bardstowntraveller

Has anyone recently done a back to back cruise?  If so, is testing required between cruises?     How is testing administered?  Did you have to disembark?  Currently have back to back scheduled sailing from Fort Lauderdale and want to be prepared

On 8/18/2021 at 12:47 PM, skynight said:

This pdf will provide you with  prices. We enjoyed Sabatini's Trattoria and the Crown Grill. Have not tried the others you mention.

https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/food-and-dining/dining-options.pdf

Thanks. This is perfect

Can anyone tell me the current prices of dining in the specialty restaurants?  We plan to book a TA on Sky next fall.  Would like to know prices for Chef's Table, Bistro Sur La Mer, Sabatini's, Crown Grill and Wine Cellar.  Have eaten at Crown Grill and Sabatini's on previous cruises but haven't tried the others.  Would appreciate feedback on them if anyone has tried them

33 minutes ago, gramfrog said:

THANK YOU!  Now this is helpful. What excursion did you take to see the Puffins?

 

Saw Puffins on Wildlife Boat tour. But be aware they are in the distance and much smaller than pictures you may have seen. They are about 1/3 the size of a seagull. They are recognizable because of how fast their wings flap

11 hours ago, SBRworld said:

I’m wondering if horseback riding is a good idea or not. 
 

I’m also wondering about whale watching. I thought I read something about people not seeing whales or having to remain on land? 

We were on 8/3 Jupiter sailing. We did Golden Circle, Voks  Baths, Natural Wonders, Ice Lagoon and Wildlife of Heimaey by Boat excursions. We enjoyed all of them. The Golden  Circle, Natural Wonders and Ice Lagoon were all day tours requiring quite a bit of time on the bus. Buses were nearly full— restricted to no more than 30 people. Mask compliance was good. In the Voks Baths and on the Heimaey boat, no one wore a mask.  The hottest pool at the Voks Bath was very crowded.  Our favorite excursion was the Ice Lagoon. Least favorite was Natural Wonders because it was very similar to Golden Circle and the midges were terrible.

Thought I would interject some positivity in this thread since it has spiraled into doom and gloom. We were on the 8/3 Jupiter sailing and loved every minute. Was the daily spit test a hassle? Yes. Would we have preferred not to wear a mask everywhere? Yes. Were we concerned about being quarantined due to contact tracing? Yes. But despite all of that we are so thankful that we were able to enjoy the beautiful ship and fantastic Iceland excursions, many of which included long bus rides. 

10 hours ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

A little more on Jupiter today:  Today there were maps of Isafjordur in the little tent after getting off the ship, right before you walk outside to the coaches.  If don't see them, ask around.  They have some on a table and more in a rack, kind of hidden.  No restrictions on walking, but if you take the included excursion offered by Viking you'll see some of the town and hear a lot about it.  Gangway is not steep; walking into town isn't very far, although I didn't actually do it.  (No time between 2 excursions!)

 

Lunch today outside at World Cafe was nice - very scenic and nice temperature outside, no wind. 

 

Chef's Table tonight was California Cuisine ...crabcake (not a Maryland style one, but I hear it was good), halibut, etc.  

 

Restroom near room 3059 is a riot ...don't be alarmed by grunting sounds, along with an occasional bird sound.  It's a bit weird until you figure what it is......and I could hear the chirping from the corrider!

 

Spouse used the washer and dryer today.

 

Snow grotto is closed due to Covid (tiny space).  I haven't been to the spa area or seen a production yet.  Cruise director Katy is very bubbly.  

 

Everyone's upbeat, complying with regs, awed by the beauty of Iceland, and very pleased with the service on the ship.  

Snow grotto is not actually closed. It just doesn’t have snow. You can still go inside to cool off

5 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

Thank you for this valuable information.  I have ordered wheelchair assistance from Delta so hopefully they will remember and wheel me from Terminal to Terminal.  We are scheduled to land from Tampa at 3:15 pm and was hoping there was food service in terminal.  Did you see any restaurants near the gates?

There were plenty of shops and food services in the airport. Delta served a meal on our flight with complimentary wine and alcohol. We didn’t eat onboard so can’t tell you what they served

Currently onboard Jupiter. A couple of pieces of advice. If you connect through Minneapolis, take the tram between terminals. We started to walk because we didn’t realize how far it was and would have missed our flight if an employee in a cart hadn’t driven us

Second tip, take your iPhone charging cord with you on your excursions. The buses have USB ports. Several people on our Golden Circle tour had dead phones/cameras before excursion ended

We haven’t had the best of weather. Drizzly weather everyday. Glad we brought and wore rain suits

Currently onboard Jupiter. A couple of pieces of advice. If you connect through Minneapolis, take the tram between terminals. We started to walk because we didn’t realize how far it was and would have missed our flight if an employee in a cart hadn’t driven us

Second tip, take your iPhone charging cord with you on your excursions. The buses have USB ports. Several people on our Golden Circle tour had dead phones/cameras before excursion ended

We haven’t had the best of weather. Drizzly weather everyday. Glad we brought and wore rain suits

1 hour ago, TayanaLorna said:

The drive to the Vok baths up and over a mountain pass was spectacular.  Throughout the cruise until this point you are always looking up to see the snow covered mountains.  On this drive you are there.  Architecturally the baths building fits visually into its surroundings and is lovely.  The locker rooms are clean.  You use your wristband to lock and open your locker.  The showers are individual, private and required to use before bathing.  Towels are provided and you can take 2 if you wish.  The 3 pools float on the lake each becoming hotter the further you go out.  The first pool has a swim up bar.  Unless you can navigate the stepping stones over the pool, you must enter the first pool in order to reach the next 2.  The lake is 50 ish degrees F and there are ladders to get out.  The spa was reserved for Viking and 2 buses were there with staggered arrival times.  You can try this amazing herbal tea after you are done.  Its included.  Some people brought robes but you really didn't need them.  The ramp into the first pool was very slippery.  It was a very nice relaxing experience.  We did it in the morning as there was no afternoon one when we booked.  I think the surrounding scenery is probably more spectacular at the Husavik Geobaths but we didnt want to miss the Northern Treasures excursion.

 

Skalanes Nature Center was amazing.  The guide was a hoot!  She had all kinds of tales and stories to tell.  The centers owner is her cousin and i believe she odoes all the tours.  You drive there in a high 4 wheel drive all terrain type bus.  The road is gravel or there is no road...you ford 3 streams.  Such fun and excitement!  The center houses research projects and people at times who study birds and the environment.  We were greeted by scores of Arctic Terns some with young chirping for food.  There is about a 3/4 mile walk through the property on a gravel path and then up a series of wooden stairs and platforms to a viewing station at the cliffs edge.  Stunning.  We were on the July 17 cruise.  The lupine was still in bloom but past its peak when we were there.  Besides the terns, we saw Kittiwakes, Eider ducks and puffins.  There were other birds that birders better then could spot but i just never got a positive ID and can only guess.  Along the road on the way in we stopped at an archeological site also.

Did you wear a bathing suit coverup or just go straight from locker room into baths?

We currently have scheduled the Seydisfjordor on foot and the Heimey on foot excursions and am wondering if we will miss much if we do these ports on our own. Can anyone provide feedback?

25 minutes ago, NeilP57 said:

Live from Viking Sky. 
 

Left Harpa concern hall at scheduled time of 12:00. 
 

We were told there was a small delay with boarding, so coach did a small tour of Reykjavik and instead of 10 minute trip to Viking Sky in took just over 30 min with a pleasant and knowledgeable local guide. 
 

Then waited a further 20 minutes before leaving the bus and climbing the rather steep gangway (we were okay but a few struggled) and then we stepped into what many of us have one to love over recent years. 
 

We were shown to a designated space (for us the MDR) where we received a short personal safety  briefing and then we were free to go. 
 

Stateroom were not ready at this point so we headed to the World Cafe for a fabulous small lunch. On the way we called in at the reception area of the two speciality restaurants and made a booking for both Manfredi’s and the Chefs Table both a times that suited us. 
 

In the World Cafe we were able to sign up for the drinks package with one of the Wine Steward and a rather nice glass of South African pinotage was consumed with lunch overlooking a fabulous view across to a headland with some higher ground in the background. 
 

An announcement that all Staterooms  were available for passengers at 1:35pm. 
 

Safety video and the first of many saliva samples (after the required 30 minute delay ) were provided. 
 

It feels so good to be back. 
 

Feel free to fire off any questions that are appropriate for this live thread. 

Thanks so much for providing this timely info. 

Are movies available to watch in room?

We are on 8/3 Jupiter cruise. How can we tell which ports are tender ports for us?

5 minutes ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

Thank you, thank you!  My husband was hoping to hear those words "Asian Panorama"  so I might have to see if they have any room for us Tuesday or Wednesday!  I imagine the Chef's Table won't be all that full the first two nights, so we just may have duck in our future! 

Yeah!  We have reservations Tuesday night and I was hoping for one of the Asian menus 

59 minutes ago, Triptkr said:

Which ship? Do you have a link?

Jupiter. No link. Info was posted in Viking Facebook group

Apparently there has been another positive test onboard a Viking Iceland ship. A poster on another site has stated that she was placed in quarantine because of close contact with a person she sat near on an excursion bus. She missed her flight home today and is being transferred to a Reykjavik hotel awaiting test results from Iceland officials

Can someone post the ship shuttle schedule to and from Reykjavik on embarkation day. We have an early morning arrival and believe we will be taken from airport to Harpa Concert Hall to await our 11am embarkation. I would like to walk around the city before heading to ship. Is going in town in the evening an option?  What time do shuttles stop?

Any Olympics TV coverage onboard?

30 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

So if 3 in our party depart Tampa at 12:50 pm on Monday, August 30 and have a layover in Minneapolis until 7:30 pm and arrive in Reykjavik at 6:40 am Tuesday, August 31, how/when/where are we supposed to test?  Viking rep told me to have test done Friday, August 27th.  Did he provide correct information?  I have read so many posts and articles which were posted I have become totally confused.  The 4th member of our party will be flying from Las Vegas to Minneapolis to meet us for final flight.

I have been traveling by land, sea and air for over 60 years and have never experienced such confusion as to requirements.  I know these are different times but Viking needs to get together with Iceland and give us the straight facts, just the facts.

The visit.Covid.is site says 72 hours prior to first flight. Your airline may differ

Just got an email from Viking which states that while PCR test is preferred, the antigen test is acceptable

13 minutes ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

In the post I mentioned above (which despite the title is NOT just for 2022 cruisers), see post #2720.

 

The turnaround time for PCR may not be as bad as you think.  I've found numerous options for getting 1 to 2 day turnaround, and testing places that are open on weekends. 

After spending about 3 hours online googling I found a place near me that does Rapid PCR testing with results in 30 minutes. Made an appointment for the Friday evening before my flight on Monday

1 hour ago, NeilP57 said:

This is where I have got to with my TA and Viking as at close of play on Thursday.

 

My TA called me back to say that Viking have repeated the statement that a PCR test is required. They explained that differing parts of the Icelandic websites say different things and in their view in such circumstances it is better to be cautious and therefore a PCR was recommended. I was told that I would receive something shortly from Viking. I looked at the website page that Viking had offered up as being at odds with the main site that says PCR or Antigen and it was far from conclusive that it was dealing with the post 26 July situation. However, they said Viking would be writing to me, via my TA shortly.

 

This has now been received as is reproduced in full. Please note that this is from Viking in the UK.

 

22JUL2021

Dear Viking Guest, As you prepare to travel with us, please keep the following important travel milestones in mind. To ensure your entry into Iceland is seamless, we have prepared the following detailed timeline to help you be ready to join us on board. We ask that you review it and collect all the necessary travel documentation as outlined for presentation at the various checkpoints along the way (i.e. departure airport, customs and immigration on arrival). Without them, you may be denied the ability to travel to and enter Iceland. As you know, all guests are required to be fully vaccinated prior to boarding the ship. If you have not received your final dose by 14 days prior to your departure, please contact your Travel Advisor or Viking. You will need to rebook to a later time - at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose. Accepted COVID-19 vaccines listed below: Moderna (Moderna) Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) AstraZeneca/Oxford (Covishield, Vaxzevria) Sinopharm (Hayat-Vax) WHEN DESCRIPTION By now VeriFLY Vaccine Certification We have partnered with VeriFLY to certify your vaccination certification. To complete the process, follow the steps outlined here. Note, VeriFLY will provide your approved certification status directly to the ship, who in turn will provide it to the appropriate authorities. Your status will change to "Ready to Travel" in the app, but there is no additional documentation for you to keep track of. 3 days prior to departure                 Iceland Pre-registration Form You will need to fill out a pre-registration form at https://visit.covid.is/registration, which will require the following 2 steps: Step 1: Health Declaration and mobile phone verification. You will be asked for your mobile number and will be required to request a verification number before you can continue. When you receive the verification number, enter and submit it as directed.  Step 2: Registration information. After entering your information, you must then "Choose what you are doing upon arrival to Iceland": Select: "Present a valid certificate for exception/other documents" (vaccination certificate). Confirmation: check appropriate boxes.  Select: Confirm and Send.  You will receive a Confirmation Email with a link to a barcode that must be presented upon your arrival to Iceland. Please print or it have available on your mobile phone. Important: If you are a cruise-only guest and arranging your own air, please ensure that you have checked local requirements for your arrival port and contacted your air carrier for their requirements. Tip: If you have received a printed document, you can take a picture of the paperwork to generate a jpg from your phone. Within 3 days of departure Pre-departure PCR Test Currently the government guidance advises that you must be fully vaccinated the enter Iceland, and you will also need to present a negative PCR or antigen (rapid) test that is no more than 72 hours old before departing to Iceland.  Please check FCO advice here for the most up-to-date information as entry requirements can change with little notice. 1 day prior to departure Travel Document Preparation Valid Passport (Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip dates.) Confirmation of pre-registration for visiting Iceland - Either print your barcode or have the email confirmation available to click the link and show upon arrival to Iceland. Proof of FDA/WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine Cruise Itinerary (Viking Journey Summary emailed to you by Viking) - to verify your "Address in Iceland" Tip: While digital documents on your phone are accepted, they will slow your clearance through the checkpoints in the Iceland arrival terminal, so we suggest printing your documentation and having it available throughout your journey. On arrival  Entering Iceland In addition to the documents above, you will need the following: Boarding pass (Your seat assignment will be recorded for contact tracing purposes by the Iceland Travel Authority.) Completed Customs and Immigration Forms: provided by your flight crew Tip: Bring a pen as there are no pens available on board. At the Airport Your documents will be reviewed at various checkpoints in the arrival terminal. You will need documents as follows: Document Check and Travel Authorisation (At Departure) Iceland Pre-registration Confirmation (ensure yours has a bar code) Proof of FDA/WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine Immigration (Upon arrival in Iceland) Passport (Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip dates.) Iceland Pre-registration Confirmation (ensure yours has a bar code) Immigration form (provided on board flight) Cruise Itinerary (Viking Journey Summary) - to verify your "Address in Iceland" Customs Customs form (provided on board your flight) Cruise Itinerary (Viking Journey Summary) - to verify your "Address in Iceland" Boarding Pass Transfer to ship for Embarkation Please note that as more travellers visit Iceland, some of the checkpoint stations may change and/or be combined. You will also need to undergo the following COVID-19 screening prior to your cruise: Temperature check (a temperature reading of less than 100.4F/38C). Questions in relation to your general health, COVID-19 symptoms, or possible exposure. Accept and agree to using contact-tracing technology during your cruise. Complete any required check-in procedures. You will be escorted aboard the ship, shown your muster station and proceed to your stateroom where you will be required to provide a saliva sample for a COVID-19 test. While waiting for your test results, you will be able to use the public spaces on board observing current mask and social distancing requirements.  For your convenience, a document checklist for your trip can be found below this message. You may also view your pre-cruise requirements in more detailhere. We look forward to welcoming you on board. Sincerely, Viking

ICELAND - DOCUMENT CHECKLIST Iceland Pre-registration Confirmation Valid passport (must be valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip dates) Proof of FDA/WHO authorised COVID-19 vaccine Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR negative test results  Confirmation of valid travel insurance policy Cruise itinerary (Viking Journey Summary) Pen

In the relevant paragraph It clearly states that an Antigen test is sufficient. However, both the header on that section and the summary at the end say just a PCR test.   The UK Government site that they refer to under Iceland has also been updated during the day to say that if you have a valid vaccination  certificate a negative PCR or an Antigen test is acceptable.   So it has been another very frustrating day but it looks like we have got  the correct answer at the end of the day. Once again, Viking could have avoided this with a little more care about the documents they issue. I know it cannot be easy as we demand information quickly following a countries entry requirements change but there is little excuse for the mistakes they have made on this topic.

 

 

Very interesting. I just received an email from Viking in regards to PCR vs antigen and mine still says PCR. I also spoke with a customer rep at Viking who said the same thing. She said it was according to Iceland’s requirements. She looked up the official Iceland website and was surprised to find that antigen tests were acceptable for fully vaccinated travelers. Hopefully the will send out revisions soon

31 minutes ago, Steve NH said:

Our departure is July 26 10:25 PM. It would be great to know today. I have a call in to Viking and I'm in the queue for Delta. As soon as my travel agent wakes up I'll get her to connect with her contact. I have a PCR test booked for Saturday morning but I was planning on canceling that for the rapid antigen test I have booked for Sunday as I'm concerned about having the results in time. Stressful. 

Delta’s website says PCR or antigen which is consistent with the Iceland site