softcastle

I was just there May 28-31 on the Viking extension after our Homelands cruise. It was in the mid-40s and very windy/rainy, so definitely bring some sort of water resistant outer garment.

As for the Blue Lagoon, yes, you can bring flip flops or water shoes in. The floor is flat though so don't worry too much about your feet getting cut up-it's certainly not like the Blue Lagoon in Malta! In regards to privacy, no, there isn't a great deal of it. You will be sent to a locker room of your gender, where you will get a wristband and a locker. It is one big room, and that's where everyone is expected to change. There are only a couple of restrooms, and they're mostly taken by people actually using the toilet. You will also have to shower: there are several communal showers where you must take your suit off (still in your gender's locker room), and about 6-8 private stalls. This is what I opted for, because I'm a shy American Then you can walk downstairs and swim in the Lagoon. I recommend using the mud they provide in the Lagoon for a face mask, it was a really fun experience! Also, folks with longer hair, do not get it wet in the water, the silica will dry it like CRAZY!

I would definitely advise it for Iceland--it was so windy and rainy that I could barely get a photo before my lens got splashed! Also, if you go to the Blue Lagoon, you can get a waterproof cell phone cover to bring it in with you while you swim.

We just were on the Homelands cruise, and while I am very sensitive to motion sickness, I never had any issues. Only once did I feel the ship moving, and it was from Stockholm to Helsinki and more of a rumbling feeling than anything swaying. A welcome reprieve from the turbulence on the big Royal Princess ship in the British Isles!

The only thing I'd warn prospective diners against is scheduling reservations past 8:00 pm. Even thought 8:30 is technically an option, the restaurants close at 9, and there was occasional but visible frustration from the staff when people stayed well past close. They remained very kind paragons of professionalism, but you can tell when the veneer begins to wear thin! We had several 8:30 reservations and would arrive early, and they had no problem accommodating us when we got there.

As jiminyC mentioned, there are several cars just for Viking tours, and no, there is no air conditioning, but the breeze will come through. There is a WC located every couple of cars, and about 1:45 hrs in, quite a large line queues up, so it's a good idea to go the second you know you'll need to. There is also a food/beverage offering on the train--instant coffee and a cookie on the way there, and a pretzel roll and wine/beer on the way back. Water bottles available both ways. Also, if you are doing Berlin Your Way, be aware that there is a 1:30 hr bus tour of the city, leaving you about 4 hrs time to explore on your own. I thought you'd have time to yourself from the get-go, but that doesn't seem to be the case. The trains and buses ran on time on our day, and the drop-off point in Berlin was the Hilton.

I'm on the Viking Sea for the Homelands cruise, and this morning the cruise director said there would be a small afternoon celebration with champagne. Those were all the details we caught before disembarking.

Keep up hope--a tour we really wanted for our May 14 voyage sold out, but after checking every day for a couple of months, it finally reappeared and we were able to book it. Just be vigilant about checking up on My Viking Journey!

My fiancé and I are both 25, and my parents are going with us on the Viking Homelands cruise on the Viking Sea this May, and we couldn't be more excited! They warned us that we would be the youngest folks there, but after Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises filled with rowdy kids and drunken casino guests, we're down for anything with peace and quiet. Plus, I'm sure everyone has interesting stories and trips for future travels!