Ready to Sail!

23 minutes ago, rbslos18 said:

Where have Viking cruisers, who have recently done a Viking Hawaii cruise, stayed one night pre-cruise? We arrive LAX in the late afternoon. In the past we stayed at the Doubletree in San Pedro. People now report workers protesting at the hotel from 7:00AM. We are considering staying midway-ish at Torrance. Any better ideas? (I did post on the West Coast board and most suggested one of the two San Pedro hotels).

Thx

 

I would agree with San Pedro hotels. You're going to be experiencing late afternoon traffic but I would rather get to San Pedro and then have a more  relaxed embarkation day.  Anything can happen in LA.  I wouldn't want to be caught in very delayed traffic the next morning worring about getting to the Pier.  There used to be a nice shopping open market type area not too far from the pier. Not sure it's still there but do remember one time killing an hour or so there before boarding.  Have fun.

Just now, Ready to Sail! said:

That would be right.  I always forget so asked my husband and that is what he said also.  The picture makes it look bigger than it was also.  The tour operator quickly assured us they were harmless. Your picture is better than mine.  I do have some really good stingray pictures. I think we snorkeled at three different islands and each was a little different but certainly some beautiful fish.  

I should add the sharks were not there as first so I think they came in to check us out.  Guess they like to snorkel too!

1 hour ago, CurlerRob said:

 

Always referred to as "harmless black-tip sharks" in every cruise line brochure 😈. Generally they are small and well fed (not on tourists), so are usually quite placid. It was always the barracuda, hovering just at the edge of underwater vision, that bothered me! 🍺🥌

 

That would be right.  I always forget so asked my husband and that is what he said also.  The picture makes it look bigger than it was also.  The tour operator quickly assured us they were harmless. Your picture is better than mine.  I do have some really good stingray pictures. I think we snorkeled at three different islands and each was a little different but certainly some beautiful fish.  

4 minutes ago, LindaS272 said:

Your room steward can bring you a small pitcher to keep in your fridge for a few days and will replace it as needed. That’s what we do for our tea after removing the coffee machine.

Perfect. That is what we will do.  Thank you.

Glad this came up. I am in the process of trying to add a transfer and take off a transfer.  I was told that request had to be submitted in writing.  I did so at least 3 weeks ago and no response. I just checked with an agent in online Chat and he checked and said it has not been changed on the confirmation, then said, "I can add for you."  FYI the one transfer I want to take off was added at time of booking. Just talked to rep in person and I guess I misunderstood, they want our flights on form  (doing our own) but he took care of the transfers and has sent confirmation update.  I think that confirmation should be available in MVJ but it is not.  

3 minutes ago, Ready to Sail! said:

I'm still not clear on options for adding creamer.  Do they supply those little non dairy creamers? I was thinking of maybe bring a small bottle to fill at WC and keep in the frig.  

Just to be clear I'm sure I could get from room service but don't want to do that every morning. Other option is to run down to the Living Room Bar for our first cup.  Our first cruise we weren't drinking as much coffee and so had the machine taken out, but will probably use it next cruise daily. 

45 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

It is a Nespresso using the original pods.  Do a search on forums and there are many answers about these machines, including some valuable pictures.

We bring Nespresso original pods from home as we like strong regular coffee.  The ship pods have gotten a bit better.  They used to be 4's and now are 6's.  The decafs are good at 10.  

If your apple cider pods are Nespresso Original sizes, they will indeed work.

I'm still not clear on options for adding creamer.  Do they supply those little non dairy creamers? I was thinking of maybe bring a small bottle to fill at WC and keep in the frig.  

2 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

One time through offered a small group (12) helmet dive.  Never seen so much sea life.  Walking on the bottom in approx. 15' water and like being in a well stocked aquarium.  I would put it in the easy to moderate class.  Highly recommend.

Which reminds me we did snorkel with sharks!  I was really alarmed at first but turns out they were from a friendly tribe.  And yes, I did take this picture with cheapy underwater camera.    

3 hours ago, TayanaLorna said:

The Star has a blank spot in their schedule while she is in the Med from November 11 to December 2, 2024 so looks like those are the dry dock dates.  She was built in 2015.  The Sea was built in 2016.  Her schedule only goes to August 2026 and has no gaps.

Is this the first refurbishment for the Star?  Seems many lines do about every 5 years but not always a complete makeover.  Am I assuming that they change out carpet when needed inbetween drydock?  Just wondering what Viking's plan is, especially since their older ships are just hitting the 10 year mark.  I'm thinking with Viking having standard decor throughout their fleet then any updates would not be as noticable as, say comparing to NCL who have updated their older ships with complete change of decor (and definately for the better!)

23 minutes ago, JeffElizabeth said:

They are #1 for a reason,  right? We will be trying them out in September,  NYC to Montreal.  

I resently decide to do a deep dive research into Oceanic.  I didn't get very far when I read there  is no promenade deck.  To me, a ship isn't a ship without it.  Made the mistake of going on the Royal Princess.  Big Box Ship with no promenade deck.  Viking fits all our priorities, small ship, no casino, spacious uncrowded spaces, comfortable cabins.   Only done one Viking but 2 are booked and looking for a third.  We will stay with them until we stop cruising. And yes, food is important and we were satisfied with quality and variety on Viking.  Any time I don't have to plan meals, shop, and prepare everyday I'm satisfied.  

17 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

They -- Star, Sky & Sea -- do not.

 

I prefer not having the drawers in the closet (but the itinerary determines the ship -- not vice versa -- and I take what I get).

-- I like having 5 feet of uninterrupted hanging space, especially when we are traveling in winter and have winter gear to deal with. 

-- I'm happy hanging all of our shirts, pants and trousers in the closet, and that doesn't happen as easily with the drawers in closet configuration.

-- Also, I can't reach the hanging bar above the drawers at all (I'm 5ft tall), which is another reason I don't like the configuration.

-- Without the drawers, there is plenty of shelf above the hanging rail that DH reaches easily and equally as much room on the floor of the closet for shoes (and winter boots).

 

But then again, we pack light (1 carry-on, 1 back-pack each) and this also makes a difference no matter which ship we are on.

Thanks for all the answers and some great information.  Just a couple of responses.

Itinerary used to determine for us also, but at this lovely time in our life, length of flights and number of airports, along with upgraded seats has priority.  from now on, must be at least a US port on one end or the other and will fly no longer than 7ish hours in Premium Economy. 

We're taking our last marathon travel days in Februry when we do the SA cruise from California with really long flights both directions. Hope we survive!

We pack as light as possible, and hang as much as needed if not many drawers.  We did fine on the Star in our DV, our catagory of choice.  With other lines ship was always a consideration but with Viking not really important, I was just curious more about the WC.  Finally, after saying "we are thinking of repeating PC cruise" hubby has informed me he's not that interested! So, now looking at a itinerary we like on the Vela and will be interested in reports here on CC once she starts sailing.  Thanks again to all you Viking experts. 

3 hours ago, Mike07 said:

Thanks for the information in this thread m in considering this itinerary but kind of concerned that Hawaii has little to no interest to me.

I will just say that we've been going to Hawaii for 50 years.  In the earlier years we always found plenty of interest if you're talking sightseeing. Kauai-the north shore, the canyon. The Big Island-VNP.  Maui-road to Hana, sadly Lahiana. Oahu-Pearl Harbor, museums.  Just a short list.  Now we hardly leave our Condo and still enjoy just sitting on the Lanai watching whales, people watching , walking on the beach every morning and sunsets at night.  There's always various water excursions to consider if land doesn't have any interests.   So, on a cruise, if none of those are of interest then not the best way to visit.  On the other hand we loved Tahiti but pretty much for the snorkeling and scenic cruising.  Nice that this itinerary covers both.  Will add, traffic is a major issue on all the islands these days (except Molokai), and another reason to lay low.   We've been on very few cruises where we were interested in every port but usually found something to do and enjoy the At Sea days more and more. I really enjoy that we all have such a variety of perspective on our choices so happy to share ours, but of course, just our perspective.  

I think I read that the  3 drawers in the closet on the newer ships  had been added  to the Sea and Star. Is this correct?  Any reason to avoid these 2 older ships?  I have also read that the WC options (meaning stations) are better on the newer ships?  Any opinions?  We've only been on the Star and that was pre drawers.  We have Jupiter and Mars coming up but looking at Sea for Panama Canal.  We have done the Canal in 2003 on Princess and want to repeat on smaller ship. Thanks.

/

8 minutes ago, harbourside said:

We have no hearing problems, but could barely hear the movies on TV, when set at maximun volume.  From what I have read, the TV volume is preset.

Is Close Captioning an option on their TV's?  We find the quality of sound on these new TV's so poor that we don't watch much without it anymore.  Seems might be a great option in a cabin so as not to have to crank up the volume.  

5 hours ago, OBX Cruisers said:

We'll be on Viking Neptune to Hawaii and Polynesia January 31 - March 4, 2025, LA to LA. Should we try to book a Polynesian Cultural Show/Dance on our own - perhaps at the Intercontinental Tahiti?  Or will Viking offer an excursion of this type or perhaps a small show on the ship itself?  Any other "don't miss" excursions either through the ship or independent?  Thanks all!

If you snorkel, this itinerary (not Viking)was some of the best we have ever done, and we've snorkeled in Hawaii a lot.  We also had several on board shows but again, we were on another line.  Sounds like Viking does a good job.  Also, this is the best way to see Polynesia, from a ship. Spectacular views from the ship but in our opinion when on land, just another island.  There was a great open market in the Papeete port, if still there. My sister-in-law and I bought beautiful tropical flowers to bring back for our cabins.  Sorry, I got a bit off subject but this was 20 years ago and still ranks very high on favorite cruises list.  Have fun! 

3 minutes ago, Ready to Sail! said:

We've always gotten shuttle direct between the two points.  Also, in case you don't know the Catalina Ferry does dock very close to the cruise dock but depending on time of year best to check their schedule and availability  ahead of time.  

Also, not something that is that easy for one day with the schedule what it is.  Best to filter in a extra day or two with maybe an overnight on the island and or hotel near the cruise port at least on one end.  Takes pre planning to go over to Catalina combined with cruise schedule.  I would suggest going post cruise.  Probably easier to schedule and don't have to worry about getting back for your cruise sail away!  Wish more cruises stopped at Catalina but not too many do.  

2 hours ago, Sunflower & The Scientist said:

Thanks...I thought that was the only option we would want. They say there is a shuttle but we don't want a trip around LA dropping people off here and there. We are thinking also of hopping on a ferry and checking out Catalina. 

We've always gotten shuttle direct between the two points.  Also, in case you don't know the Catalina Ferry does dock very close to the cruise dock but depending on time of year best to check their schedule and availability  ahead of time.  

3 hours ago, Sunflower & The Scientist said:

I know this has been discussed somewhere, but I've searched and can't find the info. What is the best way to get from LAX to San Pedro port. We don't want to do a bus. Is the best way a taxi, and has anyone done that. 

Thanks...

We've used a shuttle several times.  Can't remember the name but they were reasonable and set price.  Used both directions.  It's  fairly long ride so taxis might get pricey.  Assuming you're ruling out Viking transfer?  That would be our first choice.  

On 6/5/2024 at 7:14 PM, SantaFe1 said:

We did this is February 2024.  Those terrible storms that ravaged California that month were out there for us.  It was very rough both going and coming.  Not much fun, although we don’t get seasick. And not a lot of bang for your buck with only four days in Hawaii, and Ensenada really not a nice port.  If we go to Hawaii again, we will fly and DIY.  

Our favorite is to rent a condo, and of course car, which on most islands you need.  Did Oahu last year without a car and really liked that also but easy to do in Waikiki Beach area.  Our favorite islands are Molokai, then Kauai.  The RT Hawaii cruise doesn't appeal to us, as much as we love cruising.  And to add, cruise ships do not stop on Molokai, and right now only one island hopper company. Harder to visit but well worth the effort.  

1 hour ago, Islander500 said:

Trying to understand your point.  If the Viking deck plan has the staterooms you noted in the wrong location (vis a vis the elevator) are 5044, 5046 and 5048 also not directly across from the launderette? I'd love to book that location if not for that. Thanks for your help!  

I'm becoming dazed and confused by this whole thread.  Must be our first serious heat wave-106 yesterday!!  Wine Lover (thank you again) gave me the answer I needed so will check out until she posts her document.😆 

11 minutes ago, PRH said:

6058 is our favorite cabin.  Close to elevators and stairs, quiet.  Viking turns off the elevator notification bell at 9pm, BTW.

Just curious, as this fits into the discussion on this thread.  6058 appears to be across from elevator lobby.  Are the deckplans wrong on this deck also or  do you prefer to be that close to the elevators?  Assume the mirror cabins on Starboard side are just as preferable?  Always good to get different points of view.  

This is also a great cruise without even doing excursions just for the scenic cruising.  Vancouver is one our favorite sail away ports, and most of the others are scenic arrival and departures also. 

2 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

I today took pictures and documented on Viking Mars of all the rooms facing the elevator lobbies forward and aft and the aft stairs.  I'll be putting it into a summary document.  In the meantime, for you, the 4th floor aft elevators:  

4072/4073 face the lobby and 4070/4071 can also slightly see the lobby.  Here's the picture.

Hope this helps. The full door you see is 4072 and the partial door to the right (as you move forward on the port side) is 4070.

Yes, definately answers my concerns.  We will stay where we are for now in 3043.  We do want starboard for BA to Santiago and most of those are gone.  I do have concerns about motion sickness also so was thinking of trying to get more midship. Will just keep playing cabin bingo and maybe something else will open up.  We did start on Port and it took 2 months but checked persistently until 3043 became available. Good possibility as we are still 8 months out. Does seem like cabin doors/elevator lobby  concerns do come up often so we will look forward to your document.  Looks like you're  approaching Iceland. Maybe you will see some lava eruption if sailing clockwise toward Reykjavik.  Thanks you again.  We really appreciate your efforts.  

I should have added we've done this cruise 3 times on 3 different ship lines.  Most of the excursions do require some agility.  Most of the ports are docked with easy access to town but at least one (Sitka) requires tendering.  We've been to all except Valdez by ship.  

5 hours ago, James Booth said:

Are shore excursions on Viking Alaska that are noted as moderate OK for a 78 yr old man who struggles with high rise steps, steep uneven terrain or wobbly suspension. bridges. 
Fairly long distances on mostly flat ground are not a problem. 
would i be OK on the train - bus 7 hr tour?

is getting on or off excursion boats relatively easy?

Being your age I would say only you can answer this.  Moderate to one may be easy or difficult for another. Will you be with someone who is younger, or more balanced to help you?  My older husband is much more stable than I am so I lean on his help if necessary.  We were  at St. Andrews walking the Old Course a few months ago.  It was so windy that we actually were holding each other up and steady.  Neither one of us could have done it alone but did just fine together.  You can also sit and wait if a portion requires a climb you're not comfortable with.  Finally, we don't feel the need to see or do everything at this age so if there isn't an excursion you are comfortable with just go into town and brows, have a coffee, visit a museum.   We find sometimes this is best option.  For us these days it is less the destination and more just enjoying the cruising experience.