jiminyC_fan

Respbj, we never leave home without our Keen's. We love them, too.

Just a friendly reminder, especially to newer members, that we aren't allowed to name travel agencies (brick and mortar or online) by name or ask for recommendations of agencies or volunteer to share the name of our TA's (even off line). CC is really strict about its TA policy and will delete posts and/or suspend posting privileges and/or lock this thread (see Guidelines). We can talk about our experiences but we can't name names.

 

Please don't shoot the messenger.

That's exactly what happened when a poster provided her email to me so that I could get the name of the agency. The post disappeared quickly. CC means business.

I know it's early, and Viking hasn't done Alaska yet, but maybe some of you have already cruised on a different line. I'm booked in mid July of 2019, on inside passage. Are there shoes you recommend that aren't strictly outdoor/hiking? I don't hike, really, and I'd like to wear them again

We didn't feel the need to pack any special shoes for our Alaska cruise on HAL. My podiatrist only allows me the New Balance so that is what I wore.

Clarks, Eccos and Sketchers just don't have enough support. Since I have found the Vionic brand, I can wear them for short times.

We first booked with a small local TA and he wasn't there for us during it all. Our last one we booked with an online TA that I got from someone here and we got a huge discount and unbelievable service. We will only use them from now on. It does get a bit frustrating when you want to do something with your reservations but they won't help you. It must go through your TA but that is the case with all cruise lines. It's unfortunate that we can't give the name of the agency on here.

What happens? The passengers who have arrived in good time for the included excursion get very hacked off at having to wait for latecomers who have not the manners or consideration to do likewise. (Plural personal experiences. Some latecomers don't even seem bothered that they have held up a tour.) That's what happens.

It never happened on our Viking cruise but if it did, I know my husband (and more than likely me) would be livid.

I have been told that if the Viking excursion was to leave at 9:00 then 9:00 it takes off. It doesn't wait. That's what we experienced....thankfully. A late couple would completely through off the tours at their destination.

I'm a New Balance 928v3 person as well. They are athletic style. My podiatrist agrees that they are the best for people with foot problems (I've had surgery on both feet). Vionic shoes are a bit more classy and I can get by with them. Another brand that is great for bad feet and cobblestone streets are Keen's and they have several different styles but probably too clunky for your what you have described that you are looking for.

I missed this too. In April I'll definitely check it out. I wonder if it is available after the shows?

We just never snack so that may be correct. Let me know!

Yes, they do have it every day. It has 2 layers of merengue that has almond flour. The layers alternated with buttercream and the cake is covered in thinly sliced roasted almonds. Enjoy! :)

Too bad you didn't cruise before us. We never eat desserts but I would have tried this one!:D

Enhance your rum raisin gelato by pouring a small quantity of Malibu rum over it.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble Nutella fans with some bad news, it is loaded with palm oil.

The malibu on rum raisin sounds wonderful. As far as the nutella and palm oil, we only live once. They are finding something wrong in everything we eat these days. I don't keep it in my house so it's not going to kill me. If you think about it, your body treats alcohol as if it's poison and yet almost everyone drinks. We only drink on vacation. I bet I only had one glass of wine on our Homelands cruise. Wait, I take that back. I had some at Chef's table.

I vote Midnight Sun! Magnificent!

Thanks for that! :)

Has anyone tried the Nutella Panna Cotta in Manfredi's? I'd hate to give up the tiramisu for that unless it's recommended. Or do we ask for a sampler of each on that night too???

Peregrina posted a link to a Viking e- cookbook . All you have to do is supply your email. I thought of you because it has Viking's tiramisu recipe. It really is a great book.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/brochures/cookbook-digital.html#noscroll

Wow, I can't thank you enough for the link! It's wonderful!

Has anyone tried the Nutella Panna Cotta in Manfredi's? I'd hate to give up the tiramisu for that unless it's recommended. Or do we ask for a sampler of each on that night too???

I didn't have an opportunity to try it but anything with Nutella is worth asking for a sample. LOL

 

So, they served it at Chef's Table and you liked it? Who knew?

Double hitter on that one. Thanks for the advice, clever Texan.

Rum raisin gelato hands down is my favorite. It sounded icky so I didn't try it at the buffet when encouraged by a server. The next night we were eating at Chef's table where it was part of their dessert. It was amazing and only got a dab of it. It was never served anywhere again unfortunately. I dream of it now.

Not a fail here, just an incomplete. I'm sure you will do better on your next cruise. I did hear you passed the Viking cruise 'experience' with flying colors.

Yes, incomplete and shouldn't stay that way. I am looking at either Mid Atlantic Crossing or Into the Midnight Sun. I'm sure one of them will be calling your name after your upcoming cruise.

I never went to the lectures (they all seem to be at 6:30 pm) but we dined with one of the lecturers and her husband a couple of times and the art historian was on one of the tours we did. Besides these two resident experts, there were two different historians also on our trip.

Definitely interesting dinner conversations!

Sorry, I failed you on this one. We never attended any of his presentations.

Ahhh, don't you want to go back?

Absolutely!

This wasn't just a meal, it was an experience.

LOVE this ^^^. I can't agree more.

Thanks everyone.

Anyone here do the Atlantic crossing with Viking? Just looking for thoughts on it. We like sea days so that is good. We like rough waters so that is good, too. What am I not thinking of?

For what it's worth, we saw only about 50% of the group, at best, tip the guides on the included tours.

 

 

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I noticed the no tipping as well and it angered me watching them scoot around the driver and guide. Sheesh.

DianetheCruiser, I am a lot like you. I am a comfort food type gal and wasn't even going to make a reservation. A certain someone on this board (ahem, Dauntless) talked me into it and boy was I happy he did. It turned out to be my favorite restaurant. It was fun trying all the different offerings for each course. At least for the first time there, go with the offerings and don't ask for anything off menu. You might be pleasantly surprised. If not, run up to the buffet or get room service for a bite to eat.

Booking Into the Midnight Sun. Would love recommendations DV vs PV. PV is +$1200 pp. Worth it? Thanks

I debated and debated on this very issue. We decided on DV and it was perfectly fine. We will not hesitate to book DV again.