Twitchly

Right. One of the piped-in artists during our last cruise was Max Richter, who I like quite a bit but have no idea how to categorize. Alternative new age (as opposed to Windham Hill), maybe? Anyway, it was a huge improvement from the awful (and loud) piped-in music from our 2018 cruise. I was so pleased I sent a note to Viking about it.

The piped-in background music on our last cruise was more “new age,” and I enjoyed it. The live background music was a mixed bag. There’s difficult jazz and there’s easy, more accessible jazz. (Think of all those “smooth jazz” FM radio stations.) I think the latter can work well in public spaces, especially restaurants and lounges. Think Diana Krall or Kenny G rather than John Coltrane or Wayne Shorter.

We had to wait quite a while for a taxi when disembarking in Bergen. The rain might’ve had something to do with it. Couldn’t get an Uber at all.

I’m not at all familiar with Seabourn. Does it have casinos? How do it’s daily onboard activities compare to Viking’s? How does its dress code compare? Are there butlers and tiered experiences? Viking’s low-key egalitarian approach works well for us, but we’re open to other lines if they’re similar in some key areas.

I doubt anyone else does, either. I see this thread — and much of this board — as providing ideas and suggestions to whatever Viking employee might be reading. To their great credit, Viking does listen and make changes. I also enjoy hearing different perspectives. I find it easier to tolerate music I dislike when I know it brings joy to others.

I wonder what they see as the difference.

That’s funny. I admit to being indifferent to the Beatles. Just not my cuppa. Not a big fan of Abba, either. Don’t get me started on Grease or show tunes. I think I’m just not in Viking’s target demographic when it comes to their shows. The big exception: when they bring on local talent. We were wowed by a Spanish trio during our Trade Routes cruise, and we greatly enjoyed the Norwegian violinist in Bergen. I would be THRILLED to hear more local music from the places we’re visiting. As for music played in the public spaces, I don’t really enjoy pop music (of any era) being played as background. It’s too distracting to me, hard to do anything else like have a conversation or read. For background, I much prefer instrumental music — jazz, classical, Latin. During our last cruise (Mars) I quite enjoyed the daytime atmospheric music played quietly in a couple of ship locations. I wonder why Viking doesn’t feature more jazz musicians. I’d think they would be popular and a great addition. I’d much rather hear some jazz guitar in the Explorer Lounge than James Taylor or Jim Croce cover songs.

Things are definitely getting more casual around here. We went to a fancy restaurant the other night, a frequent favorite, and I noticed a lot more people wearing jeans, sneakers, and, yes, baseball hats. (I also saw women in cocktail dresses and heels and men in classy shoes and collared shirts. No more suits and ties, though.) I know Viking requests no jeans in the restaurants in the evening, but I don’t remember: do they mention baseball hats?

We used credit cards and Apple Pay for everything last fall. The only time we used physical currency was when tipping tour guides.

My tip, for what it’s worth: for Lerwick, only sign up for excursions you will get reimbursed for if Viking cancels your stop there. Due to weather conditions, they frequently have to skip the Shetlands. Sadly, that was the case for our cruise in September.

Alternatively, you can bring little battery-operated votive candles. We always travel with a couple. They work nicely as nightlights. And romance. 😉 https://www.amazon.com/Homemory-Realistic-Flickering-Flameless-Celebration/dp/B01EDKGFGU/ref=mp_s_a_1_5

Our post pandammit cruise was this past September. Viking Mars in the British Isles. Great cruise. But it’s true, they didn’t have the pistachio rolls. So I take it all back — Viking is circling the drain!

We saw no difference between our pre- and post-pandemic Viking cruises. Both were in Europe. Both very enjoyable. No notable shortages, no change in level of service or quality of excursions, food, etc. The evening shows were just as uninspiring after COVID as before. 😜 Same songs, even. (Which is fine; we don’t cruise for the shows.) We find Viking’s low-key approach suits us well.

As opposed to hanging one’s tushie off the “balcony”?

Cherry juice? Almond? Caffeine (not so secret, I guess) Cocaine? 🤪

Our hotel was in roughly the same area as yours. If I hadn’t sprained my knee, we would have walked there. It’s a lovely walk. However, between the knee and the rain (it rains a lot in Bergen), we needed a taxi. There was a long wait, since everyone else wanted a taxi, too. If you’re up for the walk, I’d recommend it.

Me too! No cruises planned at the moment. Our next trip will be a land tour of Israel and Jordan in the spring. How about you?

The World Buffet has plenty of salads, and I’ve seen some dishes and soups with tofu or beans. Your best bet is to speak with the dining manager when you board. They’re very accommodating.

We did, twice. Each time the person behind the counter in the Living Room seemed to have no idea what we were talking about.

Same on Mars last September. We were desolated!

Yeah, I have to admit, I do love GPS. I don’t miss trying to navigate with those big, tatty maps you could never figure out how to fold up again. 🗺️

I know, I’m weird, but I’m loving the snow. It brightens up everything and makes the indoors feel cozy. If it’s going to be winter, I want snow.

The Bay of Biscay gave us a pretty dramatic ride, too — but that was on a clear, sunny day. Can’t imagine it in a hurricane!

This would be my husband’s philosophy. So I do all the planning, and he gets to enjoy the fruits of my labors. Works for us. That said, I don’t particularly enjoy planning anything other than vacations. Deciding what to do this weekend? Meh. Let’s wing it.

I like hearing about lots of details because it makes me feel like I’m already on vacation. That’s the joy of planning for me; it extends the experience.