Embarkation of Sky in Iceland

[Nonnie1975]

We will be on the Sky in Iceland in June, we are newbies to the VO.  I have called the home office and gotten several answers as to when they will come and pick us up at the hotel to take us to the ship.  Anywhere from 10AM to 1 PM  and the room will not be ready till 1. What is the general rule among the other ships that you have experienced?  The reason for my question is that we will be there several days ahead and already have done the walking tour of the city and another tour.  Hate to waste a whole day just doing nothing and would like to do something in the morning before getting on the ship.  Also when is the muster and what time?  TIA

[Peregrina651]

Viking does not board in Iceland very often, so you might not be able to connect with people who have actually boarded there--but one never knows.

 

In general, boarding on VO usually begins between 10and 11 am, once all departing passengers have cleared the ship. You may board at any time; lunch will be served in the World Cafe and Explorers Lounge/Mamsen's and the Living Room bar will be open. You cabin will be ready by 1pm and probably even early than that. Viking's goal is to have all of the cabins available by 2pm and they usually make it. There is no announcement when each category is read; only once announcement when all of the cabins are ready. However, there is nothing to stop you from checking your cabin at any time to see if it is ready.

 

Viking cannot give you an exact time when you will be picked up because it is done by a third-party contractor and the details of the day's pick-ups and drop offs has not been determined. There will be a lot of bus traffic to figure out for that day with arrivals and departures.

 

The muster drill is usually held between all aboard time and sail away (which seems will be on Day 2 if I got the right itinerary). It is very civilized. Passengers muster in either The Restaurant or the Star Theater; you muster station will be marked on the back of your key/id card. There are no life jackets needed for the drill--and no life jackets in your cabin. When you report to your muster station, check in with the crew and find a seat. Once everyone has reported, they go over the procedures and show you how to put on a life jacket. If everyone cooperates and shows up on time, it is done in20 minutes.

 

It is very possible that you will spend the entire morning waiting for the transfer to the ship. There is always the option of arranging a private tour for the morning/day that will drop you at the ship or even just a private transfer that will allow you to spend the morning touring. It looks like you are staying overnight, so you you don't have to worry that the ship will leave without you.