Michael219

Additionally, the 14-Day Allure Of The Adriatic & Aegean is scheduled to dock in Haifa on May 12, 2024.  Our 14-day segment is sold out and of course, with current world events, we have concerns.

On our recent Into the Midnight Sun cruise, they had the Jim Beam mini(s).  They were not in the refrigerator when we boarded but I left a note asking for them and they were there shortly thereafter.

40 minutes ago, TayanaLorna said:

I think we are the only ones who prefer the door/window combo in a PV.  The first one we had was a PV2 so disregard that Viking staffer comment that only PV3's have them.  We do tend to spend time in our cabin.  My DH downloads photos at the desk and I sit with my legs up on the sofa journaling.  We can both have great views to outside.  We put the chair in the narrow wall space between the door and window.  We also capture the drapes with ties and affix each tie to a wall magnet which we bring.  That places the drapes behind the chair giving a better view through window or door. I know some folks like to leave their slider open but we don't.  Keeping the door open is harder.  We do use our veranda but have yet been on a cruise where the weather was conducive for long seatings out there.  It was either frigging freezing or dripping humidity salt encrusted rails, table and chairs.  One thing with the door is it closes slowly then at the end slams.  So we needed to be considerate and not allow door to slam.

Interesting as they (manager) were adamant that "all and only" PV3's had the door/window as opposed to the sliding door.  I stand corrected and will need to keep this in mind.  🙂

We recently returned from the Viking Mars and were surprised to find a door to the veranda as opposed to a sliding door, which we had in the past, and expected this time!  After speaking with Guest Relations, and stating this is not what we had on our previous ocean cruise I realized that this time we were in a PV3 and the previous cruise in a PV2.  We were told "all" PV3 cabins had a single door and all others had a sliding door.  As we walked the ship we noted mostly sliders but did notice the door in the PV3 locations.  Now we know for our next Viking Ocean trip!  

We did a Murano Glass excursion when there in 2018 and I just looked up our old itinerary.  While it did not list the business name, I did find this online, perhaps it is the place?

VENIER GLASSWORKS, or

FORNACE VENIER

The location looks familiar as it was adjacent to the walkway by the water.

Good luck!

SteelCity Cruiser, as we've done the 1.5-day visit via cruise ship, what hotel might you suggest?  We will be departing from Venice on a cruise next year and have been thinking of a pre-cruise stay.  As Jim Avery suggested, we'd love to see the city at night when not so busy with tourists (us!).

Thanks DaveA, I will do that now.

On 10/4/2022 at 8:30 AM, DaveA said:

As a result of issues with the Quest voyage ending in Montreal today we have been given a credit against a new booking that has to be sailed within one year.

We have an existing booking, deposit paid and balance due soon. We already have our holidays planned for the next year, so no option for an extra Seabourn cruise that soon.

Does anyone have any experience of Seabourn being flexible either allowing use of credit against an existing booking or extending the validity period? I will also check with our travel agent when we get home.

I realise we could cancel and re-book our next cruise but I suspect the flights (booked through Seabourn) will no longer be available or have gone up in price so losing our deposit as well would make it not worthwhile.

Dave A, as we are boarding the Quest in a few weeks, any chance you might elaborate on the issues you had to deal with?  Thank you!

On 4/3/2021 at 3:43 PM, Peregrina651 said:

 

There you have it! The clincher!

 

Now it is just 18 months and counting to "bon voyage."

--

Booked and now the countdown begins!  It will be interesting to compare Seabourn to our wonderful Viking Ocean experience - but no matter what, it will be a wonderful time and experience!!

Thanks again for your insight and comments across so many threads here on Cruise Critic, so much appreciated!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 4/1/2021 at 7:21 PM, Peregrina651 said:

IMHO, it comes down to this: do you want more time in big cities or in picturesque towns? Viking offers overnights in Montreal, Boston and NYC.

 

The other thing I would want to look at is how much time does each cruise line spend in each port.

You consistently respond with thought provoking & insightful information &/or questions.  In reviewing the two itineraries with my better half, she prefers the "picturesque towns" as you so aptly put it, and I agree.  Plus, this will provide both a sail in to and out of New York Harbor - a bonus!  We wish Viking offered such an itinerary but we will absolutely sail with them again - this will be a new experience with Seabourn.

Thanks again for your time and sharing here on Cruise Critic - and when we've previously emailed awhile back!!

Good day all,

So here we are, trying to make a decision on a New England/Canada cruise with NYC in the itinerary someplace.  We loved our prior Viking Ocean experience but someone has also suggested a Seabourn itinerary - I am requesting any input/insight from others who may have sailed on both, along with the different itineraries (shown below).  

On Viking we'd probably book a PV3 cabin.

On Seabourn we'd probably be in a V1 Veranda.

Viking 13-day Eastern Seaboard Explorer: Viking Star

*(we'd probably do this in reverse to sail out of NYC)

Montreal, Canada (Overnight)
Montreal, Canada
Quebec City, Canada
Saguenay, Canada    
Scenic Cruising: St. Lawrence Seaway
Gaspé, Canada
Halifax, Canada
Cruise the Nova Scotia Coast
Boston (overnight)
Boston
New York City (Overnight)
 

Seabourn 14-Day Atlantic Coast Harbors: Seabourn Quest

Montreal, Quebec
Quebec City, Quebec
Saguenay Fjord, Canada
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Bar Harbor, Maine
New York, New York
New York, New York
Charleston, South Carolina
Miami, Florida
 

Thanks in advance!!

Just came across this thread - so how does a Seabourn newbie obtain a OBC voucher for a cruise in Sept. or Oct. 2022?  Thanks!!

1 hour ago, RetiredandTravel said:

 

 

Currently we are considering Seabourn (Ovation) to Northern Europe & Silversea (Shadow/Moon) to Australia or South America.  We've toyed with Oceania and noticed Viking has an expedition cruise through the Great lakes & Canada that looks cool.   We have travelled quite a bit, new to cruising . 

 

Our trips on the Regent Voyager and Mariner were polar opposites. 

 

The Voyager was about to go in for a refurbishment, it was  rough around the edges and worn.  The service and food on the Voyager was so great the condition of the ship didn't seem to matter.  The Mariner had just had a major refurbishment, the ship was beautiful.  The service and food on the Mariner was so off the beauty of the ship didn't matter.

 

On the Voyager we were sorry to leave , on the Mariner were glad to leave.

 

Many frequent travelers with Regent said that they felt standards had slipped since they were bought out.  "The bean counters are in charge" was one quote.

 

I don't know if that's the case but we definitely saw many instances were corners were cut. 

 

The house Champagne on the Voyager was in the low $20 retail, the Mariner (Googled it) $14.   The complimentary bottle of Champagne in the room went from Veuve Clicquot to the house Champagne.  House wine quality declined in our opinion.  The quality of the fish and meats we had declined considerably.  I had Bronzino & Corvina on the Mariner, they were both awful and fishy.

 

The overall food quality deteriorated considerably on the two cruises from mostly great to a couple great, some poor and mostly average.   The lunch menu  changed 1/4 way through the cruise.  My wife ordered the duck, they brought her a 1/2 a duck (which was overcooked) with nothing else, not even a garnish, sides weren't offered on the menu.

 

Service on the Voyager was some of the best we've ever experienced.   On the Mariner the service ranged from apathetic (but efficient) to surly.  Voyager Compass Rose maitre d was a joy always smiling , "enjoy your dinner". The Mariner maitre d you got a cold look, asked room number quietly taken to table.  I will say the other ladies at the front desk were always pleasant. 

 

Here is an example of the service.

 

On the second night at Compass Rose we were taken to our table.  The waiter appeared within 30 seconds and said what would you like?  I politely said if we could get a couple more minutes and a glass of wine I'd appreciate it.  This seemed to enrage them.  The wine server came over glaring at me, showed us the wines.  Then proceeded to sloppily pour the wine almost to the top of the glass.   The waiter was also obviously upset.  It was so uncomfortable we asked to sit of the other side of the restaurant the rest of the cruise.  Unfortunately this type attitude wasn't uncommon.

 

The guest speaker on the Voyager was phenomenal.    She was from the Smithsonian, brilliant and dedicated.   She went over the history of each port and went on all the excursions, engaging with people.  The guest speaker on Mariner was horrible, he went over the entire history of Japan in one day glossing over WW2 and the remarkable economic/cultural revival of Japan from WW2 to today.  He did one other session on Japanese Gardens & one on Korean pottery. 

 

Excursions were excellent on both cruises.

 

Finally our toilet overflowed, I mean gallons of water and sewage pouring out of the toilet.  This had nothing to do with us, there was a major plumbing issue on the ship.  Several rooms on our floor had an issue but ours was the worst.  It took three frantic calls to the front desk and 20 minutes before someone was dispatched to turn the water off.  About 1/3 of our room was was saturated in water and sewage.  God bless housekeeping, they did a great job cleaning and disinfecting the room.  With the room door  open and several fans  the carpet dried by the end of the day.  The head of housekeeping apologized.   No one else from Regent seemed to care, no phone call or note to apologize for the inconvenience.  Maybe an offer to switch rooms? a modest ship board credit? bottle of the house champagne? couple of cookies?  nothing

 

I'd suggest reading the reviews of the Mariner in 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks you for taking the time to reply, we appreciate it.  We also found the service on the Mariner to be efficient and yet in some cases a definite sense of indifference from some of the bartenders and wait staff in Compass rose. We also noted as did others that there were just 'things' missing that Regent highlights in their marketing and I've seen in other reviews.  At this point we are not considering Regent for any upcoming trips but in reality, ya just never know what the future might hold.  Stay safe and enjoy your future travels!

22 hours ago, RetiredandTravel said:

Voyager (Great) & Mariner (Poor) 

 

Europe (2016) & Asia (2019)

I just came across your comments & am interested in your two Regent experiences.  Our two most recent cruises have been on Viking Ocean (Italian Sojourn, 2018) and Regent (Alaska - Mariner 2019).  We absolutely loved our Viking Ocean experience and were looking forward to the "Regent Seven Seas" experience, but were disappointed.  While we enjoyed the Alaska tip, the overall Regent experience seemed to be missing/lacking, based on what we've read - to the point that past RSSC guests were also commenting.  I am interested as to what went wrong on your Mariner trip?

I am currently looking at a New England & Canada itinerary for 2022 and considering both Viking and Seabourn, this is why I was reading the Seabourn posts.

Have you made a decision as to where your next cruise will be tot and on what line & ship?

Thanks!!

On 3/6/2021 at 1:58 PM, Peregrina651 said:

 

Once bitten, twice share.  

 

So excited to read in the description that we would be sailing past Gibraltar.  They made such a fuss about it in the literature.  In reality, it was midnight when we sailed past and we could see a damned thing.  I was so bummed.  

 

Like me, you are looking for the gee whiz, so just trying to make sure you get it.  

 

If the big NYC sail by isn't going to work, take a look at the Montreal to Miami.  It skips New York and Boston in favor of smaller, more picturesque ports, and it does have more sea days.  

Hello again,

Thanks so much for your insight - could not agree more about checking and then rechecking!

I found another possibility but this is on the Seabourn Quest, Montreal to Miami with an overnight in New York City.  We've never sailed on Seabourn and would like to hear from anyone with experience on their ships & a comparison - asking respectfully as this is a Viking Ocean thread.

29 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

Michael, NYC is one of the world's great harbors and it's history can hardly be separated from Atlantic passenger travel.  I have been lucky enough to sail into and out of NYC going back to the original Queen Mary and most recently in Fall of '19 on Viking Sun.  We docked just North of the aircraft carrier Intrepid on the North River.  For my money, arrivals in NYC are hard to beat anywhere.  Passing the Ambrose Light and entering the approaches then coming under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge is the big reveal for lower Manhattan and on your port side the Statue of Liberty.  Hope you get to do this itinerary.😎

Hiya Jim, thank you so much for your insight and info, much appreciated!  Earlier I found some of your previous posts, such as your comparison of Viking Ocean vs. Seabourn.  The timing was good as I've been considering both for this trip.  One TA mentioned some concern about inconsistencies on Seabourn and was more positive about the VO itinerary & overall offering.  Being a past Viking Ocean client, we became fans quite quickly!  I am hoping that by September 2022 travel is open and everyone is healthy and happy!!  Thanks again!

10 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

End of September for the colorful foliage.

 

I think you might need to ask Viking a few questions about the expected timing and consult a sunrise/sunset time chart. https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/new-york?month=9&year=2022

 

September is approaching the equinox, days are getting shorter.

 

If you are interest is sailing in or out of New York harbor, then you want to know what time the ship arrives in NYC if starting from Montreal (the ships may arrive pre-dawn)  and what time it will depart from NYC when starting from NYC. If you are working with a TA, get your TA to get this info from Viking; else call Viking yourself (ask to speak to a supervisor if the agent who answers the phone cannot answer the question for you; continue up the line of supervisors as needed).

Peregrina651, you are always a wonderful resource and so open to sharing your experiences and more!  Thank you, I will look into that and use it as we make our decision.

10 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

We are considering the Eastern Seaboard Explorer and welcome/appreciate any insight others may have to offer.  We've previously sailed Viking Ocean on the Italian Sojourn and totally enjoyed it!   I've always had a desire to sail into or out of NYC Harbor and this cruise would offer that.  One question for anyone who has taken this itinerary, is it better to sail out of NYC to fully get the 'gee-wiz' factor?

Also interested to learn your thoughts on the itinerary/ports etc.

If we book, it will undoubtedly be for September 2022.

Thank you!

Hello all, what an awesome thread with lots of great information.  We're planning for our visit in 2020, staying a few days after our Viking Ocean cruise.  I am in the process of finalizing our hotel choice, looking for a fairly centralized location and a property with air-conditioning.

My first question for either Danish Viking or anyone who has been in this situation - our departing flight is at 6am on a Friday which means a "very" early wake-up and ride to the airport. 

- Will there be any problem arranging for a taxi to pick us up somewhere between 3 - 3:30am?  - How early do we need to be at the airport in Copenhagen?

Regarding hotels, I am considering the following and appreciate any insight and/or suggestions about same or others (of course still with a/c): currently leaning towards one of the first two...

- 71 Nyhavin

- Anderson Boutique Hotel

- The Square

- Copenhagen Marriott (I am a longtime top tier member but uncertain if this is the right place here)

We had considered staying at the Clarion at the airport due to the early flight but really think we'd have a better Copenhagen experience if we stayed in-town.

Many thanks.....!!

On 8/13/2019 at 4:48 PM, CCWineLover said:

Hi Michael219 -

Good points as well.  Sounds like we're doing the reverse cruise!  We are doing late June/early July as well, but on the Viking Sun leaving out of London and finishing in Bergen.  Thus, we are going to do the train to Oslo (DIY) and look at possibly doing Flam.  We were told by friends to stay at the Thon Rosenkrantz in Bergen and in Oslo as they are quite good, so we booked those.  We don't generally have much luggage on a Viking cruise so we'll do our own on the train - not an issue for us.  We'll "see" you sometime in early July as our two ships (Jupiter and Sun) cross paths up in northern Norway!

Hi CCWineLover,

Thanks for mentioning the Thon properties, I just booked us into the Thon Rosenkrantz in Bergen for the night prior to boarding our Viking Sky.  We are also booked at the Thon Opera in Oslo for a night there prior to heading down to Bergen.  Still a chance we'll decide to spend a night in Flam but undecided at the moment.

Any suggestions for a hotel in Copenhagen?  🙂

10 hours ago, OceanPatter said:

Just adding my two cents on Norwegian Air. I flew it from California to Oslo, transferring in Gatwick. Brand new plane with wide, comfortable seats in Premium class (combines everything above Economy). Reasonable fare ... would fly this way at every opportunity.

Hi OceanPatter, thanks for your added comment about Norwegian Air - good to know you had a positive experience with them!  I also like that they use newer 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

On 9/13/2019 at 3:55 PM, aungrl said:

When we did In the Wake of the Vikings TA last September, we made our own air arrangements, as I like to fly from the U.S. into London on a day flight, arriving in London around 10 p.m. London time.  It helps get us onto the new time zone really quickly, and let’s us spend a day or two in London, which is always welcome.

In any case, to the question re Norwegian Air, we booked our flight from London to Bergen on Norwegian, to connect with the ship.  For a short flight, it was absolutely fine.  We chose a fare that allowed us one checked bag and one carry-on each, which worked with our luggage, and was only slightly more expensive than a rock bottom fare.  They are definitely a budget airline, but we found the coach seats to be just as comfy - which means not really, but not awful! - as coach on any other airline.   We didn’t purchase food but it was available and (relatively) reasonably priced.  The flight was on time, flight attendants were pleasant and efficient, and the total cost was quite low.  I don’t remember exactly, but I want to say something like U.S. $114/person.

 

So if it’s a short hop - Oslo to Bergen - I’d say definitely go for it.  On the other hand, if you mean that you saw a “potential one-stop connection option to Bergen on Norwegian Air” FROM THE U.S., I’d definitely not recommend that option.

Thanks for your insight and input, I too have some concerns about relying on a "low-cost/budget" airline.  At least with a carrier like Lufthansa  & others, there is some level of confidence that if a problem should arise, they'd be better equipped to handle it  (e.g. replacement equipment, additional flight options etc.).

2 hours ago, broker1217 said:

 

First, I would base my decision on which city had more experiences that interested me.

Second part of my decision would be my plans/commitments at home immediately before and after the cruise.

If I am working up to the buzzer prior to departure I might need time pre-cruise to recover from jet lag. If I arrive exhausted I may not fully appreciate the pre-cruise extension.

If I have work/social commitments when I return I might want to have time to recover from jet lag on the return.

 

So I would look at my calendar and also think about the flight times (and class of service) when making a decision. For example, if I am flying business/first and can sleep well I would be fine with skipping the pre-departure city and going straight to the ship. But if you have 3 legs of flights in economy you might want time to recover prior to boarding the ship. 

On the way home I would never do 2-3 legs in coach when I had to work or had houseguests arriving the day after I returned home. I always find the jet lag and fatigue worse on the way home--probably post-vacation let down and tired from having too much fun.

 

Appreciate your comments and insight, all good and valid points!  The pre-Oslo portion initially started as we were only seeing 3-leg flights to Bergen and we really want to avoid this.  At this point I am fairly certain we will at a minimum extend in Copenhagen by 1 night to allow us a full two days to experience the city.  We may also fly into Oslo (one connection) and take the train to Bergen, either the same day or after only one night in Oslo - this to avoid the double connection and also to enjoy what we've read to be a beautiful ride between the two cities.

I think I saw a potential single connection option to Bergen on Norwegian Air - I do not know much about this airline so will need to research and ask if you or anyone else has flown with them.

So we are currently booked on the pre-cruise "Oslo & Scenic Train" extension but now thinking that a post cruise 1-2-nights in Copenhagen might be a better option.  Being that we will have an over-night in Oslo during the cruise we are uncertain if the extra two days in Oslo makes sense. 

Would appreciate anyone's insight/input on this thought process as we may not have the available time to do both a pre and a post extension.  If we do, we'd consider the Norway in a Nutshell option with a night in Flam.

14 hours ago, just_dont said:

I'll second DIY Oslo to Bergen. I absolutely LOVED this part of our vacation.
Not knowing exactly when you'll be there, if it's June to August, you may consider 2 nights in Flåm.
And spend time in Oslo and Bergen for leisurely exploring as well. The Viking pre-cruise just doesn't give you any real time to explore.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

Hi just_dont!

Thanks for your reply and suggestion - we'll be there in late June/early July.  I am looking at all options but we'll have a limited number of days over and above the cruise itself.  We currently intend to fly into Oslo for 1-2 nights pre-cruise & take the train to Bergen. I will most definitely look at the potential to spend at least night in Flam - I like the idea of not cramming so much into a port day.  Any hotel suggestions in Oslo and Flam?