Liz Masterson

Yes. We have two cars today going from Oslo to Bergen. They gave us a bag lunch with a sandwich, chips, apple, water. And a bar of chocolate. We also have a coupon for a free hot drink from the canteen. (Will probably get a coffee and a cinnamon roll later.) We are “not allowed” to get off the train at stops. So that would be a plus to booking this on your own. It would be nice to get out and walk the length of the train to get some fresh

Yes. We have two cars today going from Oslo to Bergen. They gave us a bag lunch with a sandwich, chips, apple, water. And a bar of chocolate. We also have a coupon for a free hot drink from the canteen. (Will probably get a coffee and a cinnamon roll later.) We are “not allowed” to get off the train at stops. So that would be a plus to booking this on your own. It would be nice to get out and walk the length of the train to get some fresh

From what I gather… what is on your tour depends on if you have just one guided tour or two? Our email said one thing and the Viking desk today told us something different. We are going to be going to Vigeland and the Mariner’s Museum. (We popped over to the new Munch Museum today and really enjoyed it!)

However… if you deviate… come in a day early for instance… the transfer is NOT included. It is however super easy to use the Flytoget Train to Oslo S which is the center city and right next door to the Thon Hotel Opera. And there are some lovely views along the way!

It’s here. The crew is here. I’ve slotted extra travel time. But yes. I have some plans. I wish Viking would not be so stubborn about being flexible about people arriving to their embarkation point a few days early! Just makes sense these days!

Following. Thanks Clay this is a super idea! Currently waiting at the Airport for my flight out to FINALLY take my FIRST Viking Cruise. It was a 4:40 flight. Now 7:12. Hoping 1 hour 20 min. Will let me make that connection in AMS. Maybe they will make up some time in the air. It’s all part of the journey. All shall be well. I hope!

I am wondering this myself! I arrive in Oslo July 1 and join Viking July 2. I’ll try to come back and let you know!

I wonder if they might be looking into doing land travel experiences too… eventually.

Well apparently, yes you are! 🦞

And she would so it all again in a heartbeat! LOVED HER VIKING JOURNEY,

Update: The luggage caught up to my friend 6 days into their journey. They disembarked the Jupiter and caught their flight to Montreal… and then… Their Wednesday flight home to Philadelphia was cancelled. Their flight today, Thursday, was cancelled. There were no flights available for Friday. (And yes they checked all kinds of other flights that would at least get them closer.) There were no “one way” rental cars available for days. They tried to get an uber to Burlington, VT airport but the driver did not have a passport. They met up with another couple who were getting a cab to take them… FROM MONTREAL TO PHILADELPHIA! Apparently their business is going to pick up the tab because it is critical that they be at work tomorrow. ( I don’t know what they do.) So, here is the last text I got from her, I have redacted the names to protect the identities of the sweet darling samaritans who are getting her and her travel companion almost home… We are on the road in a Toyota Sienna . We are paying Mahood , a taxi driver to drive us four to Philly We are paying him $2200 to drive us . The two other passengers : R.A. J.B. Their companies are gonna pay as their expenses. I will tip in cash So please say a little prayer for Mahood so he drives safely and stays alert and everyone ends up eventually home safe and sound! Including Mahood!

Well I'm just excited it's low in calories! (When compared to ice cream.)

We are booked into Thon Opera on June 30 and July 1 before we join our pre-extension at Hotel Bristol on July 2. I had asked the desk to book us in the same kind of room that Viking uses... hoping that we could just stay in our original room... but it looks like Viking is switching things up and we will be moving over to Hotel Bristol. I can report back next week.

I highly recommend checking out the Sky Lagoon! We went 2x when we were in Reykjavik in November! https://www.skylagoon.com/

I think it won’t let you set it up until you’re closer to your cruise date… that said maybe they are going to shut it down!

Hmmm….maybe you can book one way? Originally both my husband and I were booked round trip with Viking Air Plus. Then he got notice he was going to need to be in Poland the week before our cruise. So work is paying for him to get to Poland and then to meet me to Oslo. And he kept the flights home after the cruise with me. As I recall there was a far bit of reorganization done by Viking Air. But we did get credit back for the flights to the cruise that he was going to be taking. (Which paid for his excursions!) We will both be in Oslo one night on our own before joining Viking for our pre-extension.

MAKE THAT FLIGHT! 🙂 And it's a warning to pack essentials in your carry on! I'm making sure I have: Meds, bathing suit, LBD that I can wear as a cover up and to dinner, fresh undies including socks, an extra shirt & PJs. (I actually have PJs that could pass for dinner... so those.) And I'm going to wear my black dress walking shoes onto the plane. They slip on and off easily and will do if they are all I have for a day or two. I'll have a few things in my husband's checked bag and visa versa... so if only one bag is lost it won't be too bad. And it's actually now an advantage that we are not traveling to the start of our adventure together. He has to be in Europe for work the week before... so we will meet up in Oslo. Me via BOS and AMS. Him via BER and FRA. I think that's a pretty good plan.

Wow... Apparently my fiend is not the only one traveling in Europe without her baggage! Yikes... Hoping there's a lot of lemonade being squeezed and memories being made beyond those quick shopping trips! https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10929565/Heathrows-great-mountain-uncollected-luggage-gets-BIGGER.html

My husband will be at work meeting in Europe the week before we sail. So I’m sending a set of PJs and undies and my bathing suit ahead with him… just in case.

Exactly that! It could be you next time if the luggage transfer Gods decide to make it so!

I have a friend cruising with Viking now. Their luggage never made the trip! They are hoping to pick up a few things when they get to the next city. But I have to say she has a great attitude. She’s been texting me things like: :::::::: It’s such a lovely 🛳 ship . We made a reservation in the Italian restaurant tonight … Waiting for our one set of clothes to dry here in the launderette so we can go to dinner . I had a simply delightful day …. Flash rained twice and cleared right up ❤️💦 ::::: And: :::::: I am on my veranda ... watching the sunrise 🌄 with my cup of coffee and the soft, sweet swish of our ship gently sailing north ..., heaven !!! One outstanding taste / experience after the other!❤️🛳 ::::::: And: :::::::: This is an EXTRAORDINARY cruise experience... FABULOUS food and the staff treats us like royalty . Sadly our 🧳luggage is lost and we only have the clothes on our back ! We were excited to dock n go ashore today to shop for a few items , but alas we could not dock due to high winds …. We will be at sea ALL day cruising around until the ship can dock in The next city ❤️🚢💜💦 ::::::::: She really does have a wonderful attitude. She’s one of many mentors I have in my life and who I hold dear. So… if something goes wrong as we travel during this chaotic summer of 2022… perhaps we can try not to let even difficult challenges interrupt our joy more than a moment or two. Let’s do our best to enjoy our adventures together. Let’s try to enjoy the people, places, and things around us no matter where we are. I think we will have a more enjoyable trip if we try this, but it is up to you of course.

PRO TIP: The Viking felt bags sometimes show up on EBay and/or Etsy second hand. I’ve bought several and used them to “wrap” Christmas gifts related to our cruise. (Books, magnets, travel toothpaste…)

Easy there Jim! Let’s not get too cocky. We’re all hoping there’s no need to back track on the new no testing policy… 🤞🏼

Hmmm. I’m clearly going to have to find that cold pea soup… Thanks for the tips @Clay Clayton … I’d never have tried the sugar free gelato!

That’s why I suggested taking it with a grain of salt. 🙂