Vineyard View

I have been following this very Informative post - it has so much positive reported in experiences and substituted ports , yet a whole lot of negative re SB service on Quest. We have our first SB sailing on Quest booked for next May. We have paid in full, but if by refund available time, I am not reading posts about serious upgrades in service, food, and even professionalism on Quest, I am thinking it’s not the right choice. I read about all the other SB ships being up to standards, but not Quest even though SB has to be aware of the issues, and quite honestly has had the time to address them. Now all that said, I do realize that the hurricane did drastically change the itinerary. That can’t be helped. But servers scooping up salt with their hands, and licking their fingers to smooth their hair while moving on to serve others, dirty silverware…..totally nuts to accept that on any cruise line, in any land restaurant, in any circumstance.

I have to agree on the excursions deal. The included ones offered by Viking are generally a bus ride or walking behind a lollipop with static common on vox. We have tried several and recognize that this ‘included free offer’ really contains no value for us, although I know that it may for others. It would be great if there was a financial option to opt out, but i highly doubt that will happen. That said, we are not fans of most cruise ship excursions regardless of line. We generally DIY or private.

Love your attitude! I don’t want to ‘over plan’ because spontaneity is a big part of the pleasure in traveling!

Thank you for this further information. We have secured a guide for the day and will play by ear how long we engage vs DIY. We generally are independent, but having a specific person to take us to the main areas before exploring on our own, at least at this point, seems like a decent plan. We are really looking forward to this port and will be sure to be up and out for the sail in!

I truly am curious as to why you say this. No judgement. Just would honesty like to know your perspective in making this conclusion.

Thank you for your response. I appreciate the clarification over what I may have been informed.

Love following your thread and pictures. QC has always been on our list to visit! We will be on the Quest next Spring (first SB cruise) and after all the issues I have been reading it does sound as things are settling into what your expectations have been as seasoned SB cruisers. When we booked our cruise we were told the Quest had or is getting ready to go through a major dry dock. Wondering based on this comment if that has already occurred or will be happening?

Take a look at insuremytrip.com squaremouth.com have used both. Great comparison websites based on your needs and requirements. Licensed agents can help you via phone with questions.

We are sailing on a small ship, and one of my most excited about ports is visiting Malta. I just looked at cruise mapper, and aside from us a huge 5k passenger ship will be in port. Having not been before, I am not sure how that will impact this geographic area although impact it will. I am also wondering what we might want to book in advance, and any advice/suggestions. Thank you

We have a cruise on hold that is on a smaller ship and therefore goes to smaller Croatia /Adriatic ports than many. My concern is are they so small that there really is not a lot to do. There is another cruise line (Viking) that has fewer Croatia ports and would sail in April vs late May but is twice the size ship. If you have experience with these small ports - Opatija, Vodice, Vis, and then Sarande (which I am not thrilled about), the others including Kotor, Koper, Crotone, Syracuse, and Valletta are attractive for sure. the second Adriatic option includes Sibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Bari, Crotone, and more in Greece and Italy. we have only been to Dubrovnik and Ravenna, our friends traveling with us have not been in the Adriatic. would appreciate any insight. Thank you