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fsr44

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  1. I agree. think it’s fair to say that not all of us share the negative views posted.by Treasure Hunter I am on this cruise now, and I don’t share these complaints. We booked this trip years ago, before the ship was even completed. When the negative reviews started to show up last year, I thought we had made a horrible mistake. I started this trip very skeptical, and I have been completely won over. Is it perfect? No, but I’ve yet to be on a sailing that is (30 years of cruising, mostly on Celebrity but also Viking River, Disney and, way back when, Delta Queen). What I have found is food that exceeded my expectations, both in quality and variety. The post that listed only two entree choices in the cafe was affirmatively misleading, and was greeted with much laughter at my table of four, who had enjoyed many of the other offerings that night. The staff is well trained, hard working and friendly. The ship is beautifully designed, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the port visits. I think the disparity in our views comes down to two issues: research and expectation. Do your research before booking a River cruise and you will learn that water levels, River traffic, and timing are all fluid and beyond the ship’s control. Ports are subject to change here, just as ocean going vessels may skip a tender port if the water is too rough. River boats are much smaller than ships, so there will be far fewer dining and entertainment options. That said, the entertainment we have had was excellent, and generally poorly attended. The view on the river, particularly the upper Mississippi, IS the entertainment, if you enjoy a slow pace and a good book, this is for you. If you need more stimulation than that, you’d probably be happier on an ocean cruise. Personally, I want counting in Viking to entertain me. Also, research explains why the price is so high (no argument there, this isn’t a bargain). The Jones Act and protectionist US laws require boats that cruise only within the US to hire US crews at US wages. The difference between that and what the ocean lines pay for foreign workers is startling. As to expectation, this cruise has a much older demographic. On a guess, I’d say the median age is about 75-77. And sadly, many of my fellow passengers are complaining about everything, all the time. Water levels, the conduct of their neighboring passengers, the weather, the state of repair of small Mississippi towns is all laid at Viking’s door. Given the cost of the trip, it’s hard not to think some of these folks are angling for a discount. I wish them luck with that. For a number of us (I’m traveling with my spouse and another couple) this is the trip of a lifetime, and we’re having a wonderful time. The upper Mississippi is more beautiful than I ever imagined and we have had breathtaking sunsets pretty much every night. This cruise is not for everyone. Do your research, adjust your expectations accordingly, and if this sounds like something you would enjoy, go for it.
  2. Hi! We'll be on this cruise in a couple of weeks. Any word about how much covid on board? Was the Retreat full? Thank you and enjoy the rest of your trip!
  3. I noticed this with Dramamine last summer on the Summit. You used to be able to pick that up in the shops or GS, but since the restart, even seasickness means a trip to the Medical folks.
  4. I so enjoyed reading this and living vicariously. Good for you! I'm so glad you had this lovely surprise.
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