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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!!

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.