Azulann

Great to see the 2026 cruises are on the web site. I have till Dec 31 to use the promotion Viking sent me as cruiser who had a booked a cruise before Nov21.2023. Need to talk to my sister over the weekend about a late 2025 o early r2026 cruise for us.

I always like the Nautical Term and definition in each Daily. Learn something everyday.

Been on 5 Viking Ocean cruises. Had many table for two in Restaurant. Mostly on the left side of room when you enter. We usually eat anywhere from 7 -8:15. So by the window some not, some nights are somewhat noisy because people are having fun especially table of six or more, other times it is just fine even if we we get a table near another two top. Always can have a conversation with my sister. Chef table is always only half filled when we go there. Manfredi is fine too especially after 7:30. We do not eat in World cafe for dinner, we like to have full service and sit down and be served. Servers are always outstanding.

Thank your trip report of your TA crossing. I think it is up to individual passengers to read carefully the tours offered by Viking as to physical exertions needed for walking around a city or old part of town in foreign countries. It is not the tour guide that should be responsible for those who do the walking tour and need to go back to bus or take a taxi on their own. Maybe if a crew member is with every walking tour, they can help those less fit to figure out how to get back to ship during a walking tour . The descriptions of tours are very clear: walking over 1.5-3 miles over uneven pavement for 2-3 hrs is very clear. Others are labeled demanding . The easy label means it is a bus ride with photo stops etc.

Thank you for posting this positive experience with Viking Air when the airline cancelled your flight at the last minute. One time when I used Viking Air they did solve the problem of a cancelled flight weeks before my cruise. They put me on another flight a day early and put me up at a hotel. Next day I flew the rest of my journey to Bermuda. This was a cruise right after Viking started sailing again after the pandemic shutdown.

Soft drink are included during the lunch time and dinner time in all venues. buffet, pool grill , Mamsen , any bar. The times are listed in the Daily. I think lunch is from 11:30 -2:30? or something like that. Also in any DV cabin and above you will have soft drinks in your mini frig. Your stateroom attendant will stock it each day with what you would like. Let them know the first day what beverages you like. Enjoy your Viking cruise.

Your post extension day sounds great. Been to all the sites you will be seeing. I read the description that you will go into the Blue Mosque. The tilework , rugs and hanging lights make it a spectacular space. The guide will give you a detailed background on this historic building. Wear socks because you will have to take your shoes off. Women should have a scarf they can put over their heads . But they do have some for women to wear. The cistern is the huge underground space beneath or next to the Haiga Sofia. You walk along a network of raised platforms . It is illuminated space The famous iconic pillars are there with the head of Medusa at the base of some pillars. There is lots of signage , but if you have a guide even better . It is definitely something to see and explore. Did not do a cruise with lunch , but Turkish food is wonderful . I bought a carpet in the grand Baazar with an appointment I made from home. Do go and wander around . You could probably just duck out of the carpet presentation and “ sales “. By then tour bus will take you to hotel and your room will be ready for check in. I think Viking does a really good job on their extensions. Hope you take a tour of the Tokapi palace site which is a full day of exploring the various buildings , but get a guide which are cheap and well worth it

I see that Viking Ocean cruise line is not listed. During the pandemic, with ships not sailing , ,they were paid from the Norwegian Seafarer Union.

Enjoyed reading your trip report and review of the new ship. thank you for taking the time , and safe travels home.

Maybe we met on board .‼️ I organized private tours in Istanbul and in Kusadasi for some on the roll call . We stayed four days after cruise in Istanbul .

Look forward to your trip report. Last Celebrity ship I was on was the Constellation, a 12 day cruise out of Istanbul in late October many years ago. One of my favorite cruises of all times. I love the M class ships even if they are now non glamour ships of Celebrity. Been sailing on the Viking Ocean ships but I could be persuaded to try Celebrity again especially out of Tampa for a nice winter getaway at a reasonable price.

Never go to YouTube for any review or self promoters .

Best jewelry shop in Mexico is Alberto;s Their original store is in PV but have a store in Cozumel on the street down from the ferry pier. Also one in Zihuatengo MX. I have bought some unique rings from them.

Thanks for your posts about your crossing. My friends are on the Viking Sky currently heading from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. They too said it is warm in the mid 70's. They are loving each and every sea day. On my last cruise in June, I too craved some salty potato chips. None board except those Pringles which was not what I had in mind. Yes,,next Viking cruise I will pick up some chips before I get on board.

"An excellent “excursion” ok can’t remember the silly lingo in Guadeloupe - the Death in Paradise tour. We even saw Neville and he waved to us but I was too slow with the camera 😂😂 But plenty time at the Police Station " Oh how fun!!!! I love watching Death in Paradise on my public tv station. Great pictures.

Thank you so much for your reflections on your great TA. Enjoy all those lovely sea days. Keep the post coming. 👍🏻

Part of the post extension includes transfer to airport. We also booked our own air for June 2023 cruise. We did the Viking post extension in a very nice hotel in Copenhagen. We got the included transfer to an airport. A group of us were to get on a bus at 9:30 am. The bus did not come so the Viking rep got cabs for us , were was 9 of us leaving at the same time. What city were you in for your post extension? We plan to do the same thing for our Athens cruise in early 2025: our own air and have the Viking post extension.

Yea! After Charla great report, I can now have yours to read each day . I so enjoy being a virtual traveller with you and Iain on your new adventure to parts of the world I always find exotic .

Joust heard from my friends who are on your TA on Viking Sky. They are having a great time. Lots of solos on board. I had to wait for the first day on board to set up a meet and greet with my roll call with the General manger. Never heard back from any email I had sent before hand. I went to Guest relations and let them know I had names and room numbers. It worked. I also did a simple m+ g informally right after sailaway too. My cruise in June had no sea days. Hope you post a semi live report on this forum Clay when you start your WC. So looking forward to being a armchair guest as you sail half way around the world.

As others have said, once you are on the ship you can make reservations etc. on a phone app VV you have downloaded or on your tv in your stateroom or go to guest relations or various dining rooms to make reservations. I take it you are on a Viking ship but do not have a cell phone, correct?

Thank you so much for doing a live trip report. Your picture are great. The food looks so delicious. Love Key West. Want to return. I have a lovely coin I bought from the museum with the artifacts of a sunken ship.Cannot remember the name at the moment.

My very first Viking cruise was a TA from Puerto Rico to Barcelona in late March years ago . You will love it !!!’ Six sea days in a row and yes use the Nordic Spa and all it offers It is fre. My two close friends are The Viking sky TA that leaves today from Barcelona ! Two days before a great sale in Sept I bought new living room furniture 😊 so I am at home waiting for their photos not on the cruise ‼️

LOL, yes I hate autocorrect too. 😂🍷

LOL, when I first read your post, I thought you are going on an Arctic or Antarctica cruise and bring your choppers. But I thought it strange you wanted a bowel. Choopers, in our next of the woods, are two layer mittens. Inside layer of wool and the outer layer, water resistant tough leather looking outer mitten. All my brothers used them in winter and definitely when playing outdoor hockey in the 60's 70's. Oh you meant :dentures=choppers.😁

InsGuy3, How are the excursions? What are some of the activities for guests on a sea day? It seems like your informative trip report has devolved into a comparison among some posters many of which have not been on board yet, about other cruise lines. . So sorry that this has happened to your thread.