travelingman

21 hours ago, TwizzlersAddict said:

Hi Stan

 

I really haven't looked at tours other than making a few notes when I booked several months ago.

 

Planning to arrive a few days early. Wondering if I can do Santorini or Mykonos. Will be looking at ferry schedules to see if it makes sense to do it pre or post cruise 

 

 

I booked with a online TA and Celestyal said I wouldn't be able to see my information on their website. So anything I want to add to my booking has to go through my Ta, seemed strange, but I'm sure it will work out.

I booked with a TA also but have not been told I would not be able to see anything on Celestyal's website on my booking.  Will have to follow up on that.  Celestyal US told me an update was being done on the Celestyal website and that is why I couldn't access my booking.  I would think we would at least have access to book excursions.

We went to Santorini on a Viking Cruise in May 2019.  It was a mad house with 4 cruise ships in port and all of the passengers wanting to be in the same spot.  I would think in November it would not be as crowded.

Even if it is crowded in the day time, when all of the cruise ships leave it it will be a lot less crowded and enjoyable.  We did have a terrific lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the caldron.

Stan

1 hour ago, TwizzlersAddict said:

Yes, I'm booked on that same cruise!! Really looking forward to it. I'm not sure why they dont offer it as one cruise on their website. 

Will look at some private excursions for Isreal.

 

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff.  Good to hear from you.  We are in the Richmond, VA area.  Both retired.  We are going to arrive in Athens several days early to try to get over the jet lag and to do a few thing.  This will be my 3rd trip into Athens and my wife's 2nd trip.  We were there about 4-5 days previously and saw a lot.  We plan on doing a trip to Delphi one day.  Will stay in the Plaka area probably in an Airbnb.  For Israel I am thinking there will be a lot of people on the bus to Jerusalem at what appears to be a relative expensive trip.  The one I posted looks like a good deal.  However, we have to have a total of 8 people for the tour to run.  Can have up to 16.

Will probably look at some independent excursions in some other ports to get a comparison of the prices and see if they might be better.

I have noticed we will be in Kusadasi twice with the same excursions.  I am trying to figure out other options.

I think we will hit all of the major attractions on the first port call.  Let me know if you come up with any other options for it.

After we finish the B2B we are going to 3 or 4 Christmas Markets before heading back to the US.

By the way, have you been able to get into your Booking summary on Celestyal's website?  I haven't.

Stan

Thank you Notamermaid.  I find the waterway maps very interesting and easy to read.  I like that it shows the locks and is easy to locate them.

Thanks again.

Stan

I would hope everyone understands that wearing a mask is mostly to protect other people and not themselves.  If one cannot agree to wear a mask then they should not book a cruise.

i also would hope the cruise line would disembark any passenger that did not comply with this requirement in order to protect the other guests.

Stan

Notamermaid:  Don't know how to thank you for the above info.  Now just need to do some translation to English and studying of the data.

But on initial glance the graph bears out what you always say.  Late spring probably will have high water (just a question of how high).  And lower water in early fall.

You appear to be a little like me.  Do not want to let something go until you figure it out.  I had continued to do some research on this but was not having a lot of luck. - partly since everything was coming up in German.

Thanks again for the info and the link.

Hope you continue to be well with Covid-19 and don't let your guard down.

As you might have read, states in the US that continue to move into more "open" phases of reopening are showing increased cases of the virus.

Stan

On 2/16/2020 at 9:47 AM, carolmic said:

December 22, 2019

I have read that there are two queues for embarkation for Celestyal cruises, one for Suites and one for all other cabins. Does anyone know if a Junior Suite qualifies for the Suite line?

I agree with what the two other posters said - only S, SB & GS but you have to get to the queue first.  Meaning, based on a review I read, you have to go through the same line as everyone before you can get into the area where the separate queue is.

Also read that this is one time when it may pay to get to the boarding a little later in hopes the queue to get into the check in area is smaller.  One reviewer in one of the suites said it took them 2 hours in total, most of the time spent in the first queue.

Stan

36 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

@travelingman

Your question regards a website for historical water levels is proving a bit difficult to answer satisfactorily (for my standards of information). I am working on it.

 

notamermaid

 

Thank you.  I would not be surprised if there is no such information.

I don't want you to e putting a lot of time into it either.

I really appreciate your looking into it/

Stan

Are you able to get into your booking summary?

We are on a Nov.2021 cruise and cannot get into our booking summary.

Thanks.

Stan

Hi Steve.  I know you and I had a phone discussion about this and one of the things I learned is that I did not ask the right question.  I think it would be good if you could give a "brief" explanation of the difference in the two as it relates to cruise travel insurance, including the third party aspect of it.

I am also sure many are interested in the CoronaVirus (Covid-19) and how travel insurance does or does not cover the virus when it comes to cancelling cruises.

Thanks.

Stan

My understanding is that you can use the FCC for anything that can be purchased pre-boarding.  Includes excursions, drink package, prepaid gratuities, pre or post extensions, etc.  Once on the ship any unused FCC cannot be used and is lost.

Stan

Just read an email from Viking that they have canceled all cruises through August 31.

It reads:

"Further suspension through August 31

We were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations. We have continued to evaluate the situation, responding accordingly. While restrictions related to COVID-19 are beginning to ease in some countries, travel remains complicated.  Therefore, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through August 31, 2020.

A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%

As a guest whose cruise falls within the extended window of suspended operations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher, found at the bottom of this message. This voucher includes 100% of the monies paid to Viking, plus an additional 25% value. The added value provides an opportunity to enhance your trip – by choosing a longer itinerary; adding a Pre/Post cruise extension; upgrading your stateroom category; or even upgrading to business class air. Additionally, any vouchers you may have applied to this booking have automatically been reinstated, are valid for 24 months and are available for your immediate use.

To ensure you have the time and flexibility to plan for your next trip, the 125% Future Cruise Voucher has exclusive and enhanced terms. It is fully transferable, allowing you to gift it to someone with whom you would like to share the joys of travel. It can be applied within the next 24 months to any river, ocean or expedition cruise. If you are unable to use your voucher by the expiration date, simply return your expired voucher to Viking, and we will send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking.

As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise – with Viking or your Travel Advisor – by June 30, our Risk Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you the peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you."

Stan

On 5/27/2020 at 8:12 AM, notamermaid said:

travelingman,

This is a fair question. The situation could still result in your cruise being cancelled and with the restrictions in place, I would think that postponing to next year will result in a more enjoyable experience. I will get back to you about the data for high and low water. For now, I would like to clarify your itinerary, if you choose to go in 2021. You say it is the one that ends in Regensburg instead of Nuremberg. Coming from Budapest travelling upstream, past Austria you hit Bavaria in Germany at Passau. From there you sail past Vilshofen, Straubing, then reaching Regensburg. Shortly after Regensburg, ships leave the Danube and enter the Main Danube Canal (which is actually part river, part canal) and sail to Nuremberg (or further). So on the new itinerary Viking in effect only cuts out the Canal section completely, which is a controlled waterway with no low water problems and no flooding problems of note as far as I know. The section of the Danube that is not sailed is of little concern for low water and not much concern for flooding. The new itinerary does not get rid of the most "vulnerable" section on an itinerary to and from Budapest that sails in Germany. This is because the section most prone to low water is between Vilshofen and Straubing - see above. In the shoulder season low water is the more likely risk, flooding tends to be an incident for a shorter period of time. Again, there is a particular problem in Bavaria, which is a bridge at Passau. Depending on severity of flooding it might just be the bridge headroom that keeps ships from sailing for a day or an entire river section is too high for several days.

 

Having said that, while the new itinerary does not get rid of the most likely problems, the logistics of taking passengers past the low water area on coaches is easier to accomplish if the itinerary is designed to only go as far as Regensburg rather than Nuremberg.

 

I hope this has been helpful so far.

 

notamermaid

 

Thank you very much for the information and for correcting me.  We are hoping Viking will cancel the cruise would will be more of a benefit to us versus us having canceling it.  If they don't we will have to do so and reschedule.  I did notice that some of the dates we would choose are already sold out.  So, we will have to look at going earlier or later.

I look forward to any info you might find on historical monthly / yearly averages.

Thank you for your help.

Stan

On 9/8/2019 at 3:45 PM, girlguide said:

Welcome the Cruise Critic

 

Have you been on Celestyal's website? The itineraries are available with all the port times listed. We booked the cruises ourselves on-line. I can access both my reservations using my last name & booking number. I noticed on my reservation page they have added a pre-departure info booklet you can download as a pdf.

 

In Cyprus we will probably DIY with the hop on hop off bus. For Israel possibly a private tour to Jerusalem & Bethlehem.

 

Not a lot of current info available here on the ports of call board & this is a new itinerary for Celestyal. Hopefully there will be more info in December when the first cruisers return. No guarantee that any CC members will be on board. When we did the Cuba cruise with Celestyal the passenger mix was more European with some Canadian & American passengers. I don't remember getting much of a response on CC for a roll call for the Cuba cruise.

I am doing this cruise in November and have been looking for alternate excursions to see if I can save money on the tour cost.

For Israel I came across www.GuidedToursIsrael.com.

They will do a truly private tour or a small group tour for a minimum of 6 people to Jerusalem and Bethleham.  they also offer other tours.

For anyone interested in the cruise, the ship and ports take a look on you tube and search for EECC Travel.  She and her husband have a video for their time in Athens, Ship Boarding, Ship Tour, Their Cabin, All excursions and other things.  Lots of info.  There are a lot of other crusie related videos also.

Stan

On 4/11/2020 at 11:46 AM, dr alaok said:

I also have a question regarding the cabins.

 

We are looking at the Crystal for next summer.  Just wondering what the difference is between the Premium (XC Superior) and the Deluxe (XD Superior)?  I'm thinking the XD is a suite?

 

Thanks.

All of the X(?) cabins are outside cabins with a view - except for on Deck 6 where some of them have obstructed views (XBO).

The suites are SBJ, S, SB, and SG.  The SBJ does not have the amenities that "suites" have.  The S suite does not have a balcony.

Stan

notamermaid - I know this is not a fair question to ask, but if not asked I will not know the answer.  We and another couple are booked on a August 28, 2020 Viking Romantic Danube Cruise.  With the current situation we expect it to be cancelled and then we will be looking to re-book for next year.  I have always tried to cruise in the shoulder season or close to it.  If I am not worried about the shoulder season, based on your experience and knowledge, are there any months that are better than others for a Danube cruise based on past years low and high water?  I know every year can be different but I would think over time there would be some kind of pattern.  Is there a website that gives this type of information.  Lastly, if we do end up re-booking for next year we will be terminating in Regensburg instead of Nuremberg.  This should eliminate at least one area of potential water problems.

Thanks,

Stan

On 12/18/2019 at 11:56 AM, TwizzlersAddict said:

Hello

Thanks for the information. Im doing the 14 day cruise in 2021. Im curious about the time with the Pyramids. Was the time rushed or did you have some free time to explore on your own?

Hi TwizzlersAddict.  Just read this post and am curious as to when in 2021 you are doing your 14 day cruise?  We are booked on a back to back with the new "Steps of St. Paul" and the "3 Continents" departing Athens on November 13, 2021.

Stan

I had also noticed the change for the Romantic Danube in 2021.  I was wondering if it might have something to do with having to transit the locks and any problems that high or low eater might cause with that.  I did notice with the change of ending in Regensburg the cruise is still the same number of days but now with an overnight in Vienna.  For some this will be a positive and others would have preferred Nuremberg.  One can always take a bus or train to Nuremberg from Regensburg at the end of the cruise to spend a day there.  If our August Romantic Danube cruise gets canceled that is probably what we will do before heading to Prague.

Stan

On 7/15/2019 at 4:50 PM, jocap said:

September weather is often mild and dry-ish… just as the children go back to school, they often miss the best weather. We do get our weather from the Atlantic, though, so anything can happen, but we're also warmed by the Gulf Stream, so it cam be warmer than some "opposite" parts of North America.

Coach tours are great, but I don't think they can offer anything as beautiful as sailing in/out of some of the ports  on such a cruise- Dublin, Belfast... and especially sailing the firths to Greenock and Edinburgh. 

I know you nor anyone can predict the sea conditions but in general can you tell me, based on history, if there are any months better than other to do a British Isles cruise that includes gong through the English Channel from London to Dublin - to Belfast - to Ullapool - to the Orkney Island - to Edinburgh - to Invergordon - to the Shetland Islands - to Bergen.

Based on my limited knowledge it seems the English Channel portion and the North Sea (Shetland Islands to Bergen) would be the areas of concern for sea conditions.

i ask this because my wife has motion sickness problems and I want to protect her as much as possible from the bad sea conditions.

Thanks.

Stan

I will 2nd and 3rd what has been said above.  I would also like to note 2 things of which at least one has already been mentioned above.

1.  The departure time you see when you get your documents might or might not be the actual departure time.  Pending where you are docked at it is possible the ship might have to leave earlier due to the "harbour master" changing the departure time or Viking changing the departure time due to high/low water.

2.  The ship might move from it's arrival dock to another dock for departure.  This can be a planned move or again it can be due to high/low water.  N some ports this can be some distance away.

You need to pay attention to your Daily Schedule for each port.  It will have this information in it unless the change happens overnight and then there will usually be something available at breakfast that notifies you of the change and/or there will be a notice at the desk where you pick up your disembarkation card.  Fm you have a concern you can always ask at the desk when you pick up your disembarkation card.

All of the above is to say you have to be aware of departure dock (same as arrival?) and your departure time.  If the departure dock changes the only way to get there will be the Viking shuttle or maybe a taxi.

Now that I have you concerned about making it on the ship for departure let me add this.  We always do research on our ports of call and decide if there is something we would like to do outside of the ship tours, pending shuttles, etc.  If there is, then we plan on doing that after the ship tour is completed.  There is usually always time for some independent time in the ports unless the port time is short.  If there is a change in departure time or port that would affect our ability to complete our own plans we just change the plans and go with the flow.  What we do not do, except for the originating and terminating ports is to make and pay for independent excursions because of the unknown potential change in docks and times.

As was said by someone else enjoy the cruise, the ports and the down time.

River cruises are designed to be more of a "laid back" cruise versus an ocean cruise.

Hope you have as good of a time on your river cruise as we have had.

Stan

1 hour ago, LazyDonkey said:

Good to know, BarbarianPaul. I was beginning to question several of the ports: Koper, the waterfall park in Croatia (Krsk?), Corfu, Santorini (for its crowds), Dubrovnik during the day. Will be curious to see what Rick Steves thinks as well. Autocorrect keeps giving him an unintended apostrophe. Whoops. Caught it this time.

I have been following the back and forth about the Empire's cruise and thought I would throw in my $0.02 worth.  We did the cruise in early May.

Venice - we had been here before and seen a lot.  Is time we went out to several of the islands on a personal tour (used Rick Steve's Guide).  Enjoyed them very much.  We also took a Venice food tour with some other Empire Cruisers our last night prior to boarding.  This ended up being a highlight of our Venice time and we made some good friends who we ended up having dinner wth and hanging out with some.

Koper - we took a private tour to Lake Bled.

Zadar - we took a private tour to Krka Waterfalls and enjoyed it.  Not very crowed.

Kotor - took an optional Vikng tour - Vikng Glamour and History and enjoyed it.

Corfu - we took an optional Vikng tour - Viking Old Town and Achilleion.  I did not think I would enjoy it but actually had a good time.

Olympia - we took the included Tour and since we had never been there we learned a lot.

Santorina - we took the included Tour.  We thought the island was very pretty; however, because of all the tourist trying to see the same things and take the same pictures it was hard to enjoy.  Would like to be able t go back and stay over night to be there after the "tourists" leave.

Athens - we took a private 1/2 day tour to Corinth and spent the second half of the day at the Acropolis (where we were dropped off) and some of the other Athens sites.  We then caught the Viking shuttle back to the ship.  Since we were staying over in Athens for several days we did not have to be in a hurry to try to see everything.

overall we really enjoyed the Empire cruise.

Stan

On our Viking Empires of the Mediterranean in May 2019 we had about 1/2 of those that signed up to show.  A few did not come because of specialty dining reservations.  A large number of the others did not receive the invitation or did not find the invitation.

When I did not find our invitation the first evening (as expected) I called guest services who said it would be delivered.  Did not show up the next evening.   Again, they said it would be delivered.

The next night it was not to be found again.  My wife just happened to look in the portfolio on the coffee table and lo and behold there it was for the next night.  There was no particular reason she looked in there except that she had not looked in it before to see what was in it.  I had looked at it the first night.

Why would it be put inside the portfolio versus somewhere that it would be easily found?  Did others not receive theirs.

I say if you do not receive it the first night ask guest services about it.  Keep after them each day.  Ask them if they can tell you what night it will be?  You do not have to have the invitation to attend.  You just need to know when and where.

Stan

10 hours ago, ReillyQ said:

I tried scanning the multitude of pages in this thread, but have not been able to find a discussion on dining room dress explained.  My question is about "Elegant Casual" in dining rooms on Viking Ocean, not the buffet.  We he have been on a couple Oceania Cruises and they have "Country Club Casual".  I found that especially in warmer Mediterranean waters that included not just slacks, but capris and even tailored pedal pushers that hit the mid knee. ( Men obviously had to wear slacks). After all, many skirts some women were wearing were, in many cases, shorter than some Bermuda shorts.  So, our first cruise on Viking starts in Athens,  for those of you who have been on Viking in the Mediterranean,  were Chico's type tailored capris and pedal pushers acceptable?  Just trying to cut down on how much I pack.  Thanks for your help.  
 

Based on our experience on the Empire of the Med Cruise most women wore either a dress, skirt or nice capris.  Very few capris.  Don't remember seeing pedal pushers.  No jeans are preferred.  What that said there were some "nice" jeans worn also.  Did not see any shorts.

Stan

Does anyone know what night Viking normally has the Meet and Mingle on the Bergen to Stockholm Homelands Cruise?

Thanks.

Stan

What I have done is copy the MJV itinerary schedule to Excel along with the Viking calendar filled out with the Viking excursions and then I merge the two together.  I can then enter the private excursions we have booked also.

This gives me all of the info in one place that I print out and put on the cabin wall with a magnetic hook.

Stan

In general, I would say you are correct.  However, I have worn shorts in Hungary, Austria and Germany.  I have read where others have said that jeans are not appropriate to wear in Europe.  In response to this I would say we see many locals wearing jeans in Europe.  But they are usually younger - under 40.  One thing you should remember about wearing shorts is that you may not be allowed into some churches with shorts and/or with shoulders showing.  I would also agree with your comment about no tank tops for men or revealing shirts for women.

I would summarize by saying that, in general, Europeans dress more modestly and better than what you might see in the US.

But, at the same time, you will see some locals dressed similar to the way we dress in the US.  On our very recent cruise in Eastern Europe a couple of our independent tour guides were wearing jeans.

I would say if you want to wear jeans go for it but I would leave the tank tops at home.  Lastly, remember jeans will take more room in the suitcase and might take longer to dry if you wash them.

Stan