molymoo

5 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

We have always had to sign up in advance, using a link here on Cruise Critic. That is what makes it so embarrassing: people signing up then not bothering to show up. Viking wasn't guessing how many would attend; they had a list of names to work from.

 

Invitations were delivered to our cabins (with date, time and location). As a private party, the M&M was never listed in the Dailies, so the only way to know when and where was via the invitation.

On two occasions we signed up for M&M but never received an invitation so assumed they had been canceled for some reason.  Did go to guest services the first time and the young lady there was trying to be helpful but had no idea what I was talking about.  Please know that in some cases it wasn’t a matter of “not bothering to show up”.  

We stayed in a room overlooking the main entrance and the train station.  Downside was sunlight and the afternoon heat which was pretty intense on the two very sunny days we were there. The AC couldn’t keep up.   It helped to open the windows as the temps outside were nice but then the bright light well into the evening kept us up late … not to mention the traffic and other street noise.  Would have loved a courtyard room!  

We stayed at Petite Palace Plaza Mayor for a couple of nights on an “independent” extension in 2018.  Small and a little quirky but relatively inexpensive and the location was great.  We had a huge bathroom and a nice terrace too.  

Viking does not hide their policies and have always been upfront about everything.  What you see is what you get ... and you are free to decide accordingly.  I'm glad you are looking out for  "future Viking cruisers" but your warning is really not necessary.  People can read and decide for themselves, but thank you for your concern.

I get it … and I did cringe a bit when I saw the dreaded dress code was up again.  I am not going to get into that topic except to point out the fact that sometimes “inappropriate “ attire might mean (especially in the early days of the journey) that luggage has been delayed getting to the ship.  The airlines are struggling now and handling luggage seems more an afterthought than an essential service.  We’ve canceled Chefs Table reservations when our bags were late getting to us on embarkation day … and that was just Viking handling the bags!  Some unfortunate souls have been without their bags for the entire cruise!  I would relax and not make assumptions and enjoy the cruise.  

You will find that the majority of the people on Viking cruises will be the age of your parents … maybe grandparents but that might be a bit of a stretch … 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.  That said, most are pretty active and interesting people; well read and experienced travelers.  My daughter travels with me and she was in her early 30’s when we started.  She was the sociable one; conversing easily with our fellow passengers and enjoying their company.  There are usually some “youngsters” aboard … often during the summer and holidays when families take trips together.  

We’ve gone in after booking (with air) and added air plus.  At that time we have been able to book our flights … often as early as 200+ days before sailing date. 

2 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Looks like a 10 minute walk from the terminal.

Sounds about right … and we were staying at the Thon Opera Hotel right next to the train station. 

Our cruise leaves 7/1 and we leave for our pre extension two weeks from today.  Still looking at April 1st “pre-embarkation requirements” in MVJ

3 hours ago, SailorPaulH said:

The updated "Important Pre-Departure Information - Travel Requirements' document that is supposed to happen today is sure going to look a LOT simpler!

We’re still waiting.  Our MVJ still has the “old” April 1st “Pre Embarkation Requirement’s” listed.  We leave two weeks from today.  

1 hour ago, sugarside said:

Personally I would choose between Chester and the Welsh heritage steam train,but Arley Hall is well worth a visit and has lovely gardens.

It depends on your likes which you go for.

We got fed up of hearing about the Beatles on our day there with Viking.

The included coach tour does feature about all aspects of Liverpool and you will see all the sites worth seeing,just shut your eyes when they drive you along Penny Lane 😂😂😂

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!  

11 hours ago, Twitchly said:

What about Liverpool? That’s the port I’m most at loose ends about. We’re not Beatles fans, so that’s out. Other Viking excursions include Knowsley Hall or Arley Hall, which I’m not familiar with. Thoughts?
 

We’re open to doing a non-Viking tour, or just doing our own thing if we had some idea where to go. Part of me is thinking this might make a nice sea day since we have only one during the cruise. Recommendations welcome.

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

3 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

So --- back to the ship to change? Then walk/cab? What were others wearing? Thanks much!

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.  

1 hour ago, duquephart said:

 

I assume you went to Engebret for lunch? I'm wondering about dress code - doesn't look like a place you can just walk into wearing "tourist walking around" clothes.

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

13 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

It appears you and I are both correct based on the picture online.  

AND the shower is larger !  

2 hours ago, GoNavyFamily said:

We are on this cruise April 2023 and would love any insights into what we should not miss seeing or what excursions we should take in the various ports.  We have the pre-cruise extension in Oslo with the train to Bergen so any recommendations on what to do in Oslo, as well as tips on riding the train, are appreciated!

-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!

2 hours ago, duquephart said:

Very good advice above. All I can add is:

Research thoroughly, prioritize and be ready. Check MJV often.

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.

Just now, Jay23 said:

I am probably a bit late with this but for what its worth the nominal (antigen) test will do..J

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!  

17 hours ago, Squawkman said:

I was also not eligible for a free PCR test from CVS in April although I was last November. Don’t know why, but Quest took my insurance and I got a free test there. BTW, I think you mean Medicare - not Medicaid.

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

3 minutes ago, PBodek said:

Sorry, you must be a "youngster" !

 

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.