Pushka

That's what Flagyl tastes like which is used to treat Giardia gut infection.

They hand it out for free to all on Viking by the gangway. I'd forgotten some charge. On some of the very long Egypt excursions (7 hours driving plus 6 hours at Venue) they bring a bus load of food and drink to meet people on the way back. Given the price then 'free' is a funny word to use I guess.

We have booked Guided Tours Israel for our Haifa overnight in May. Day 1 we are going to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Day 2, Nazareth and Sea of Galilee. Obviously we haven't taken the tours yet but the communications have been very responsive.

We had the sniffer dogs in full force in Sydney for all passengers not just because of disembarkation.

Mal de debarquement. . I get it badly. However I love rough seas. Just pay for it when I get back to land. I have to get grabbing on to solid structures to feel right. Inner ear issue.

The Marlborough winery area in NZ is fabulous. They are our favourite wines. It's such a shame that this excursion was handled poorly. It could have been wonderful. I'd hope that the Barossa Valley in SA would put on a much better experience than this. The platters the wineries serve are excellent. I'd hope that Viking communicates these issues back to the wineries. Im presuming these were Paid For excursions and not the included ones?

I have an over active immune system. And several auto immune issues. Which means it also attacks - me! As well as the usual viral and bacterial infections. It switches on very quickly so maybe that article describes what happens.

I’m sorry for your battles with Covid. The way this virus messes with some and not others is baffling. I just hope the research is being done to find out why. I am on hydroxychloroquine for Lupus and have been for years. Which is what Trump always said was a preventive and treatment. Maybe he was right after all! 😱 I’m also on steroids for another issue meaning I qualify for the antivirals even though I’m under age. Trouble is I can’t take them because I’m on a blood thinner. I’d have to have three daily infusions in hospital. I hope if I catch Covid again I have the same experience as the first. But I won’t stop travelling.

Agree. I'd expect business as usual next season. Unless a variant. Unlikely. There used to be a panic every time a ship visited SA. Now, you might hear days after the fact. We have a new state Govt here in SA, they came in less than 12 months ago. So not much Covid muck to handle. And they are trying to distance themselves from all the restrictions done during Covid (but which were completely necessary at the time).

First come first served.

I agree. I'm just interested in scones jam and cream. I'm hoping that I can simply have that. Otherwise it's a waste. Which I hate. I'm sure I'll be fine.

Well, I'm not sure that the other cruise lines not using these restrictions are showing evidence that they aren't safe. I'm perfectly happy to abide by restrictions when they make sense. People can fly on a plane for 13 hours and not require testing. As it turned out, I tested positive within an hour of getting off a 13 hour flight into Australia. So I think it's a case of cruises bearing the 'crime' of the early Covid impact. We are all highly vaccinated. Need to move on.

I understood you perfectly. I agree. If you are at risk then it's up to you to assess your own risks and plan accordingly, but not expect others to have to go to unusual means to protect you. I've booked in for No5 Covid. I caught Covid 6 weeks after No 4, in UK but was completely well. Husband caught Covid 4 weeks after No 4 and was a little unwell. He caught it in Scotland. Going on a fabulous international cruise in May.

We have traveled to the UK last June. Covid exists but it no longer hampers anything. We are doing a very convoluted cruise in May. There are no Covid restrictions at all. It isn't mentioned. There are no testing places. There is no media discussion other than Cammi today but that's because she can't be seen to spread the virus. No offloading if positive. No tests unless you want them. The rest of the world has moved on and dealing with it like the Flu. Stay home if sick or simply keep away from others if not. No need to isolate if asymptomatic. Honestly Australia is the most difficult place to travel now on cruises with Covid restrictions. They simply don't exist in the Northern Hemisphere. Those days are gone assuming another virulent version doesn't happen. That's unlikely.

So please remind me. It was pre Covid before we went on Orion and the memory is hazy. I just can't recall. Being a buffet I presumed that OC pretty much offered the same foods pretty much every dinner time. So these special nights, for regional food, are they every night or just random? We ate at Manfredis and while I loved the Risotto the service wasn't all that great. We were forgotten. Happy to eat in Restaurant and Ocean cafe every night but maybe just one night in Manfredis. 21 night cruise. I remember we couldn't book anything online prior so it isn't really a new thing after Covid, just much harder.

Is compensation actually given? Could have caught Covid anywhere from ship to shore. Surprises me. Shore ex refunds etc of course but compensation?

As per above. Masks are preventive action. Only required in Australia and NZ and on cruises. It confirms that cruise ships are high risk in the eyes of authorities. Even Singapore has given up the mask mandate now on public buses.

Of course. But if they decide to take such risks then the responsibility for their own health must also rest with them.

It’s good to see the preventive action but I also wonder whether right now the old and frail should be cruising just yet.

We said to our wait staff that we were desperate for some Indian food which we could get in the buffet of course but wanted it in a restaurant. The next night they gave us a full on Indian banquet. It was fabulous and everyone around tried looking for it in the menu!

You need to compare the various room types on celebrity. Aqua has its own restaurant as do the suites. Aqua restaurant has upgraded food and very personal service. A small venue so not at all crowded or noisy.

CruiseMapper has several of our ports wrong which occurred when Viking changed the itinerary.

We enjoy Celebrity and have sailed on several of their cruises. But it's a different experience. I'd describe it as more 'exciting' but sometimes that isn't what you need. I'm happy with either and will book according to itinerary. The included excursions we don't see as any great benefit. The wine with meals is. We sometimes enjoy the Celebrity entertainment, but Viking we don't bother as the Explorer lounge calls before the crowd. We enjoy both ships buffets. Don't usually bother with added on restaurants as we see no need. Celebrity doesn't have laundries. Don't like casinos. Art auctions etc. No children is nice. I much prefer the way Celebrity opens excursions. A huge plus there.

And keep your fingers crossed they don't sell out before you can book. Three sold out on ours before DV can book. Even PV haven't opened yet but have found out we are the last sector of a combined cruise so the first sector opens completely before PV and DV on ours can pick.

The cyclone hit Norfolk Island off the coast of Australia a day or so ago and has left. Thankfully not as bad as predicted. It is only now heading towards NZ.