Tips for New Viking Ocean Cruisers

[deec]

Madmedic V1 or V2 NOT over Torshavn but DV6 is.  Look at the diagram.  We prefer V1 we have not been bothered by restaurant noise.  Some noise with V2 from Star Theater but especially when they put the anchor down or up if you are quite a bit forward. Works as a great alarm clock we were in 3003.  Our very outside Balcony window ( not into the room) did break though during an especially bad storm while crossing the Bay of Biscay.

Edited July 30, 2023 by deec

[madmedic]

7 minutes ago, deec said:

Madmedic V1 or V2 NOT over Torshavn but DV6 is.  Look at the diagram.  We prefer V1 we have not been bothered by restaurant noise.  Some noise with V2 from Star Theater but especially when they put the anchor down or up if you are quite a bit forward. Works as a great alarm clock we were in 3003.  Our very outside Balcony window did break though during an especially bad storm while crossing the Bay of Biscay.

My mistake. I really want a cabin above the restaurant which is V2 but guarantee. I see that V1 are further forward and not above torshavn. I might go for one above the cinema. Is that a better choice regarding the noise? 

[TayanaLorna]

20 hours ago, KBs mum said:

I'd go for above the restaurant, torshavn is a late night music venue

I will second that.

[TayanaLorna]

40 minutes ago, madmedic said:

My mistake. I really want a cabin above the restaurant which is V2 but guarantee. I see that V1 are further forward and not above torshavn. I might go for one above the cinema. Is that a better choice regarding the noise? 

It is better then above Torshavn since shows are over by 10 pm.

[cruz_happy]

I wrote this after our first ever Viking cruise (& first ever river cruise where I originally posted a longer version).  I am sharing a few of our observations, as well as those from others we talked with on our cruise, which might help newcomers to Viking.  Hope this will help someone.  (I'm editing out ones that I think were more attributable to the river cruise we were on.)

 

Let me start with overall.  Generally we liked the cruise, although we may prefer Ocean cruises more.  Staff was great, always trying to make guests happy.  On the river cruise, many times there really wasn't much to do, especially if you didn't go on an excursion nor after dinner.  I'm hoping on an Ocean Cruise this will be different.  We are booked on a Viking Ocean Cruise in February 2024, so we will see.  (Just wasn't wow'd like I anticipated but just might be not wow'd by river cruises?  Won't rule them out all together though as they serve a valuable purpose.)

 

So let's start my thoughts & tips:

 

PACKING:   Dress was casual, even for dinner.  (This was during summer months & record heat.) Some people, mostly men, wore shorts, usually with a golf shirt.    Jeans (nice ones) were relatively common.  (No muscle shirts seen at all.)  Women too were casual usually in slacks and tops, some jeans.  I overpacked as a few of my tops (crepe-type tops) and slacks were too dressy although they were "business casual".  (These were clothing I normally wear on ocean cruises, different line though.). I would say better to pack more "summer casual", i.e., sundresses, lightweight woven or knit tops, cotton slacks.  Not sure if this casualness was due to it being a river cruise vs ocean or if it's the way things are moving on Viking and likely other cruise lines too. 

 

Tip 1:  Evaluate your packing and consider packing casual, but nice, attire. Men:  no jackets or ties worn at all that I saw.

 

TRAVEL:  THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP I CAN SHARE:  I'll save you all the details but our early arrival with plans to spend 2 days seeing Budapest evaporated as we spent 2 days in our hotel room chasing our "lost" luggage. I say “lost” because I knew where they were every step since we had air tags in each piece.  We used Viking Air for this river cruise and they had us on a tight connection in Frankfurt airport which we barely made; our luggage did not.  Thanks to the air tags, I tracked our luggage from Frankfurt (3 flights later) to Budapest & knew when they were at the Budapest airport.  After hours on the phone with Viking Air rep who was communicating with the airline telling the Viking Air rep that the luggage was in Frankfurt still (wrong!), I called the Budapest Airport main line directly and asked if we could come and pick up our luggage ourselves explaining that I knew they were there with the air tags.   The airport rep said, “Sure”; so we did.  The luggage was exactly where the air tags were showing.  (BTW, Viking Air was still being told they were in Frankfurt.). After we boarded, we heard several others had had their luggage lost in Frankfurt airport as well.  One couple I heard of didn't receive their luggage upon boarding; so Viking was washing their clothes for them each day.  Not sure when they got their luggage.  And yes, from what I understand, these others had flown in from Frankfurt airport although I can't verify that.  I don't blame Viking Air for this.  I've heard Frankfurt airport can be difficult.  

 

Tip 2:   Put air tags in your luggage.  (This is the biggest tip I can tell you!)

 

Tip 3:  Avoid tight airline transfers made by Viking Air.  I do when I make my own flights and told Viking Air not to make such a tight connection but they did anyway, fighting us on this saying we'd have time.  

 

STATEROOM-OUTLETS:  Our stateroom, a suite, had 2-110 volt (US) outlets and 2-220 volt (2-prong rounded European plugs).   

 

Tip #4:   Remember to pack your international plugs so you’ll be able to use all 4 plugs simultaneously.  Don't just rely on US outlets.  (This may be different on different ships.)

 

STATEROOM-STORAGE:  Drawer space was limited in our stateroom.  Pretty much 1 small drawer for my things and another for my husband.  There was a shelf I used over the safe.  That was pretty much it.  Again, not sure if this is different on Ocean vessels.

 

Tip #5:  I’ve heard some Cruise Critic members mention about bringing small Dollar Tree fabric storage bins for added storage.   (Didn’t remember to do this for this cruise.  I think they said they slide them under your bed.  There is a lot of room there.)

 

STATEROOM-MAGNETIC WALLS?:  Most the walls were NOT magnetic.  (I’m accustomed to most of the walls being magnetic.).  I wasn’t able to use my normal amount of magnets but it worked fine for us.  I had brought some command hooks that I had read about on Cruise Critic but didn’t try them as we didn’t need them. 

 

Tip #6:   Consider bringing command hooks for walls (although I’ve not tried it myself) and just a couple (not many more) of magnets.  (2 magnets and no command hooks worked for us.) 

 

MOBILITY LIMITATIONS-EXCURSIONS:   NOT SURE IF ONLY ON RIVER CRUISES?   For those with mobility limitations (just limits, not other mobility concerns such as walkers or scooters), Viking tried to group us together for what they called a "light" group excursion.  

 

Tip #7:  For excursions, if you have mobility limitations, you can ask if there is a “light” group for the excursions.  

 

I hope these help 1st time Viking cruisers.  We are looking forward to comparing the Viking Ocean cruise with the Viking river cruise.

 

 

[Peregrina651]

Helpful post -- especially the parts about dealing with lost luggage, which seems even worse post-pandemic but some of what you have shared is not applicable to Viking Oceans.

 

7 hours ago, cruz_happy said:

PACKING:   Dress was casual, even for dinner.  (This was during summer months & record heat.) Some people, mostly men, wore shorts, usually with a golf shirt.    Jeans (nice ones) were relatively common.  (No muscle shirts seen at all.)  Women too were casual usually in slacks and tops, some jeans. 

 

River cruises tend to be more casual than Ocean, where the level of casual differs from itinerary to itinerary and from sailing to sailing. Every cruise has its own vibe -- and there is no way of knowing what it will be in advance.

 

MDR, Chef's Table and Manfredi's are strict on the dress-code. Jeans and shorts are not permitted. Men's shirts need to have a collar -- polo, button-down, turtle, etc. It is enforced.

 

7 hours ago, cruz_happy said:

I overpacked as a few of my tops (crepe-type tops) and slacks were too dressy although they were "business casual". 

 

There are definitely folks on VO cruises who like to dress up for dinner. If you are one of them, then go for it. It is your vacation, enjoy it however you want -- as long as you meet the dress code.

 

7 hours ago, cruz_happy said:

STATEROOM-STORAGE:  Drawer space was limited in our stateroom.  Pretty much 1 small drawer for my things and another for my husband.  There was a shelf I used over the safe.  That was pretty much it.  Again, not sure if this is different on Ocean vessels.

 

Definitely not applicable to VO ships or to the Viking Longships (river).

 

Minimum on the VO ships is three drawers for clothing, two small ones in the bathroom and a small drawer in each nightstand. Plus 4-5 feet of hanging space in the closet (and unlimited hangers; ask your steward). Plus shelf space above the drawers and in the closet. And that is just the V and DV cabins.

 

8 hours ago, cruz_happy said:

STATEROOM-MAGNETIC WALLS?:  Most the walls were NOT magnetic.  (I’m accustomed to most of the walls being magnetic.).  I wasn’t able to use my normal amount of magnets but it worked fine for us.  I had brought some command hooks that I had read about on Cruise Critic but didn’t try them as we didn’t need them. 

 

On VO, the party walls are magnetic. The bathroom walls are not.

Suction cups will work on glass surfaces in the bathroom (but not the walls).

 

8 hours ago, cruz_happy said:

Tip 3:  Avoid tight airline transfers made by Viking Air.  I do when I make my own flights and told Viking Air not to make such a tight connection but they did anyway, fighting us on this saying we'd have time.  

 

Things have changed a bit and now there are certain adjustments that we can make for ourselves on MVJ once you have been given your flights. Depending on what changes you make, it may involve an additional payment (but you get to review the extra costs before accepting the change).

 

Or, you can pay the extra fee for Custom Air and have have a say in your flights -- and you can do it as early as 300 days prior to your return flights.

[madmedic]

On 7/30/2023 at 4:58 PM, TayanaLorna said:

It is better then above Torshavn since shows are over by 10 pm.

Managed to get V2 above the restaurant after all. More cabins became available this morning that weren't guarantee. 

[madmedic]

Another question about the included drinks. And no we don't drink very much - honestly 😂.  Will DH be able to get a beer with his room service lunch? 

[TayanaLorna]

8 minutes ago, madmedic said:

Another question about the included drinks. And no we don't drink very much - honestly 😂.  Will DH be able to get a beer with his room service lunch? 

Room service does deliver alcohol, wine and beer.  However I do not know if the wine and beer would be included (free) if the lunch order (or dinner order) was outside of the lunch/dinner hours for the different restaurants.  The included beer (or wine) is the selection of the day not any beer on the menu and there is one red and one white wine offered per day as well.

[Twitchly]

On 7/30/2023 at 12:30 PM, cruz_happy said:

I wrote this after our first ever Viking cruise (& first ever river cruise where I originally posted a longer version).  

 

Have you posted this in the River Cruising forum? Seems like it would be most helpful there.

[Peregrina651]

1 hour ago, madmedic said:

Another question about the included drinks. And no we don't drink very much - honestly 😂.  Will DH be able to get a beer with his room service lunch? 

 

This is a good question to also ask on the most recent thread about the drinks package, if you don't get an answer here.

[duquephart]

I believe you need to be in one of the designated dining areas.

[KBs mum]

I don't know if beer is available with a room service lunch, but if you only want one beer, and it is not available via your room fridge, pay as you go will cost less than the SSP

[Peregrina651]

4 hours ago, KBs mum said:

I don't know if beer is available with a room service lunch, but if you only want one beer, and it is not available via your room fridge, pay as you go will cost less than the SSP

 

To clarify for newbies, beer, wine and nip bottles are include in the minibar for Penthouse Veranda cabins and higher.

 

[duquephart]

9 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

To clarify for newbies, beer, wine and nip bottles are include in the minibar for Penthouse Veranda cabins and higher.

 

 

Wine???

[Mickey111]

Hi folks

husband uses cpap and I know there are power points next to beds on ships.

however we travel with an extension lead as a lot of hotels don’t.

we don’t intend to use it in the ship.

will they confiscate it and will we get it back as doing a 10 day fly drive in New Brunswick after cruise in September 

[Squawkman]

48 minutes ago, Mickey111 said:

Hi folks

husband uses cpap and I know there are power points next to beds on ships.

however we travel with an extension lead as a lot of hotels don’t.

we don’t intend to use it in the ship.

will they confiscate it and will we get it back as doing a 10 day fly drive in New Brunswick after cruise in September 

I’ve done this on 10 cruises and never had a problem. Just don’t use it on the ship - no need to tell Viking you’re carrying with you. 

[janetcbl]

5 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Wine???

You can ask to have the liquor switched out for wine. I don’t know if you can have liquor AND wine in PVs and above.

[LindaS272]

You also get a bottle of champagne in a PV. Not replenished, though, if you drink it on the cruise.

[Snowcat1]

You can’t get both liquor and wine on the same day but we had them bring liquor one day and wine the next.

[CCWineLover]

3 hours ago, Snowcat1 said:

You can’t get both liquor and wine on the same day but we had them bring liquor one day and wine the next.

Same here.  Although a couple times, they replenished the wine bottle and then also replenished the rum bottles we have (since I had taken them out and hidden them for later just to see if that would happen).  Not sure if that was luck or a mistake or what.  The wine was always whatever the included wine of the day was - you could ask for white or red and request a specific varietal (like Cab or Merlot) but not guaranteed, our steward told us.

[Mickey111]

We have reservations for chefs table but no indication of the menu on those days. Can they be changed if we don’t like the menu eg soft shell crabs or octopus etc?

[duquephart]

23 minutes ago, Mickey111 said:

We have reservations for chefs table but no indication of the menu on those days. Can they be changed if we don’t like the menu eg soft shell crabs or octopus etc?

 

I doubt they will drag you in and make you eat to fulfil your reservation.

[May B]

2 hours ago, Mickey111 said:

We have reservations for chefs table but no indication of the menu on those days. Can they be changed if we don’t like the menu eg soft shell crabs or octopus etc?

 

2 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

I doubt they will drag you in and make you eat to fulfil your reservation.

I think Mickey might’ve meant, change the food items, but I love your reply, duque.

 

Mickey, easy to go to the podium any time to see the menus for the entire cruise, iirc. Also easy to change, cancel or add another reservation.

 

When the menu is posted, however, it might change (one item, or perhaps even the entire theme) prior to your actual reservation.

Edited August 2, 2023 by May B

[Lilyskittymom]

4 hours ago, Mickey111 said:

We have reservations for chefs table but no indication of the menu on those days. Can they be changed if we don’t like the menu eg soft shell crabs or octopus etc?

Many people wait until they're onboard to book the Chef's Table so they can look at the menus first.  It's very easy to make, change or cancel your reservation.  On our latest cruise, we made reservations in advance.. Ended up keeping one and changing the other.  Easy process; do it sooner to get a better choice of times.

 

Maria