Coral

I would take the menus from 20 years ago. Amazing.

I called yesterday and never got the option. I was on hold for 30 minutes before I gave up.

I know of a wedding dinner done after a ceremony in Sabatini's. Obviously it was arranged a head of time but they can do large groups - just not at the same table but you don't want 20 at a table anyway.

It is usually done around the turnaround day after Thanksgiving. I have sailed on Thanksgiving week cruises and it goes up right when we are getting off. I have also sailed the week after Thanksgiving and it is usually done during that cruise. Not sure how yours will work out.

Got it. I did it once.

Obviously I have not been on that line - are you thinking NCL?

I understand that. It is just much more apparent in Alaska.

It is only NCL that docks in Ward Cove.

I would contact Viking or whoever you booked with. If they tell you at booking - try to negotiate something better. So much has changed during COVID - you really do need to speak with who you plan on booking with.

It just goes to show that I think I frequent these boards (maybe daily) and I still miss these. If someone doesn't frequent daily - they wouldn't know. I agree - pinned on the first page would be very helpful and combining threads also 🙂

I most likely will not sail Viking unless it is a last minute trip as I won't pay for a cruise a year in advance or pay a significantly higher deposit compared to other river cruise lines. I don't know if you are new to river cruising but there are a lot of lines that do river cruises (and do them well). Some are ranked higher than Viking, some are equal and some are less. Almost all the other lines have better deposits and final payment schedules than Viking. Viking has name recognition that is incredibly impressive. Not sure if you are fully committed to Viking but it would be worth looking at Amawaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Emerald, Scenic, Tauck and a few others I forgot to mention. Compare what is included and what isn't with cost. You might be surprised that some higher lines are priced similar to Viking. Good luck!

I think I read these boards frequently and I didn't realize the price issue with the app..... I have to admit - sometimes it is difficult to search CC.

Yes - that is not uncommon that companies make "special models" just for them. Westin had the "Heavenly bed". They made that just for them. Simmons/Beautyrest makes beds for others but none are the same "formula" as the Heavenly bed. Others will have different coil count, etc.... Thus you have to go direct to the hotel to get the bed. The Marriott bed does rank highly!

Thanks. I didn't think it was going to be an easy fix - I just didn't know if they had a plan and how long it was going to take. I also wasn't sure who was responsible for paying for that - those who own the dock, the town, etc.... I do find downtown Skagway very touristy but I think once you get outside (assuming you can get to Canada) - I find the scenery beautiful. Thanks for the "local update".

I tend to go towards the older ships but that is just me.

Obviously they are looking at next year I assume - let me know if I am wrong. I have not heard on how long it will take to fix the dock where the rock slide was. Have you heard anything? I know it is affecting ships sailing this year.

I think many itineraries in Alaska have an older group compared to Caribbean, etc.... I don't think the Princess Medallion is anything special and would not factor that into a decision. I can't compare Have it All to Princess Plus package. HAL and Princess are run by the same organization in Alaska. I prefer Hubbard Glacier to Endicott Arm though Hubbard can be blocked early in the season. As mentioned, Skagway is having issues right now with the train and it is running only a certain distance. I don't know about indoor pool on Discovery Princess (if it exists or not).

Not impressed.....

Not impressed.

It appears you can transfer within 60 days of booking.

I am guessing the Viking agent gets a commission.

It actually is pretty easy on Apple products. I work with foreign language faculty members and they do it all the time.

I think I am going to spend a day in Cambridge in November....! I want to spend more time there but I can only spare a day.

I actually don't know Viking's rules as far as moving reservations after booking. Is there a specific time limit - I know ocean cruises allow you to do this within "x" amount of days. BTW - I always find value in using my Travel Agent over booking direct with the cruise lines. My agent is associated with a "group" that allows extra benefits. It is often extra OBC, etc... Travel agents can also add additional value by offering different insurance, and offer things booking direct can not such as assistance with hotels, air, etc.... I value the expertise in travel agents, the value they provide and often they overall cost is less than booking direct. It helps to have someone on your side when you are spending $$$$ on a vacation. Things happen, things can go wrong - I want someone working for me to help me. I am sorry you felt pressured to put a deposit down. I would have walked away at that point. Next time work with someone who isn't pressuring you to put a deposit down when you are with a sick family member!

It is rarely opened.