Cleopatra99

That is good news. We board in Amsterdam (.. to Basel) with Scenic in June and will be following your updates over coming weeks and months with great interest. Thank you for all the information you provide. Cheers C99

Ah, yes of course. Thanks for clarifying. We've been to Europe several times so we do have some experience with castles - although not Marksburg. We will probably stay with our original plan and go to Limburg and then to the fortress after we return. This is the description of the excursion; Medieval Limburg: From Koblenz, travel by coach to the charming medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. Here you will have the chance to walk the historic cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses. Make your way up to the Cathedral that overlooks the city as well as the Alte Lahnbrucke, the Old Bridge that straddles the Lahn river. It's not actually clear if you are accompanied by a guide - but we are fine with self-guided if that's what it is. I'm not sure which route they will take, but hopefully less than an hour each way - which we can cope with. We actually fly into Frankfurt - but are being met at the airport and being taken to Mainz which looks much nicer than central Frankfurt (no offence intended). We stay overnight in Mainz then go by train to Amsterdam (for reasons I can't explain Emirates flights to Frankfurt were much less than anything we could find for Amsterdam - and we get to spend the afternoon and evening in the lovely town of Mainz, so it's a good option for us). Kind regards

hello notamermaid and thank you for your invaluable contributions to this forum. We will be in Koblenz in June with Scenic (Amsterdam - Zurich) and the options for the day are Walking Tour of Koblenz, a visit to Marksburg Castle, or a Walking Tour of Limburg. The ship stays overnight in Koblenz so we are thinking of going to Limburg, then coming back to visit Ehrenbreitstein, then a self guided walk around Koblenz in the evening after dinner. I'm interested in your comment about Ehrenbreitstein 'after 5pm'. We would be mainly going for the cable car ride and the views. Are you able to elaborate about 'after 5pm' ? (and what do you think of Limburg ??). Thank you

Update from Australian Government this morning ... (quote) - All COVID-19 travel restrictions into Spain have been removed. Some safety measure remain in place (eg wearing of masks on public transport). Assume this applies to all non-EU citizens (eg Aussies as well as Canadians).

FYI .. 18_July_Eastern_Seaboard_Cruise_Protocols.pdf (nsw.gov.au) This would suggest ships are being monitored by the NSW Government https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules

Actually I misread your post - so let me try again. Politicians will always take credit for a good idea, even if it's not their idea. In this case the cruise industry in Australia was shut down completely for a long time due to COVID, zero cruise ships coming and going. When international flights began arriving again the cruise ships were still banned. So the cruise industry pleaded and begged to be allowed to start again. In response the Government replied .. show us your plan for re-starting safely. This document was obviously part of the plan (even though I did not know it existed until recently). So when the 'protocols' were finalised everyone involved (ie Federal Government, State Governments, Cruise Industry etc) wanted some of the credit. I've got no doubt the cruise industry started the conversation which lead to the development of these protocols. There is no indication the protocols have an expiry date so they will remain in place until someone initiates a change, or a complete cessation. The Government won't start that process as there is no benefit for them, so it will be up to the cruise industry to do so. But back to your original point, yes it was certainly claimed to be a joint-Government initiative even though the credit probably should have been more evenly shared with the cruise industry.

Yep .. good point. I read a newspaper article that it was an industry initiative - but I'm not sure if the cruise industry said 'here is our plan what do you think' or if Government said 'show us your plan and we'll give it some consideration' (chicken or egg). In any case, hopefully the document might give some background as to the recent on-board testing issues.

18_July_Eastern_Seaboard_Cruise_Protocols.pdf (nsw.gov.au) It's very likely some of the issues raised recently (re on-board testing etc) is linked back to these protocols. These are not Government issued rules and / or regulations, they are guidelines developed by the cruise industry. When the Australian border began to open to international flights cruise ships were still banned by Government. In response to the ban, the cruise industry went to Government to say they were prepared to go over-and-above what airlines and others were prepared to do to keep COVID under control. Hence these protocols. I'm not sure how they are monitored or what penalties apply if they are breached. Again, these are protocols established by the cruise industry and I imagine it is up to the cruise industry to go back to Government if they wish to vary them. The letter which is included in post #1910 suggests changes are linked back to 'local authorities'. This is somewhat misleading if the changes are actually linked to the protocols - rather than Government requirements. I guess in the end Viking ship, Viking rules. I'll leave it at that. Over and out.

Just to close the discussion .. I made contact with the local Viking office and told them it is my view the information being provided to US based passengers about COVID tests being required to enter Australia (or NSW) is incorrect. Their reply ... it's not up to them to tell US based Viking colleagues what information to provide to US based passengers. I give up. Good luck sorting through all these issues, but I'll step away now.

Possibly due to Bali guidelines ? Who knows. PCR Test BEFORE Arrival in Bali / Indonesia is not needed anymore. HOWEVER.... If travellers are showing symptoms or show an increased temperature at the temperature check-point upon arrival... Test is taken at the airport before you get to the immigration checkpoint (or harbour). These travellers must go directly to their accommodation after leaving the airport and wait for the test result inside the room. They can not leave the room before the PCR test received (and negative). or, travellers might have to wait for the test result at the airport If you are tested positive with no or mild symptoms you will have to isolate in a "quarantine accommodation" (Akomodasi Karantina) appointed by the government. Until the PCR tests returns negative! Or self-isolation at your own accommodation. If you have "medium to severe symptoms" you will have to be isolated and be taken to a government hospital.

Typo - I'll jump in here ..

I'll just in here. Viking is providing incorrect information. I've seen comments about this in various posts in the forum. This link is to the Australian Federal Government Department of Health website; International travel and COVID-19 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care I can assure you 100% that you do not need to do any COVID test to enter Australia by air or by sea. As best as I understand the Viking document you refer to indicates some states (eg New South Wales) have different rules re COVID testing. This is incorrect. The Federal Government sets the rules for arrival and entry into Australia and the various state governments have no role in that process. Some weeks ago I provided this same information to someone who is on the upcoming world cruise and that person said they had sent the information to the World Cruise Help Desk. I'm sure it all but impossible for Viking to stay on top of every country and the many changes which occur - but rest assured you do not need to complete any COVID test to enter Australia.

Hello from Brisbane That is a complete surprise. Cruise ships are lining up to berth in Brisbane in 2023 and, as you indicate, the new cruise terminal has been the subject of great fan-fair. There are almost zero COVID restrictions in place now and the cruise ship you mention is a distant memory and rarely rates a mention in public or media discussion. We have family who live near Newcastle and we keep an eye on the local news from Newcastle and New South Wales more widely, and there has been zero discussion about cruise ship restrictions. I can't for the life of me think of any new local regulations which might impact in either location. Will the decision be reversed ? I hope so - but I did read the 2023 World Cruise is skipping Brisbane in February so there must be something behind these changes. I'm sorry I can't shed any light but if any news come to notice I'll come back and let you know.

Are any Aussies out there able to offer comment on the so-called 'early bird' offers which Scenic promote. The business class airfares are "from $3,995" - which I assume means they will be much more than $3,995. Has anyone had a recent experience and can advise what price was charged for business class airfares to Europe ? Did you have any say in choice of airlines, stopover locations and timing etc. Are these 'full service' business class fares with lounge access in all locations, seat allocation at the time of booking (as opposed to unbundled fares with no lounge access, seat allocation at time of check-in etc). Any advice or information would be most appreciated.

... dare I ask - what is x cm at Kaub today ? Have disruptions due to low water reduced ? Thank you for all of your contributions and advice.

Of course .. I should have realised. I've just finished watching Nick Kyrgios in New York. Go Aussie 🏆

I've just had a look at prices. 16 days Cairns - Bangkok is about 30% less than we are paying for 15 days Barcelona - Bergen next May. Although to be honest, the Barcelona - Bergen route is probably 30% more interesting (for us at least). And yes, I assume they are using the opportunity to attract some new 'local' clients. Unfortunately we already have plans for Oct / Nov.

Hello again CharTrav ... make sure you get some sleep before you look into this further. 😁 This is from the local Viking advertising; Last-minute voyages from Australia are now on sale! Rejuvenate at sea on a Viking sampler voyage. Three new 9, 13 and 16-day repositioning sampler voyages from Cairns to Bali, Singapore, or Bangkok, departing 26 October 2022, will provide an opportunity to indulge in the Viking onboard experience from just $2,395 per person in a Veranda stateroom. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience a sampler voyage close to home. Book now, as staterooms at that price won't last!

CharTrav ... have you seen this one ? Viking Orion - departs late Oct 2022. Cairns to Bangkok Cruises with Viking® | Cairns to Bangkok (vikingcruises.com.au)

Thank you for all of your excellent advice. We are thinking of booking Basel to Amsterdam with Scenic ("Romantic Rhine and Moselle'). From what I have read it seems low bridges and low water are less of an issue on the Moselle ... but what should we expect on the Rhine along that itinerary ?

May I ask ... why is the wheelhouse etc down ?

In 2019 we did the 4 day extension in Athens (there is also a 2 day option). If you haven't booked the 4 day option please consider it if you have the time and the extra cash. It was excellent, we really enjoyed the whole 4 days. We were fortunate to have 2 excellent escorts - one Viking rep and one guide throughout the 4 days. They were both excellent and really enhanced the experience. On one of the 4 days you are on your own so suggest you read the 4 description closely then identify if anything you really want to do is missing, then book that must-do on the spare day. We stayed at the Hilton with Viking (suggest you join Hilton Honours Loyalty Program as a member - you might get lucky with an upgrade or a free drink on the deck with a view of the Acropolis). There are a number of really good restaurants nearby (but the ones we enjoyed may have closed down due to COVID or changed hands, so check with a local for recommendations). We haven't done Tuscany with Viking so can't comment. I'm not sure if you coming back to Rome and staying on in Italy after Tuscany - if yes please feel free to ask for some Rome suggestions. The shore excursions do often fill quickly. If you see something you like which is booked out - tell Viking (or ask your Agent to tell them). They often add something extra later. If that doesn't work ... keep checking closer to sail date as people change their minds and cancel and if all else fails go to Guest Services when you get on board. Private tour operators are usually less expensive and mostly equally as good as what Viking will provide, so don't close your mind to that option as well. I'm no expert with sea conditions in the Med in Nov / Dec, but plan for some rough weather (meds, wrist bands etc) and if you don't need them - great. Good luck with the planning.

We've been in 7002 on Orion (second up the hall from that door into Explorers) and loved it. Zero issues with noise (except for the occasional door slam). We've booked it again for next year.

hello again .. we've been to SA for a few weeks and am just catching up. We used .. http://www.porterservice.no I've checked .. they are still in business. There is some information in the website about pickup arrangements / contact details etc. Hopefully they can meet your needs. Good luck.

We did Oslo - Bergen by train in 2017 prior to our Homelands cruise. We booked the trip ourselves through the Norway in a Nutshell website; https://www.norwaynutshell.com/original-tour/ The trip involved 3 trains (including Flam Railway), a bus and boat ride and whilst it was a long day it was very worthwhile. We didn't stay overnight in Flam etc. We also stayed at Thon Opera (which is right next to the railway station). The hotel was fine and the location perfect. To avoid dragging luggage we used a luggage forwarding service. They met us in the lobby at the Thon and took our suitcases. We traveled with a backpack. Our luggage was waiting for us at the hotel in Bergen when we arrived (at the Radisson Blu Royal - for us it's a good hotel in a good location). Good luck with the planning, and eventually with the cruise (and the lights).