gardening_diva

In terms of which wines by the glass are included in SSBP - we've found it very disappointing on Orion so far. We'd expected to see at least an example of each (popular) grape type available per glass, but nope! Several Italian varieties, 1 or 2 USA red & white. That's about it. When we finally chose a glass that seemed suitable for our meal they'd run out of it. We're on a cruise to/around Australia & there's only 1 (yes, 1) Australian wine available in the package. Now that we've made our first stop in Australia we're hoping that they've brought new Aussie stocks onboard. Remains to be seen how many of those will make it into the package though. Plenty available by the bottle (which SSBP gets you a discount on). But we like to try different labels so by the bottle is not ideal for us. Also, don't expect to find a sommelier to help you choose. There aren't any (or at least we haven't found any yet!) On the plus side - the wine pairings with the Chef's Table menus have been reasonable.

We are currently on Orion with a hinged door. I think the slider is more convenient if you want to carry something like a cup of coffee onto the balcony. One other thing to consider is that for anyone with limited arm strength the hinged door can be quite difficult to push open. Personally, I would be happy with either. Pro's & con's to both.

Currently on Orion. Haven't seen either of those in the pool or spa. You could maybe bring some thera-bands (or similar) to use in the pool?

Thanks! We'll be sailing next Sunday, but travelling on Thursday.

Hi, does anyone know if the gym has firm foam grid rollers like the one in the picture? Thanks!

I've seen it mentioned on other threads/sites that it is possible to purchase a Viking transfer once you are onboard (if you have independent flight arrangements but are flying the same day and from the same airport as the Viking Air passengers!). Another alternative would be to ask your TA to book a private transfer for you. That way you get a nice car to yourselves. 🙂

When you're at a tender port and the ship is due to sail late evening (11PM), for how long do Viking run the tenders/shuttles from the mainland? Do they stop at sunset or do they keeping going until an hour or two before departure time (even if it's dark)? I know I can listen to announcements before going ashore, but my question was more about whether Viking has a policy to NOT run tenders when it gets dark. If they stop around sunset, then I know I can't make any plans *in advance* for evening activities ashore. Thanks!

I received a reply from Viking on one of the questions - "The included tour Sailing The Whitsundays will not visit Whitehaven beach and there are no stops on this sailing tour. "

During our Bali to Australia itinerary (Nov '23) we'll be tendered at Airlie Beach. One of the included shore ex from Airlie Beach is a 2 hour boat tour around the Whitsunday Islands. Because it's an included shore ex I assume it's much like a panoramic bus tour where you sail past for photos but don't get off. I'm not sure if this tour has been offered as an included ex before, but if so, I have a couple of Q's for anyone that has done it. Will the boat pick us up from the ship or do we have to tender ashore first? Does the tour 'visit' Whitehaven Beach? The description doesn't specify any particular locations. There is another shore ex specifically to Whitehaven Beach but that's by RIB and is not recommended for anyone with neck/back issues so we can't take that one. Thanks!

I've not been able to confirm via the photos, so what type of physical access do the various pools on the ship have (Spa, Infinite, Main) - gradual/sloping steps or vertical ladder? My husband won't be able to haul himself up the ladder type, so trying to check which pool, if any, he will be able to use.

OK, maybe I should have worded my question differently. I'm not trying to get an early flight, I'm trying to work out how much time I need to allow between ship docking and flight departing for a non-rushed experience.🙂 Typically, what is the latest disembarkation time? I've seen it mentioned that you should leave your cabin by 08:00 but when do they want everyone off the ship by? 9AM, 9:30AM? (I will also ask Viking - thanks for the contact details).

After disembarking at Sydney we'll be taking a domestic flight to Melbourne & I'm trying to work out what is the earliest flight time we could book. Ship is due to dock around 06:30 (at White City terminal I believe). I'm thinking 11:00 should be OK? Also, does Viking allow you to take your own luggage off the ship at disembarkation?

The description of PV/DV/V categories on the (UK) Viking website says "Ocean-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda". Is that not correct for all staterooms then?