CurlerRob

1 hour ago, Harters said:

Thanks. Assuming that Viking runs its own tours, as suggested by davencl, then of course it supplies the equipment. With O using third parties, you'd have to rely on whatever kit the company has. 

I'm not sure what davencl meant by 3rd parties. Viking organizes the excursions, but nearly always uses 3rd parties for buses/guides, etc. They just choose to provide the Vox systems to pax and the guides themselves. Cheers. 🍺🥌

2 hours ago, Harters said:

In what way, please?

I suspect that @basenji56 was referring to the QuietVox system used by Viking. Small receivers with headphone that receive from the guide's microphone. They work quite well (you can use your own mini-jack headphones if you like), range when I've used them is at least 100 yards, so lots of room to wander around without losing the narration or the guide. 🍺🥌

🍺🥌

3 hours ago, ohiojohn said:

 

We are reviewing our options on how to get from the Viking ship at Civitavecchia to FCO Rome's airport after our Viking cruise.

 

The port arrival is Oct 19, 2024 with not many ships in port that day.

 

Our options are to purchase a Viking Transfer or purchase a private car service.

 

Our plane departure to the USA is at 10:30am.

 

We have done Viking transfers before, so we know the routine.

 

If we decide the private route transfer our concern is the luggage may not be available in the terminal for pickup at 7am when the ship docks at 5am.

 

We may not be the strongest retirees to use self disembarkation with our luggage especially since one of us has partial knee surgery last Jan 2024.

 

So my question is, can Viking have our luggage available in the terminal for say a 7:15am private car pickup service ?

 

I know the next question is to ask Vegas for my odds on our bags available in the terminal at say 7am.

We recently disembarked in Vancouver. The earliest available disembarkation was 0700 (we arrived about 0600). From 0700 to sometime after 0800, pax who wished to disembark were required to deal with their luggage on their own. That was stated on the disembarkation letter.

My memory has it that luggage was scheduled to start to be available for pax about 0815. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the luggage conveyor and the backup was a crane moving one pallet at a time. The net result was about a 60-minute delay in the posted disembarkation times - pressuring some pax flight times.

Given your 2-hour window, it wouldn't hurt to ask Viking if it's doable, but obviously the unexpected can happen. Good luck with whatever you choose! 🍺🥌

1 hour ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

The view from Mt. Ulriken. Neptune is the cruise ship on the right side of the picture; the one in the center is an AIDA ship.

You must have a magic touch! Great weather in the Shetlands and sun in Bergen! 🍺🥌

30 minutes ago, mjmagee said:

I don't think "reporting" the thread is the right way to go.  All the reasons for reporting are negative.  Reporting seems to be a punitive action.  Anyway, pinning the thread at the top of the board was just a suggestion.  Periodic postings of questions will always bump the thread back to the top.

 

Marilyn

This was a CC host asking that you use the reporting function to request the thread be pinned.

While many of the reporting reasons are negative, there are two that are not - "this post is OK, but I want to let a moderator know" or "this thread needs attention". In either case you can spell out your request for the thread to be pinned.

It's not clear why you conclude that the advice given by a host is not applicable, but certainly up to you. 🍺🥌

Immediately below your post ... 😉.

🍺🥌

3 hours ago, Queenvee said:

I'm sold!  Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.  I'm booking the August TA right now and looking forward to experiencing this ship.

Please report back with your opinions after your cruise. Thanks. 🍺🥌

10 hours ago, Ready to Sail! said:

We have an overnight in Valparaiso before disembarkation.  We are booking our own air and most all flights leave late evening which means having a very very long day at Santiago airport.  Have thought of several alternative plans.  Simpliest would be to disembark late afternoon prior day and arrange private transfer to the airport.  Do we need OK from Viking or can we just inform them of our plans?  There must be previous cruisers who have faced this situation.  

Second choice might be to find a private excursion on disembarkation day which would end at the airport later in the day.  I have seen this at other ports but can't seem to find anything on Viator.  Third would be to arrange our own transfer and book a day room at a hotel near the airport.  There is no way we will sit around an airport for 12 or more hours.  Thanks for any input or suggestions.   

 

Just to reinforce @Peregrina651's post - it is critical that get approval from Viking to disembark a day early if that's what you choose to do. Your first day in port, you are an "in-transit" pax, usually not subject to immigration inspections when you go ashore, as the intention is that you will reboard.

That is dramatically different than clearing local immigration/customs when you actually disembark. If you've ever disembarked while other pax stayed on for further cruising, you've likely seen the difference in the exit process for the two groups.

Her suggestion to use tellus@ is spot on - get it in writing and confirm it with guest services when you board the ship. You do not want to look like you are jumping ship in Chile. 🍺🥌

3 minutes ago, DrKoob said:

So do you do that on the ship as well? Cancel the pre-paid gratuities and just thank them? Why are they different than guides?

No, I do not. The tipping culture on a ship is totally different. I try to respect and adapt to the culture that I'm visiting.

You asked "which countries consider it an insult". I answered, with an example of a culturally acceptable way to show appreciation when tipping was not appropriate. You may want to give it some thought before your March/25 cruise. 🍺🥌

12 hours ago, Queenvee said:

I am an experienced solo female traveler (50+ voyages), age 66.  Although I've sailed on many lines, for the last 12 years or so I've only sailed on Cunard and HAL since their passenger demographic is a good fit for me (friendly, generally well traveled, enjoy art/music/culture, and not looking for parties).  I have been intrigued by Oceania but the high solo prices were out of my budget.  However, I just ran across a reasonable fare for an interior cabin on the August 17, 2024 London/NYC crossing which I am seriously considering.  I've read the reviews which I take with a large grain of salt.  Since CC folks are always helpful, I wanted to get your thoughts.  These are the things I enjoy on a ship:  reading on the promenade deck watching the waves; enrichment lectures daily (on sea days) with knowledgeable speakers; finding quiet, comfy spots to read inside on cool/wet days; playing team trivia (it's a great way to meet people); and ability to eat with other people at dinner in the main dining room (I do open seating with the "share a table" option on Cunard).  

 

The ports on this crossing are interesting, I like a smaller ship (used to sail Azamara before they priced out) and I'm not looking for partying, gambling or loud/rowdy groups.  So....it seems like this crossing could be a good way to test the waters (so to speak 😉).  I've read about tiny showers but I can't believe they're any smaller than Cunard's QV or QE showers and I guess I could always shower in the fitness/spa!  I always do my own excursions so not fussed about the shore team.  I'm not asking for guarantees that I'd have a great time on Insignia, just your thoughts if this crossing experience is likely to be the same or better than on Cunard or HAL.  I appreciate your comments, suggestions, etc.  Thank you!

We sailed Insignia in November 22, having significant experience with HAL. Although it's a bit dated due to the implementation of Simply More, you may find this of interest. I would add only that while the bathroom is substandard compared to the rest of the experience, it's only real issue is that the shower can be downright dangerous in a strong beam sea. 🍺🥌

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2894306-first-time-on-oceania-some-impressions/?do=findComment&comment=64317550 

5 hours ago, DrKoob said:

 Which countries consider it an insult?

Japan is one example.

A sincere "Arigato gozaimasu" accompanied by an awkward Western bow is fully sufficient and will be hugely appreciated.

For our private guides on a recent cruise, we purchased small gifts of Canadiana in advance and wrapped them. Our guides were thrilled and commented on our excellent manners. (Not something I often hear!). 🍺🥌

4 minutes ago, jgrahamiii said:

Hi All. I know this is an old topic, but we just booked a PV stateroom on the Star, and want to be sure we are in a sliding glass door room. My first email to Viking asking resulted in a phone message that all PV rooms have the slider. I know that is not true. Just did a chat and moved rooms as the person said we were not in a slider room.  I'd really like to find the PDF file with the complete list of rooms, but it is no longer available on this chat. Does anyone have it? Note, we have rooms 5088 and 5090 if that helps. Thanks!

It was available in post #2. 🍺👍

VikingPVsliderrooms.pdf

5 hours ago, Mike07 said:

 

I think you would be shocked how little effect it would have on VIK's stock price. CCL already has an OBC for shareholders, carries many times more passengers across all of their brands and has largely been a big nothing burger over the last year.

Agreed on the lack of stock price impact.

OBC is a pleasant perk - if you know that you're going to take multiple trips with a line, it's easy to do the math and see if buying the share minimum is a good idea. For many on CCL, NCL or RCCI who have cashed in multiple OBCs, their shares have been essentially free - so not too bad a nothing burger.

That said, Viking's historical approach has not embraced loyalty programs, so I won't lose sleep waiting for a shareholder one! 🍺🥌

2 hours ago, 2012_Alaska_bound said:

Took this photo from Regent Explorer of Viking Orion waiting to enter Deception Bay to see Hubbard Glacier May 21, 2024.

 

Great day! It wasn't quite so pretty on May 9th - the reverse view ... 🍺🥌

1 hour ago, wolfie11 said:

The high mountains and northern location (satellites are orbiting well to the south) block the signal.

While that can certainly be a factor, there were lots of interruptions that had nothing to do with topography or latitude (as in the middle of the Bering Sea). Lots of Starlink birds overhead where we were transiting.

Overall, it was still better internet than I've run into many times in the past. Agree that the TV was heavily impacted. 🍺🥌

22 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

@CurlerRob

Thanks because I could not find anything within Investor Relations or elsewhere. I think you are right as they will have to see what life is like as a publicly traded company and what it may take to entice people to become cruisers as well as stockholders. They have entered a new ballgame and will go through the growing pains. 
Mauibabes

You're quite welcome.

There's been a fair bit of speculation on this thread about the "new ballgame" and it's potential impact on the firm - many expressing trepidation. Personally, I'm far from persuaded that the IPO will necessarily cause noticeable change. 

Viking had two major shareholders (23% ownership) prior to the IPO - neither of them were shrinking violets about expressing their opinions, but there was no indication that they influenced the corp. direction to any strong degree. As well, I have yet to determine the level of ownership that the Hagen family retains. It's one thing to be publicly traded, it's wholly different if you are still the controlling shareholder. Cheers! 🍺🥌

5 hours ago, SantaFe1 said:

One thing we have noted about this cruise is that there are a lot of excursions where the bus time is more than the excursion time.  That is not altogether bad, as there are some lovely drives.  Today was another long drive, but lovely scenery, and different routes to Loch Ness and back to Invergordon.  I have been to Urquhart castle before, and perhaps you can’t go home again.  But it seemed so busy, even on a Monday morning.  But still an aura of Scottish Mystery. 

Looks positively empty compared to our visit a number of years ago! Excellent weather to boot. Congrats.  🍺🥌

2 hours ago, B0ba said:

I only drink gin and squirt...I am sure viking will not have Squirt on board, but I can live with Schweppes or Canada Dry ...does anyone know if they have those brands on the ship?  My husband says I should get used to drinking it with tonic...ugh. 

Canada Dry was on Orion in April/May. As mentioned, brands are always subject to change. You might try asking if they would stock Squirt prior to your cruise, or consider bringing your own on board. 🍺🥌

46 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

So the real question two weeks into the IPO date, what is the value of being a Shareholder and how many shares does it take?  SBC based on length of cruise or what?

Thanks for the info in advance.

Mauibabes

Nothing but speculation at present. In the past, Viking has chosen to avoid the loyalty program kool-aid, so it would not surprise me if they passed on this as well.

One hopes the "value of being a shareholder" would be provided by the stock itself. Time will tell on that. 🍺🥌

11 hours ago, bookbabe said:

I guess I wasn’t clear.

You've been quite clear. On all 3 trips, you identified your allergy issues in MVJ and via your agent. As you noted, SOP for pax with allergies is the provision of menus the prior day and usually a brief meeting with the Restaurant/Food Manager on embarkation, to ensure mutual understanding of the process.

It appears the process worked as expected on two ships, but failed on Saturn - that is unfortunate. Your tolerance for that and for the "ping-pong" from GS and the hostess is laudable.

My only thought for a subsequent cruise would be to request (insist if required) a meeting with the Restaurant Manager on embarkation or the next day, to ensure mutual clarity. I hope your next cruise is smoother. 🍺🥌

42 minutes ago, huntwc said:

Is there a site that reviews the Viking Ocean excursions?  We are on the Saturn in September.  It is hard to choose without any ratings and limited descriptions!  
 

Ports are

 

Koper Slovenia

Zadra Croatia

Dubrovnik

Kotor Montenegro

Corfu Greece

Olympia (Katakolon) Croatia

Santorini

Athens

 

Many thanks!

No dedicated thread / site, but if you check one of the prior Roll Calls for your cruise, you'll find lots of comments regarding ports and excursions. 🍺🥌

11 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Connectivity may depend on whether the ship is still using the geostationary satellites, or if they have a Starlink system.

 

As you proceed further north in Alaska, the altitude of the geostationary satellites reduces, and with mountainous terrain, you have increased potential for the signals being blocked. Over the years we have received a signal almost everywhere except alongside the Railway Dock in Skagway. Even on the large Princess Grand Class ships, we didn't get a signal when alongside that berth.

 

Haven't experienced Starlink, but with the ever increasing number of satellites being launched, I anticipate they should have a reasonable chance of continuous connectivity.

 

With respect to sailing between Kodiak and Dutch Harbour, you have open waters to the south, so if using geostationary satellites, while they will have low altitude, you should not have any obstructions to block the satellite signals. If Starlink, with the route being mostly open waters, you should get some visible satellites, so I expect you would receive connectivity.

@Islandbc, further to Heidi13's accurate information, Orion has Starlink capability. On our recently completed Hong Kong - Vancouver cruise, I assessed the internet performance as quite reasonable for shipboard.

Generally about 3.5Mbps download, with roughly 3Mbps upload on Starlink. That provides for a quite tolerable browsing experience, albeit noticeably slower than what you'd find on land. There were times when the Starlink service degraded - I was never able to pin down causes. It didn't correspond to pax peak usage times or nearby geography. We experienced a number of "stalls", but the longest one was a couple of hours.

Unless you have bad luck with one of the dead times, you should be able to reach MVJ and book your excursions, but be sure to use the prioritization method described many times on these boards, as the slower speed may see you miss out on some shorex if you do too many at a time.

I saw no difference in speed between the common area desktops and my iPad.

Lastly, the ship did not use Starlink exclusively - there were a few times, usually in ports, that it was using what looked like the prior geostationary systems. Why, I have no idea. Good luck! 🍺🥌

4 hours ago, millybess said:

Yes, a female guitarist.

@Hockeyump , her name was Chanel. 🍺🥌

14 hours ago, pinotlover said:

Oceania, especially the CD, would rather not listen to 1-3 days of complaining . 

I agree.

In addition, the cruise lines appear to believe pax are technologically illiterate - unable to see weather patterns on Windy.com; unable to see the ship's position and track on MarineTraffic.com and unable to read newspapers from destination ports - any of which can make it clear that an itinerary change is imminent.

On a Sept/23 TA on Regent, we ran afoul of Hurricane Lee and a co-incident major depression. Our skipper did a magical job keeping us out of harm's way, but the above made it very clear that we weren't going to make Bermuda. The Bermuda Times published our port cancellation 3 days before we were informed.

Most cruise lines are poor at communicating bad news. Perhaps NCL has raised it to an art form? 🍺🥌