NeilP57

3 hours ago, whipperwilleo said:

I'm wondering about the trip to the ice lagoon. How challenging is the ride in the zodiak? is it ok for someone who is not very agile?

Easy coach journey with one stop each way. Walk from where coach drops you off is about 200m to where they give you warm suit and safety talk, plus lunch before or after, and then circa 600m across a rough path to get to the Zodiac boat. You then to get your leg over the side of the boat to get on. 
 

Afterwards  it’s the reverse trip. 
 

I do hope you can make it because it’s an awesome trip. 

13 minutes ago, Bookworm114 said:

I am not a big drinker either but I do love a cold   non-alcoholic seltzer water. I was tossing back 6-7 a day. I even got one in the World Cafe in debarkation day that was coveted. Can’t say for sure but I would think juices and non-alcoholic drinks would be covered also. Smoothies anyone?

There are some mock tails that would be covered as well as all juices etc. I have seen smoothies available at breakfast but possibly available at other times as well. 
 

20 minutes ago, TayanaLorna said:

We did not encounter any pay toilets.  In the cases where there was a turnstile and a coin box, it was deactivated and one just walked through.  Viking was quite creative in arranging for comfort break locations and there were numerous opportunities on every long excursion.  I don't know about the shorter included though.

 Live from Sky

This matches our own experience. No coinage needed at all. Indeed we have managed without any local currency. We have used our MasterCard when we have purchased anything locally. Just remember a PIN number is likely to be required. 

1 hour ago, Jay23 said:

Thanks for all that essential information about timing !   I cannot believe that your cruise is coming to a close now.  All your posts have been very helpful and interesting.  Your neighbour Judith.    

Judith

It’s been a pleasure, we are in our last full day. Having a relaxing morning ahead of a high octane rib boat trip later today around the coast to see the local birds and where the eruption a few years ago lava flows entered the sea. Although some of these can viewed from our balcony it seems, but no doubt we will learn more later. 
 

We booked our day 2 return Covid PCR test a couple of days ago and this morning checked in for our return flight to London. We could then complete the UK Govt passenger locator forms. We needed to do it in that order as the form required the seat number on the return flight as well as the PCR test reference number. Hopefully the test pack will be waiting for us when we get back home. 
 

We hope you enjoy your trip as much as we have. It’s a pity you will not be able to wonder off on your own but honestly unless you wanted to explore Reykjavik on your own or fancied doing a hike in one of the more remote locations I am not sure it will detract too much from what has been a great trip for us. 
 

It has only rained once on the whole trip and whilst the sun has only made a few appearances a calm sea and no rain is what we would have settled for before leaving home. The sun shone beautifully yesterday at the glacial lagoon trip and also when we visited the sites inland at both Geysir and Lake Myvatn on different days. We hope you have good weather too. 
 

kind regards

Neil

Live from Viking Sky

Viking Daily for Friday (last full day of current trip) contains no restrictions for independent travel. 

Live from Sky

Today we visited the ice lagoon and the sun shone. It was a great trip stunning coastal scenery on the way and great views of distant glaciers that just got closer and closer. 
 

Lagoon trip was great with close up encounters with ice bergs and we were plenty close enough to the face of the glacier. 
 

The blue skies and sunshine just made everything perfect. 
 

It could have been so different as we turned up to the meeting point at the wrong time. We were booked on the 08:30 departure (as confirmed on our final invoice a few days before departure)  but for some reason we were switched to the 8:00 an departure without being notified by Viking. I have been on enough trips to know I should double check these things but as you don’t see the next day’s Viking daily until you get back to your stateroom after dinner, drinks and a show, maybe details such as the particular code for a trip are not on the tip of my list of priorities. 
 

So initially we were told that we had missed the trip but they would give us a refund. This was fair but still disappointing as we really did want to do the trip but I acknowledge that we are reminded enough to check the tour code against the printed Viking Daily and not the Viking app or previous communications. 
 

Then we told that there was 9 of us in a similar situation as either going to the wrong meeting place or at the wrong time. They were trying to make arrangements  for us join the group later on the trip. Then we were told to board the tender about an hour after the first group was due to meet, which we should have been on. Waiting for us when we got off the tender were three local cars if various sizes who eventually took all the way to the Ice Lagoon to catch up with our group. 
 

So the two lessons are:

Always check your tour code on your tour ticket against the printed Viking daily and double check it again. 
 

And secondly, if Viking can they will do what they can to make sure you have a great trip. 
 

Room service snack on return to the ship followed by a late light meal in the World Cafe. The ship feels empty tonight, the other pax must be at the farewell shows with the captain. 
 

Looking forward to the rib trip tomorrow assuming we turn up at the right place at the right time. 
 

Tomorrow we need to check in online for our flights, fill out forms to get back into the UK and hopefully get our negative Covid test to show at the UK border. 
 

Another day, another form to fill in. 
 

Signing off from the Explorers Lounge……. Mr Bartender, another Black Russian please. 
 

TTFN

2 hours ago, Triptkr said:

For those currently onboard Sky and Jupiter...are you able to go off on your own when on shore?  Wondered when exactly the 'bubble' will be activated. 

 

TIA

Live from Sky 

Independent touring permitted today (Thursday) no mention of any changes. Will report if anything changes. 
 

4 hours ago, BarbRN said:

This isn’t clear. So is it warmer inside?  What do you recommend?

live from Sky

Sorry Barb, what I was trying to say is that the inside temperature in the public areas was was warmer than I expected based on our previous two VO cruisrs which were in warmer climates than Iceland. 
 

The temperature in the public rooms was just right for us without having to wear a jumper. On previous trips we have found the a/c a shade too cold and you needed a jumper or wrap on to be comfortable at times. 
 

As for recommendations, we all feel temperature different, so just as for outside in Iceland, bring multiple layers and be flexible. 

TTFN

8 minutes ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

Will try to answer questions in a little while.  But \i really need to get organized.  And \i'm looking for a lighthouse soon ....saw 6 in Reykjavik and on sailaway.  

Also look out for Orca (Killer Whale) which we saw in the morning as we approached Isafjordur. 
 

Loving the TTFN. 

Live from Viking Sky

And for those that like to collect such things we had a lovely certificate in our stateroom tonight regarding our crossing of the Arctic circle a day or two ago. 
 

Class touch Viking. 
 

TTFN 

21 minutes ago, Wander58 said:

Thanks for the info!  We are going to have to do this hike as we don't have anything planned for this port except the walking tour.

Live from Viking Sky

IMHO it’s well worth the effort. 
 

You have plenty of time, we were here at 8 this morning and I think we leave at 10:30 tonight. 
 

It’s just typical we snagged a great table by the window at Manfredi’s tonight only to have a view across the dock side. Last night we were cruising past stunning scenery with great light. Such is life, when you travel you have to take the rough with the smooth. 

Just a comment about temperature on board for those considering what to pack. We have done two VO cruises previously, both in warm climates and both times the air con was turned up high so it was quite cool in the public areas. On this trip to a cooler climate, a jumper or jacket is not required around the ship in the evening. Obviously we all feel temperature differently so pack what works best for you. 
 

TTFN

1 hour ago, BarbRN said:

Sounds amazing. You guys are adventuresome. 

It’s sometimes good to escape from the Viking paddle! 

On 8/1/2021 at 12:24 PM, bardstowntraveller said:

We currently have scheduled the Seydisfjordor on foot and the Heimey on foot excursions and am wondering if we will miss much if we do these ports on our own. Can anyone provide feedback?

Live from Viking Sky in Seydisfjordur. 
 

We cancelled our included foot tour once we saw how small the place was. We were scheduled on the 3:00pm tour but decided to go for a hike instead. 
 

We obtained a hiking map from the information centre which was located immediately after we got off the ship and he suggested a hike to view waterfalls. We started off by visiting the blue church with the rainbow path nearby and viewed small quaint tin houses that we see in many Icelandic communities. 
 

We then set off a across a small bridge and out of town with the fjord on our right. We then took a left turn up a well marked path (Haubakkar) to some impressive waterfalls. It was great to explore on your own. Some like to hear the stories from the local guides, we sometimes like to explore on our own. The trail was easy to follow as wood chippings had been used to mark the path. After a short steep section you reached the Vestdalur valley and it was a stunning path passing many rapids and waterfalls including Vesdalsfoss. 
 

We then reached sea level again as the river ran into the Fjord and we returned to the ship alongside the fjord. Total walking distance was just over 7 miles. 
 

The above place names are all lifted from the hiking map but this site also provides some pictures and direction. 
 

https://icelandweddingplanner.com/2020/11/10/vestdalsfossar-hike-in-seydisfjordur/

Back to Manfredis tonight as it was so good last night. 
 

TTFN

2 minutes ago, stbiehn said:

You will not be able to get on the plane to Iceland without one.  When we were checking in for that last flight, they were advising people in line without the code how to sign in on their cell phones and register to get the code.

Mine was not checked by British Airways when I checked in at London, and it was only checked at KEF. You have to do it online so you may as well do it before you leave home and not whilst waiting in the baggage hall at KEF. 

4 minutes ago, stbiehn said:

We were on the July 27the trip and there was a whole restaurant reservation section set up in the Atrium First floor lobby.  On previous trips you went to the restaurant to change reservations, but this time it was easy and all in one place.

You can also go to the reception desk for either Manfredi’s or Chefs Table, which is what we did on day one of our current cruise. 

Live from Viking Sky

Excellent meal in Manfredi’s last night. Don’t you just love the way the staff all try and talk Italian to us.  
 

The spacing of the 2 tops by the window and the next row is better than in the MDR due the siting of some pillars. It was easy to have conversation with your neighbouring table without feeling Covid compromised. 
 

We asked if we could return either Wednesday or Friday and asked for an early time and we have awoken this morning to see that we have an reservation at 5:30 tonight in the calendar on the Viking App. 
 

This morning at 8:00am the captain came on the speaker in all the staterooms to make important announcement. At this point my heart missed a beat as I feared in may be a Covid positive announcement but not to worry it was a general but firm reminder for all passengers to wear face masks when indoors and on the coaches as well as needing to make sure they covered the nose. 
 

We have now docked into seydusfjirdur which was due to be a tender port. So just don’t trust those little anchors on the itinerary. 
 

TTFN 

21 hours ago, susanlik said:

Please review the tour and let us know what the temperatures are like inland

have fun

Live from Viking Sky
 

The tour was excellent. There were 32 on our coach, 100% adherence to mask wearing. The weather inland was warmer and sunnier than on the coast and the sun came out as well. I wore shirt over a t-shirt and that was plenty warm enough all day. 

It was warm and there was little wind so we did have midges at both the lava tunnel walk and at Lake Myvatn. We were prepared so had our insect repellant clothing from our trips to Africa plus a wide brimmed hat and a bug net.

Would definitely recommend buying a bug net as they would only be a few $’s from Amazon wherever you are. 
 

We did a circular tour around the lake as part of the trip. We did this in anti clockwise direction so if this is the normal route you may wish to sit on the left hand side of the coach and not the right. This was only a small matter as the views from the Lake walk was stunning especially from the viewing platforms. 
 

We had previously visited three of the four sights previously whilst doing a self drive holiday a few years ago but the sights are all well worth visiting again. 
 

The extra glacial melt caused by the warmer weather earlier in the year meant that the Godafoss waterfall was very impressive. I guess with global warming what is bad for glaciers is good for waterfalls! 
 

The time allocated to  each stop was just right, all fellow pax were a good bunch and all arrived back to the coach on time. 
 

As I reported after the Golden Circle tour we were seated in small groups for lunch that matched who we were nearby to on the coach. 
 

Early dinner in Manfredis tonight. I am sure it will be as good as it I remember it. 
 

TTFN. 

5 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

But to compound the situation, a number of passengers were not visible wearing the lanyards for contact tracing. It appears that some are too vain to display the lanyard properly and try to circumvent the requirement.

Live from Viking Sky

There is no requirement to have your tracking device visible and to suggest otherwise is disingenuous. We all sign up to carrying our tracking device when outside our stateroom but no where is it a requirement it it is visible. 
 

To respond to the initial question the current situation on board is that Covid protection protocols are well maintained. In my opinion the greatest risk is travelling to get to Reykjavik not whilst on board. Of course there are times when you are near others. If you go on a excursion there are others near you on the coach and also at lunch. There is no isolated two tops at lunch. 
 

If you are happy to travel and be by others whilst you travel then you should 

feel safe amongst fully vaccinated, daily tested passengers aboard the ship and on organised Viking tours. 

7 hours ago, IheartNYC said:

The highlights of the meal were the coconut granita (palate cleanser), wok fried beef tenderloin (so tender) and the chilled mango cream

Live from Sky. 
 

We were also in the Chefs Table last night and the beef tenderloin was the highlight for us. 
 

The red wine served with it was superb. (in the stemmed glasses - why do they do that, it’s not necessary - they know who are having the premium pairing) 

We listened to Paolo last night in the Explorers lounge and we enjoyed this very much. However we felt his voice suits some types of song (eg John Denver and The Eagles better than others). 
 

We are off on the Northern Treasures tour today. 
 

Weather continues to be grey and overcast. It would be good to have some sunny blue skies but equally we are glad it has been reasonably dry. 
 

The sea has been very flat so far. We crossed the Arctic circle at 8pm last night. 
 

TTFN 

5 hours ago, BarbRN said:

That’s amazing. Are you a pro?

Not at all, strictly amateur. 
 

It’s just a bridge camera that I leave on automatic all the time. 
 

My secret is that if you take 100’s and 100’s of pictures every now and then you may get a good one. 
 

13 hours ago, les37b said:

Hopefully Viking don't decide to increase the price once on board, which obviously could happen.

I think it has been a constant price for quite a while, but I may be mistaken. If I am mistaken, no doubt somebody will put me right. 

Live from Sky. 
 

Sorry but couldn’t resist a couple of puffin pictures from today. 
 

33 minutes ago, CruiserDoc said:

 

Thanks for this info...I'm assuming one can drop their luggage off at the concert hall if they are staying in town, is that correct?

Definitely yes for those with Viking transfers, the luggage is identified in the baggage hall and then it appears in your stateroom. 
 

I can’t really answer  for you independent travellers who may go to the concert hall under your own steam. I did not see anybody with large luggage items. 

Live from Viking Sky or more accurately the boat back from Vigur Island aka Puffin City. 
 

A 30 minute boat ride, and 2 hours on the Island hosted by the delightful felicity. 
 

We were keen to see Puffins so after the welcome briefing we did hang around to visit the Eider down factory (more of a tin but really) and set off to explore on our own. We keep to mown grass track that we had read about previously here on CC and despite a few dive bombing terns we had a great time. We saw more puffins than the main group before the stop for coffee and cake but afterwards the puffins put on a real show very close by to the little windmill behind the cafe. They had even been fishing and stood perfectly still for us. 
 

Back for lunch and then a decision about the included tour. Should I stay or should I go? 
 

TTFN

17 minutes ago, mcjyl said:

What happen if you don't have a bar code?  Can you get one at KEF?  Thanks

 

Jim

It looks as if you can. There are signs in the baggage hall that says that you need the barcode to proceed. To the border checks. They say if you have not got a barcode visit Covid.is website, register and then show bar code from your phone. 
 

It is not clear what happens if you can’t do it on line.