waggie

On 9/19/2024 at 3:56 PM, Miaminice said:

unfortunately these boards don’t get much attention. So I don’t think many people will read this 😢 But I will keep posting anyway 😁

Please do! I always enjoy your reports - and am re-living `Saigon and Mekong now.

1 hour ago, SM77 said:

Peregrina651 makes a great point about seeing if the Bali extension opens up.  In 2019, getting around Bali was a bit challenging, temples are far apart, roads are narrow, traffic is heavy.  In fact to return to the resort from one location, the tour company hired a police escort to get through traffic similar to a presidential motorcade.  It was quite an experience.  I'm sure that there are lots of private tour companies that are reasonable & will get you around as well.  Just do your research.  

 

Loved Sydney, since we did back to back cruises, the transition day(when there were no organized tours) we walked the Sydney Harbor Bridge and went up into the Pylon Lookout closest to the Circular Quay - it's not very busy & the views are spectacular.

We have a guide/driver booked for the time we are in Bali - I found him here on CC - highly recommended and he has been a dream to deal with - provided his WhatsApp details and responds quickly to emails. He has also found a driver for another couple on our cruise. We also now have a lovely hotel booked near to the extension group. 

Before the pandemic I used to organise small group tours on all our cruises - and hope to get back to doing it sometime. 

1 hour ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

And had you bought your ticket directly, AA would have handled it directly without involving a third party.  But because you bought the ticket through Viking, you had to make the changes through Viking.  Don't give them credit for something that they HAD to do since it was their ticket.  In fact, getting it through Viking just made it more complicated.

 

 

 

Take a look at the terms and conditions.  That "security" of your Plan B isn't what you think it is.

 

Far far more often, you will get faster and better resolutions with the airline handling things directly.

 

 

Hi, taking your advice I checked the t&c's and we are covered under the  Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations (2018) - perhaps this is a UK regulation. Anyway, using a respected cruise line and  airline plus great guidance on CC- I am optimistic that our first Viking trip will be wonderful!

10 minutes ago, Mich3554 said:

Our transport from the airport to and from our Bali resort was only around $20-25.  This was this past March, so doubt prices would have changed much.

We went all around Sydney via Uber.  While we didn’t go to the airport, I wouldn’t anticipate any problems getting to/from there to a downtown hotel.  
We have found that the excess price Viking charges in Business class more than covers any ground transport costs.  In fact, doing it ourselves more than pays for extensions on both ends.  In the last several years, our worst savings was $800pp, best $4000pp (our next trip which is a circumnavigation of Australia in Jan).  

Thanks - That is really useful information.I hope to use public transport to get around as well.I look forward to your review of the next cruise - we are on Venus in February.

13 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Except for those who have booked an extension, Viking transfers are included only if landing at the airport on Day 1 of the cruise itinerary and taking off from the airport on Day Last. Those are the days that Viking goes to the airport.

 

As for the suggestion above, you can ask but based on many conversations on these boards, the most likely response will be that it is not possible. If they do it for one person, then they have to do it for everyone and they are not prepared to do that.

 

However, I would continue to see if space opens up on the extension.

13 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Except for those who have booked an extension, Viking transfers are included only if landing at the airport on Day 1 of the cruise itinerary and taking off from the airport on Day Last. Those are the days that Viking goes to the airport.

 

As for the suggestion above, you can ask but based on many conversations on these boards, the most likely response will be that it is not possible. If they do it for one person, then they have to do it for everyone and they are not prepared to do that.

 

However, I would continue to see if space opens up on the extension.

Fair comment - I appreciate that Viking only go to the airport on embarkation/disembarkation day, but wondered if there was another way to be collected. Fortunately the airport looks a reasonable taxi ride to the hotel we have. I can understand why they cannot deviate for one person as it will set a precedent.Thank you again.

24 minutes ago, SM77 said:

Usually if you are coming in earlier than the usual arrival date, the transfer to the ship is not included.  Regarding Bali, if you are staying at the same resort as the extension, I would email tellus@vikingcruises.com, let them know that you are flying business using Viking Air and that you made your own hotel booking since the extension was sold out, ask whether you can be accommodated on the transfer to the airport(if you are leaving the same day).  For Sydney, not sure where the ship will be docked, but if it is not along the Circular Quay but at the White Bay Cruise Terminal, we took a Viking Water Shuttle from Circular Quay when we were touring Sydney.  You might also ask what is the available to get to the ship on embarkation day.  It was far quicker to travel by boat to get to White Bay Cruise terminal from Circular Quay.  Otherwise you will need to arrange your own transportation to the ship.  It's a fabulous cruise from Sydney to Bali; we did a back to back, from Auckland to Sydney, then from Sydney to Bali in 2019.  

Thank you so much. We are staying in the same Bali resort so I will contact them - and I will wit until we know where the ship is docking in Sydney to make final plans for getting there. Joining the Viking CC family has been so helpful.

This is a very helpful topic for a new-to-Viking cruiser. We have used Viking for our flights London to Sydney and return from Bali. The primary reason is the security of a plan B should things go wrong with the flights and Viking sorting it..We have upgraded to business at a fair cost compared to doing it myself, but, because we are going early to spend time in Sydney and staying on in Bali ( post extension was fully booked) we do not have the transfers or a pick-up.I am not sure if this is an issue in UK - any advice or comments?

1 minute ago, ORV said:

 

The OP summed it up perfectly in the above paragraph. Unless you're really tall or really large it's not really a problem. Would larger be better, yes, but it's quite workable. 

Thanks -  just watched a YouTube in which a very tall guy (6.6")  said he used the shower with the door open!

This has ben a very helpful review for me - we are about to join the Oceania newbies group! One concern I have from reading several reviews and watching you tube - how small is the shower cubicle??? We are looking to book a concierge verandah but all the you tube reports move past that bit of the bathroom quickly!

Ruth

4 minutes ago, lv2cruisgrl said:

I wish when people find a price break and they get a reduced price they would mention the cruise date and name of ship. Even though I know it could effect different sailings would be interesting to see where people are getting the reduced amounts. Just saying...

Eclipse March 14-26 South America- prices now better than I got- good luck!

Pleased to read that some of you have retained any benefits when there is a price drop. We booked for this March on 28 December 2023 with final payment  04 January 2024- barely a week. Two weeks later a price drop over almost £1000- but no refund as it was after final payment. 17 cruises with Celebrity ( Elite+ too) and when I asked if they would give some obc towards excursions - which they would also benefit from- no!

I wish I had listened to the wise owls here- don’t look at the price after final payment but be happy with what you have booked!

16 minutes ago, amurray88 said:

When do you go Waggie? We were told all London flights are from Gatwick for the winter season to Canaries 😱

We leave on January 5th. We were on the Gatwick charter but when they moved the flight to later the return was very late. I asked our TA if there was an alternative and was pleasantly surprised that our local scheduled flight had space - P&O kindly moved us. I am not sure about the transfer to and from the ship as our flight times are different to yours, but we will wait and see. Compared to your cot and drink package issues with the cruise this has been simple!

8 hours ago, sweep2907 said:

Summary

 

Although I tend to cruide with Celebrity these days, I am still a fan of P&O and this was my first cruise on P&O for 12 months since Ventura and Britannia.

 

Have to say food in MDRs was excellent and a lot better than the other ships mentioned a year earlier. Epicurean was as good a meal as I'd had in that venue ever as was Glasshouse.

 

As mentioned the moodiness or lack of warmth from staff in MDRs was noticeable this cruise and a far far cry from the interaction you get on celebrity. I've never experienced this before on P&O and wonder if the company are not looking after them as well??

 

For what we paid the cruise was amazing value, and I wouldn't hesitate to do this cruise again every winter! Azura and ventura remain my favorite ships in the fleet. I asked a lot of other passengers about Arvia and was put off from trying it so for now will stick with the older ships in the fleet. Well done P&O for a great cruise with good entertainment all round, good food and overall a positive experience. 8/10 

Thank you for such an informative review - we are new to P&O having cruised exclusively with Celebrity. I am doing my best to stay open-minded and have got a lot from yours, and other cruisers comments. Flying to the Canaries for a bit of winter sunshine has to be good - and so far P&O  and our TA have been good to deal with. We are on a scheduled Jet2 from Stansted, our local airport  and I hope that works well. Thanks again and have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ruth

11 minutes ago, sweep2907 said:

Sindhu is per item. EPICUREAN is one fee £30 pp from memory but superb! Beach House adds extra for things like steaks or seafood kebab. Glasshouse per items and just turn up.

You have been so helpful- hopefully for others too. Epicurean was £24 pp. and Beach House was £7.60 pp. yesterday. I can’t wait!

7 hours ago, sweep2907 said:

Yes pay per item. 

Hi, I booked last night when the booking opened - is it a deposit for all the restaurants ?- it read as if only Sindhu was price per item, but the majority of dishes on the other menus were included in the price I paid. Have I misunderstood?

Just to let you know - booking is now open for the speciality restaurants. There were IT problems for a while, but all okay now!

3 minutes ago, sweep2907 said:

You just turn up glasshouse and can't book but a must try. Other big one is Epicurean,they book up fast but worth every penny of £30pp. Not done Beach House this time but usually good meal. I personally love Sindhu as lover of Indian food. Epicurean and Glasshouse if had to choose two. Will open up 14 days before.

Thanks - really helpful. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Thanks so much- new to P&O and joining Azura on Friday 5 January.Glad to read that you can take coke onboard from ports of call not just embarkation. Hoping to ‘ ‘ get a look in’ for speciality dining when booking opens- any tips?

1 minute ago, Dermotsgirl said:

I'd like to try Hopton at some point. From what I've heard, Hopton is a bit bigger than Five Lakes, but both places have loyal followings. 

 

If visiting Fives Lakes another time, I think we'd go to Colchester Zoo, as it looks to be only a 15 minute drive away

Hopton is a lot more established too. The zoo is wonderful.

I agree with everything said here- just returned from a 4 night break at Potters Hopton and cannot fault it. From the friendly welcome to the warmth of the bungalows- terrific.
We live in Colchester so will try Five Lakes in the spring.

Dermotsgirl- let me know if there is anything particular you want to do in Colchester, I would be happy to help.

That is a shame. I had a similar issue about selecting seats and had  a chat with P&O who gave me a website address that was not correct, but by looking back through CC I found one that worked. We are on a scheduled Jet2  flight and were able to access it today - 59 days before we fly and today  were able to book seats, and/or book a meal and/or  extra baggage. the website we used was:www jet2.com/pocruises. I hope it works for others.

Cruisers might be interested to know that we will be in Santa Cruz for Three Kings Day

Visitors to Spain will know how lively these occasions can be! As they are often public holidays it might be worth considering any plans you had that day!

Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) is a Christian holiday that celebrates the Epiphany, which marks the arrival of the biblical Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem 12 days after Christmas Day. Many cities in Spain hold grand parades on January 5th, the day before the Epiphany. This might be the case as 6th. is a Sunday.

We will also disembarking on the start of the Santa Cruz carnival but I imagine we will be heading to the airport before the fun begins.

6 hours ago, BettyCruiser said:

Last year we did Sky Princess Norway to the Arctic Circle, not Midnight Sun it was August and this year we did Iceland. I would go back to Norway but don’t feel the need to go back to Iceland. So I recommend the Sky to Norway.

Thanks- Iceland seemed a lot of sea but  the main places could  be enjoyed on a land tour!  

We had the same decision to make and have gone for Land of the Midnight Sun on Sky. This will be our first Princess cruise after many years on Celebrity. 
One comment- I think we dock in Zeebrugge not Brussels- a short distance from beautiful Bruges.

Hi, yes, they are the new times. It was 09.30 out, and 14.50 back. Late evening return is not great, so hoping we don’t have to hang around at the airport all day.

Also jet2 from Stansted would be better!

See you there!

Ruth