Vineyard View

We were notified that we will meet at the old Marittima terminal in Venice. Transportation will be provided from there. You cannot get individual transportation to Fusina. You will not be allowed in.

I agree with you. This has been an itinerary for Viking for a number of years. It worked well prior to the docking changes in providing a three day experience in Venice from your ship. We were going to book this one, then Covid hit. We were going to book post Covid, then the required docking changes occurred. In our opinion, one of the major draws to this particular itinerary was the 3 day turn time in Venice. In reading this, It really no longer functions in this capacity as a main draw for this specific itinerary. JMHO. It is the reason we went another direction, with a RT out of Venice and 4 night pre. I hope that as time moves forward this season, it generates a better avenue to access Venice than this current sailing is occurring. Viking has always tried hard to make their customers happy with their experiences, so maybe they will develop some tweaks that improve the experience.

That sure increases the interest level! It might be nice to be able to book longer. I May reach out to see if this is an option, unless you already know that it is not

Thank you for these further tips. Great infomation!

Are you able to diy with the golf carts or are you with a guide? Is it a group or just you?

We are also interested in knowing more. Since Covid, it seems that putting small group excursions together on roll calls have all bit disappeared. Thank you for this information

Thank you for your comments. I feel absolutely comfortable with what our wardrobe choices will be.

We explored Stockholm on our own. Very easy city to do this. We disembarked there, so stayed a couple days - I would encourage you to not miss Vasa. Well worth extra time spent.

I can sure see your position, given the personal connection. Can’t say that I would feel differently had that happened to me. We are trying them for different reasons, including mainly the itinerary. Added to that, our balcony stateroom is a total less cost per day for what is important to us. Included Excursions are a non starter for us, it is for others. No additional charges for daily stewards, no additional charge for multiple wine selections daily - (we will see how those are). As far as kids, not really worried about them for multiple reasons, including time of year we are sailing, although we know there is not a guarantee. And again, we remain fans of Viking. Just need something enticing in the Mediterranean. I keep looking though! We’ve decided we aren’t booking 2024 until after this trip so will be sure to add our observations.

Well, guess I may begin looking for a different itinerary! Thank you very much

We are looking at Spain intensive next year. Only CC cabins available are 8036-8052. Right under the pool. We get up pretty early, and normally not late nights. I think early crew moving furniture would be my main concern? Thoughts? Thank you. I tried doing the search on this thread and had little success. Thank you

Totally agree with Jim on the excursions, as well as what he likes about Viking. We don’t take panoramic tours. We’ve done a couple walking tours that are okay, but we also have taken them for the transportation to the area when it is not walkable. We ask the guide what time to be back to the bus and go do our own thing (really only works when it is a long enough time scheduled). We tip the guide as we would had we walked with them, and it’s never been an issue We haven’t sailed on HALs large ships. We did purchase their package when we sailed their smaller ones. At the end of the day, itinerary is a major deciding factor when and whom we sail on. But excursions are not as we DIY or private most of the time.

They in fact do! Ha! But my DH is anxiously waiting.

OMG! Thank you for the laugh! Six people and auto loves to correct. DH would be….how about the Giants!

What is the experience more package please? Is this a different way to use the $300 OBC? We are looking at a Spain intensive, and an Italy intensive next year and it shows the Early Booking bonus. Is this considered a good sale promotion for Azamara or do they typically offer deeper discounts off their published fares?

We enjoy caviar for special occasions, or just because occasionally! Looking forward to giving it a try on Seabourn. Not sure about daily, but most certainly not for Sox people! I haven’t heard of enjoying it with fries, however, since I do love a good French fry, I have to admit to having my curiosity up on this!

Good to know. That is actually how it worked on our last Viking as well. In late ‘19. Can’t comment to quantity as this will be our first Seabourn

When we were last on Viking we chose to visit their fairly upscale ‘buffet’ that offered made to order as well. They stationed a person at the hand sanitizing areas where you had a choice to wash your hands in the sink or use sanitizer. You did not pass go until you did, and this was before Covid. On multiple sailings with them. It is the only line we have seen that extra step rather than the stations you could just ignore if you wanted to. I don’t know if that is still tue case. Maybe there are more lines out there that do this? It added a level of comfort. I’m not a germaphobe either, but that was just common sense in our opinion.

That is what I saw but was hoping I had missed something. Thank you

Likely same one. Oct ‘19.

We thoroughly enjoy lunch in port. For us, that is a big part of the experience in traveling, enjoying local food and wine. I agree about all the handling of serving utensils. Way before this past chapter, it was a clear avenue for spreading whatever might be on board. I just don’t get that piece at all.

I do not know. It was shortly before Covid and he was way more than just strum and sing. There were a number of people on board who were very impressed with his talent. His voice was perfect with his own style of playing. He was unique in both aspects, in my opinion. I don’t play myself, but I would listen to him again!

Is this only for 2023 Deec?

We love the guitarist in Explorers. He is amazing to listen to. We can listen to him through multiple sets on multiple nights and not tire of his talent. We’ve listened to the classical in the atrium over a glass and nibble. Not our go to, but we certainly don’t run away. It’s just enjoyable to be able to hold a conversation in both venues and have live talented musicians in the background. I am not sure that sweet Caroline is going after a younger demographic though. Neil wrote that in 1969. We don’t go to the shows so not part of the equation for us. This is an interesting thread though.

We are absolutely not buffet fans. Never have been. That said, Viking has a well done set up, including made to order. We will try Seabourn when on board if that is what is offered, but we rarely are on ship for lunch during port days.