stretchcruz

Sounds like we would have liked Rinca better. Don't remember on Komodo how long our walk was but it seemed forever because of the heat. And we climbed a hill, coming down my husband fell and cut his arm. It was bleeding. So, naturally, worried about the dragons. The "guides" had no type of first aid or even band aids. I did. (Hey, I was a Girl Scout). It turned out fine but it was so hot for such a long walk. And then the horrible gauntlet of vendors.

That's nice. We were on Viking when we went in 2019. Or 2018. Sorry, don't remember. Lots of stress lately. We did Auckland to Bali.

The worst part about the Komodo dragons was have to walk back to the ship through the big overhead market with booths selling stuff. I probably would have bought something if I wasn't forced to walk through with all of these over aggressive sales people..Granted, there was a line on the ground that they couldn't cross. But it was awful. You walk down the beach past the deer that will be eaten by dragons and are herded through shops. In the heat.

A passenger in the stateroom next to the one where the fire started stated that they grabbed their passports etc to evacuate and the smoke in the hallway was so thick and black that she couldn't see where she was going. She said that the stench was horrible even on the floor below. She was worried that all of her clothes etc would be ruined.

According to Sydney Australia news: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11707563/Viking-Orion-cruise-ship-evacuated-fire-three-rooms.html

When we've cruised to Hawaii the captains have always slowed down and then cruised in a circle so that everyone could see the volcano. And I don't remember which, I remember the smell of the sulfur and hearing the lava hit the ocean. It was awesome.

They are currently doing ship building on Viking Jupiter too. Someone on the site that must not be named put up a bunch of pictures of the snowmen on this cruise. Very creative! Lots of participation it looks like. I'm loving reading the blogs.

I am so sorry for all of you. We so enjoyed our Auckland to Bali cruise in 2019. A floating hotel is very nice but doesn't compare to the ports and adventures that you were planning on. I'm sorry.

Could be you get it on the way home. But if you test positive as soon as you get home, most likely you got it before the airplane. Who knows? And who knows why Clay has to test? Maybe they will tell him when he asks (and he WILL!)😁😁😁

That's not what I said (meant) I said that they didn't realize that they had it until they got home and then tested. I apologize that I didn't make myself clear.

Very interesting, Clay, about the Covid test. Are they anticipating that you will have contracted it? I know a lot of people don't realize that they have it until they fly home. Hmmmmm

OMG!!!!

I'm really looking forward to following along. I need a happy diversion!! Enjoy yourselves!!!

The leftover obc from my TA was refunded to me by Viking after we got home. On the TV in your cabin it is listed as "refundable"

El Charro is on the southwest corner of Sunrise and Kolb. To get to Sabino Canyon you will head east on Sunrise to Sabino Canyon and turn left to the parking lot. 3 minutes.

Have lunch at El Charro when you are at Sabino Canyon. It's the longest family owned Mexican restaurant in the US. It's at Kolb and Sunrise right on your way. Breakfast at Bisbee Breakfast Club at Swan and Sunrise. Very close to where you are staying.

I'm also from Tucson and my brothers could not get rental cars in Feb when they came in last minute when my sister passed away very unexpectedly. They were, however, able to get them in April for her memorial service. They reserved them weeks in advance. Hopefully you can get one by reserving way ahead of time. We live less than 5 minutes from Sabino Canyon. Enjoy your visit!!

It's still so interesting that you are staying in the same cabin. First I've heard of that. We were on Orion a month and never heard of anyone able to quarantine in their cabin. And, they've always said that the 10 day quarantine was due to....I don't know what, local rules? CDC? don't understand....but the CDC in US is 5 day quarantine and then mask regardless of positive or not. I'm not saying that I agree with it, I'm saying what the CDC says on their website. It's just so confusing what happens on different voyages.

It's very interesting that you were allowed to stay in your cabin. When we were on Orion quarantine was Deck 3 forward port side with a door blocking it off (no, we didn't have to experience it.) Since the recommendation from the CDC for quarantine in the US is 5 days, will they let you out then?

Yes, I can't wait. 22 days. Never been to Alaska and we'll avoid the long trip from Seward!!

Update: My TA contacted Viking. We booked the cruise and got the onboard booking benefits. So we are cruising Vancouver to Vancouver. Yay! Thanks for all of your input. You guys were right!

I'm glad to hear that!! It still sucks, though. You all did so well for so long.

I'm so sorry. I hope that she has a mild case. I'm glad to hear that you don't have to isolate. Didn't they used to make the partner stay isolated in the original stateroom for 5 days?

Are there a lot of Covid cases onboard? On the forum that shall never be discussed here there are several people reporting being in quarantine. One reported 40 cases after an excursion in Capadoccia? Must be an exaggeration, I'm thinking.....

It's interesting that you have been being served this whole time in the World Cafe. We were on the Orion March 23 to April 17, and it was self serve the entire time. We wish that it hadn't been.