New to Viking, new to Europe, help needed

[cruiseintoheaven]

Good morning everyone,

 

ronbe, I typically don't take the time to acknowledge or reply to posts that are clearly demeaning, I'll just say thank you for sharing your opinions, and remind you that there is an old saying about opinions, and I'm guessing you're familiar with it, lol....I should mention I'm from NY and Italian. The only point you raised that to me is valid is the concern about weather in March.

 

As lackcreativity and Peregrina651 mentioned, there are other factors besides cost involved when deciding when/where to cruise.

 

In our case, we enjoy cruising twice a year, usually with a group of friends that we've been doing so for several years. This typically happens in the fall and in the spring. These cruises are usually planned quite a bit in advance to accommodate the group.

 

We are leaving next Friday for a California Coastal, November is the ABC islands, and the fall of 2019 is Canada/NE with a few days in NYC pre-cruise, and spring of 2020 is on our "home" line's newest build, the Sky Princess. We do have a gap in our schedule and that's the spring of 2019 when our group does a Hawaiian cruise. That's not a good fit for us because it's too many sea days to justify the needed vacation time (my husband still works) when we know we'll need another two weeks for the fall. We also have two grown children/spouses and like to do some smaller trips during the summer. Summary: 5 weeks of vacation only goes so far.

 

Hence, a one week cruise seems like the right amount of time when you factor in travel days, pre-cruise days, etc....it basically turns into a two week trip. I honed in on both Viking and Oceania as they are one of the few lines (that I've found) that offer open-jaw itineraries. Frankly, the cost of doing a one week European cruise on most mass cruise lines isn't pricing out much, or any less expensive than this one, especially when you factor in some of the things included with Viking.

 

From there, though "basic" - this itinerary seems to be about the best I've seen given our other parameters. We like being able to spend a few days in Barcelona and in Rome, we like the ports, the overnights in Barcelona and Florence. We consider it a "sampler" to see what speaks to us.

 

The relative sedateness of the Viking line, lack of casino, etc. are not an issue as we are assuming that we will be ready to relax and unwind after seeing new things and doing a lot of walking etc. We seldom "make a donation" on lines that have casinos anyways.

 

The decision to book the PS3 is simple: in for a penny, in for a pound as the saying goes. A little extra space goes a long way sometimes.

 

So, my hope in sharing a bit more info is that the folks that genuinely like to respond in keeping with the spirit and purpose of cruise critic, now have a better overall sense of where my questions are coming from.

 

I have a PS3 on hold until tomorrow and a TA ready to take over the booking with $200 OBC and $825 cash back post cruise. I was able to push back the final payment until 6 months prior to departure, which is still early to me, but possibly standard on smaller lines (?). Anywho, I'll be spelunking around online quite a bit between now and then....thanks everyone!

[dln929]

Thank you for the reply and info. We generally steer away from Inaugural cruises or those right after a dry-dock, but it sounds as I suspected that Viking has this figured out. A small detail, but the sailing we are looking at is actually March 16th, not the 7th as I indicated in my first post. We sailed Viking Star (on the same cruise itinerary you're looking at) in January 2016 and she was only weeks old. The service was great and everything ran smoothly. It was such a wonderful cruise that we did it again in January '17 and '18. :hearteyes:

 

We absolutely will spend a day at least beforehand in Barcelona. One of the draws of this itinerary is the overnight there, which basically gives us a home base to acclimate. So that would be 3 nights in Barcelona with only 1 hotel stay. We also plan to spend 3 days in Rome afterwards. Living in Southern Indiana, it's not quick or inexpensive to fly anywhere, so we intend to maximize our experience. Hello fellow Hoosier from a new Florida transplant. You're a brave one to travel in the middle of March Madness!! What if there's an important game going on?? (Been there done that.) May I suggest that you stay at least 2 nights in a hotel though 3 is better. I know all about the connections your flight is going to make and you will arrive tired. Give yourself the first night in a Barcelona hotel just to rest. Another 2 nights to explore the city. The Viking ships do NOT dock at the foot of the Ramblas like Azamara, for example. The Moss Aldassat dock is a bit away from the city so even though Viking overnights at the port, it's not like you can just stroll off the ship after supper and take a quick little stroll before turning in for the evening. It's a little inconvenient taking the shuttle from the Viking ship and this cuts into your tourist time in Barcelona. Spending the extra time in Rome is an excellent idea.

 

I have just started looking through the Viking threads and am making notes of things as I go.

 

I haven't had a lot of luck drilling down on Viking's website for details such as how long the ship is in port, tender vs. anchor, etc. It could be I'm missing something. I'll try looking at the same sailings for this year on different ships. With the ships in the fleet being nearly identical, I'm going to assume the Jupiter's ability to dock vs. tender would be the same, however I do know there are other factors involved.

 

Thanks again for the reply, Lynn

 

See what I've written in red.

[Mrs Miggins]

I was also on this cruise with Peregrina over the New Year. I have cruised numerous times in the Med between May and October and was therefore a little worried about a 'winter' cruise. However it was lovely. The weather was kind, and Viking is a class act.

I also like Azamara and Oceania. I wouldn't get back on the less expensive options that Ronbe65 seems to love.

 

The itinerary is fine as a taster. It gives you the large and vibrant city of Barcelona, the opportunity to visit the great areas around Marseilles (Aix en Provence for example),

St Tropez and Monaco for a taste of the 'jet set'. A little culture in Florence plus ending in the Glory that is Rome, if you can extend for a couple of days.

 

I guarantee that you will want to come back and see more.

 

We liked Viking in the winter very much (and have booked for next New Year) and we have also cruised with them in September - Empires of the Mediterranean - which was also excellent but your itinerary is better for a first timer.

We will be on a B2B Barcelona - Barcelona for the last two weeks of June on Azamara. June is a good time to cruise.

However I will say that there will still be loads of tourists in Barcelona, Florence and Rome - I don't think there is really any time when they are not busy.

I hope you book and have a lovely time and are so pleased that you are taking the time to do some research for your first European visit.

The Ports of Call boards are extremely helpful.

[cruiseintoheaven]

See what I've written in red.

 

 

 

This is great info - thanks for the reply. The docking situation in Barcelona is definitely something to consider. Having done this itinerary in January a few times - were you walking around in winter parkas:)? How cold was it?

 

What part of Indiana did you escape from:)? We are ok missing March madness. Neither of us ever were into sports much - not sure how that happened!

 

 

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[dln929]

This is great info - thanks for the reply. The docking situation in Barcelona is definitely something to consider. Having done this itinerary in January a few times - were you walking around in winter parkas:)? How cold was it?

 

What part of Indiana did you escape from:)? We are ok missing March madness. Neither of us ever were into sports much - not sure how that happened!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Hi Lynn, we're from Indianapolis. We've been traveling to Europe several times a year now as our daughter flew the coop the minute she graduated from Purdue--she found a job in Florence, Italy and is still there 7 years later. We always try to book cruises that give us time in Italy. Viking is one of the few who cruise in the winter in the Mediterranean, hence us being on Viking for three Januarys now. You will love the weather in March!!! It will be slightly warmer than the spring weather you're used to in southern Indiana. Bring a heavy weight windbreaker with a hood, and if you want, a lightweight scarf and mittens. The mornings and evenings are cool but you'll be peeling the jacket off mid-day when the sun comes out. You may run into rain but Viking will supply you with a big red umbrella. About March Madness--not big sports fans either but when Butler, IU, or Purdue are in the mix, we get interested. lol

 

 

Join your roll call and definitely check out the ports of call forums as they're enormously helpful in getting you prepared. And read past posts in this forum too. You are in for a real treat!

[jiminyC_fan]

And just how are they going to enjoy their cruise now that you have spent half a page telling them what a mistake they are making!!! How very, very unfair of you.

 

I agree with you and a few others that have voiced their opinions on his posting. I have to admit that I am biting my tongue. I don't want to be held responsible for what I might say.

[sunbrookgal]

We looked at Viking Insurance closely. We eventually went with another provider. Just a personal thing, we wanted an aggressive Emergency Evacuation policy. Have a blast,,, I think you will. The advise above is as solid as you can get! Ok, maybe not mine,, :)

[Peregrina651]

In regard to the weather, a very wise tour-guide once said on a July day as we sat huddled in the Snowcat that had just carried us to the middle of the Columbia Icefields near Jasper, Canada, where the temps were a good 20-30°F colder than where we had just parked our car and sleeting:

 

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices."

 

[jiminyC_fan]

In regard to the weather, a very wise tour-guide once said on a July day as we sat huddled in the Snowcat that had just carried us to the middle of the Columbia Icefields near Jasper, Canada, where the temps were a good 20-30°F colder than where we had just parked our car and sleeting:

 

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices."

I love it and oh so true.

 

 

[ElaineKeagy]

We looked at Viking Insurance closely. We eventually went with another provider. Just a personal thing, we wanted an aggressive Emergency Evacuation policy. Have a blast,,, I think you will. The advise above is as solid as you can get! Ok, maybe not mine,, :)

 

 

 

Do you mind sharing who you chose for insurance??

 

I’m traveling with my 90 year old mother and an aggressive evacuation policy is what I’m looking for too

 

 

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[lackcreativity]

" The Viking ships do NOT dock at the foot of the Ramblas like Azamara, for example. The Moss Aldassat dock is a bit away from the city so even though Viking overnights at the port, it's not like you can just stroll off the ship after supper and take a quick little stroll before turning in for the evening. It's a little inconvenient taking the shuttle from the Viking ship and this cuts into your tourist time in Barcelona. Spending the extra time in Rome is an excellent idea. "

dln929,

Not wishing to highjack this thread, but I have been looking for just this information for our upcoming Trade Routes of the Middle Ages cruise, which ends in Barcelona. We have been there before, so on this trip we hope to get to Park Guell. If we are unable to book the excursion to see the Gaudi Architecture (last cabin class to book), we want to get tickets and take the metro to the park on our own. Where does the shuttle you mentioned go? Do you remember the drop off point?

Thanks in advance.

[dln929]

" The Viking ships do NOT dock at the foot of the Ramblas like Azamara, for example. The Moss Aldassat dock is a bit away from the city so even though Viking overnights at the port, it's not like you can just stroll off the ship after supper and take a quick little stroll before turning in for the evening. It's a little inconvenient taking the shuttle from the Viking ship and this cuts into your tourist time in Barcelona. Spending the extra time in Rome is an excellent idea. "

dln929,

Not wishing to highjack this thread, but I have been looking for just this information for our upcoming Trade Routes of the Middle Ages cruise, which ends in Barcelona. We have been there before, so on this trip we hope to get to Park Guell. If we are unable to book the excursion to see the Gaudi Architecture (last cabin class to book), we want to get tickets and take the metro to the park on our own. Where does the shuttle you mentioned go? Do you remember the drop off point?

Thanks in advance.

 

We're actually on the same cruise itenerary as you though we are doing it in reverse this April. What you want to do is easy! The Viking free shuttle will take you to the road near the port cable car tower that all the tour buses use. You'll see the cable car tower from the ship. It's the one near the World Trade Center that was built in the 1920s. From there it's about 10-15 minutes' walk to the yellow line metro stop called Barceloneta. Once on the metro you can make your way to Park Guell. https://parkguell.org/ I actually think it's better to do that on your own anyway. It's a fascinating place and if you're not on a ship's tour, you can see it at your own pace.

[vino100]

Thank you for the reply and info. We generally steer away from Inaugural cruises or those right after a dry-dock, but it sounds as I suspected that Viking has this figured out. A small detail, but the sailing we are looking at is actually March 16th, not the 7th as I indicated in my first post.

 

We absolutely will spend a day at least beforehand in Barcelona. One of the draws of this itinerary is the overnight there, which basically gives us a home base to acclimate. So that would be 3 nights in Barcelona with only 1 hotel stay. We also plan to spend 3 days in Rome afterwards. Living in Southern Indiana, it's not quick or inexpensive to fly anywhere, so we intend to maximize our experience.

 

I have just started looking through the Viking threads and am making notes of things as I go.

 

I haven't had a lot of luck drilling down on Viking's website for details such as how long the ship is in port, tender vs. anchor, etc. It could be I'm missing something. I'll try looking at the same sailings for this year on different ships. With the ships in the fleet being nearly identical, I'm going to assume the Jupiter's ability to dock vs. tender would be the same, however I do know there are other factors involved.

 

Thanks again for the reply, Lynn

 

Just started reading this thread. I also am planning on this cruise and it will be the first time on any Viking ship. I’m a seasoned ocean cruiser, but Viking certainly has a different approach. Thanks for starting this dialogue. I’m off to read the rest and learn more.

[lackcreativity]

We're actually on the same cruise itenerary as you though we are doing it in reverse this April. What you want to do is easy! The Viking free shuttle will take you to the road near the port cable car tower that all the tour buses use. You'll see the cable car tower from the ship. It's the one near the World Trade Center that was built in the 1920s. From there it's about 10-15 minutes' walk to the yellow line metro stop called Barceloneta. Once on the metro you can make your way to Park Guell. https://parkguell.org/ I actually think it's better to do that on your own anyway. It's a fascinating place and if you're not on a ship's tour, you can see it at your own pace.

 

Deirdre,

Thanks for the information. Hope you have a wonderful cruise in April. We are looking forward to ours in October.

[Peregrina651]

" The Viking ships do NOT dock at the foot of the Ramblas like Azamara, for example. The Moss Aldassat dock is a bit away from the city so even though Viking overnights at the port, it's not like you can just stroll off the ship after supper and take a quick little stroll before turning in for the evening. It's a little inconvenient taking the shuttle from the Viking ship and this cuts into your tourist time in Barcelona. Spending the extra time in Rome is an excellent idea. "

dln929,

Not wishing to highjack this thread, but I have been looking for just this information for our upcoming Trade Routes of the Middle Ages cruise, which ends in Barcelona. We have been there before, so on this trip we hope to get to Park Guell. If we are unable to book the excursion to see the Gaudi Architecture (last cabin class to book), we want to get tickets and take the metro to the park on our own. Where does the shuttle you mentioned go? Do you remember the drop off point?

Thanks in advance.

 

We were on Viking's 2016 NYE cruise, the one that had engine trouble and ended up staying in Barcelona for the length of the cruise. In other words, we were on Moll Adossat for over 10 days and we used the Viking shuttle to the WTC almost every day that we were there. Even running every half hour, it was still convenient for us and easy to use--faster than walking out of the port area to the city. You could also take a cab from the terminal but they isn't always one waiting as you leave the terminal (except on departure day when we had no trouble getting a cab at 7:30 in the morning).

 

In 2004, we took the Metro to Parc Guell but we took a cab back to the hotel because it was easier. The Metro won't get you closer than a kilometer to the Parc (and the Drassanes stop is much closer to the WTC than Barceloneta). If you are going to take the Metro, Google maps can help you with the various routes and timing and buses may get you closer than the Metro). Allow at least 50 minutes or more to get there. By cab, it will be 15 minutes or so depending on the traffic (and there are websites that can give you a ball park on the cost).

 

Viking runs a shuttle from the cruise terminal to the esplanade in front of the World Trade Center. It runs every half hour. Viking sets up a manned kiosk with its red banners so that you can easily see where to catch the bus back to the ship. There is a taxi rank there making it easy to grab a cab. Drassanes is the nearest Metro stop to the WTC. Colon Circle is two blocks from the shuttle drop (one block from the shuttle to the cross street and another block to the circle).

[lackcreativity]

We were on Viking's 2016 NYE cruise, the one that had engine trouble and ended up staying in Barcelona for the length of the cruise. In other words, we were on Moll Adossat for over 10 days and we used the Viking shuttle to the WTC almost every day that we were there. Even running every half hour, it was still convenient for us and easy to use--faster than walking out of the port area to the city. You could also take a cab from the terminal but they isn't always one waiting as you leave the terminal (except on departure day when we had no trouble getting a cab at 7:30 in the morning).

 

In 2004, we took the Metro to Parc Guell but we took a cab back to the hotel because it was easier. The Metro won't get you closer than a kilometer to the Parc (and the Drassanes stop is much closer to the WTC than Barceloneta). If you are going to take the Metro, Google maps can help you with the various routes and timing and buses may get you closer than the Metro). Allow at least 50 minutes or more to get there. By cab, it will be 15 minutes or so depending on the traffic (and there are websites that can give you a ball park on the cost).

 

Viking runs a shuttle from the cruise terminal to the esplanade in front of the World Trade Center. It runs every half hour. Viking sets up a manned kiosk with its red banners so that you can easily see where to catch the bus back to the ship. There is a taxi rank there making it easy to grab a cab. Drassanes is the nearest Metro stop to the WTC. Colon Circle is two blocks from the shuttle drop (one block from the shuttle to the cross street and another block to the circle).

Peregrina,

 

Thanks so much for the very detailed information. I thought the green line was the way to go (Drassanes), but was going to check the Barceloneta (yellow line) idea as well. I know the hike from the metro is long, and all uphill, because we have done it once before. On a land tour to Spain, on the advice of the front desk clerk in our hotel, we thought it was okay to go all the way up there without an advance ticket. Bad idea! At least the way back to the metro is downhill.

 

We are experienced with using metro systems in other countries, but I am a little intimidated about taxis. My Spanish is limited to the very basics. How hard is it to communicate with the drivers?

[Peregrina651]

Peregrina,

 

Thanks so much for the very detailed information. I thought the green line was the way to go (Drassanes), but was going to check the Barceloneta (yellow line) idea as well. I know the hike from the metro is long, and all uphill, because we have done it once before. On a land tour to Spain, on the advice of the front desk clerk in our hotel, we thought it was okay to go all the way up there without an advance ticket. Bad idea! At least the way back to the metro is downhill.

 

We are experienced with using metro systems in other countries, but I am a little intimidated about taxis. My Spanish is limited to the very basics. How hard is it to communicate with the drivers?

 

Para mi, no hay problema. But, Barcelona is a tourist town and the cab drivers are used to the problem of tourists who don't speak Spanish. Legal cabs have meters. You can write where you want to go on a slip of paper and hand it to the driver (I did that at the train station in Livorno when we went to Florence and it worked very well). Read the meter before you get out and pay what the meter says, after you have gotten out of the cab. There is even a fare calculator for Barcelona in English! It will give you an estimate of the fare. Also, check out here for more info on taxis in Barca.

 

You can take public to get to the Parc but for sure it will take you much longer than a cab. But, if you are more comfortable with using public transit, go to Google maps and find a subway/bus combination that will get you closer to the Parc than either the Green or Yellow lines will drop you. There is a fabulous interactive map of the bus system at https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona-transport/map/bus and it looks like the 116 bus stops at the main gate of the Parc. It also looks the 116 is a one way loop and that the best way to connect to it is the Yellow line at Joanic.

[Marykatesmom]

Next month we are taking the Italian Sojourner from Rome to Venice and I'm now really disappointed that I have to bring a heavier jacket than I was anticipating but I'd rather pack it than be cold. We are also taking a Barcelona to Rome cruise in November. We have never been to the Mediterranean and, until Viking entered the market, had no plans to do so.

 

I am perfectly OK with the generic itinerary and because my husband still works long hours he isn't even coming on the March cruise and is giving me grief on the November cruise. Even 8 nights is longer than he ever takes not to mention the added time of travel. I have cancel for any reason insurance for that reason (a side question, does trip insurance cover one out of two passengers in case he does bail on me? I am threatening to go without him). So if you are New to Europe I think this is a great itinerary!

[Host Jazzbeau]

Next month we are taking the Italian Sojourner from Rome to Venice and I'm now really disappointed that I have to bring a heavier jacket than I was anticipating but I'd rather pack it than be cold. We are also taking a Barcelona to Rome cruise in November. We have never been to the Mediterranean and, until Viking entered the market, had no plans to do so.

 

I am perfectly OK with the generic itinerary and because my husband still works long hours he isn't even coming on the March cruise and is giving me grief on the November cruise. Even 8 nights is longer than he ever takes not to mention the added time of travel. I have cancel for any reason insurance for that reason (a side question, does trip insurance cover one out of two passengers in case he does bail on me? I am threatening to go without him). So if you are New to Europe I think this is a great itinerary!

 

Everybody has different reasons for cruising and different tastes -- that's why it's wrong for anyone to try to ram their preferences down someone else's throat as the only way to go. Stick to your guns and enjoy your cruises! :)

[Peregrina651]

Next month we are taking the Italian Sojourner from Rome to Venice and I'm now really disappointed that I have to bring a heavier jacket than I was anticipating but I'd rather pack it than be cold. We are also taking a Barcelona to Rome cruise in November. We have never been to the Mediterranean and, until Viking entered the market, had no plans to do so.

 

I am perfectly OK with the generic itinerary and because my husband still works long hours he isn't even coming on the March cruise and is giving me grief on the November cruise. Even 8 nights is longer than he ever takes not to mention the added time of travel. I have cancel for any reason insurance for that reason (a side question, does trip insurance cover one out of two passengers in case he does bail on me? I am threatening to go without him). So if you are New to Europe I think this is a great itinerary!

 

HEADS UP: Read the Terms and Conditions very carefully. If your husband bails on you, you may run into some contractual issues with Viking and find that you have been canceled along with your husband. Tread carefully as I have read some horror stories here in this regard (and please don't ask me which thread because it was a while ago).

 

Here is what it says in the T&C (my bold):

 

Cancellation Policy

 

For any cruise/land booking, whether under deposit, partially paid, or paid in full and air-inclusive packages paid in full,

the following travel agent or guest-requested situations are considered cancellations

and fees will apply as noted below: changes to departure date; substitutions of itinerary;

substitution of another person for original booked guest(s);

or changing to a promotional fare. All cancellations must be in writing.. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

 

 

Cancellation received | Following charges will apply: (Broken out by days before departure) 121 days or more is $100 per person | 120-90 days is 15% of full fare | 89-60 days is 35% of full fare | 59-30 days is 50% of full fare | 29-0 days is 100% of full fare. Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking. (Exceptions to the Cancellation Policy apply for Viking’s World Cruise. Contact your travel agent or Viking for details.)

Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Next month we are taking the Italian Sojourner from Rome to Venice and I'm now really disappointed that I have to bring a heavier jacket than I was anticipating but I'd rather pack it than be cold.

 

DW and I recently bought these very lightweight but very warm jackets from LLBean:

https://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=Primaloft+Packaway+Jacket+Misses+Regular&init=1

Note that they offer the regular jacket, jacket with hood, waterproof jacket, and coat length. We got the regular jackets: they are incredibly light, pack in no room at all, but keep you very warm.

[Parsley Cruises]

Why not get layers - dressing in layers gives you more flexibility, maybe a thicker jacket isn't a good idea?

[lackcreativity]

Why not get layers - dressing in layers gives you more flexibility, maybe a thicker jacket isn't a good idea?

 

The jacket that was suggested is a lightweight but warm packable jacket that packs into it's own zippered pouch for travel. We are going to be in Bergen in early October and then traveling all the way to Barcelona, so weather could vary considerably. Next year, we will be in the Baltic and St. Petersburg in late April. Though I am not usually an impulse shopper, I just bought two of those jackets, hoping they will be just what we need. (Thanks a lot, Jazzbeau. That's the first time Cruise Critic ever cost me money!)

[Marykatesmom]

The jacket that was suggested is a lightweight but warm packable jacket that packs into it's own zippered pouch for travel. We are going to be in Bergen in early October and then traveling all the way to Barcelona, so weather could vary considerably. Next year, we will be in the Baltic and St. Petersburg in late April. Though I am not usually an impulse shopper, I just bought two of those jackets, hoping they will be just what we need. (Thanks a lot, Jazzbeau. That's the first time Cruise Critic ever cost me money!)

 

I did the same. The jacket looks pretty lightweight. I would have gone for the one with the hood but, although it is breathable, it was IMHO a little pricey for $259 and was an inch bigger when packed.