johneb2

OTJ   Hard to believe it has been 5 years    Hope all is well.   We are currently on a cruise in the Mediterranean.   Take care.  Best wishes to all our fellow "survivors"!!   JohnEB

We went on this trip last February and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Hopefully the weather will hold up and allow you to stop at the Falkland Islands.  We were lucky and found the stop to be most enjoyable.  Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories!  JohnEB

Like dd57, I also did the through the lens excursion on the July cruise, and it was well worth it.  The guide was very knowledgeable, and took us to a number of spots.  I got a number of great pictures.  Everything that dd57 mentioned was the same for my excursion.  JohnEB

On 8/16/2023 at 10:22 AM, SoDakPirate said:

We did this tour in April 2019 and loved it! For visas we used Genvisa which was recommended by Viking.  Their service was excellent as was their constant communication. They may be more expensive but for us it was worth it.

If you can, I would strongly recommend the pre extension in Bangkok.  Our flights did not arrive until just before midnight and it was nice just to see a friendly face and a bus.  The Shangri-La Hotel is fantastic. Located right on the river with great views. The breakfast buffet was extensive with Asian and Western choices with dining on a terrace on the river.  The included tour was also very good.

 

We did mostly the included tours on this trip and they were quite good. Sihanoukville is a reality check. Leaving the luxury of your ship you are immediately shocked by congestion and squalor. However the included tour showed some different sides of this city and it's residents.

In Ho Chi Minh City we did the included and the optional HCM by night and puppet show. A great experience of this congested city which included a vist to a Pho sidewalk restaurant. Whether you take tis or not, try and see the city at night. We did a private group tour of the Mekong Delta. More about this at the end.

In Hue we only did the included city tour which went out to the beach also. Enjoyed it.

Ha Long Bay is striking and the included Junk cruise was also quite good.

In Hong Kong we did the included and the Lantau option.  Both excellent. We had the great fortune to be staying in Hong Kong a few extra days and we were staying on the ship and spending the next two weeks in Busan, Taiwan and Japan so we did some city exploring, etc.

I would urge you to join a roll call for this cruise.  We were able to add ourselves to their Mekong Delta trip for a ridiculous cost of $92 each! This group also did a tour of rural sihanoukville, the HCM puppet show & Dinner cruise and Ha Long Bay cruise and seaplane. I don't know the cost of these. The tour company used was Shore Excursions by Asia. Once you join or start a group tour, Shore  Excursions deals independently with each guest so their is no worrying about collecting/paying a fellow guest for their portion of the trip.

We have been on 5 Viking cruises and this was my favorite!

 

Thank you for the info.  This is the type of info I was looking for.   JohnEB

Thank you for the comments  I always check with the local countries as far as needed requirements but was just trying to get a heads up..   JohnEB

My wife and I are booked for this cruise in 2024.  My question is what visas or documentation other than passports are needed?  For anyone who has taken this cruise we would appreciate info on this as well as any excursions recommended.  Thanks, JohnEB

12 hours ago, notjaded said:

OP here. Thanks for the information. Just booked our NL cruise!

Hopefully you will get to see the lights.  Even if you don't you will find it is a great cruise with spectacular scenery, and complimented with the hospitality of the Norwegian people.  Enjoy it, JohnEB

Thank you everyone for the compliments on my picture.  I am advanced photographer and feel blessed to have captured it.  I found photographing the lights to be very challenging with a success rate of about 40%.  In summary, I had many failures.  If you plan on taking pictures a tripod is a must, even if you are using a camera phone.  As JDincalif mentioned, they are not stationary but moving, and varying in intensity, and duration.  So you need to have patience.   JohnB

5 hours ago, madmedic said:

What a wonderful shot! How was it to the naked eye? 

We actually did see some green in it with the naked eye, but the camera does bring out more color.  As the aurora gets stronger you will see color with the naked eye.  Of course there is no guarantee you will see a strong aurora.   JohnB 

As the Other Tom points out, location makes a big difference. On the March 2019 cruise, Viking offered several excursions on the same night.  We had great viewing and saw the lights, while the other group had clouds with a little bit of rain.  Attached is the picture I was able to get.   JohnB

My wife & I were in our 70's when we went on this cruise in March of 2019.  There are a number of excursions that she could easily do.  The important thing is to dress in layers as it will be cold.  If she is unsure of her footing, you may want to consider "ice shoes".  I think that is what they are called.  They attach to your shoes and give you traction on ice, etc.  You will be treated to beautiful scenery, and will appreciate the warmth of the people of Norway.  If you get to see the "lights", you will appreciate it even more.   

It does bring back memories both bad & mostly good.  Our harrowing experience was overshadowed by the professionalism of the crew, the rescue workers, the generosity & kindness of the people of Norway, and how Viking treated us after this event.  Most of all our safe return.  With that said it is still something we will not forget...an experience to remember.   JohnEB

I can tell you what we did on our recent Viking Jupiter trip.  We used the brown booklet folder from the table with all the brochures and leaned it against the nightlight on the floor, and it reduced the light to an acceptable level.  You may want to try it, as we have also done that on previous cruises.   JohnEB

This topic has come up previously a few times, so you may want to do a search on it.  We were on the March 2019 cruise, so I would suggest, layers, waterproof clothing, and waterproof footwear.  Due to wind, and extended periods outside, even If you are not going on any excursions for the NL, thermals, gloves, and winter hats are suggested also.  Be careful if you are using wool socks, as they can cause sweat after a while and actually make your feet cold. You will find the weather very changeable over short distances with it getting quite cold (0-10 degrees F).  On our cruise, I honestly didn't see anyone in joggers & tee shirts, probably due to the cold and weather.  On the positive side you will see beautiful scenery, and hopefully you will get to see the NL.  JohnEB

Haqdeluxe is correct.  Sorry, no bluetooth.   JohnEB

On 1/15/2023 at 2:39 AM, SoBaycruiser said:

May I ask a delicate question?  I understand the private chasing tours usually have no toilet facilities.  Do people just find a tree to step behind.. and what do women do?    Finally, do the people have to stand around when not traveling around in a vehicle?  Is there any place to sit?  We have very small foldable camp seats that fit in a backpack.  We’d rather not bring them, but our back starts talking to us after we’ve been standing for a while.

As I mentioned we took the Viking excursions, and they all had facilities available, or made stops for them.  The pax I spoke with for the private excursions indicated they also had facilities made available to them.  I would suggest asking when you are making reservations.   JohnEB

We did get to see the Northern Lights on the March 2019 cruise but you need to be aware geographic location can make a significant difference as the weather changes within a few miles of each other at times.  We utilized the Viking provided excursions on the cruise and were generally satisfied, but we know some pax opted for a private "husky" adventure and raved about it.  Sorry, I don't have all the details on it.  Remember to be dressed appropriately as it will be cold, and you will be outside for a substantial amount of time.  Despite our unfortunate incident, we enjoyed the cruise and would still recommend it!   JohnEB

Maybe, they are not doing it on this date as it was a memorable date on that day in 2019, as those of us who were on the Viking Sky can attest to.  JohnEB

Thank you everyone for the kind words about my picture and making it a Christmas Card.  I am contemplating using it next year for our Christmas card.  We already had this year's (religious) card picked out.  Best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a Happy Holiday Season.   JohnEB

On 12/16/2022 at 10:08 AM, OnTheJourney said:

JD....well said!  

 

BTW...Just noticed some really nice pics posted by "Radiationman" during a Northern Lights cruise. You probably saw them too - they come up on the sidebar of "new photos". Better pics than I got but then all I had (that worked to get much of anything) was my iPhone. 

 

Have a good one...Merry Christmas! 

Here is my favorite photo from the March 2019 NL cruise.  I had many failures in trying to capture the Lights, along with some successful ones also.  Enjoy!

On 12/10/2022 at 10:09 AM, Haworth said:

With you 100%, when we were together in May it was a positive experience and great to catch up with people again who had the shared experiencee

I agree also.  We survived the Sky incident because of the efforts of all involved, and as noted many times the outstanding efforts by the crew, rescue teams, the generosity of the Norwegian people, and by Viking.  Our hearts go out to those impacted by this unfortunately tragedy.  I am sure Viking will look after them, just as they looked after us.  JohnEB

I can tell you that those of us who were on the March 2109 cruise for the NL will have nothing but positive and nice things to say about the people of Norway!  They opened their hearts,, concerns, and generosity in our time of need!!

On 10/11/2022 at 12:12 AM, Beejay4016 said:

I totally agree with aungrl - that photograph is just stunning, and you should display it with pride.

Thank you.  I am advanced photographer (not professional), and spent quite a bit of time before the cruise, researching the settings etc.  I was rewarded with some very good pics on it.  Unfortunately, the NL is not the easiest thing to photograph!  Patience is needed,   Thanks again.

As Moonlion has pointed out, you will have many opportunities to view the NL, if they are out and the weather permits.  In March 2019, we found the main areas for viewing were Alta, Tromso, and Narvik.  There are several other discussions going on about this cruise.  Please search and view them, as they answer questions on clothing recommended, excursions, and overall general information.  While nobody can guarantee you will see the NL, you will see great scenery.  On average, when on our cruise, we were told about 80% to 90% do see the NL.   

Thank you everyone with their suggestions and input.  We are looking forward to the Feb 7th cruise and now have ideas on what to expect and what excursions we should look at.   Thanks again.