Floater67

I am a huge fan of the Peak Design travel tripod. It comes in both aluminum and carbon fiber. While not the cheapest, it has a built-in ball head, is very light and the most compact I’ve seen. Mine has traveled to 3 continents, and has really proven itself. https://www.peakdesign.com/pages/travel-tripod?g_acctid=994-161-7175&g_campaign=3-QRY-Conversion-Brand-Core-USA&g_adtype=search&g_adid=598413975255&g_network=g&g_campaignid=803816589&g_adgroupid=44309610671&g_keywordid=kwd-488237606832&g_keyword=peak design&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ag%3A803816589%3A44309610671%3A598413975255&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=peak design&nb_ti=kwd-488237606832&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=e&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy5Onrt-qgwMVvS3UAR0HvwSmEAAYASAFEgIqGvD_BwE

4 minutes ago, Hezu said:

Peak Design Travel Tripod is ok, but the legs are tad flimsy. My current favourite is Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod, which is bit more sturdy and the construction with a mini tripod as the central column is quite innovative. It is available at https://heipivision.com/products/heipi-3-in-1-travel-tripod 

With serious respect, I’d love to know what you base that on. Looking at the Heipi, I’ll agree the ‘center column’ is different. I personally avoid using a center column if possible. IMO, they are prone to vibrations from wind. However, I really disagree about the legs. I don’t know if you’ve used a PD tripod, but I find the carbon version very stiff and dependable. The PD website includes a report from an engineer comparing many different tripods for a variety of characteristics. Worth a read at a minimum. I’ve used mine in 40+ mph winds in Iceland with no complaints. Plus, the product and customer support are US made. You certainly may have different experiences, but I’m very happy with the results using substantial equipment. All the best.

ron

I’m a huge fane of the Peak Design travel tripod. I have the carbon fiber, but they also have an aluminum version. https://www.peakdesign.com/pages/travel-tripod
 

They have a number of really helpful videos on YouTube that illustrate use, maintenance, and the various features of the tripod. Its light weight makes traveling or hiking easy. 
 

Let me know if you have any questions. 
 

ron

1 hour ago, Krisval said:

We’re in an ES at the back of the ship in September. We’re not anticipating any issues. 

I failed to follow up. We had a wonderful time in our ES in the rear, so much so that we are doing again Barcelona to Reykjavík in May-June. 

I have several in differing sizes. Most recently, I got the Emergency Rain Cover, Medium, from Think Tank. I particularly like it because it offers not only excellent protection from rain/wet, but there is a great clear "window" on the rear so I can see the back of the camera. Because more cameras are controlled from the rear screen, and also show the image immediately after exposure, this is very helpful. I am a HUGE believer in the quality of Think Tank products, and recommend this cover without limitation. Good luck.

On 8/8/2022 at 11:28 PM, OneSixtyToOne said:

We’re considering trying an aft cabin on our next trip (4123 Viking Sky). Anyone have any experience with the x100 series DV1s above the fantail?  Noise? View?

We had the starboard stern Explorer suite on Venus for the Homelands cruise this past May mist was an extraordinary experience, and we have chosen the same location for the Spain-Iceland trip next spring. Absolutely no unpleasant noise, an incredible view and peaceful experience under way. If I had the choice I would never again choose a ‘side’ cabin. The stern is where one wants to be. 

I have used LenRentals.com about 15 times over 12 years. They have always been great to deal with, their equipment is in great condition, and they are quick to respond to any issues that arise. I could not recommend them more strongly.

18 hours ago, TeamBAlways said:

Woo Hoo I am so excited for you.  We leave in 14 days so cannot wait to hear your reports!

 We're there with you. Weather has been largely good lately. Really looking forward to being at sea.

For those who might be interested, I was able to find this link for the Port of Stockholm, which allows one to search by ship name and expected date, and it will provide the specific berth the ship will use. https://www.portsofstockholm.com/vessel-calls/

Can someone who knows tell me at which of the potential berthing sites Viking ships usually dock? Many thanks. 

NEWS!

Unfortunately, no notice from Viking, but I just happened on these:

New Excursions are now live on the Homelands May 20 departure. I have to assume they may be available for other departures as well. Options now listed for Oslo, Ronne, and new additions for Gdańsk and some other ports. Get them while their hot!

23 minutes ago, HollyJ614 said:

Anyone have thoughts on FWD or AFT Explorer Suite on Venus??  Is there any vibration or loud noises heard in an Aft Explorer???  Trying to pick one!

Thank you

I can tell you in a couple weeks. We have an aft suite in May…My research from others disclosed no negatives, and the view from the balcony has got to be incredible. 

On 1/28/2022 at 3:29 PM, AstroExeter said:

Apologies! Misread your post but for info, older iPhones can successfully use Night Cap Pro and newer models have the ability to take long exposures and shoot in RAW, which is what you want and the iPhone 12 has "Stars mode". A small tripod is recommended as shooting long exposures (5 secs and more) can result in blurry images when taken handheld. There is no substitute for using a proper camera when it comes to shooting the Northern Lights though but you will be able to get reasonable pictures with a smart phone.

When you refer to the “Stars” mode, do you mean Night? There is no such mode on my iP12 Pro Max, nor does Apple support reference one. Maybe I’m just missing it, but would appreciate any guidance. Thanks. 

1 minute ago, dd57 said:

We used Alla in St Petersburg for a private tour.  They were quite willing to change the tour to what we wanted.  According to the current FAQ on their website, they are still willing to do that.  If you haven't reached out to them yet, it might be good to in order to compare with SPB.

Thanks; I will.  All the best. 

10 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Read the responses here and elsewhere and you'll have your answer. Bottom line is that private tours are usually much more efficient by using smaller groups/vehicles and tend to have excellent and well educated guides as opposed to whatever Viking can scrape up. My research led me to choose Alla if our cruise ever happens - TJ was a very close second and is the choice for many others. You would do well to always compare local tours to what Viking offers. Viking middles the deals and mark-ups apply. A great example is the Pulpit Rock tour out of Stavanger ----- the Rodne tour is basically the same as what Viking offers for 2x (and a waffle). Viking uses the "We won't wait for you if your tour is late back to the ship" scare tactic as an incentive to choose their offering. Lots of info here for you to research in this overall regard.

I agree with most of what you said. I was interested in the thoughts behind your original comments, and appreciate your response. I’ve been looking at SPB Tours. They are the only company willing to customize a tour. I’m more interested in seeing placed in the central area, rather than using time on busses going to the big palaces outside of the city. 
 

Best. 

On 2/9/2022 at 9:29 AM, duquephart said:

Rule #1 in regard to St. Petersburg is: Take a private tour.

Can you be a bit more explicit?

Is anyone able to identify where Viking ships usually dock in St. Petersburg, Russia? Just trying to anticipate options for Homelands cruise in May 2022. Thanks.

14 hours ago, dwlmg said:

Viking TV (Viking.tv) this week is featuring the Viking Homelands Itinerary. The presentation is about an hour and a half long. About half of it is a direct discussion of the itinerary and discussion of the available excursions. The second half is Q and A. There is a lot of good info here. You can stream it from Viking TV or find it on you tube.

I saw that program. They specifically (and repeatedly) say the only options are Viking tours or getting a visa oneself. I really appreciate the clarification regarding Alla several have offered here. 

We are on the May 20, 2022 Homelands cruise. As many know, pax either use the “ship’s visa,” and take Viking Excursions, or must obtain the costly and complicated Russian visa to take independent tours or self-explore…Does anyone have a list of Viking excursions on previous cruises to help evaluate which is the better choice?

I’ll appreciate any info.