molymoo

Funny ... we will be on our second British Isles Explorer cruise soon but it will be our first time in Liverpool. For "logistical" reasons Liverpool was skipped on our previous cruise and we went to Glasgow instead. Big Beatle fan here so I probably won't be "fed up" as you were but I had much the same feeling in Barcelona about Gaudi. I know (and I have been told in no uncertain terms by some on the book of faces site) that Barcelona is about more than Gaudi ... but ... you wouldn't know it by the tour guides!

https://www.visitliverpool.com/blog/read/2018/06/sailing-into-liverpool-what-to-do-on-a-day-in-port-b304

We were on an extension staying in a hotel close to the restaurant. Others were dressed much the same … no one was really dressed up.

Dinner actually. Changed into clothes we might wear to dinner on the ship. Slacks, “dressy” t shirt and scarf. Nothing fancy.

AND the shower is larger !

-Oslo is lovely and you can see most of what there is to see in the time you have for the extension. We pre-purchased hop on hop off tickets in advance and that enabled us to get around to most of the sights. Unfortunately it looks like the Viking Ship Museum is closed for refurbishments but the Fram and Kon Tiki museums are fun snd close together … easily done in an afternoon. The Vigeland museum/sculpture park is a nice stroll if the weather is nice. We had a lovely lunch on the waterfront during our wandering … we weren’t really lost but couldn’t say exactly where we were! If you are up for some authentic Norwegian food try the Engebret Cafe. It is the oldest restaurant in Oslo and although pricey … the food is good and the service charming. -The train is lovely … either side will give you great views. The seats are comfortable and when we went the Viking group had a car to ourselves. A tour guide stays with the group the whole time so things ran very smoothly, -Most of the excursions we took have since changed but in Edinburg any excursion that includes The Britannia is worth doing and St.Andrews is worth a visit. If you liked The DaVinci Code the excursion to Rosalyn is also a good one. We did a pre extension in Edinburg so got to see lots there. - I’ll stop there … still lots of time to plan!

We did this cruise in 2018 and started in Greenwich. We are doing it again later this month and starting in Bergen. Yes, we loved the cruise and for us it is worth repeating. I don’t think starting point will make much difference but I would recommend adding a pre or post that takes you to Oslo and the train to or from Bergen. Oslo is a bigger airport and you will have more flights to choose from. The train ride is spectacular. Oslo is a great little city too!

FWIW … I am neither a “foodie” (but I do like to eat!!) or the least but knowledgeable about wines but my daughter and travel partner is. She can absolutely tell the difference in the wines and appreciates the premium pairings at Chefs Table.

We often have very early flights and have often been the only ones leaving either the ship or the hotel at whatever ridiculous hour. The last two times we were picked up by very comfortable limos. We enjoyed our boxed "breakfast" in comfort as we were whisked to the airport without the hassles of rush hour traffic. The drivers were courteous and assisted us with our luggage to the airport doors. It's a bear to get up and have to leave in the wee hours but on the upside we generally get home to O'hare in Chicago at a reasonable hour and home before dinner!

You got it! And best to “check MVJ often” every day!

If you are ending your trip with Viking you will be given a printout of the results of your last test onboard to present for return to the US. If you are doing a Viking extension, it is my understanding that Viking will arrange a test for you at the appropriate time. If you extend the trip on your own you will have to make your own arrangements, but it sounds as though most hotels have been helpful in guiding you in getting the test necessary for the trip.

I think when all is said and done we will go with one of the many rapid tests available in our area. We will likely have to pay for them but the cost will be considerably less than the rapid PCR test we originally planned to take during the 72 hour “window”. We’ll have to schedule the test the day we leave which can be a little nerve racking, but with pre- planning and an appointment we should be okay. We are doing two nights in Oslo on a Viking pre-extension and not sure anyone will even see these test results! Norway has no Covid restrictions right now (we’re less than 30 days out) so we will arrive in Norway, travel to the hotel (in the evening) and there MAYBE meet with the Viking rep. If it is the wrong test, what are they going to do … send us home? I think we’ll be fine!

Right you are! Can’t keep the terminology straight … dealt with Medicaid a lot when I was a working stiff!

Wouldn't that be nice! Actually am a senior on medicaid but when I completed the questionaire to see if I was eligible for a free test it said NO ... the questions specified symptoms, exposure, and referral from health provider ... all were no from me so I guess I would have to fudge a bit to get it free. The "girl scout" in me has a problem with that.

Actually, I do not qualify for free test with CVS.

This has probably been covered but my mind is boggled. If we are doing a Viking extension prior to embarkation who will look and and assess the "validity" of our pre-flight tests. We have multiple options for getting this testing done and the prices range from "nominal" to $300.00 each. We are going to Oslo then to Bergen to board and Norway does not require any testing at this point ... certainly don't want to spend $600 if one of the more nominal ones will do.