airtana

So true, that is kind of how we are leaning at this moment.  

Now that the company has suspended all operations through at least April 30th and offering cash refunds and/or 125% future cruise vouchers, we wonder if they can sustain such losses and still remain in business.  We were booked on the Sea which was to depart today from San Juan heading to Barcelona,  so we were like deer caught in headlights when we got the call last night at 11:21pm (yes, indeed, the 11th hour)from a Representative saying it had been cancelled.  Yes, Viking is definitely stepping up in a very generous way to offer these cash refunds or 125% in Future Cruise vouchers, but  I am wanting to gauge what people are feeling about making the decision between the two.    If (and that’s a big IF) this coronavirus outbreak continues to get worse and they have to make more major cancellations, and subsequently are forced into bankruptcy, that 125% might not be worth anything.  Any opinions or thoughts???? 

Clay, Please see your email for a question.  Thanks

P.S.  We are keeping our fingers crossed, too, for an acceptable upgrade offer, 5 o’clock can’t come soon enough, the suspense is intense!!

5 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

Hope you will like Viking as much as we do!  Most evenings in the World Cafe (buffet) they have a beautiful spread of sushi on one side and a similarly impressive abundance of cold seafood on the other.  I’ll take a picture of them if we get up there tonight. 
 

Had a voice mail last night requesting we come by the desk between 5-7 pm to discuss upgrade. I stuck my head in after breakfast and asked if there was anyway to find out what “might” be offered and was told not until 5. So I guess we will have to unpack a few things-I’m getting tired of my embarkation outfit!  It did appear there were other guests waiting to speak to someone, so perhaps those in Jr Penthouse Suites and Penthouse Verandas were being met with first?

Hey Clay,

Gosh you are quick with your reply’s, KUDOS!!  Since this will be our first Viking experience getting to see the daily papers ahead of time is priceless.  You are a sweetheart for taking the time to attach.  Got a couple of questions for ya. . . I believe you have done this transatlantic before and we were wondering what type of clothing you packed.  Looks like it will be a mix of warm and cool.  Wondering especially what the temps will be like out there on the Atlantic.  We travel with just carry on bags so space is somewhat limited.  How about the temperatures in the public spaces, are they on the cool side or just right?  Do you have a favorite specialty restaurant?  Do you ever just have dinner in the World Cafe when you want to be casual?  Do you participate in Trivia, and if so, is it easy to find people to partner up with to make a team of 6?  We are jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts and would like to know if they have a good selection of ones to put together on the ship.  Any ship secrets you’d like to share?  Any input is greatly appreciated.  
 

And speaking of upgrades, last month on Feb. 7th we originally booked a Penthouse Veranda an then on  Feb. 17th got an email with an upgrade offer to a Penthouse Jr. Suite for $399 per person.  We liked the idea of the much larger cabin so we went ahead and accepted it.  I will be curious to see what they offer on the ship.  We were also offered an Explorers Suite for an additional $699 per person, but decided to decline that offer.  Keep us posted.  

51 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

See my answers in Bold above

Clay, are a wealth of information which I thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of my inquiries.  I was able to go to your website and read your blogs on your previous transatlantic which answered quite a few also.  Wow, that trip in March 2018 looks like you had some very rough weather.  Keep us posted on your weather this time as we will be following right behind you.  Our most recent cruises have been on Seabourn and we are very interested in the comparison, although I have the feeling I am going to fall head over heels with Viking, the whole serene atmosphere Just speaks to my spirit.  Speaking of lamb chops at breakfast, that was always a favorite of ours on Seabourn so it’s fabulous to know the tradition will continue.  And those Pistachio rolls sound heavenly.  Yum yum.  So glad they have the wrap around promenade to get those miles long walks in like you do and try to keep the unwanted pounds off (although I think it will be a losing battle).  LOL 

1 hour ago, Clay Clayton said:

Hope you will like Viking as much as we do!  Most evenings in the World Cafe (buffet) they have a beautiful spread of sushi on one side and a similarly impressive abundance of cold seafood on the other.  I’ll take a picture of them if we get up there tonight. 
 

Had a voice mail last night requesting we come by the desk between 5-7 pm to discuss upgrade. I stuck my head in after breakfast and asked if there was anyway to find out what “might” be offered and was told not until 5. So I guess we will have to unpack a few things-I’m getting tired of my embarkation outfit!  It did appear there were other guests waiting to speak to someone, so perhaps those in Jr Penthouse Suites and Penthouse Verandas were being met with first?

Hey Clay,

Gosh you are quick with your reply’s, KUDOS!!  Since this will be our first Viking experience getting to see the daily papers ahead of time is priceless.  You are a sweetheart for taking the time to attach.  Got a couple of questions for ya. . . I believe you have done this transatlantic before and we were wondering what type of clothing you packed.  Looks like it will be a mix of warm and cool.  Wondering especially what the temps will be like out there on the Atlantic.  We travel with just carry on bags so space is somewhat limited.  How about the temperatures in the public spaces, are they on the cool side or just right?  Do you have a favorite specialty restaurant?  Do you ever just have dinner in the World Cafe when you want to be casual?  Do you participate in Trivia, and if so, is it easy to find people to partner up with to make a team of 6?  We are jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts and would like to know if they have a good selection of ones to put together on the ship.  Any ship secrets you’d like to share?  Any input is greatly appreciated.  
 

And speaking of upgrades, last month on Feb. 7th we originally booked a Penthouse Veranda an then on  Feb. 17th got an email with an upgrade offer to a Penthouse Jr. Suite for $399 per person.  We liked the idea of the much larger cabin so we went ahead and accepted it.  I will be curious to see what they offer on the ship.  We were also offered an Explorers Suite for an additional $699 per person, but decided to decline that offer.  Keep us posted.  

Hi Clay,

so happy to see your live blog from the Viking Sky Transatlantic.  We will be boarding the Sea on March 12th heading in that same direction to Barcelona.  I have to ask you where in the heck did you get that yummy looking sushi, crab and shrimp extravaganza?  This will be our first Viking Cruise and the anticipation is getting even greater after reading your blog.  We also wonder how full (or empty) our ship will be.  Best of luck on the upgrade.  Let us know the details once you get “the offer”.  Thanks again.  

This is a 3 minute slideshow showing some of the highlights of our recent Celebrity Flora Cruise and optional land tours to Quito, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu.  To say it was the trip of a lifetime is an understatement.  We highly recommend this adventure to any and all travelers who want to experience something they cannot duplicate anywhere else on this planet.  Celebrity did an over the top, exceptional job in every aspect.  We felt thoroughly coddled throughout our journey and totally wrapped in their big embrace.  Accommodations, cuisine, tours all FIRST CLASS.   Simply amazing!!

23 hours ago, tgg said:

I've gotten the shareholder benefit for our Celebrity cruise leaving on Dec. 1 and for our Azamara cruise leaving April 5.  I have large amounts of OBC and other perks on both cruises.  

 

My suggestion is that people apply and see what happens.  Obviously the policy has changed because we weren't getting shareholder credit on either brand in many years.  

I agree.  We booked B2B cruises on the Edge for Feb. 2020 during the amazing Veterans Day sale (all four perks) and applied for the shareholders credit was was given it on both legs.  So glad they loosened the restrictions and given us loyal shareholders the benefit again.  

If anyone is on the maiden voyage departing today, we would greatly appreciate any reviews, thoughts, comments or helpful tips as we are booked on this cruise on Dec. 1st of this year.  

On 3/9/2019 at 8:40 AM, Georgiagirl1204 said:

 

Hi!  My friend and I are booked for this trip in October!  Thanks for your input!  Did you do any other of the ships excursions?  (FYI - We live in Suwanee/Johns Creek)!  Love Seabourn!!!  

Hi Georgia Girl, 

i love Seabourn too, and are boarding the Encore (first time on larger ships) in April from Bali to Singapore, so excited and can’t wait.  I am celebrating my 70th brithday on the trip.  And it’s looks like we live fairly close to you in Marietta.  To answer your question, the only ships excursion we took was a kayaking one in Santa Barbara which we thoroughly enjoyed.  Everything else we did on our own, fairly easily.  Since I went with a girlfriend and had such s wonderful time, my hubby has expressed an interest in going so we may just book it again this year.  

That’s very interesting about the new Florida restaurant.  We used to cruise all the time when we were younger on Celebrity, that is, until Seabourn stole our hearts away forever.  Having said that, we also have had our eye on the Edge with such unique innovations.  I do hope you will post on this blog your reflections about your experience when you return.    Thanks and have a simply marvelous cruise.  

I know they actually do it  In the surf in a number of Carribean ports, but that’s all I know so far.  See you onboard!

We will be on the 10day cruise on Encore departing April 12th from Benoa to Singapore.  Can anyone comment on whether Cavier in the surf could be done at any of our ports stops in Indonesia?  I rather think not, but one can always hope.  

We are aware there is an additional charge to use the Retreat area, but can anyone confirm whether the thermal area (with Steam and Sauna) are available to all guests at no extra charge on Encore?  Thanks 

Thanks again, we will look forward to giving it a try.

Oh, thanks so much for the good news.  It will be in the mid 80’s our entire cruise so no jackets necessary.  Is it by reservation  only or just walk?  Any dishes you can recommend?

Can anyone confirm whether this  new concept has been rolled out on Encore yet?  My husband and I will be joining the ship in Bali in April and are looking forward to the experience, it has had great reviews so far.  Thanks 

Question, can you please let me know if the Patio Grill has rolled out the Earth and Ocean in the evening for dinner on the Encore yet.  We will be joining the ship in Bali in April and are hoping to try the new venue, have heard very great commments about it.  

Hi,

my my friend and I took this pacific coastal last October and absolutely loved it.  The weather starting out in Vancouver can be a bit on the chilly side but continued t warm up The farther south you get.  We stayed two nights in Vancouver pre cruIse at the Westin and I would highly recommend for beautiful waterfront location, free bicycle rentals to easily peddle to Stanley Island, and withIn a 20 min. Walk to cruise port.  We bought a tour to Capilano Bridge and again it’s a do not miss, only $37 per person when includes bus and entrance fees from a nearby hotel stop.  In Seattle we went to the Chuilly Glass Museum and it was jaw dropping.  Then took the monorail to the end of the line, walked around town and then down to Pikes Market.  Weather was a bit chilly and damp, again dress in layers.  Lots of options but this is what we choose.  In Victoria we took the ships shuttle to downtown and outside the Fairmont Hotel is a kiosk where for $57 we purchased tickets and transportation to Buchart Gardens, another don’t miss spot.  Then coming back from town walked along the waterfront all the way back to the ship, a lovely stroll and even saw an otter in the bay.  In San Francisco so many options can’t list them all.  My friend and I walked for over 12 miles that day and covered a lot of territory including Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 with its famous abundant seals, a cable car ride, Chinatown and much more.  In Monterey we opted to take a public bus (around $2 one way) very near the port to Big Sur, an almost magical place.  We went down to the beach, then strolled the lovely streets and all the shops, and followed a map to some adorable cottages that looked like they came back out of Hansel and Gretle.  Back to Monterey and walked along the waters edge with lots of frisky otters frolicking, I could have stayed there for hours.  In Santa Barbara we rented bicycles in the morning and explored and did a ships kayak excursion in the afternoon, all very enjoyable.  After I told my husband what a good time we had he as said he wants to do it with me this year, so we just might be on it again.  The California Gold Coast is truly priceless.  Hope this has been of some help.  

Keep on cruising on, SLSD, after my PACIFIC COASTAL next week, I will have passed the 140 day mark to attain platinum club level status . . Love those extra perks!!!

Mea Culpa #2. In my above story I mentioned being on Seabourn for over 200 days in the past 3 years, when it was really only 100. Damn my darn finger for hitting the wrong key and that pesky editor of mine not catching it. Maybe it was just wishful thinking!!

Really nice story Airtana. Does your spell checker know something the rest of us have only heard whispered??:evilsmile::evilsmile:

Definition of Assignation

1: the act of assigning or the assignment made

2: an appointment of time and place for a meetingespecially : TRYSTreturned from an assignation with his mistress —W. B. Yeats

As in the 2nd definition, Hey who knows, maybe Dan was trying to report on some of Kennedy’s many alleged trysts!!! LOL

Geez,where is my trusty editor when I need them. Hope it’s understood my real intention.

Our very first Seabourn cruise was in 2016 from LA to Miami through the Panama Canal. To our surprise one of the guest speakers was Dan Rather. Now I can honestly say when he was doing the news or 60 minutes he was not always my favorite, seemed a little full of himself, and then there was the whole brouhaha when he got fired over the accuracy of his 2004 story questioning the accuracy of President George W. Bush’s military service.

We decided to attend his 2 lectures anyway and I must tell you how surprised we were how humble and down to earth he had become and his storytelling was brilliant, poignant, humorous, and just plain down home interesting. We were enthralled.

Then to our utmost delight we were invited to a hosted dinner with non other than Gunga-Dan himself and hIs lovely wife, Jean, who he has been married to since 1957, as our hosts. He regaled us with so many wonderful and fascinating stories it boggled our minds. He has covered so many important moments in our county’s history, beginning back in November of 1963 with his coverage of the Kennedy assignation. All I can say is it was one of the most memorable evenings of our entire lives.

It was another magical Seabourn moment in the many, many we experienced on our first cruise with them. It was also our pleasure to be invited to one other dinner with the incomparable Cruise Director Handre, who, as anyone knows who has met him, is a delight and a joy to be around.

After that cruise, we were hooked and have since logged over 200 days with them. And now we are looking forward to joining Sojourn next Sunday in Vancouver for a cruIse down the Pacific to Los Angeles with Capt. Tim Roberts at the helm, and also Cruise Director Sophie and her fiancé Claudio on board who we sailed with for 52 days last year. It really does always feels like you are coming home when you board one of these wonderful ships.

This deck issue has been going on since February. When we did Alaska in July, it was still an issue - yes squishy and smelly, oozing a muddy water if you stood on some of the planks. Pot plants in place to cover up. It was not so much an issue on an Alaskan cruise, but if it is not fixed for the upcoming South Pacific run, guests will not be happy.

I am boarding in Vancouver a week from tomorrow for the 8 day Pacific Coastal, hopefully the deck will be fine and dandy. Our team trivia mascot is going to be Otto the Otter!

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