Live from the Viking Jupiter October 18 Barcelona to Buenos Aires

[mariners]

I hope that other passengers will add to this thread.

 

Boarding today was very quick, and there was no wait time shortly after 11 a.m. when we boarded.  After a short muster briefing, lunch was available on deck 7.  All cabins were available around 1:30 p.m., and our luggage was delivered shortly after that time.

 

The ship looks great.  The service has been fabulous.  The food has been excellent.  
 

Because we have an early tour tomorrow, I’m signing off for now, but will post more later tomorrow before we leave port at 11p.m.  It’s great to be onboard. 

 

[SJD117]

17 minutes ago, mariners said:

I hope that other passengers will add to this thread.

 

Boarding today was very quick, and there was no wait time shortly after 11 a.m. when we boarded.  After a short muster briefing, lunch was available on deck 7.  All cabins were available around 1:30 p.m., and our luggage was delivered shortly after that time.

 

The ship looks great.  The service has been fabulous.  The food has been excellent.  
 

Because we have an early tour tomorrow, I’m signing off for now, but will post more later tomorrow before we leave port at 11p.m.  It’s great to be onboard. 

 

Have a great trip! As I wrote on roll call, we had to cancel this cruise yesterday at the very last minute -- just two hours before we were supposed to leave for SeaTac airport and our flight to Barcelona. But such is life. At least we can travel with you vicariously if not actually! 

[SJD117]

Good morning, @mariners ! Thanks again for setting up this live thread. We wish we could join you and the other Jupiter passengers!

 

If you don't mind, I'd like you to be my eyes and ears on two front-end issues. Linda and I will stop at your first two ports -- Malaga and Casablanca -- on another Viking cruise next March. Excursions for that cruise open up on November 12, or right after your cruise ends. We're considering the Granada-Alhambra all-day excursion for the former stop and the Rabat-Casablanca all-day excursion for the latter.

 

Are you planning to do either excursion on your cruise? If so, could you give your frank assessment as to the pluses and minuses of each? I'd appreciate it -- thanks.

 

(Regarding the back half of your cruise: We won't be going to South America next spring. And we've been to Rio and Buenos Aires on our own. So I'm less interested in those ports as "new" experiences, though any day in Rio in particular is a great opportunity for sightseeing.)

 

David

 

 

Edited October 19 by SJD117

[mariners]

David, I will try and get other passengers to post about those specific excursions. We are not on them so I won’t be able to give first hand information.  We have our M &M tomorrow and I’ll ask people we meet if they are going on the excursions and request that they post information on CC either on this thread or their own thread if that’s what they prefer.  
 

Hopefully, we will get to meet you on another cruise.  

[Famsw]

I echo the easy embarcation for Viking Jupiter less than 2 hours from airport arrival to in our cabin. Jupiter is clean and beautiful with excellent service. We lucked out to see America's Cup boats returning from the races off the back of the ship.  Early dinner, we slept 10 hours now off to the city tour of Barcelona. 

Edited October 19 by Famsw

[mariners]

What a great photo, Famsw!

 

We have had an amazing 24 hours since embarkation.

 

 First, the Asian station was open for lunch, and the Dan Dan noodles were as good as they have been described by other posters. Thanks to their recommendations, 3 of the 4 in our group had them and enjoyed every bite. 
 

After lunch, the cabins were ready, and it was time to unpack.  I managed to find locations for almost everything, but kept the “might be needed” medications in the suitcase under the bed.  The other medication, namely wine, has a more prominent position as it’s likely to be used first. I bring hangers from home to maximize closet storage space, and there was just enough drawer space for everything else.  (We had two large suitcases, 2 carry-on, and 2 personal items that were all the maximum size permitted.)

 

We missed the afternoon activities including the deck event with Dr. Jack Bacon: “America’s Cup Live Commentary “, but did watch lots of the sailboats.  Famsw’s photo makes me realize it would have been better to take a bit of a break from packing and to have joined others up on deck.  There was a pod talk on Barcelona, the usual music events starting at 4:30 pm, and an 8:30 pm Viking Destination Performance La Rumba Catalana that was well attended and well received. 
 

Our other highlights included spending time in the Explorers’ Lounge, having a great dinner, getting to know some of the excellent crew onboard, and watching other cruise ships leave while we remained in port. 
 

Today, after a lousy night’s sleep which always seems to happen when we think we’ve adjusted to a time zone, I turned off the alarm and we took a slower start to the day.  It ended up being the perfect choice.  I wanted to go to the Time Out mall and pick up a couple of items from the beauty store (way cheaper than in Canada).  Because America Cup is on and today was a big day for the races, we got to see quite a few highlights.  I know that most people are enthralled by the racing teams and their respective boats, but I absolutely loved seeing the Māori haka/kappa haka, and their role in supporting the NZ team.  They have a traditional war canoe and lead the way for the NZ team.  Their energy, pride, and the cultural significance were on full display.  I do have photos but have not been able to do anything with them today as the internet is slow.  I will try and post one, but you can check out most news reports from today and see a photo.  What a fabulous time!  The only downside was the huge number of fans that blocked most walkways, and that was only a downside to those of us trying to get around.  
 

I am now back in our cabin and am going to have a rest.  Tonight is the Captain’s Welcome and a Beatles Songbook.  I am determined to make it to the show. 
 

Later tonight, we set sail.  The excitement builds! Yahoo!

[CCWineLover]

From the Panorama site, it sure looks like it is a gorgeous day in Barcelona!!  And you got the best parking space as well.  

https://viking.panomax.com/jupiter

[formernuke]

8 hours ago, mariners said:

I bring hangers from home to maximize closet storage space, and there was just enough drawer space for everything else.  

Note that you can ask your room steward for extra hangers and they will happily provide them. Though perhaps you don't like the Viking provided hangers; your choice of course! (could save some packing space)

[mariners]

The Māori war boat, and part of the scene.  I edited the photo on my iPhone but can’t upload from the phone so am using my iPad.  

[mariners]

The Captain’s welcome last night. He has a great sense of humour.  It was a very nice event. 

[mariners]

I found out last night that there’s a whole side to VO that I never knew about.  I had never attended any shows. The band and the singers for the Beatles tribute were excellent.  The three vocalists sang in perfect harmony, and it was a Broadway level performance.  
 

After the performance, we went to Torshavn.  It was my first time there.  What a night life!  The lounge was filled with energy and that included the crew, too!  The duo who are onboard are very talented and kept the dance floor hopping.  It was wonderful to see some elderly (VO elderly😄) couples showed us younger couples (who are definitely over 50) how to move on the dance floor. 
 

it was a great evening!

[mariners]

This morning, we awoke to a gorgeous sunrise that lit up the sky.  I hope to post a photo of that later but it appears that I’ve used up my allotment of internet or there’s too many people now using it at the same time. 
 

We have a bridge tour this afternoon. This evening we have our VO hosted CC M & M.  We have choices such as card games, an Astronomy lecture, crafting (bring your own), baggo, History lecture, trivia, guest choir practice, tea, Motorsport lecture, rum tasting, a guest entertainer Samantha Jay, and more.  
 

Life onboard is wonderful.  

[mariners]

SJD117, the Casablanca Rabat excursion is not offered on our sailing.  I think Clay Clayton wrote a review when he took the tour.  I believe there were other reviews as well because it was the tour we had hoped to take based on the review we have read.  

[SJD117]

4 hours ago, mariners said:

SJD117, the Casablanca Rabat excursion is not offered on our sailing.  I think Clay Clayton wrote a review when he took the tour.  I believe there were other reviews as well because it was the tour we had hoped to take based on the review we have read.  

Thanks for the information. I’ll take a look at Clay’s review of the excursion.
 

Meanwhile, let me know what you think of Casablanca. I’ve flown through the city but have never toured.

[mariners]

We have arrived in Malaga.  
 

Yesterday, we had a very interesting tour of the bridge.  I am posting a photo of a couple of views they have from their windows.  I cannot crop the passengers on the tour out of my other photos so I am not going to post them.

 

Our M & M was well attended.  A big thank you goes out to Famsw for organizing everything, and to the VO staff and crew who attended.  There’s never enough time to meet everyone, but it’s a great way to introduce people we have only met online.  
 

For those who are interested, I’m also including the board photo of the staff.

 

Now, it’s time for me to get ready for our included tour today..

[mariners]

[Famsw]

Malaga included tour today was delightful. Of course the tour guide makes all the difference and ours was solid. We went up to the castle overlooking the city for initial pictures, then a bus tour of downtown, and finally over an hour walking tour of the main sites (Picasso's birthplace) then we had some free time to wander the shops. It's 70's here so our afternoon is by the pool in the back. Oh last night's Spanish dinner in the World Cafe was very different (and delicious 😋) and the chef came out for feedback as we ate. 

[CCWineLover]

6 minutes ago, Famsw said:

Malaga included tour today was delightful. Of course the tour guide makes all the difference and ours was solid. We went up to the castle overlooking the city for initial pictures, then a bus tour of downtown, and finally over an hour walking tour of the main sites (Picasso's birthplace) then we had some free time to wander the shops. It's 70's here so our afternoon is by the pool in the back. Oh last night's Spanish dinner in the World Cafe was very different (and delicious 😋) and the chef came out for feedback as we ate. 

We also enjoyed our Malaga included tour on a previous cruise- one of the best included's we've had on Viking.  Looks like you had a wonderful weather day as well.  But of course, having a great guide makes all the difference!  Even managed to visit a wine store and pick up some Tempranillo to take back to the ship!

Thanks for all your posts!

[SJD117]

2 hours ago, Famsw said:

Malaga included tour today was delightful. Of course the tour guide makes all the difference and ours was solid. We went up to the castle overlooking the city for initial pictures, then a bus tour of downtown, and finally over an hour walking tour of the main sites (Picasso's birthplace) then we had some free time to wander the shops. It's 70's here so our afternoon is by the pool in the back. Oh last night's Spanish dinner in the World Cafe was very different (and delicious 😋) and the chef came out for feedback as we ate. 

I’m glad you enjoyed your Malaga tour. That was the tour we’d booked and hoped to enjoy — until, of course, we had to cancel our cruise. Sigh.

[Famsw]

Sorry you missed the cruise. We think of you! We did meet another couple from Bainbridge Island small world.

[mariners]

Famsw, we also loved our day in Malaga.  
 

For those who are considering the included tour in the future, there were people on our tour who found the amount of walking and standing a bit of a challenge.  The bus takes you to the higher lookout over the city, but has to park at the top and then one walks down the hill to the lookout area, and then one has to walk back up to the bus.  After that stop, we were taken back down to the city area where the walking tour began.  There are a few times where one could choose to sit and rest while the rest of the tour were viewing a specific site, but the amount of time at each site was brief so longer rests would not be possible.  That being said, the quicker walkers had the opportunity to check out some additional close areas as well as take a larger number of photos from different perspectives as our tour guide ensured that she paced the tour so that everyone could stay together.  
 

We had a 20 minute shopping and/or bathroom break in the city.  Passengers could choose where they wanted to go or what they wanted to do during that time.
 

At the end of the tour, the option was given to take the tour bus back to the ship, or to stay in the city and take the VO shuttle bus back to the ship.  
 

Once you return to this ship, there is the opportunity to shop at the duty free store that has the typical tourist items, alcohol, olive oil, etc., and prices are similar, or a bit higher than in the city.  

[mariners]

[Azulann]

So glad you are doing a live trip report. Your pictures bring back memories of Spain. Look forward to more from the Jupiter, my last Viking cruise was on the Jupiter.  That crew was outstanding and loved eating in the Restaurant  which made the perfect cosmos for me each night.  

[CCWineLover]

18 hours ago, mariners said:

Famsw, we also loved our day in Malaga.  
 

For those who are considering the included tour in the future, there were people on our tour who found the amount of walking and standing a bit of a challenge.  The bus takes you to the higher lookout over the city, but has to park at the top and then one walks down the hill to the lookout area, and then one has to walk back up to the bus.  After that stop, we were taken back down to the city area where the walking tour began.  There are a few times where one could choose to sit and rest while the rest of the tour were viewing a specific site, but the amount of time at each site was brief so longer rests would not be possible.  That being said, the quicker walkers had the opportunity to check out some additional close areas as well as take a larger number of photos from different perspectives as our tour guide ensured that she paced the tour so that everyone could stay together.  
 

We had a 20 minute shopping and/or bathroom break in the city.  Passengers could choose where they wanted to go or what they wanted to do during that time.
 

At the end of the tour, the option was given to take the tour bus back to the ship, or to stay in the city and take the VO shuttle bus back to the ship.  
 

Once you return to this ship, there is the opportunity to shop at the duty free store that has the typical tourist items, alcohol, olive oil, etc., and prices are similar, or a bit higher than in the city.  

Yes thanks to everyone who contributes to this "live" from Jupiter cruise.  Paying particular attention as we are doing the March Jupiter cruise in the reverse direction.

 

It sounds like the Malaga included tour is the same great tour we had a few years ago!  Our excursion director had told people in the port talk that it might be a bit strenuous for some of the people, so to consider that.   We loved it that there was a chance to do some extra walking and climbing.  

We also had the option to stay in the city after the tour, which was great!  Our guide showed us an excellent wine shop, where we spent some time browsing and then picking up some fantastic Tempranillo bottles at great prices, to enjoy back at the ship in the evenings in Explorer's Lounge  (They even uncork the bottle for you there as well as if you bring it to dinner). 

[SJD117]

On 10/21/2024 at 6:57 AM, Famsw said:

Malaga included tour today was delightful. Of course the tour guide makes all the difference and ours was solid. We went up to the castle overlooking the city for initial pictures, then a bus tour of downtown, and finally over an hour walking tour of the main sites (Picasso's birthplace) then we had some free time to wander the shops. It's 70's here so our afternoon is by the pool in the back. Oh last night's Spanish dinner in the World Cafe was very different (and delicious 😋) and the chef came out for feedback as we ate. 

 

On 10/21/2024 at 3:03 PM, mariners said:

Famsw, we also loved our day in Malaga.  
 

For those who are considering the included tour in the future, there were people on our tour who found the amount of walking and standing a bit of a challenge.  The bus takes you to the higher lookout over the city, but has to park at the top and then one walks down the hill to the lookout area, and then one has to walk back up to the bus.  After that stop, we were taken back down to the city area where the walking tour began.  There are a few times where one could choose to sit and rest while the rest of the tour were viewing a specific site, but the amount of time at each site was brief so longer rests would not be possible.  That being said, the quicker walkers had the opportunity to check out some additional close areas as well as take a larger number of photos from different perspectives as our tour guide ensured that she paced the tour so that everyone could stay together.  
 

We had a 20 minute shopping and/or bathroom break in the city.  Passengers could choose where they wanted to go or what they wanted to do during that time.
 

At the end of the tour, the option was given to take the tour bus back to the ship, or to stay in the city and take the VO shuttle bus back to the ship.  
 

Once you return to this ship, there is the opportunity to shop at the duty free store that has the typical tourist items, alcohol, olive oil, etc., and prices are similar, or a bit higher than in the city.  

 

7 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Yes thanks to everyone who contributes to this "live" from Jupiter cruise.  Paying particular attention as we are doing the March Jupiter cruise in the reverse direction.

 

It sounds like the Malaga included tour is the same great tour we had a few years ago!  Our excursion director had told people in the port talk that it might be a bit strenuous for some of the people, so to consider that.   We loved it that there was a chance to do some extra walking and climbing.  

We also had the option to stay in the city after the tour, which was great!  Our guide showed us an excellent wine shop, where we spent some time browsing and then picking up some fantastic Tempranillo bottles at great prices, to enjoy back at the ship in the evenings in Explorer's Lounge  (They even uncork the bottle for you there as well as if you bring it to dinner). 

The information you provided about the Malaga tour has been very helpful.

 

Based on your assessment, we’ve decided to take this tour next March rather than the much more expensive and time-consuming trip to Grenada. We’ve been to the Alhambra before (albeit 40 years ago) and so thought it might be interesting to take in another city that doesn’t involve a long bus ride.

 

Thanks again!