wearing be clearly seen by other diners? 

40 minutes ago, Lilyskittymom said:

Many people wait until they're onboard to book the Chef's Table so they can look at the menus first.  It's very easy to make, change or cancel your reservation.  On our latest cruise, we made reservations in advance.. Ended up keeping one and changing the other.  Easy process; do it sooner to get a better choice of times.

 

Maria

My issue is, when there is so much good tasting food at breakfast and lunch, by dinner time, I don’t have much of an appetite. 🫢

29 minutes ago, loriva said:

 

This was the one area where we felt VO dropped the ball on our first cruise with them on Jupiter in May.  We had two members of our traveling party who were vegetarians--noted on their MVJ prior to cruise.  It was obvious this was in the records as the staff in the restaurants would ask about our vegetarians when we sat down.  Instead, the staff would bring in something already prepared from Manfredi's.  Sometimes pretty disappointing--a plain salad instead of the interesting appetizer the rest of us enjoyed.

 

After this happened to us a couple of times in the CT, we spoke with the restaurant manager.  The chef came out and offered to make something special for the vegetarians--it would only take an additional 45 minutes to prepare.  Our dining companions declined and were brought a plain salad from Manfredi's instead.  We were left wondering why if the chef COULD make a vegetarian alternative why this wasn't done in advance.  It seemed like it would have been easy to count up the number of vegetarians dining that evening and make alternative dishes for them--even just separating out a portion of the dish before adding meat.  Or tossing in some tofu instead.

 

We also found we needed to be careful at the buffet.  Dishes that sounded like they were vegetarian--a lentil salad, for example--turned out to have meat in them.  Viking is, however, on the ball here and has a little card by dishes that lists ingredients.  You just have to be diligent in reading them.

I consider my fortunate. I have found, if I’m hungry, I’ll try and like almost anything ( except Lima beans 🙂) .

WE also just got a "AIR SCHEDULE CHANGE".

Our main flight from Buenos Aires to NYC was changed.

We now are scheduled to fly in to Atlanta, GA. (10hour 20 minute flight) ,

instead of our choice of NYC.

Seat change(of course) to near the back of the plane, since not many seats are left.

WE are at 149 days out. Viking won't "ticket" us (pay for the flight) until 120 days out. Delta won't let us change seats until we are ticketed.

By that time, I think, we won't be able to pay for better seats: they will be taken. 😑

3 minutes ago, MamaFej said:

Another data point: we are US Americans who took our first Viking (Ocean) cruise in August 2022. We did not receive pouches or tags. We do get lots of brochures. 

Ha! If Viking gave a free cruise to the person(s) who received the most brochures, I think WE would be in the running. 😀

On 3/12/2023 at 1:04 PM, leishirsute said:

We have cheap travel smartphones and buy Ultra Mobile sim's with a new number for each trip ( if they scheduled far apart, otherwise just pay the monthly cost).  It has proven most valuable for international messaging, data and calling.  We limit calling to emergencies, but text is only 5cents/outbound text and unlimited incoming free.

Okay fine. 
Since this thread is

information for new cruisers,

may I add.

Over the years,

WE have never used our phones on international cruises.

If there is an emergency, 

no need to add stress.

Enjoy your vacation.

🙂

On 3/12/2023 at 1:04 PM, leishirsute said:

We have cheap travel smartphones and buy Ultra Mobile sim's with a new number for each trip ( if they scheduled far apart, otherwise just pay the monthly cost).  It has proven most valuable for international messaging, data and calling.  We limit calling to emergencies, but text is only 5cents/outbound text and unlimited incoming free.

8 hours ago, DrKoob said:

Sadly, not everyone can do that. My bride MUST (medical condition) eat at least 4-5 hours before she can go to bed. That means if we ate at Spanish dining time, she can't go to bed until 2:00 am. When we are in Spain, we make our main meal lunch around 1:30 in the afternoon. That's about the end of the lunch hour so there are a lot less crowds.Then we would go do tapas some time around 7:00 pm. 

Oh my! Modifications.
Then how would she ever adjust to changing time zones ? 

55 minutes ago, Steerpike58 said:

We are on a cruise in October, and we were notified that dining reservations opened as of 8pm PT yesterday. We've been trying to make reservations (starting at about 8:00pm yesterday) at both Manfredis and 'Chef's Table' since then but the page tells us "Dining reservations are not available at this time" for both these venues.  We chatted with an online representative, who told us that all tables for 2 were already taken for both these restaurants. But they re-iterated that we were guaranteed 1 reservation at both venues and we were advised to keep checking.  Is this typical, and how does it work in general? 

IMHO, It’s typical that on-line reps only are trained for sales.

Once on board, you will find an accommodating and apologetic staff.

’nuff said.

21 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

I have always wondered about folks that will pay Viking prices then quibble about drinks costs..  Strange.

Just off the Viking Ocean a few months ago where the drink package covered Everything.

And,  on to the NCL Bliss today.

Our “NCL Ultimate Drink Package”

does not buy a cup of Starbucks.

Today, Cath’s coffee will be added to our invoice.

No problem.

On 2/20/2022 at 3:24 PM, Maximillian45 said:

Thank you for this discussion! I have a degenerative back condition and appreciate being forewarned. Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep isn’t easy for everyone. I’ll make sure to ask for lots of extra comforters. 

I understand.

Sometimes, with my back,

why a sleep and a prayer 

won’t bring it back to normal.

Has my God abandoned me?

3 hours ago, Maximillian45 said:

Thank you for this discussion! I have a degenerative back condition and appreciate being forewarned. Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep isn’t easy for everyone. I’ll make sure to ask for lots of extra comforters. 

Oh my! 
Same here; Dear Wife,Catherine, booked this cruise about 2 years ago, hoping I could get back to my physical life.

Just now, $hip$hape said:

Exactly!

Just as always,

we always get dudes, 

trying to infuse their commercials.

Please. 
Encuorage more response.

21 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

But it is pretty close to one’s face so maybe it would work?

Exactly!

Just as always,

we always get dudes, 

trying to get their commercials in,

Just now, $hip$hape said:

Yes ! It’s also a nice feature that Viking 

has umbrellas available at exits

from the ship.

Never used one in me stateroom. 😎

8 minutes ago, Shorex said:

Thanks for the info re umbrellas. It's a nice feature to have them in the staterooms. 🙂

Yes ! It’s also a nice feature that Viking 

has umbrellas available at exits

from the ship.

48 minutes ago, $hip$hape said:

Why would you want a gulf size umbrella cluttering up your cabin?

 In the past, Viking had them available as we left the ship.

👍

On 6/3/2017 at 12:51 PM, roothy123 said:

Since a lot of river cruise (only) passengers, I thought it might be helpful to start a "Tips" thread for new Viking Ocean cruisers to read before their upcoming ocean cruise. Ocean cruising IS, after all, a bit different from river cruising. Feel free to add your own comments, and please correct me if I'm wrong about something. It's been almost 2 years since I was on Star, so things may have changed.

 

On embarkation (arrival) day you're required to be on board the ship 2 hours pre-departure. You'll be expected to attend a short muster drill before the ship departs. There is no standardized time, but often for cruises in which the ship spends a night at the embarkation port, it is around that 2 hour mark. Almost always, from what I've heard, it does NOT affect dinner.

 

As of Sept. 2015, the "back on board" time was a half hour pre-departure time for the remaining ports. Viking will tell you every day what that time is. If you're tendering (getting on a small boat to be taken ashore) the time of the last tender will be announced as well. For us in the Med in 2015, it was a half hour pre-departure.

 

You have to take your ship key card with you when you go off the ship, as well as when you leave the room, of course. (The doors won't stay open even if you want them too - fire suppression technique, I suppose). The card will be scanned when you leave the ship and scanned when you return. You may also have to show it to get into a port area or port terminal. I carry a lanyard-type thing to hold mine (photo here): http://www.pbase.com/roothy123/image/165572124

 

You'll need to put bags through an x-ray when you return to the ship - or sometimes in a port terminal. (They are not looking for alcohol, just dangerous things.) You'll also go through a scanner.

 

It's a big ship, so when I get on board, I usually make note of what's around each elevator bank, and whether I need to turn right or left to get to my room. (They're are two banks of elevators, although I'm thinking one may be smaller than the other.)

 

If anyone mentions "port side" it's the side on the left as you're facing the water ahead. Please call the ship a ship, not a boat. These ships are 48,000 tons of ship!

 

Ocean cruises often stop in places where the dock is far from center city. Keep that in mind when making plans. Of course, in just about every place I've been, especially Europe, cabs were lined up waiting for fares, so you're not stuck. Also note that just because a cruise ship docked a particular place last year or last week, that doesn't mean it will dock there on your cruise. Dock (or tender) locations and decisions are dictated by the port, not the cruise line. (Sorry, no walking through other river ships to get to yours!)

 

Occasionally (in some ports) Viking (and other cruise lines) will keep your passport for most or all of the cruise. In many ports, you'll be told to that an ID ashore. These things are usually dictated by the countries you're visiting. Some countries require that no food be taken ashore. Remember to take the quiet vox box on tours, although occasionally the tour guides won't use them. Remember to charge them after use!

 

Don't forget there's an electrical outlet alongside the bed. There's also a coffee maker (very strong coffee in my opinion), hairdryer, and snacks and binoculars in/on the desk. (I love that desk!) Your room steward can get you more hangers if you want. If the coverlet's too hot at night you can ask for something else. We put our luggage under the bed. We usually take a few basic meds like Tylenol and Pepto Bismal tabs. However, there IS a doctor and nurse on Viking, and I think there ARE basic things like cold medicine in the ship store. However, the store isn't always open (mostly closed while in port due to country regulations). If you need something, I think you can call the nurse 24/7, though - ask at Explorer's Desk. You can view Viking info (restaurant reservations etc.) on the TV.

 

Mid-cruise Viking will send around a questionnaire asking or verifying how/when you'll be leaving the ship. Then they'll assign you a time to depart. If you have independent plans, it sounds like you can leave fairly late, at least compared to what other cruise lines do. You'll have to be out of your room by around 8, though. Viking puts all bags ashore, after you place them outside your door the night before. (Therefore you need a small carryon, or at least a bag! Keep out what you'll need in the AM. Viking will have this and more spelled out in their disembarkation information.)

 

If you have a Viking transfer to the airport, expect to get up VERY early. It's just what cruise lines have to do....

 

If you want to be outside on the deck while the ship's moving, or after dinner, you may need some warm clothing. It's always colder in the wind.

 

If you want a quiet but possibly salty place to be by yourself with a 360 degree view, the aft part of deck 2 is a winner. I'll probably be there for cruising the last half hour to Geiranger and other places where I want to do photography without a crowd. It was an excellent spot for our departure from Kotor in 2015.

 

If you tender, wear decent shoes and try to keep both hands/arms free. The tender crew like to be able to offer a hand with tendering, as steps and low ceilings can be a bit tricky. I'm pretty mobile and coordinated, but still, I usually put my arm out so they can grab it and help me.

 

Don't miss eating dinner at least once in the World Cafe. It's not an ordinary buffet - and if the weather's good, you can eat outside. Also, if you like scones, hot ones, plan to eat dinner late that evening - very filling and great.

 

If you're looking for a library, there isn't one. However, there are books scattered about in various places. Go looking...

 

Someone else can probably fill you in on the latest tips for getting additional specialty restaurant reservations, if that interests you. I'm running out of steam...

 

I have some photos and documents from our 2015 cruise that might be helpful to look at. Just keep in mind things may have changed since then. Here's link: http://www.pbase.com/roothy123/viking_star_&page=all

 

Enjoy your cruise. I know you will.

Your note was too long.

 I did not read it.😐

23 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

As Linda stated, they are.  Typically they are hanging in the closet over the hanging rail. We have found that if we need all the hanging space that they fit just fine (without “cluttering up our cabin) standing up in the back corner of the closet.  
 

I don’t think they are quite as large as the golf umbrella we have at home but it’s large enough for two to at least keep their heads dry though if you are larger folks like DH and me, each is likely to have a wet shoulder. 

Nice answer.

The Viking staff has always provided umbrellas at exits, in case of a weather change, or if forgotten.

46 minutes ago, Shorex said:

Does Viking provide an umbrella in each stateroom? The lines we typically cruise provide golf size umbrellas.

Why would you want a gulf size umbrella cluttering up your cabin?

 In the past, Viking had them available as we left the ship.