Mrs Miggins

The Viking shuttle that surprised me the most was the one from Piraeus to Athens.  It's a fair distance.  I have visited many of the same  Mediterranean ports on both Viking and Azamara and the offerings were similar apart from Athens.  

The Viking advantage is using the included excursion on the outward journey at many ports then breaking away from the group, visiting the area at one's own pace without following the dreaded flag, then returning on the shuttle or local bus/train/taxi.

I really am really delighted to read some sensible posts. In the grand scheme of things, in our world today, we probably all have much more important things to worry about .

Mike 07

I thought your post 26 made a lot of sense. My post was meant to give an example of a written dress code which is precise and would in fact agree with your post 26.  Easily understood by all.

I first cruised with Viking in 2016. Excellent in all respects. Since then I have seen a slight decline overall.  Food and service not quite as good, Smart Casual seems to be less ‘smart’. Certainly no dressing gowns ! Others may not  agree. It is probably true of many other cruise companies.

Many threads make comparisons between different cruise companies. There is currently a very active Viking thread doing just that.

I do not understand the ‘steerage class’ reference. Viking is more expensive than Azamara.  
 

2 hours ago, Mike07 said:

 

 

Azamara might be a better line for those that want to be seen and the center of attention.

I would not comment on a cruise company that I have not cruised with.

• For Discoveries, Aqualina and Prime C Restaurants: No bare feet, ball caps, tank tops or bathing suits are permitted in these areas. Shorts and torn/distressed jeans are not allowed during dinner.

Above is the Azamara dress code.  Very clear.  In fact the overall level of dress onboard Azamara is significantly smarter,  in my opinion,  than that which I have seen on Viking.  

I guess the moot point is define "jeans"   I agree about shorts, and baseball hats and those who have not had the good manners to shower and change after a hard and hot days sightseeing.

6 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Not angry. Did buy a rug. Got nothing to do with sweaters or concerts. Merely pointing out that the whole rug "demonstration/presentation" is a finely tuned and exquisitely choreographed production with many moving parts and, as I said, everybody involved is very good at what they do. How many tourists look back later on the whole deal and wonder: "How did that happen?"
 

OK.  However you have made multiple posts on the subject which is obviously important to you.  My point was that the 'rug factory' scenario has been active for many many years. Salesmen trying to sell you something.  No one is forced to buy.  I guess it's very annoying if this portion of a shore excursion is not expected and did not form part of the Viking excursion description.  

Our private excursion many years ago did specify the visit.  

On cruises many other salesmen will try to sell you something you do not think you want,  including of course the cruise company.  

This thread is about the Ancient Mediterranean Treasures itinerary not Carpet Shops so I did mention sweaters.   Whilst walking in Kusadasi there are many salesmen trying to encourage you into their shops.   No matter where you live the salesman always has a cousin who lives nearby.  I enjoyed some banter with them and I did buy sweaters, t shirts and handbags. All excellent value after some bartering.  Some people are intimidated but again no one is forced to do anything.  I think it is part of the enjoyment - always a story to tell.

We have also had two Turkish Bath experiences - One in a hotel and one in an old bath house.  They were both good.  Seeing my friend being covered in bubbles then doused with an enormous bowl of water by a well built gentleman in a lovely marble bath house is something I will never forget.

However surely the main event is Ephesus.  Such a wonderful experience, especially The Terrace Houses.  An evening concert there while the sun was going down, watching a group of young Turkish musicians playing Mozart. Not to mention some wrestling and dancing.  Doesn't really get better than that.

Surely we all cruise for those experiences.

Duquephart, You sound very angry but I thought you bought a rug. Perhaps I am wrong.  If not  I wonder why, since each purchase obviously perpetuates what you see as a scam

A similar scenario on our first visit to Kusadasi 22 years ago. However I rather enjoyed the presentation.   I did not buy a rug.

I did buy some excellent ‘Ralph L ‘ sweaters in Kusadasi town which are still going strong.  
 

Ephesus itself is wonderful.  On another visit we enjoyed a private evening concert in the smaller Arena (Azamara Azamazing event).  Great memories.

Would also recommend a visit to a Turkish Bath. Hilarious and great fun.  

Really looking forward to our Onward B2B in September. Have been on the other 3 ships but Onward will be new for us.   I have really enjoyed this thread.  Thank you to all contributors.

21 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Black jeans are still jeans.

I have worn black jeans and white jeans.  The overstitched seams are self coloured, unlike proper "blue jeans" that have obvious light coloured stitching.   I call them  jeans because that is what they are designated as in my local Marks and Spencer (of course I am from the UK - other stores are available).  

I do not know how any crew member or passenger would identify them as jeans rather than any other black or white trousers.    My understanding of the rule is Blue denim jeans that look like workwear ie Levi's or similar, are not allowed.  

Strangely I do recall a lady dancing in the Atrium on New Years Eve in blue ripped jeans with diamonds on the pockets.  We had all had several drinks by then I think.

The Viking free shuttle (which surprised me as we didnt have one on Azamara) was separate from the free excursion offered.  Many like us took the included tour then stayed on in Athens taking the free shuttle back to the ship later in the day.

I can see all the available excursions in the Manage My Reservation area, including prices.  My original query was that it was impossible to print off a list as a PDF as I believe I have done in the past.  The reason was so that my DH could actually read the options available as opposed to me reading out descriptions from the i Mac !  as he couldn't really be bothered, and prefers to leave it to me.

We have been to all the lovely ports on our B2B before and would usually just hop on a bus or train for a few euros or indeed just wander around.  However we did need to use our fairly substantial OBC.   All sorted now - leaving half of the OBC for Chefs Table, Speciality restaurants etc.  

I spoke with the UK Call Centre yesterday in order to book Shore Excursions with OBC.

Call answered immediately, spoke with Becky, new to Azamara.  She has had two weeks intensive training and is working from the centre in Welwyn Garden City.

I had actually booked a transfer online for the end of our cruise in September.  Then tried to book a shore excursion but wasn't sure if it had worked hence the phone call.

Becky confirmed my transfer was booked and also the excursion was booked.  She then booked a further two excursions for me.  The system was a little slow but she was calm and helpful.  I asked her to confirm that we could use our combined B2B OBC on either cruise.  She enlisted help from her senior colleague who had worked for Azamara for one year,  and it  was confirmed.

I had previously read this on CC but was pleased to get direct confirmation.

All in all a pleasant experience.  Well done Azamara. 

8 hours ago, Mrs.Dukes said:

We are currently scheduled off the ship in Koper in July - Viennese Waltz and White Horses.

There may be a little difficulty in re-scheduling this particular evening to an onboard event !

In the event you are unsuccessful (we often book our own flights and have never had a free transfer) you probably know that a private transfer from the airport to ship side  Civitavecchia  costs approximately 70 Euros.  In fact this is preferable to waiting around for a coach to fill from incoming and often late flights. 

I have enjoyed several onboard. Standard is variable but I heard the best rendition of ‘Creep’ by Radiohead sung by a talented passenger to his partner.  I was not really familiar with the song but it was so memorable.

I think you are unlikely to embark at Villefranche.  It's a really lovely small town - we often get the bus there from Monaco.  However it is a tender port.https://www.whatsinport.com/Villefranche-Nice.htm#google_vignette

What sailing are you on ?  

We are booked on a B2B in September.   In the past I believe I have been able to print out a list of available shore excursions.  Cannot seem to do that now.  Therefore I tried to print the individual details of the shore excursions we may be interested in from the pop up box.  Cannot do that either.  I am sure there is a way !  

6 hours ago, DrKoob said:

Well thought out. I wanted to add that our Into the Midnight Sun cruise on Viking Venus starts in Greenwich which is a tender port. We have never embarked at a tender port in 30+ cruises but I would imagine that would be very difficult for someone with accessibility issues. 

Some tender ports can be very bumpy.  However in Greenwich tenders are not used.  The very short transfer is on the Uber Thames Clipper boats.  The access is step free and wheelchair accessible https://www.thamesclippers.com/plan-your-journey/find-your-pier/greenwich-pier

3 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

Pam, they used space in The Old Royal Naval College for check in. From Gipsy Moth pub, turn right crossing the stern of Cutty Sark and continue straight through the fence and into the building.  

 

Good news, thanks.  My son still lives in Greenwich so still visit regularly so will check in a couple of weeks.  Sounds like a portion of the Visitor Centre - much better than a tent.

The cruise ships are quite an enjoyable sight from the riverside as shown in Clay's photos.   Brings back happy memories.  Just sad for those that end up in Tilbury.

On 5/9/2024 at 3:44 PM, SantaFe1 said:

After a long cab ride from central London to the Cutty Sark, or actually the Gipsy moth, everything was a breeze checking in.  They had Viking agents stationed everywhere from the Gipsy Moth to the checkin building (not a tent).  Easy check in, then a big kerfuffle— they had our package of excursion tix, but no room keys.  So the agent accompanied us to the ship, we met with Guest services manager who told us there were no room cards because we had been upgraded from a PV1 to a PS1— no idea why.  All our luggage was tagged for our original PV cabin, but by 2:30 everything had been sorted and all the luggage arrived at our new cabin on deck 8.  We may just watch the sail away from deck 8 after all as we are on the port side (rather than from Explorers Lounge.)  Nice first day!

Glad you had the upgrade but confused about the first couple of sentences.  Sir Francis Chichester's multi award winning ocean racing yacht "Gypsy Moth" was put into dry dock next to the Cutty Sark in 1968  and was moved and set free in 2005.  There is a Gypsy Moth  Pub right next to the Cutty Sark - did you mean the pub?  Also intrigued as to which building was used for check in.  There is an empty restaurant almost next to the river boat ticket booths so possibly there ?

We had a house in Greenwich until recently and the Viking presence onshore was previously in a tent in front of the visitor centre.

Watching the Viking (and other) cruise ships in Greenwich was always delightful. 

We went to Ravenna with Azamara. We were pleased as we had been lucky enough to visit Venice on many occasions. Had a lovely day and the mosaics were stunning

We had been scheduled to go to the industrial port of Fusina. I do appreciate it is closer to Venice ‘proper’ but it is nothing like Azamara’s description. 

Friends tried Silversea for their first (and last) cruise .

They said it was awful because they were obviously the poorest people onboard. 
English reticence meant they did not want to mention their financial status constantly.

10 hours ago, Canal archive said:

Suites from a small tailors  in Sunningdale who apart from the fuss of choosing the aforementioned suites I was on tie choice duty and yes I believe a gentleman should have just that little Je ne sais quoi, so two suites needed at the very least four ties, silk of course as I have it on good authority no other fabric ties so well.

Liberty’s scarves are to die for.

If it was Mewes of Sunningdale then they are still going strong !