Tips for New Viking Ocean Cruisers

[$hip$hape]

To change the subject,

WE will be on the (NEW) Viking Jupiter November 13th, 2019 from Barcelona to Buenos Aires.

Our attraction to this cruise was the itinerary. 

Even though we have been to Rio de Janeiro a few times, thought it would be nice to take this Southern Crossing.

As first time Viking Ocean cruisers, we'd like to chime in to see if anyone has any comments.

Michael and Catherine 

 

Edited March 22, 2019 by $hip$hape

[Hunding]

5 minutes ago, $hip$hape said:

To change the subject,

WE will be on the (NEW) Viking Jupiter November 13th, 2019 from Barcelona to Buenos Aires.

Our attraction to this cruise was the itinerary. 

Even though we have been to Rio de Janeiro a few times, thought it would be nice to take this Southern Crossing.

As first time Viking Ocean cruisers, we'd like to chime in to see if anyone has any comments.

Michael and Catherine 

 

 

As will we.  And, as another set of first-time Viking Ocean passengers, we would also be interested in "comments" and suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[roothy123]

ShipShape & Hunding, lucky you.  This is not specifically about Viking Ocean, but all cruise ships, however: Do you know about the Roll Calls on Cruise Critic?  Have you signed up for yours, or started a new one if there is nothing for your cruise?  There have been some problems with the Roll Calls (not showing all started, for example) but it certainly won't hurt to look for them!  And of course, there is also a Ports of Call section where you can search for info about wonderful Barcelona, Rio, and other cities that cruise lines usually visit. 

[Pushka]

4 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Hi Pushka - you have no worries on bridges, as heading out to sea you only have to pass under 1st Narrows (Lions Gate). It has no tidal restrictions for the Viking ships. Only bridge with any issues is the rail bridge at 2nd Narrows, as you must request a lift, but you will not go under this bridge.

 

Don't see any issues with tides in Vancouver, as I have been in and out in all tidal conditions. The slack water at Seymour is 12:40 then 07:40. Pilots normally go through 1 hr either side of slack water, but the max tides are small (7 kts), so they might push it a few minutes. Takes about 5 to 6 hrs to reach Seymour, closer to 6 hrs, if adhering to harbour speed limits. So the 12:40 slack really isn't possible, but they could leave as late as midnight and still make the 07:40 window, which gives lots of time to reach Ketchikan the next morning.

 

Thankyou for all this detail, it’s the best information I’ve read about the (non) issues we will have with sailing time. Others in different groups suggested there would be significant issues if missing the tide window so I was a little worried. But as someone who truly knows the area I know you would be spot on. It’s a shame we can’t get you onboard for a look and a meal! 

[Heidi13]

8 minutes ago, Pushka said:

 

Thankyou for all this detail, it’s the best information I’ve read about the (non) issues we will have with sailing time. Others in different groups suggested there would be significant issues if missing the tide window so I was a little worried. But as someone who truly knows the area I know you would be spot on. It’s a shame we can’t get you onboard for a look and a meal! 

Been retired for too long, so no longer have contacts at Metro Port Vancouver and while I can get aboard Princess ships, I don't know anyone at Viking, so would be unable to get aboard.

 

However, I was planning to come down to the city to photograph the arrival, so if you are arriving a day early we could meet you in Vancouver for lunch. If you are arriving early and are interested, drop me an email - available from blog, which is listed in signature.

 

Departing Vancouver at 21:00 you will have a good flood running across the end of the dock and will buck the tide until clear of English Bay, but then you will get some push heading up Georgia Strait. Max current at 1st Narrows is a little over 3 kts at 22:20

[Pushka]

3 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Been retired for too long, so no longer have contacts at Metro Port Vancouver and while I can get aboard Princess ships, I don't know anyone at Viking, so would be unable to get aboard.

 

However, I was planning to come down to the city to photograph the arrival, so if you are arriving a day early we could meet you in Vancouver for lunch. If you are arriving early and are interested, drop me an email - available from blog, which is listed in signature.

 

Departing Vancouver at 21:00 you will have a good flood running across the end of the dock and will buck the tide until clear of English Bay, but then you will get some push heading up Georgia Strait. Max current at 1st Narrows is a little over 3 kts at 22:20

 

I see from your blog you are booked on a World Cruise on Viking Sun in 2020. That ship is currently here in my city today which is Adelaide South Australia, a rather small but capital city here. It’s a warm sunny day so should be nice. 

[Heidi13]

8 minutes ago, Pushka said:

 

I see from your blog you are booked on a World Cruise on Viking Sun in 2020. That ship is currently here in my city today which is Adelaide South Australia, a rather small but capital city here. It’s a warm sunny day so should be nice. 

Affirmative, we are booked on the 2nd half L/A to London.

 

Unfortunately we are not going to Adelaide next year, which I have great memories of my previous visit in 1977. Spent a couple of weeks in Adelaide on one of my few cargo ships, loading frozen meat. Still have great memories of the day the Mission to Seaman took us for a trip to the Barossa Valley.🍷🍷

[CCWineLover]

On 3/22/2019 at 6:21 PM, Pushka said:

 

I see from your blog you are booked on a World Cruise on Viking Sun in 2020. That ship is currently here in my city today which is Adelaide South Australia, a rather small but capital city here. It’s a warm sunny day so should be nice. 

 

Hello Pushka -

Have seen your many interesting posts.  We are planning to visit Adelaide (and Barossa Valley for wine!) ahead of our trip to Australia in early 2021 to take the Viking Orion from Sydney to Bali.  Looking forward to this city, which seems (by pictures, weather, and reading) to our own wine country city in California.   You live in a nice place!

[Pushka]

2 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

 

Hello Pushka -

Have seen your many interesting posts.  We are planning to visit Adelaide (and Barossa Valley for wine!) ahead of our trip to Australia in early 2021 to take the Viking Orion from Sydney to Bali.  Looking forward to this city, which seems (by pictures, weather, and reading) to our own wine country city in California.   You live in a nice place!

 

Sounds great. The Barossa Valley winery area is fabulous and so close to Adelaide. And yes, I suspect very similar to your own wine country with hot dry summers and mild winters. Which month? I’m thinking February or March. If March then the grapes are being harvested and you may get to see a crushing festival. Also check out Maggie Beer in Nuriootpa - she’s a local and national treasure. Google “The Cook and The Chef” for the TV series which is filmed in her kitchens. Go to Cleland Reserve to hold a Koala and see many Kangaroos and Emus. 

 

And I’m off to San Francisco to catch up with Orion in Vancouver and have read this thread from start to finish! So my tip? Read this thread!

[SquatsandChampagne]

On 3/22/2019 at 2:43 PM, Heidi13 said:

Been retired for too long, so no longer have contacts at Metro Port Vancouver and while I can get aboard Princess ships, I don't know anyone at Viking, so would be unable to get aboard.

 

However, I was planning to come down to the city to photograph the arrival, so if you are arriving a day early we could meet you in Vancouver for lunch. If you are arriving early and are interested, drop me an email - available from blog, which is listed in signature.

 

Departing Vancouver at 21:00 you will have a good flood running across the end of the dock and will buck the tide until clear of English Bay, but then you will get some push heading up Georgia Strait. Max current at 1st Narrows is a little over 3 kts at 22:20

I am planning on doing the same, I live 10 minutes from the Cruise Port in Vancouver, I want to snap some
photos of the ships coming in, I usually miss them because I am not up early enough 

[Heidi13]

43 minutes ago, SquatsandChampagne said:

I am planning on doing the same, I live 10 minutes from the Cruise Port in Vancouver, I want to snap some
photos of the ships coming in, I usually miss them because I am not up early enough 

I used to go to Calamity Shoal in North Van, as it provided Stanley Park as a back drop, but don't believe you can get across the railway these days. Will probably set up around Brockton Point.

[$hip$hape]

On 3/22/2019 at 1:39 PM, roothy123 said:

ShipShape & Hunding, lucky you. 

Do you know about the Roll Calls on Cruise Critic? 

Have you signed up for yours, or started a new one if there is nothing for your cruise?   

Thank you, Roothy, for your response.

As long time CC members, we see that there is not much Viking Ocean activity on Cruise Critic..

Maybe we could change that right here.

Michael and Catherine

Edited March 26, 2019 by $hip$hape

[Pushka]

8 hours ago, SquatsandChampagne said:

I am planning on doing the same, I live 10 minutes from the Cruise Port in Vancouver, I want to snap some
photos of the ships coming in, I usually miss them because I am not up early enough 

On 26 May you should see Orion heading out at 6am then heading back in about 5pm then out again at 9pm according to Vancouver port schedule. 

[Heidi13]

15 hours ago, Pushka said:

On 26 May you should see Orion heading out at 6am then heading back in about 5pm then out again at 9pm according to Vancouver port schedule. 

Thanks for the timings.

 

Really wanted to get pictures of her first arrival in Vancouver, coming under 1st Narrows, but won't be coming down in the wee hours, since we are about an hour inland. Might just head to Stanley Park and get photos at anchor. 

[$hip$hape]

23 hours ago, $hip$hape said:

Thank you, Roothy, for your response.

As long time CC members, we see that there is not much Viking Ocean activity on Cruise Critic..

Maybe we could change that right here.

Michael and Catherine

Viking Jupiter is nearly identical to its fleet mates in terms of layout, amenities and inclusions. Cruises on this ship are surprisingly inclusive, with value-oriented extras such as a complimentary shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and beer and wine served at lunch and dinner. All cabins will have balconies and, the smallest (at 270 square feet) is still larger than many other cruise lines' standard rooms. Top suites measure up to 1,300 square feet.

The ship will incorporate popular elements from Viking River Cruises' Longships. These include the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace dining venue and a design sensibility that reflects Scandinavia's penchant for a simple, casual and comfortable ambiance. Ship traditionalists will appreciate Viking Jupiter's walkaround promenade deck that fully encircles the vessel. Its Explorer's Lounge is an airy two-deck, top-of-the-ship venue, with an observation area.

Viking Jupiter will have numerous restaurants, from The Chef's Table with its revolving set of theme menus, to Manfredi's Italian Grill and Mamsen's for casual Norwegian comfort food. All are included in the price of the cruise. Other nice touches include a pool with a glass roof that opens in warm weather (and closes during inclement seasons) and a main restaurant that can be converted from an open-air venue to a cozy dining room with the push of a button that controls the windows. Tea service will be offered daily in the ship's gorgeous Wintergarden. A Nordic-influenced spa will feature a snow room and Finnish sauna.

Viking Jupiter's destination-oriented enrichment will include resident historians who give lectures about the region's history, politics and culture, and The Kitchen Table, a foodie experience that combines a local market tour with a cooking demo and dinner.

Some of the more traditional ocean cruise ship features you won't find on Viking Jupiter include casinos, lavish evening entertainment and elaborate kids' clubs. In fact, passengers must be 18 or older to sail on Viking Jupiter.

Viking Ocean Cruises has also committed to incorporating sustainable features on the ship that include energy-efficient engines, streamlined hulls and bows for fuel efficiency, and exhaust minimization efforts.

[AJs Grandpa]

Thanks for this thread.  I spent a good deal of time trying to get through the entire thread this morning.

 

We have been dedicated Princess cruisers and are thinking of making a change.  This thread and others have given us lots to chew on.  We certainly see some great advantages VO offers over Princess.  We also see some significant deficiencies for us...e.g., the need to pay very early, the very limited, and comparatively user-unfriendly air program, and no casino (I go to that "spa" while DW goes to hers.) None of those are deal-breakers just something for us to consider.

 

Given the years and 765 postings, I'm surprised one topic hasn't arisen.  (Or, I have just missed it.)  We usually cruise with friends in adjacent balcony cabins and enjoy having the divider between cabins opened, so we can socialize.  Most, but not all, Princess balconies have a small door the steward can unlock allowing us to move from one to the other.  Do the Viking balconies have that opening?  If so, are they functional between all adjacent cabins?

 

Again, thanks to Roothie and all prior posters for providing a wealth of information.

[amyr]

14 minutes ago, AJs Grandpa said:

 

 

Given the years and 765 postings, I'm surprised one topic hasn't arisen.  (Or, I have just missed it.)  We usually cruise with friends in adjacent balcony cabins and enjoy having the divider between cabins opened, so we can socialize.  Most, but not all, Princess balconies have a small door the steward can unlock allowing us to move from one to the other.  Do the Viking balconies have that opening?  If so, are they functional between all adjacent cabins?

Yes, you can open the divider between the cabins. We had them open between three cabins, and I assume they're all that way?  It's nice for sail away cocktails, made from the bottle that Viking lets you tote aboard with you 🙂 

[AJs Grandpa]

4 minutes ago, amyr said:

Yes, you can open the divider between the cabins. We had them open between three cabins, and I assume they're all that way?  It's nice for sail away cocktails, made from the bottle that Viking lets you tote aboard with you 🙂 

 

Thank you for the prompt response.

[mreasier]

1 hour ago, AJs Grandpa said:

Thanks for this thread.  I spent a good deal of time trying to get through the entire thread this morning.

 

We have been dedicated Princess cruisers and are thinking of making a change.  This thread and others have given us lots to chew on.  We certainly see some great advantages VO offers over Princess.  We also see some significant deficiencies for us...e.g., the need to pay very early, the very limited, and comparatively user-unfriendly air program, and no casino (I go to that "spa" while DW goes to hers.) None of those are deal-breakers just something for us to consider.

 

Given the years and 765 postings, I'm surprised one topic hasn't arisen.  (Or, I have just missed it.)  We usually cruise with friends in adjacent balcony cabins and enjoy having the divider between cabins opened, so we can socialize.  Most, but not all, Princess balconies have a small door the steward can unlock allowing us to move from one to the other.  Do the Viking balconies have that opening?  If so, are they functional between all adjacent cabins?

 

Again, thanks to Roothie and all prior posters for providing a wealth of information.

We too have been dedicated Princess cruisers (about 30 Princess cruises) and have decided to make the change to VO.  We have booked a Viking Star cruise up the Amazon and are cancelling an upcoming Princess cruise.  We don't like the Royal class Princess ships and all the nickel and diming a recent cutbacks on Princess have turned us off.  The last straw was removing the barrel chair from the cabins.  Your VO "deficiencies" are certainly valid but not critical to us.  We have flown a couple of times with Viking Air on river cruises.  While not as flexible as Princess, the flights ended up being very nice and at a good price.  We lived in Nevada for almost 20 years and had our fill of casinos.  And yes, the early pay is a pain. 

[roothy123]

1 hour ago, AJs Grandpa said:

Thanks for this thread.  I spent a good deal of time trying to get through the entire thread this morning.

 

We have been dedicated Princess cruisers and are thinking of making a change.  This thread and others have given us lots to chew on.  We certainly see some great advantages VO offers over Princess.  We also see some significant deficiencies for us...e.g., the need to pay very early....

 

 

Sorry if I mentioned this before, but if I did,  it was so long ago that I've forgotten!  However, I just wanted to mention that you CAN ask Viking if they would give you more time to pay.  We did that once and they agreed to extend the due date, although I don't remember how much more time they gave us. 

[Heidi13]

7 hours ago, AJs Grandpa said:

Thanks for this thread.  I spent a good deal of time trying to get through the entire thread this morning.

 

We have been dedicated Princess cruisers and are thinking of making a change.  This thread and others have given us lots to chew on.  We certainly see some great advantages VO offers over Princess.  We also see some significant deficiencies for us...e.g., the need to pay very early, the very limited, and comparatively user-unfriendly air program, and no casino (I go to that "spa" while DW goes to hers.) None of those are deal-breakers just something for us to consider.

 

Given the years and 765 postings, I'm surprised one topic hasn't arisen.  (Or, I have just missed it.)  We usually cruise with friends in adjacent balcony cabins and enjoy having the divider between cabins opened, so we can socialize.  Most, but not all, Princess balconies have a small door the steward can unlock allowing us to move from one to the other.  Do the Viking balconies have that opening?  If so, are they functional between all adjacent cabins?

 

Again, thanks to Roothie and all prior posters for providing a wealth of information.

Having spent almost 40 years both working and cruising with Princess, our 2015 WC was the last time we will ever step aboard one of their ships. The Super Grands ruined an excellent class of ships and the Royal Class appear to be even worse. I note they are finally building the 180K ship that has been rumoured for many years.  I actually worked for them wen they were one of the premium cruise lines; however, since being purchased by Carnival, standards have dropped steadily.

 

Viking works well for us, since we never use casinos and the lack of nickle and diming is how I was introduced to cruising in the 70's.

 

In the unlikely event that Viking doesn't work, suggest trying another premium/luxury line rather than returning to a mega ship line.

[CharTrav]

On 3/26/2019 at 1:05 PM, $hip$hape said:

Thank you, Roothy, for your response.

As long time CC members, we see that there is not much Viking Ocean activity on Cruise Critic..

Maybe we could change that right here.

Michael and Catherine

not much VO activity??? Surely you jest! 

[BarbarianPaul]

7 hours ago, roothy123 said:

Sorry if I mentioned this before, but if I did,  it was so long ago that I've forgotten!  However, I just wanted to mention that you CAN ask Viking if they would give you more time to pay.  We did that once and they agreed to extend the due date, although I don't remember how much more time they gave us. 

Yes. For an upcoming river cruise in Egypt in 2020, I was told payment would be 30 days after I booked.  When I complained, they moved the date 18 months back. Viking Oceans also tried something similar. I like Viking, but this seems like a somewhat shady business practice. 

[powerdog]

Quick question: tickets are supposed to arrive about 3 weeks before cruise. Are we watching mail for paper tickets or email for electronic ones?

[CharTrav]

6 hours ago, powerdog said:

Quick question: tickets are supposed to arrive about 3 weeks before cruise. Are we watching mail for paper tickets or email for electronic ones?

Airline tickets are electronic. Information about your flights etc are also provided in the MyVikingJourney site.  What you get in the mail is a packet containing individually printed booklets describing all aspects of your trip - flight plans, hotel accommodations, shore excursions, etc - along with leather luggage tags to use for your flight, plastic luggage tags showing your cabin location to place on your bags after you arrive at the airport, and little red stickers to put on at the airport to help the local Viking agent identify you. I think that's it. Comes in a heavy zip bag. 

Edited March 30, 2019 by CharTrav