molymoo

19 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

The adults only aspect is a big plus for us, just wish it was all inclusive. 

I don't know how much more "all inclusive" you would expect.  You can, if you so desired, get on the ship and not spend one more penny and still have an excursion in every port, access to the spa, wine, beer, or soft drinks at your lunch and dinner, full access to specialty dining, and some of the best customer service on the seas.  Tips aren't "included" but technically you can have them removed from your bill.

Gosh, things in Iceland seem to be "going South" fast!  I have no wisdom to offer here but am beginning to think that my decision to "skip" Iceland in favor of Bermuda was a wise one!  I understand that Viking is at the mercy of the "authorities" in Iceland with regard to positive cases and quarantine procedures but there seems to be some confusion as to who the "authorities" are: in one case the coast guard seemed to be calling the shots but other times a health minister is in charge.  I also can't help but think that the contact tracing that Viking is doing is a big drawback for passengers.  If you are on a Viking arranged excursion and one of your fellow passengers tests positive the next day it appears that your cruise is over.  If you go out on your own or on a privately arranged tour and come into contact with someone who later tests positive, no one knows or cares unless you personally test positive at some later date.  Are they still allowing passengers off of the ship to "do their own thing"?  

I think it depends on what specific "medications" you are wanting to bring.  I brought my meds in and had no difficulty but none were of the variety that (other than needing a prescription) might send up some red flags.  OTC meds and supplements would probably be fine unless you are thinking of any of the CBD, THC, marijuana based products which are available OTC in many states these days.  Those I would leave at home!

I ordered the lamb chops on the last morning of our cruise!  They were delicious!   It was such a nice change from our usual continental or "box" breakfast ... we are often one of the earliest off the ship or out of the hotel on an extension.  It was a lovely luxury to have a leisurely sit down breakfast!  

7 hours ago, LakeSideKen said:

People use "customs" in different ways. Technically, customs is only about movement of goods. If that is what OP is asking, OP will not go through customs in Paris (going or returning) but instead will go through customs upon arrival in Florence and upon return to the USA (assuming all flights are on a single plane ticket and luggage is checked through).

 

Immigration, often called passport control, is about movement of people. OP WILL have to go through passport control in Paris on her outbound trip because Paris is her port of entry to the Schengen Zone (basically meaning Europe) and will need to go through passport control in Paris again on her return trip because Paris is her port of exit from the Schengen Zone.

 

IMO, this need to go through passport control makes OP's two hour long connections in Paris hopeless.   

True!  In fact OP stated that connection time in Paris is 1 hour so I would consider that an impossibility.  We have made tight connections in the past but it is not something you can count on.  We have managed to get through immigration / passport control in Frankfort in as little as 20 minutes but waited more than 2 1/2 hours in Brussels and more than three hours in Edinburgh!  

18 hours ago, FolsomMike said:

I’ve never tried Armagnac but I was thinking it might be a fun splurge to order one from my birth year. However, it seems odd that they don’t list the brand. Are they all Sempe like the house Armagnac?

We actually went to an Armagnac tasting on one of our cruises pre-Covid.  It was (I think) about $70 per person but we received a nice discount because we had the SSBP.  Armagnac is not really my cup or tea but it was fun trying several and hearing the stories of the “collection”, and the prices!

We’ve been on 4 ocean ships … two of the earliest (Star and Sky) and two of the more recent (Orion and Jupiter).  They are basically identical but they have tweaked things here and there as they went along.  The original Star had a larger salon area and smaller fitness center.  I think by the time they got to the Sky they enlarged the fitness center making the salon smaller.  The heated floors were originally not adjustable by the passenger.  If you wanted it off they had an engineer come up and take care of it.  They have since given them controls in the bathrooms and I believe they have retrofitted the original ships as well.  There have been other small changes here and there but the basic ship design has remained the same.  I’m sure this makes sense for Viking from a practical point of view and for the passenger it’s nice … it feels like “home”!

1 hour ago, SRHall64 said:

Are there time frames that limit ordering breakfast for your cabin or is it available at any time?  My dad likes to sleep late so I thought it might be an option after the dining rooms have stopped breakfast service.

There are breakfast hours noted on the special breakfast menu and I really don’t remember what they are … but … I can almost guarantee that if you call for room service and ask for something from the breakfast menu they will oblige.  We’ve done quite a few Viking cruises and have found that unless it is illegal, immoral, dangerous, or just plain preposterous they will never say “no”!

1 hour ago, John117 said:

We are hoping to join Viking Star round the UK in August and are a bit confused by the differing reports we have read on the PCR testing. Some say you must go straight to your cabin and do the test and remain there until you get the result(hopefully negative). Others say they did the test and headed out for lunch and explored the ship. What was the process on Sky?

It seems like the protocols are to some extent dictated by the country in which the cruise takes place.  Best to address this concern on the Viking UK cruise threads.  And of course things are changing all the time.

13 hours ago, librarylady19 said:

Was a certain social media star (on another site) perhaps hosting a party in his swanky suite - I certainly hope not, after what happened in Bermuda. 

I was certainly critical of the “get togethers” on the first Bermuda sailing, but in retrospect I really think he meant well and probably didn’t anticipate the backlash.  Viking facilitated his efforts at the time but it now appears they have adjusted their policies.  A “get together” of more than 100 (😮) was denied when a passenger contacted guest services prior to the 7/3 sailing (same social site, different person).  Some individuals seem to be determined to make their welcome back cruises exactly what they have experienced on previous cruises.  They are not going to be the same and best to accept that and enjoy what is “the new normal” … at least for now and the near future.  Viking has done a fabulous job making things as safe as they can and still providing a wonderful experience.  

Agree with Myrtle.  We generally select forward cabins and have been on levels 4,5,7, and 8 and have heard very little noise.  We did have “slammer” neighbors once (for some reason felt it necessary to slam the doors throughput the cruise) but even that was sporadic and didn’t bother us.  

8 hours ago, Myrtle Ave. Mayhem said:

 

I disembarked yesterday & am home now. This was the best cruise I've had on Viking. The entire crew stopped at nothing to treat us like royalty. From the senior officers who stopped by to chat each morning as I had coffee in The Living Room, the phenomenal meals under chef Gary, all the servers & room attendants, Brian the CD, & the guest lectures, you are in for a service extravaganza! 

I feel much the same way “Myrtle”.  This was our 8th Viking ocean cruise but it will stand out as very, very special.  I think there is a strong emotional component this time.  It just felt so darned good to be onboard again and the crew seemed to be genuinely thrilled to be there for us!  We broke “protocol” and hugged our room stewards when we departed!  They were wonderful!  

1 hour ago, Azulann said:

The view from our aft stateroom in Hamilton. LOL

Unpacked . Plenty of drawers for both of us. On Orion there is a set of 4 drawers in the closet plus a set in hallway. Had the coffee maker & tray removed for more storage for us. 
Ronnie and Indra are our room stewards . They explained the saliva tubes. Spit , spit some more , to the 2m line. We did this upon arriving in our room. Do it each morning before 11. Wear a tracing device on a lanyard either around your neck or in your pocket. It must be on your person outside your room. Temp taking once a day , face recognition scanner outside the restaurant , world cafe. Sanitizer machines all over the ship. Feel totally safe and appreciate Viking health protocols .

Many  first time Viking cruisers , some have done river cruisers but first time on Ocean cruise. 
Easy to make appointments for spa , fitness or change add excursions for us. Sister going to gym at 6 am everyday. I will have a facial on second sea day after we have our hour in the thermal spa. The snow grotto is not working😟

We changed our excursion for today. We are going to Art museum botanical gardens in morning and the Famous Homes and Hideway cruise in mid afternoon. 
Had dinner in Restaurant , window table . They have a category called destination menu. Had the blackened grouper, cab cake soufflé, steamed veggies and rum raisin ice cream. We were in bed by 10 .

 

So glad you are settled in!  We’re home and already missing the ship and wonderful crew!  (I’m still waiting for someone to come make my bed!!) Have a wonderful cruise, eat fabulous food (Maria in The Restaurant is a rare and wonderful treasure!!!) and soak it all in.  You’ve run the gauntlet to get there and earned a bit of life’s bliss!!

10 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

Patti, safe flight to Bermuda, and hope all goes well for you all the way to your stateroom!

 

I do have a couple of favours to ask you ..... 

 

1. Chef's Table - what rotation is on the week of July 13-20? So I can figure out what's on when during the week of our cruise Aug 3-10. Somebody else already gave the choices for week June 29-July 5.

 

2. On board shops - do they sell duty free spirits? If so, do they sell bottles of Aquavit?? I'm half Danish (hej, hallo!!) and our Akvavit stock is nearly dried up so hope to be able to stock it up when we are on the cruise in 3 weeks' time! We're meant to go to DK next month but thanks to Rona we're not going.

 

Looking forward to your reports!

 

ENJOY!!

 

 

There is a limited selection of spirits available for purchase in one of the shops … there is a whiskey and of course aquavit!  The shops are only open while the ship is at sea.  Got this info from my daughter the ninja shopper! 😉

As I start packing for the trip home 😢 I would like to extend good wishes to those of you who will be enjoying this wonderful ship and it’s fabulous crew next week!  This was one of our best cruises and it was largely due to the wonderful young people here making our every day special!  
 

A couple of recommendations and reminders as you embark on your journey  …

Don’t over schedule yourselves.  Most of our excursions went over the allotted time ( one significantly! ) so you might miss something if you book things too tightly.  We had some people very worried about possibly missing spa appointments and it made for some anxious moments.  This should be a relaxing trip!  
 

Be patient with the spa staff!  We have probably all seen them calmly manning the desk and escorting passengers to their various treatments but the new COVID protocols have them hopping!  They make and manage the appointments for the thermal suite, the fitness center, and of course they are still doing massages and facials, etc.  They will escort people to the suite if they are new, hand out towels and bottles of water (the water in the suite is not currently available).  While I waited for a facial one “gentleman” told the poor harried girl at the desk that she was going to have to show him how to use the treadmill!  If you want to use the suite book early and give them a please and thank you!  It’s surprising how many people forget that simple courtesy!

Finally (she said getting up on her soapbox) follow the protocols!  Wear a mask when you are supposed to and try to practice social distancing.  By and large most passengers on this cruise were compliant and cooperative but there were a few who were openly defiant and very vocal about the “stupid” rules.  Thankfully they were in a small minority but put some of the lovely young people working on the ship in difficult positions.  
 

Have a wonderful cruise!  Enjoy the amazing crew and the beautiful island of Bermuda!

For those preparing for the 7/13 cruise … I’m jealous!  Our cruise is winding down and it has been absolutely lovely!  The weather has been great … what little rain fell was light and short lived.  The crew has been amazing and we have felt pampered and spoiled every step of the way!  Have a wonderful time everyone … and stay safe!  

1 hour ago, Azulann said:

Do we go to Spa to make the reservation for the thermal spa?  Thanks for the heads up.

Looking forward to tea in Wintergarden  at least once while on board. 

We went to the spa desk.  We only made one reservation but the couple before us made several at once.  Sea days especially will fill up quickly.  

55 minutes ago, Azulann said:

Just watched the Orion web cam while having my morning coffee, you are having a beautiful day.

BTW, how many passengers are on your sailing? 

I expect more on our sailing July 13.  

 

I read that the Sky in Iceland has over 600 guests leaving today.

I don’t know what the exact number is but the difference is palpable.  The World Cafe is a peaceful breakfast venue … even before a day of excursions!  We actually got a seat for afternoon tea!  First time in several cruises!  And the Explorers Lounge is almost empty much of the time.  The only thing we have noticed … and some advice for future cruisers … if you want to use the thermal spa book RIGHT AWAY!  It is almost impossible to get a time … we’re going today but we canceled our excursion and are staying on board today.  

There are as many tables in the restaurant as there ever were (honestly, where would they put them?) but many have been marked to prevent them from being used for seating guests.  There is plenty of space between tables.  

13 hours ago, lovetosew said:

Very reassuring indeed.  Even as a senior traveler, I would still like to be able to have my own night cap available in my cabin.  Some cruise lines absolutely go nuts if you want to bring on your own wee stash for personal use.  

Not only will Viking not “go nuts” if you bring your own beverages aboard but they will open it, serve it and store it for you!  Ask for a bucket of ice and it will be replenished twice daily for the rest of the cruise!  

On 7/6/2021 at 8:56 PM, MedLog said:

Started our 6 July “Escape” adventure today.  Our plane leaving Charlotte was delayed almost an hour so we arrived late at Hamilton airport…just after a full Delta flight arrived.  Deplaned at 3PM and finally got to the ship about three hours later. NOT VIKING’s FAULT! Between airline inefficiency, and the convoluted Bermuda Customs and Health procedures at the airport, it made for a long day! But we are on board now; well fed and beveraged;  and relaxing in our very comfortable cabin. Looking forward to our first full day exploring beautiful downtown Hamilton.

 

Hints for surviving Customs and Health screenings…

1. Use the bathroom on the plane before you land, or the restrooms at the bottom of the stairway before you enter the Customs Hall. Otherwise you may be very uncomfortable!

2. Have your passport and Bermuda travel authorization in hand before you enter Customs. You will need them repeatedly.

3. Hydrate before you reach the ship (bottled water is provided on the shuttle busses). As soon as you reach your cabin you will need to produce a fair amount of saliva for the first onboard saliva test.

We were in that craziness too but had an added delay when my bag was apparently tagged by one of the drug dogs for narcotics!  We got to spend an extra hour in a separate area while an agent meticulously went through ever bag; piece by piece.  The agent was very nice and I’m guessing we didn’t fit the typical “drug mule” profile so we had a few laughs and we’re eventually on our way … it makes for a good story !  

12 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

What's happening? Orion was supposed to depart Hamilton at 6pm (Wed) tonight but it's still docked and it's 11:30 pm.

 

 

We’re onboard Orion now and an announcement was made yesterday afternoon that some passengers had had some trouble getting to us ( I’m assuming travel issues into Bermuda ).  As regulations do not permit leaving port after dark they made the decision to wait till this morning to leave.  It wasn’t going to make any difference in our arrival time to St. George so no harm and hopefully some weary travelers got onboard safe and sound.

4 hours ago, Shinydiamond said:

I decided last minute to book the August 3 cruise and I’m having second thoughts specifically because of the Covid test. I flew to Aruba in April and used the Vault Health test with no problem but I’m getting myself worked up about this trip. 
i can’t confirm if Bermuda accepts Vault, I thought about CVS but am worried about the turn around time. What has everyone. Has anyone else just used CVS?  I would appreciate any incite 

I understand the stress!  Why not gather what info you can on Vault ( address, contact info, etc then call the toll free Bermuda hot line and ask.  Make sure Vault can do a PCR test.

19 minutes ago, bgtraveler2 said:

Whew, what a process this has been getting all the required documents in order!  While everything has gone super smoothly so far, I have made sure to have hard copies and online copies of everything. Can't wait to board Viking Orion tomorrow!!  Will definitely enjoy a Swizzle or two!  We are thinking it would make sense to "go around" (the island) twice since we worked so hard to get ready to go! 

I’ll second that!!  After all the hoops and hurdles it’s hard to believe that we could actually relax a bit the last 24 hours!  Thanks to all on CC for support, suggestions, and encouragement!  And thanks to Viking  for stepping up and providing us with advice, timelines and checklists!  Travel is a lot more complicated nowadays and we are all figuring it out as we go!  Help at any point is truly appreciated!  Now I need to figure out what my “inaugural” cocktail will be!

Safe travels everyone!

14 hours ago, lsuskybird said:

I decided to call the toll-free Bermuda Help Line 833-570-2594. Immediately, a women answered the phone. She asked for the number that was on the email saying that the application had been received. After giving the number, within 3 minutes she said that it had been approved and within 30 seconds the approval email arrived. Yea! The entire process took less than 10 minutes. I hope you have the same success. Perhaps, on Tuesday, some of us will be on the Delta flight leaving Atlanta arriving Bermuda around 2:40pm.

I’m guessing there will be quite a few of us on that flight!!