Live from Vista—Montreal to Miami

[kjbacon]

Having sailed both lines and currently having reservations on both lines in 2024, there’s no comparison between the two in regard to food and specialty restaurants. Oceania is excellent across the board in terms of cuisine and Viking is just ok. Our good friends, who we met years ago on a Viking cruise, love Viking but primarily because of the spa and certainly not the food. They don’t even go the specialties when on board. 

[Gracie115]

Just saw a post on another social media site from someone currently on the Vista stating they are experiencing 12-14 foot waves, the post is from about 6 hours ago.  It included a short video of their stateroom showing the bobbing and weaving of the ship!!!!   Looks like a rough night for Vista, the post was tagged "sleepless on Vista."  😱

[kibutzer]

4 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

Just saw a post on another social media site from someone currently on the Vista stating they are experiencing 12-14 foot waves, the post is from about 6 hours ago.  It included a short video of their stateroom showing the bobbing and weaving of the ship!!!!   Looks like a rough night for Vista, the post was tagged "sleepless on Vista."  😱

Yes we are having a moving night but not unusual for dealing with after affects of storm. Capt has been great. 

[DrKoob]

 

Portland Surprised Me

 

It's 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, and it has been a very long and bumpy night. We have been skirting the edge of Hurricane Phillipe since we left Portland yesterday afternoon, rocking and rolling like Elvis in his prime. We are still moving a lot, but not as much as last night. Walking down to Martinis, where I write in the mornings, I didn't see any damage, but they do have fans out to dry carpets...which is interesting. The only thing we personally had happen in the night was the tongs falling off our ice bucket. It made a lot of noise, but that was about it. Happily, our stop today (Martha's Vineyard) is supposed to be sunny and in the 60s. We shall see.

 The Portland Observatory

 

Yesterday was the exact opposite weather-wise, as you can see from the photo above. So when we awakened in Portland, Maine, I looked out and thought that since our excursion had been canceled, maybe I would just stay in. It wasn't really raining at that point, just a lot of wet fog. But after breakfast, I decided that as long as it wasn't raining, I should go out and walk, if not for photos, at least for exercise. So I did. Kathleen decided to stay on board. Jocelyn had checked in that she was going to spend the day in her stateroom, and the other four were already off on a walk around the old port. So I was on my own. That's OK, as I tend to walk much faster than anyone else because they like to stop and browse windows, but I like to search for photo subjects. When I had finished the day, I was truly surprised at what I had found, from some street photography pics to a few churches (I could not get inside to see the stained glass) to a wonderful tower—the Portland Observatory.  There, they let me pay them $8 to climb 104 steps and take pictures from the top. There were docents on every level doing a great job of telling the history of the Observatory and greater Portland. I took the photo at the start of this post from the top of the Observatory.

 

So here are my best pics of the day. If you had told me I would be getting this many that I liked on this walk, I would have said you were nuts. Sadly, because I can't create a gallery here on CC, if you want to see the rest of the pics, you will need to head over to my latest blog post at www.jimbellomo.com

 

BTW: We had been here in Portland almost five years ago to the day on Celebrity Summit (before they went to the dark side), and it has been sunny, humid and ninety degrees, so to be honest, I prefer this weather.

 

 The moment they pulled the pilot off the ship.

After we sailed (around 3:00 p.m.), I got the balance of the shots of the lighthouses and the pilot boat. I love shooting pilot boats. If you don't cruise, in every port, the local officials send out pilots who are totally knowledgeable about their respective ports, and they take over from the ship's captain while sailing into and out of a port. The most dangerous part of their work is that they have to come out on a tiny pilot boat and literally jump from the moving boat both on and later off the ship. It is a fantastic thing to watch. The pilot boat maneuvering to get close to the boat, the two pilot boat crewmen reaching out to grab the pilot, and his getting pulled on board and off the ship was a thrill to watch, but even though pilots are VERY well paid, that's not the occupation for me 😃.

 

See you tomorrow after Martha's Vineyard...and yes, an hour later, we are still rocking and rolling but less like Elvis and more like The Beatles—a little softer.

 

 

Edited October 8, 2023 by DrKoob

[Harters]

15 hours ago, DrKoob said:

"I always ask myself, it I dined in this restaurant at home, would I come back again."

I have the same view as Steve, whether eating on a cruise ship or any land based trip away from my home area. 

[njhorseman]

4 hours ago, DrKoob said:

If you don't cruise, in every port, the local officials send out pilots who are totally knowledgeable about their respective ports, and they take over from the ship's captain while sailing into and out of a port

Actually in almost all cases the master of the ship is still in charge. I think two exceptions might be in the Panama Canal and the Mississippi River, but I may be wrong, and there may be others I've overlooked .

As this Holland America blog entry from a few years ago explains, the pilot acts as an advisor:

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/recent-articles/whats-new/what-does-a-ship-pilot-do/#:~:text=Contrary to common belief%2C the,with permission of the master.

 

"The role of a pilot is that of an adviser. Contrary to common belief, the pilot does not take over command of the ship from the captain. The captain stays in command and is ultimately responsible for the ship. A pilot may assume the conduct of the ship, but only with permission of the master. As both the harbor pilot and captain have the same goal — the safety of the ship — the relationship is mutually courteous and professional."

[Hambagahle]

On 10/7/2023 at 5:14 PM, Harters said:

Happened to us, years ago, in Israel. We had no intention of getting off but the soldiers (?) required us to show them our passports. 

That is good information.  We like several cruises that have stops in Israel. We don't want to get off there and I thought we could just stay on board.  But you are saying we would have to have our passports stamped ?

[mauibabes]

Add the Amazon River up and back to Manaus, multiple pilots boarded for the 7 days as I recall.

I can agree about the food and restaurant selection.  Sometimes when I have tried something new, I realize I made a great choice or, less than great.  I also understand there are good nights with service because we really connected with the waiter from the start and it made the evening even better.
Over the years on Marina and Riviera and now Vista, we have found our favorite dishes and don’t deviate a lot. Red Ginger, it has to be Watermelon Duck Salad, Miso Glazed Sea Bass or their outstanding Rack of Lamb. Toscana, it is always Grandma’s Lasagne, whether appetizer or entree sized portion or some other Chef special. Love the Sole in Toscana and Polo.   In Jacques, the Sea Bass for 2 is amazing! Polo, DW must have her Filet Mignon and Waldorf Salad and I add the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail which is the best on board. GDR, DW only orders Jacques Chicken, her way of cutting back on the rich meals from other restaurants. In 15 years I do not ever recall a bad meal or the feeling I would not go back to that restaurant like I would at home. I guess being a confined traveler keeps us coming back but changing up on our dining selections. I guess we are not adventuresome eaters by O guest standards so no wine pairing gourmet dinners. 
 

Bottom line, O takes good care of us and it is no chore to come back for another great trip. Next up, Vista on the 16th with our wonderful Oceania family and friends. It just does not get better than that, JMHO. 

Mauibabes 

[Harters]

29 minutes ago, Hambagahle said:

But you are saying we would have to have our passports stamped ?

That was the situation then. The soldiers came on board to do their checks, etc, rather than folk having to disembark

 

It was 25 years back, so everything could have changed, although I doubt it. 

[njhorseman]

1 hour ago, Hambagahle said:

That is good information.  We like several cruises that have stops in Israel. We don't want to get off there and I thought we could just stay on board.  But you are saying we would have to have our passports stamped ?

You're in a country as soon as your ship enters its territorial waters. My experience (not specifically Israel as I haven't cruised there, but other countries where you were required to present yourself to officials for a documentation inspection) has been that you must do it even if you are not going ashore. This even includes the USA...and I'm a citizen of the USA, upon entering the first port of call after calling on foreign ports. Even on an itinerary as simple as a cruise embarking in NY City, visiting ports in Atlantic Canada and then making a port call in Bar Harbor or Portland Maine before returning to NY City.

[DrKoob]

7 hours ago, kjbacon said:

Having sailed both lines and currently having reservations on both lines in 2024, there’s no comparison between the two in regard to food and specialty restaurants. Oceania is excellent across the board in terms of cuisine and Viking is just ok. Our good friends, who we met years ago on a Viking cruise, love Viking but primarily because of the spa and certainly not the food. They don’t even go the specialties when on board. 

I agree. We found both of them just mediocre. Not impressed at all. Wouldn't go again to either of them. Kathleen got food poisoning in Manfredis on the swordfish (as did a number of other people) and when she went to get some immodium at the clinic, they quarantined her. Was a major hassle. Got an apology and a $1000 FCC from Viking for their nurse's screw-up in not listening to my wife.

[WayneLaR]

20 hours ago, DrKoob said:

But last night we ate dinner in Toscana and I can tell you as a grandson of a native Sicilian, it was one of the finest Italian meals I have ever eaten and we would go back in a minute if we could get a reservation.

You have to share what you ordered. Come on, don't leave us hanging like this!

[DrKoob]

21 minutes ago, WayneLaR said:

You have to share what you ordered. Come on, don't leave us hanging like this!

I had the Agnello Arrosto, which is Roasted, stuffed lamb loin with spicy soppressata sausage, spinach, aubergine stiletto and tomato jam. The lamb was cooked perfectly but the real highlight of the dish was the sauce. I am going to beg them for the sauce recipe. The tomato jam was really superb as well, but that sauce...WOW! I am glad there was still bread on the table because when they took my plate away, they didn't need to wash it. I had cleaned every bit of that sauce away. Wish we could get another reservation. I would go back just to eat that dish.

[dlhamlten]

 DrKoob :

 

The primary purpose of my Post is to give

hearty THANKS and praise for all of your prodigious writing and photos which are informative and insightful !   As a soon-to-be Vista passenger who has been to many of your same Ports, your comments - and the time you take to offer them - are appreciated.

 

While here, let me enter into a fray that has seeped its way into your Vista cruise thread i.e. Viking vs. Oceania.  First are my stipulations : My wife are I are loyal Oceania aficionados :  our 40+ cruises on many lines are fewer than many others have had:  only one cruise on Viking :  and recognition that most subjects on the CruiseCritic forum are blatantly subjective. 

 

Before getting slammed for my opinions, I recognize that our Viking Mississippi trip is like comparing Oceania apples to Viking Sea Cruises oranges. Many issues with that River cruise were unique to weather and water levels, but led to many disruptions and inconveniences, perhaps not all of which were Vikings fault.

 

However, our bottom line is that we would not be willing to give Viking another chance for many reasons : the high Viking cost and payment requirements were not a good value proposition by our standards; the comparative penthouse cabins we chose were superior in Oceania ships; the service was lacking in Viking in cabins and restaurants; the optional excursions were relatively expensive, oversold and crowded; and last but not least - the food was a major disappointment.  We now throw away Viking oft received shiny marketing Brochures without breaking their seals...

 

 Cruise Critic threads reveal that different folks choose cruises for different strokes like Ports Itinerary, Ship size, Cabin space, Sticky Buns, Shady Lounge Chairs, Spa, Entertainment, Casino, Coffee, Cookies etc. and Cuisine.  All of these can be personal subjective preferences and are open to discussion which makes for interesting banter. 

 

As for us foodies, we may have been fortunate to have

eaten in many fine restaurants around the world, taken lessons from a Michelin starred Chef in Italy, and attended classes at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, but our opinion is no better than anyone else's last meal.  However, in our limited experience, we believe Oceania has the Best Cuisine at Sea period.

 

Now back to DrKoob:  I humbly submit to you in return for your efforts, a couple of recommendations before you complete your Food critique segment :  Get to Red Ginger for The Watermelon Duck Salad and Miso Glazed Sea Bass Steamed in Hoba Leaves, to Polo for the Giant Shrimp Cocktail, Steamed Fresh Water Lobster removed from the shell with all the work done by your waiter and add a side Prime Filet to create your own Loving Couple, and since you can't do Jacques, try Dover Sole anywhere.  Thanks again and hope to meet you on a future Oceania cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

[makai 7]

14 minutes ago, DrKoob said:

I had the Agnello Arrosto, which is Roasted, stuffed lamb loin with spicy soppressata sausage, spinach, aubergine stiletto and tomato jam. The lamb was cooked perfectly but the real highlight of the dish was the sauce. I am going to beg them for the sauce recipe. The tomato jam was really superb as well, but that sauce...WOW! I am glad there was still bread on the table because when they took my plate away, they didn't need to wash it. I had cleaned every bit of that sauce away. Wish we could get another reservation. I would go back just to eat that dish.

Jim- thank you for this… I will have to try it when we cruise on Vista.

 

if you are willing to eat without your entire group, find the Maitre d of Toscana and ask if they have any sharing table openings.. often if you are flexible with date and time you can get another reservation.

Edited October 8, 2023 by makai 7

[mauibabes]

@DrKoob

When you see the Maitre d again, tell him of your experience and ask him if there is a way to have another fabulous dinner with him?  Sometimes each evening we have “stopped bye” early and late to see if there was some availability. 🤪👍🙏.  I realize your ship is full but my guess is you will be successful. Now you can understand why my DW has shared her need for a PH when we sail. Again, Happy Wife, Happy Life.

Bye the way, we have found the Baristas are usually from Toscana.  Make a good friend there and ask how you can get another dinner reservation. 
Really appreciate your writings and we heard you lost Martha’s Vineyard today.  Bummer, nice stop. 
Have a great rest of your trip.

Mauibabes

[DrKoob]

16 minutes ago, makai 7 said:

Jim- thank you for this… I will have to try it when we cruise on Vista.

 

if you are willing to eat without your entire group, find the Maitre d of Toscana and ask if they have any sharing table openings.. often if you are flexible with date and time you can get another reservation.

I can't desert the rest of the family/friends. That's why we can't get a reservation again. We need the only table that will hold 7. They could do it for us on Monday night when we are overnight in NYC but we have tickets to a Broadway show and dinner reservations just off Broadway, pre-show.

[DrKoob]

14 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

@DrKoob

When you see the Maitre d again, tell him of your experience and ask him if there is a way to have another fabulous dinner with him?  Sometimes each evening we have “stopped bye” early and late to see if there was some availability. 🤪👍🙏.  I realize your ship is full but my guess is you will be successful. Now you can understand why my DW has shared her need for a PH when we sail. Again, Happy Wife, Happy Life.

Bye the way, we have found the Baristas are usually from Toscana.  Make a good friend there and ask how you can get another dinner reservation. 
Really appreciate your writings and we heard you lost Martha’s Vineyard today.  Bummer, nice stop. 
Have a great rest of your trip.

Mauibabes

Our problem with getting another reservation is that there are seven of us. So, there is only one table that will fit us all in all four specialty restaurants. Embers doesn't even have a table that big at all. I had to do 5 and 2. And yes, we did lose Martha today. But they refunded all tour monies to accounts and came up with a bunch of activities to do. Just wish they could open deck 15 so I could walk the track. Too much wind. We are getting 39-43 knot winds from the south east.

[mauibabes]

When we were on Vista in May we sat outside the Toscana semi private dining room where they do special wine pairings and I know that room would be large enough for you. See if you can book an evening there?  I know it is not cheap however but then I don’t think they handed Frank Del Rio a bill. 🤪

Enjoy,

Mauibabes

[slw207693]

DrKoob - The Chef in Toscana is the Fabulous Andrea, who is Italian.   If you want another reservation in Toscana for your party of 7, go to the reservation desk or speak to the Restaurant Manager, Ms. Gorica (the Maitre’ds have to check with her first before granting special requests) and tell them you’d like to book the Toscana Chamber, the semi private room that hold 8.   It will cost $300, but divide that by 7 and it’s $42.86 per person.   It’s quieter, and a very beautiful setting.   Your party will then be able to order anything off the Toscana menu.   If you chat with Chef Andrea, you might even be able to request  what the special pasta dish of the night be.   We left Vista in Montreal and the last night onboard he made Casio e Pepe for us.   
 

Enjoying your reviews.
 

[emd138]

On 10/7/2023 at 5:59 PM, DrKoob said:

Interesting. I called in advance and was told NO, it will not be allowed. The referenced their contract of service which says it will be confiscated and held until disembarkation. I guess it depends on who is manning the gangway.

We have taken a bottle or 2 of liquor on all 4 of our cruises after reading on here that they tell you that you can't, but don't stop you.  We only drink it in the room for our nightcap.  We took no efforts to hide it, just wrapped it up and put it in one of our checked bags.

[Hambagahle]

13 hours ago, DrKoob said:

I had the Agnello Arrosto, which is Roasted, stuffed lamb loin with spicy soppressata sausage, spinach, aubergine stiletto and tomato jam. The lamb was cooked perfectly but the real highlight of the dish was the sauce. I am going to beg them for the sauce recipe. The tomato jam was really superb as well, but that sauce...WOW! I am glad there was still bread on the table because when they took my plate away, they didn't need to wash it. I had cleaned every bit of that sauce away. Wish we could get another reservation. I would go back just to eat that dish.

You may have changed my mind about eating at Toscana.  Seems like they have improved their offerings... previously I have found it big on quantity and lacking in flavour!  I do not like large amounts of food on my plate.  But I love good sauces.   (Funny though - I have never eaten lamb in Italy and don't recall seeing it in the supermarkets there either).

[Hambagahle]

15 hours ago, njhorseman said:

Actually in almost all cases the master of the ship is still in charge. I think two exceptions might be in the Panama Canal and the Mississippi River, but I may be wrong, and there may be others I've overlooked .

As this Holland America blog entry from a few years ago explains, the pilot acts as an advisor:

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/recent-articles/whats-new/what-does-a-ship-pilot-do/#:~:text=Contrary to common belief%2C the,with permission of the master.

 

"The role of a pilot is that of an adviser. Contrary to common belief, the pilot does not take over command of the ship from the captain. The captain stays in command and is ultimately responsible for the ship. A pilot may assume the conduct of the ship, but only with permission of the master. As both the harbor pilot and captain have the same goal — the safety of the ship — the relationship is mutually courteous and professional."

There is ONE case in which the pilots do take command over from the Captain - the Panama Canal.  As soon as the pilot boards HE is the captain of the ship.  That was carefully explained to us when we went through the canal on Regent's Mariner.

[kjbacon]

15 hours ago, DrKoob said:

I agree. We found both of them just mediocre. Not impressed at all. Wouldn't go again to either of them. Kathleen got food poisoning in Manfredis on the swordfish (as did a number of other people) and when she went to get some immodium at the clinic, they quarantined her. Was a major hassle. Got an apology and a $1000 FCC from Viking for their nurse's screw-up in not listening to my wife.

Wow, definitely worse than our experience in their specialties!! We just didn’t like them very much.

 

And thank you for the lamb dish recommendation at Toscana. Sounds delicious and will try it on our ‘24 Vista. 

[DrKoob]

Please Stay Tuned...NYC got in the way

 

Good morning, all! Just a quick note: your favorite travel blogger will return in a few days. I usually write in the mornings before dawn, but today, I took this photo (and a lot of others) as we sailed into NYC. We will be here until late tomorrow night, so I will be using tomorrow morning for a long walk on the Highline before the sun comes up. Thankfully, we have a sea day after we leave here so that I can catch up. Until then...stand by.

Edited October 9, 2023 by DrKoob