R,D,W

Thank You All for your valuable information.  

Oh my goodness.  So, it sounds like we should know what we want and book it with initial booking because changing could result in considerable more money.  HMM.....

Thank You !

That is encouraging.  Hopefully it will be that simple for us.

Hi ,

We have done a river cruise on Viking.  In the fall we will take our first Ocean cruise with Viking.  We have made our final payment (quite some time ago) and would now like to upgrade our cabin.  Do we just contact Viking and pay the difference or do we have to cancel this booking and rebook?

Thanks for your help.

Hi,

I am so confused.  I do understand that this time of a pandemic is ever changing.  I also understand that one person's perspective may differ from another person's.  However, there must be something that we "can hang our hat on".   We have never sailed with Viking.  It is not for lack of trying.  Covid reared its ugly head and that was that (times 3).  I also understand that pre-covid and post-covid are not at all "the same animals".   The protocol for being quarantined is my current source of confusion.  I do understand that Viking will remove me from the ship, (if I test positive twice).   I called Viking yesterday to inquire about an upcoming booked cruise.  I asked about quarantine protocol and was told I would be removed after 2 positives and the quarantine period off ship would be at my expense.  I said, "so I will have a say in where I stay"?  I was assured that if Viking's recommended accommodations were not what I wanted I could offer suggestions.  I was assured that Viking used 4- and 5-star accommodations. I was also reminded that this is why I needed travel insurance.  If this is the protocol, why were passengers sent to a hostel and why were others sent to a villa?  Those in the villa reporting quarantine experience was at Viking's expense.  Those in Villa could have gone to Turkey but apparently Viking sought more acceptable accommodations in another country.   Viking has to follow the rules or whims of the country they are in?  So Viking has no voice as to what happens to their quarantined passengers?  Is the experience of being quarantined on a Viking cruise dependent upon the luck of the draw?  

13 hours ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

Viking and airlines will refund if you present a positive PCR test from an accredited lab.

Thanks but I am not interested in a refund.  I know false positives do happen.  Since  the test would be a false positive  there would not be enough time to retest .  I would (understandably) not be permitted to proceed with travel .  Receiving a false positive result with no time to retest is another "wrinkle" in the plan.  

1 hour ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

Since I’m a big fat guinea pig...  uhhh, wait a minute, since I’m a tall handsome guinea pig on the 6/15 cruise I have compiled a list of questions to send to tellus in a day or two.  Anyone want to add a question?  Or have comments on my current questions?

 

 

Questions for Viking

 

Is there any restriction on arriving on Bermuda a few days before embarkation day?  We booked our flights to come in three days early to avoid the possible testing issues associated with trying to get same-day PCR tests on a weekend.  Anyone flying from the west coast will need to get same-day tests to meet the timing Bermuda requires (unless flying to hubs on red-eye flights).

 

What happens if our pre-arrival test results are delayed, or Bermuda takes longer than 24 hours to approve our Travel Authorization request?  What will Viking do in either case if this causes us to miss embarkation day?  What will the Viking Trip Insurance do in the case of increased airfare due to last minute flight changes due to these issues?

 

When and how will we provide our vaccination documents to Viking?  Will we take photos/scans and upload them?  Will we have to travel with our original record card?  Or will photo copies be ok?

 

What time should we arrive at the ship dock in order to board at 11am sharp?  Since our 6/15 cruise is the first Bermuda cruise, is there any possibility of boarding before 11am?

 

When will written documentation of the special testing and TA waivers negotiated by Viking with Bermuda be available?  Will the airlines accept these waivers, or will they check for the Travel Authorization and tests anyway?

 

Will these waivers apply to pax arriving on Bermuda before embarkation day?

 

As it stands now, since we will be arriving early, Bermuda requires us to get tested on our Day 4 and our Day 8.  They will provide appointments at approved testing sites on the island, when we take our arrival test at the airport.  Will Viking shipboard tests be provided on our Day 4 and Day 8?  Will the results be transmitted to Bermuda, and will Bermuda accept these on-board test in lieu of the testing appointments Bermuda will provide us?  If not, will we be allowed to leave the ship to get our pre-scheduled, approved tests in town?

 

Will more shore excursions be made available for booking before the 14 day cut-off for canceling our cruise?  We were not able to get some excursions, as the website was very erratic when we tried to book excursions the first day.  Also, will other times be offered.  Most of the times we got are inconvenient.  Will more spa appointments be added, especially on sea days?  Will any “couples massages” be offered?  We could have only booked sequential appointments, which we don’t want.

 

What are the chances Viking will drop the “bubble excursion” requirement and let passengers come and go freely.  Bermuda places no restrictions on vaccinated visitors after they have received negative results from their arrival test at the airport.  Visitors just have to follow the same rules as residents.

 

Will snorkeling equipment be provided on shore excursions where snorkeling opportunities are mentioned?  How about on the “Catamaran Rally” excursion from Kings Wharf on the last full day of the cruise?  The description only mentions swimming and sun bathing.

 

Which day of the cruise will tests for return travel to the US be administered?  Will we have a choice of day?

 

Will there be taxis available at the dock upon disembarkation?  We’d prefer not to wait around for vans or busses to fill for transfers.

 

 

Great List !

Since you asked for suggestions....What happens if our already time constrained pre test is a false positive ?  

56 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

I’m here.

Good to know.  🙂

17 hours ago, bafinegan said:

 

Is this new also?  I don't remember seeing this before.  Hoping this means they are about to post what we need to know.  Notice the bullet points are currently blank.

I saw this yesterday and was so excited.  Finally some much needed specific guidance.  This could put an end to the speculation of what to do and when to do it.  When I called Viking I was told the information would be loaded 7 days before sailing.  WHAT?  I explained I was concerned about meeting the 3 day timeline.  The agent went to speak with her supervisor and came back with this response.  "Meeting a timeline will not be a problem because this is done electronically.  It is like an online Visa."  I explained that I understood that information would be transmitted electronically.  I then asked what Viking would do if I followed the required protocol to the letter but through no fault of mine my test results were not back in time.  I have no control over a lab backlog.  She spoke again with her supervisor and this was response.  "Call around and find a testing site that is open on the weekend."  The testing site is not the monkey wrench so to speak.  I then said so any lab and any PCR test.  She replied Yes to both.  I understand that these are unprecedented times.  As a good business practice it seems something in bold print concerning entry into Bermuda with a caveat would relieve a lot of stress.  We have all had enough stress and we all want to sail again.  I also understand that if I am not happy I do not have to sail.  Being happy is not the issue.  I want to sail even if it is just a floating hotel to nowhere.  I can follow directions just give me the correct ones.  I am trying to gather the correct information and trying not to get caught up in "what ifs".  I have to admit it does seem that the "all knowing wizard" might be AWOL.

On 4/8/2021 at 7:55 PM, CCWineLover said:

Information on entering Bermuda for Vaccinated Visitors from the US and Canada, dated just this past April 7, 2021:  Travel Protocols - pre-departure and on arrival

https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta/press-release/bermuda-tourism-authority-update

 

Guidelines for immunized travelers:

https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-covid-19-information-immunised-travellers

 

And yes, as Azulann stated, this could be changing over the coming months.

Hi,

Thank you for the information.  I would not have known about the need for a travel voucher if I had not read your post.  Did I miss an important piece of information on the Viking website?  I am usually so thorough when booking.  I do not see anything about this even today.  Perhaps Viking sent an email and I somehow missed it?  We have not sailed with Viking but I am really concerned because this is certainly a vital piece of information that I only found out about on CC.  Perhaps they plan to alert us to this when final documents are sent?   Sorry for the negativity .  We do want to cruise again.  I understand that requirements may change but this seems a really big requirement that I would have missed.

Hi Stempy,

Thank you for your quick and thoughtful reply.  I apparently did not perform my due diligence.  I assumed a fully vaccinated cruise meant all aboard.  I did not realize that crew was not included.  I do understand that circumstances surrounding Covid can be fluid and so subject to change.  However, it does seem that before scheduling  and accepting passengers' monies, more definite plans would have been in place.  Perhaps that was not possible.  I do wonder what this floating hotel cruise to nowhere will be like day to day.  As you said, and our TA told us, the service is impeccable.  We so need a break from our current Covid routine. 

We are looking forward to sailing with Viking and meeting what may be our fellow "make the best of it" companions. 🙂

Hi Stempy,

We are Jim and Becky from Indiana.  We have cruised previously but never with Viking.  We tried to sail with Viking to the Oberammergau on a our first river cruise.  Alas Covid had other plans.  We are rescheduled for next year.  We have some of the same thoughts as you concerning our June 15th sailing.  Primarily that we will not be allowed to leave the ship.  We are hoping Viking will soon issue guidance, including timelines , for preflight requirements.  When we depart plane what can we expect?

We thought all on ship were vaccinated, including crew.  Is this not true?  So many questions and so few answers.  

Hmmm....

Seems my  original post has taken a turn.   While I did receive some very good suggestions the thread is now discussing the merits of visiting the Holy Land.  It seems to me that each traveler brings his or her perspective to any region we visit.  Whether that perspective is based on fact or fiction or belief in the unseen.   

My husband and I have considered all of our options and  are ready to book our trip.  Thank you to all of those who graciously aided us in our decision.  

Every person has been so kind to respond with really helpful information.  We are leaning toward a cruise because we also want to visit Athens.  Making a list of our "must sees"  is a great idea.  We also plan to take the advice to contact Guided Tours Israel. 

While research is time consuming and sometimes a bit confusing how Blessed we are to have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land.  

Becky

Thank you for all the valuable comments.  We have debated a cruise or a land tour.  I will do further research and see what excursions are available .  We have specific  sites we want to visit.  We have done land tours and cruises and we are most comfortable with cruising.  However,  I do know our time is very limited with excursions compared to land tours.  We are doing the Oberammergau  via river cruise (our first) in May and would like to follow that with a trip to the Jerusalem area.  We also understand cancelling ports and of course would be disappointed  but our previous cruising experiences have shown safety to be the priority when cancelling .  So we do understand.  There have been some land tour companies mentioned and I so appreciate the information.  If any of you have done an ocean cruise of the area I would appreciate your comments also.

Thank You,

Becky 

Would like reccommendations on a cruise that includes ports in Holy Land.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thank You

Thank you for the information in your prompt reply.  This cruise , for us, will be a learning experience.

Have beren getting emails advertising discounts on drink packages and on dining packages.  Tried to buy dining package and drink package and the price was the same as my cruise planner.  So no discount.  I called to ask if a special code was needed and was told the cruise planner  price included discount.  I asked how I was getting a discount since the cruise planner price did not change.  I assumed the discount would be applied to the cruise planner price.   Since that price did not change what price is the discount applied to ?   The Royal Caribbean representative could not answer my question except to say prices change frequently.

I am continuing to receive these offers including one for Labor Day.  I understand I am free to buy or not buy.  The advertising seems to be misleading. 

Thank you for the prompt reply.  This does sound like it would be fun.  We appreciate all of the information.  

Becky

My husband and I are sailing in October on the Allure.  We are looking at activities to schedule.  We thought the Prohibition Event sounded intetesting.  If you have done this activity did you enjoy yourself?  Was it worth the added expense?  Was there any extra expense?  What did you do for 2 hours?  

I have scheduled the shows.  Are there any other "not to miss" activities?

Thank You, 

Becky

Who will be the Captain on the Mariner sailing September 2nd in Alaska and who will be the Cruise Director?

Where can I find this information ?

My husband and I always play trivia and usually have a great time. For us, answering the questions correctly is not the only objective. We of course enjoy winning but we play primarily for the socialization. We have met some wonderful people. It is great fun hearing others' stories. We do not research material. We just rely on our experiences and earned wisdom. Sometimes those things allow us to fall flat on our faces. :') Sometimes we surprise ourselves and win that day. Probably the secret is to join a fun group and have a good laugh. IF you are determined to win, you will also find those like minded folks . After all, we are all highly intelligent...we chose to sail with Regent !

My husband and I were on the Amazon in November of last year,sailing on the Mariner. Of all of our travels this was so interesting. The Amazon and surrounding environment is fascinating. We did not take the Yellow Fever vaccine nor did we take malaria medication. This is not to say you should ignore medical advice. We packed special clothing and mosquitoe wipes. The only bugs we saw were in a canoe and they were spiders. Do pack head covering and cooling devices. The sun, heat, and humidity are relentless. I do not handle the heat well and was concerned. However, I did fine by keeping hydrated and using cooling towels plus cold wash cloths. I also took advantage of shade when available. I was concerned that I needed to be covered (arms and legs) but also knew I did not handle heat well. I ended wearing temperature appropriate clothing (shorts and tees) and did fine because I liberally applied sunscreen and reapplied as needed. We were not off the ship in the evening. There were individuals dressed in long pants and long sleeves that looked appropriate for jungle trekking. I researched and researched trying to decide what I would need and perhaps the most important items are sunglasses, a hat that will also protect your neck, sunscreen, cooling devices and plenty of water. We had a great time. My husband caught a piranha. Prepare for heat and have a Great Adventure.

Thank you. We have always taken what was scheduled and did not know what changing flights would entail. Thank you for valuable information.

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We are planning a cruise to Alaska and would like to extend our departure from Vancouver. If we fly out two days later than scheduled what will our cost be?