janetcbl

2 hours ago, DrKoob said:

The Sea Dominates a Sea Day

Yesterday was a sea day, and the sea took over. Just after we left Lerwick, the weather and the seas changed. The winds picked up (the captain announced 50-60 knot winds yesterday at noon), and the seas were fairly high. The video above is a good example of what we were into. SORRY! With the lousy WiFi I can't upload the video to CC. It is on my blog at www.jimbellomoDOTcom (no ads/no sales) 

 

Today (which is also a sea day) is much calmer. The worst part for me is that on sea days, I like to walk on the Promenade Deck (Deck 2). Due to the extreme seas yesterday, the outside of that deck was closed off. It is back open today, and I truly enjoyed a six-mile walk this morning.

 

You knew it was bad because beautiful leather barf bag holders were placed all around the ship. We had someone lose it just down the hall from our stateroom, and the crew got that carpet cleaned up quickly. It also made for both a very quiet breakfast and lunch for us. The World Cafe (buffet) was practically empty for breakfast, and when we went back for lunch, they kept having dishes fall over and glasses breaking, so we went down and had lunch in the dining room. Pretty empty there as well. The captain was right when he predicted things would get better around midnight. We weren't up then, but when I woke up around that time because it had become too quiet, I looked out the window, and the seas were much calmer. Thankfully, they still are.

 

 

Random Thoughts

Since I have few photos to show you (other than the video above), I wanted to comment on a few things around the ship.

Let's start with the interior of the ship itself. I think Viking truly has the most beautifully decorated ships at sea. At least they appeal to my taste in design much more than any other line I have ever cruised on—the furnishings, carpets, and floors in every venue work for me.

 

And if I am looking for a place to sit...I also think that after 35-plus cruises, there are more awesome places to sit and look out at the ocean on a Viking ship than on any other ship we have sailed on. Right now, I am sitting in my favorite place on the ship, the upstairs gallery of the Explorer's Lounge. On deck eight forward, long-time cruisers will know it as the Crow's Nest or Sky Lounge on other lines. It has numerous couches and chairs, a fantastic view and tons of books and artifacts. Right now (because it is a sea day), it is a little louder than normal, but most of the time, it is the quietest place on the ship. We sailed on Oceania's Vista last fall, and my biggest complaint was that there was no place below the top two decks where I could sit and look out at the sea unless I were on my verandah.

 

There is no deck on Viking ships with a public area where you can't look out at the sea in every direction. On Deck 7, starting in the Explorer Lounge at the bow and walking aft to the stern, you can see almost every step of the way. And all along that walk, there are a lot of places to sit. Whoever designed these ships did it right. The same is true for Deck 2. You can see outside from The Restaurant aft until you reach the Star Theater in the bow. And there is seating everywhere if you are looking for a quiet place to sit and read...or post on a blog.

I have only taken a few photos around the ship (other than in our stateroom), but I will try to do a few more so I can show you what I mean. Here are some quick shots I took just now to give you an idea. Feel free to look at them on your phone; I took them with mine. And they are over on my blog. 

 

 

I love the Promenade Deck, but I wish it went one way. This is a tiny complaint, and I will write it up as a suggestion to Viking. When we are at home, I walk a lot—more than 120 miles every month. In good weather, I do that outside. In lousy weather (we have a lot of that in the Seattle area), I walk indoors on the track above our pool at Trilogy (the 55+ community where we live).

On that track, we have a wonderful sign that says, "Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, walk clockwise. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, walk counter-clockwise." Viking needs that on the Promenade Deck. When I go out to walk, I try to wait to see which way the majority of people are going and go with the flow. But since I will walk for more than an hour, eventually, people will start walking in the other direction, and pretty soon, there will be more coming towards me than going away from me. This wouldn't be a problem on the track at Trilogy, but here on the ship, it is a HUGE problem. There are spaces on that deck where you can't pass anyone. One of you (like on a Scottish country road) has to pull over and stop walking. (see the hallway above. It's about as wide as I am.) If I am behind someone in these tight places, it's easy to slow down until I can pass them. But when I am in a tight, metal tunnel at the bow of the ship, and I come around the corner, and there is someone coming full tilt directly at me, it's tough to find a way to get around them or move over. Near collisions are rampant, and I have to believe there are a few that actually happen. All this could be solved with a sign like we have at Trilogy. Then everyone would walk one way, and there would never be a problem in those tight spaces. No surprises—that's the ticket.

The crew on this ship is awesome...and very happy. We have had great crew members over the years who we have loved and sometimes sailed with numerous times and developed relationships with. But I have never seen an overall crew as happy in their work as this one. With the exception of one or two that we have run into, every single one is always smiling. And not just at us. One of my favorite things this week is to see the people in the World Cafe (buffet) interacting with one another. They are constantly smiling and laughing while they do their excellent job.

 

The new Asian station. At least new to us. It was not on Viking Sky.

 

And they are fun to talk to. There is a new station at the back of the buffet that does Asian food. Every time I would come by and look at what they had, the assistant chef who works there would entice me to try it. Finally, I did, and it was awesome, but now, if he sees me walking past, he will call me out and ask why I am not eating from this station today 😁. When I do, he always encourages me to try new things that I am not sure of. When I do, he always checks later to see if I liked it. That's amazing service. That's above and beyond.

 

The attitude of this crew tells me two things. They have a great boss at the top who sets the tone, and he gives his supervisors leeway in hiring and they are hiring the right people. I have yet to meet the Hotel Manager here on Venus, but I know he is the one who lets his managers in the kitchens, the dining rooms and housekeeping set the tone. And those supervisors seem to have the same attitude as their workers.

 

I have seen head servers, managers and the like helping to set up tables, serve food or bus dishes that I have never seen on other ships. Yesterday afternoon, they were doing a salmon lunch set up on the aft deck, and the executive chef of the entire ship was there helping to set up. When one of the assistant cooks suggested a change to the setup, he stood back and said, "You're right. That would be better. Let's change it." And he jumped right in to help her change it. And while they were changing it, he thanked her for the idea. (Then he stopped to talk to us—nice guy.) That's what real management is all about—giving the crew ownership and listening. Whoever is running this part of the ship is doing it right.

 

Tomorrow, we are back in port again, and it's a long excursion, so I am not sure if I will have a report for you. It's the first of three consecutive port days starting with Honningsvåg, Norway.

 

 

On two Viking ships that I have sailed on recently, signs have been put up to walk counter clockwise on Deck 2 and…..there have always been people who pay no attention and do it “their way”. 

19 hours ago, TayanaLorna said:

Gerainger- don't know what you have planned for this port but there is a waterfall walk folks can take right from the port.  The walk is along a metal staircase with steps, ramps and platforms right along all the different waterfall levels.  At the top and along the walk are fantastic views. At the top is a quirky museum that can be visited.

 

We did this walk around 9 am, visited the museum, returned to the town, had lunch and hopped on an afternoon included excursion.  Not many folks know about the waterfall walk.

 

If you are interested, I can describe how to reach the trail.  

This has been a highlight of our trip. On our way up we almost ran into a couple where the man had just proposed to his girlfriend! We were the first to offer congratulations! Made the walk up even more special.

1 hour ago, Dukefan said:

One of the best ways to travel from Bergen to USA is to take a train from Bergen to Oslo (one of the most beautiful train rides you will probably ever have) and then fly home from Oslo!

Agree! And if you have an extra day, get off the Bergen-Oslo train at Myrdal, take the Flambana train down to Flam, spend the night. The next day Flambana train back up to Myrdal, change to the Oslo train and continue your journey.

16 hours ago, NightShayde said:

These are really general DV questions and not limited to the Star, but I don't think the questions are important enough to warrant a whole thread of their own.

1. I know there's a coffee/tea machine of some sort in DVs. Is it a pod-based system? If so, what kind? Or is it a more traditional setup with a little coffee filter?

2. Is there a clock in the room, or can I bring a plug-in digital clock? Is there even an outlet for that type of thing on the desk?

No clocks in the rooms. We bring two battery operated: one for the room and one for the bathroom. You can use a plug-in digital clock.  We also bring a nightlight that can be plugged into the one outlet in the bathroom( low voltage). Coffee machine is pod-based….we never use it, better coffee in the Library, Deck 1.

3 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Janet - it was $69 pp for us on the Mars cruise that we are both on right now.  Hoping you got to go to one - the Cooking Class that is.  The Bridge, Kitchen, Laundry tours are free, first come first served.  Bridge tour is at discretion of the Captain and cannot be guaranteed.

Exactly! I did the Norwegian Food Class…it was good fun and delicious.  Are you continuing to NYC or leaving at Reykjavík? We attended the reception for NYC passengers (230?) of us today. Happy to continue the journey!

16 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Are you confusing the shore excursion and the much less expensive at-sea day activity (which cannot be booked until you board the ship)?  It is my understanding that the shorex version is booked just like every other shorex excursion.

The Cooking Class I was referring to in another CC entry is booked on board at Guest Services, just as the Kitchen, Laundry and Bridge Behind the Scenes experiences are done, There is a charge for the Cooking Class as you are eating food and you get to keep the special apron.

1 hour ago, puppymama1 said:

Did you just walk out of the airport and follow signs to find the taxi line?  I know the 07000 taxis are recommended… do you just look for them in the line or do you just take the first taxi at the head of the line?  Thanks!

We are asked out the door, saw the line of taxis, told the first one in line where we were going, and off we went. Really much easier than I had anticipated .

8 hours ago, deec said:

thanks so much for your thoughts about the excursions...I really want to see some Puffins we are going next year late  June...fingers crossed.  We really enjoy the nature focused cruises.

Check dates when Vigur Island is off limits to tours due to eider ducks nesting. We are on Viking now and the excursion is not offered due to the nesting ducks. By late June you should be okay. You can Google the approximate dates to check.

10 hours ago, puppymama1 said:

We are embarking on our British Isles cruise in Bergen in August.  We are staying at the Clarion Havnekontoret hotel the night before embarkation. We picked this hotel because we had previously read that we could walk to the ship from the hotel.  Can someone tell me which direction we would go when we come out the front door of the hotel and about how long of a walk it will be?  Thanks!

Turn right walk to the street by the water, turn right, keep to your left near the docked ships and walk straight. Impossible to get lost.

We did this 10 days ago. Took a taxi from the airport (no need to book ahead). I can’t remember the cost, but it was less than the airport bus for two people. The hotel is delightful! Great staff and interesting rooms, We ate dinner and breakfast (both included in May, don’t know about June) as we had been in Bergen many times and had “done” some of the interesting restaurants. Food was good and well prepared. They also serve an afternoon “fika” of tea, coffee, pastries, etc. And even with luggage we were able to walk to the ship. Enjoy!

7 hours ago, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

gloves..

Respectfully disagree….I used gloves when walking in the early morning ( for exercise) this week in Norway.

12 hours ago, SailorPaulH said:

 

On our Viking Homelands cruise in 2022, our ship Jupiter docked on the west side of Akershus Fortress (in view of Aker Brygge). Meanwhile the Venus was docked on the east side (in view of Oslo Opera House). Easy walking distance (from either docking location) to nearby Aker Brygge, Sentrum and Bjorvika areas. Plenty of public transport options available (ferry, bus, tram and the "T-Bane") - you can buy a Ruter pass for a day (or more) that you can use on these transport options.

And our Homelands we spent one night on the Aker Brygge side; then the Mars moved to the Opera House side for the second night. 

It is really up to you, whether you choose a V or a more expensive cabin, depending on what is important to you and what special perks you enjoy. We have had everything from a DV to a PJS and found that a PV suits us just fine: earlier time to choose excursions which is important to us (PV), not so important included laundry (PJS). Dining choices makes no difference as you can usually get whatever time you want once you are onboard ( people book their full share of CT and Manfredis and then discover they prefer the WC or Restaurant and cancel CT and M. 

22 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

Janet - yes, they are fantastic!  We've done about 5 of them before.  All good and all a bit different.  Did the Norwegian one on the Barcelona to Bergen cruise on Mars.   Got the Apron !!  I actually use those at home.  So glad you liked it.

 

For those wondering, you sign up at Guest Services and it is like an excursion (with an excursion paper ticket) - cost $69 pp.

 

Hopefully see you in Narvik Train on Wednesday - and also the Meet & Mingle on Friday!

 

Kent

Going on the Ofoten Railroad and Navvy Trek tomorrow (I need my head examined!). Looking forward to the Meet & Mingle on Friday!  Jan

7 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Janet - irony is, we watched that recorded presentation on the Viking Mars TV in the list of enrichment lectures just a few days ago before we arrived in Bergen.  Just checked to see if still available on our Bergen to  Reykjavik Mars cruise and it is not.  Glad we saw it. Quite interesting!

On the Mars now and for the first time I signed up for one of the Cooking Classes ( and I do not enjoy cooking). A great experience: lots of fun, excellent delightful chef guided us, learned about how many things are handled aboard ship, a tour of the kitchen and an outstanding lunch, with minimal work on the ten passengers who took the class. Highly recommend the experience!

We asked to have mattress toppers added  to our beds yesterday on the Mars….made all the difference last night sleeping. Good addition!

3 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Viking Air Plus is a service that you pay for to Viking.

 

If you cannot find flights that you like that do not have this upcharge, then you can opt for Viking Air Plus.

 

Viking Air Plus will cost you per person and that can be either $100pp or $150pp.

 

What we do now is we wait like you have to see the flights chosen and alternative offered.  If there is no alternative that we like, then we go to Google Flights and airline websites and we research what we want in flights.  We have 2 or even 3 options.  Then we call Viking Air Plus (different number from Viking reservations, but they can connect you.)

 

Give Viking Air department your top choice and let them look it up.

 

Using Viking Air Plus does NOT eliminate the possibility of an Up-Charge.  

 

The flights you have been given now are part of Viking's air contract with specific airlines.  Some of the alternate choices with an Up-Charge are outside of Viking's air contract so that is why there is an additional charge.

 

Flights you choose yourself may come with Up-Charges.

 

We also before calling Air Plus, look at our choices and decide if we want to book the air ourselves.  If the price is comparable, or we can get the flights we want and Viking are asking for an Up-Charge, then we book ourselves.

 

If you book yourselves, you lose the included Viking transfers to and from the airport.

Exactly! Could not have said it any better myself!

We are on a Viking ship now and have book and have booked two excursions for a single day. We left enough time between the two for a quick lunch in the WC or Pool Grill. No problem.
 

On a recent Viking Cruise, the Chief Engineer gave a presentation, with video, of the Engine Room and  the activities at a program in the Aula (?) for everyone. Other Behind the Scenes programs in person that we had were the Kitchen, Bridge and Laundry.

20 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Look for the Viking Mars in Bergen if you are still there.  Our waiter told us you'll still be there.  We arrive/dock by 7 AM on tomorrow, Friday morning the 24th at the berth next to Neptune.  Save some sun for us!

Saw you there (Mars) this morning. Sorry about the weather, but this afternoon and tomorrow should be okay. Look forward to boarding tomorrow!

Germany: a long time on the bus to get to Berlin. We stayed visited Rostock (interesting city!) and in the afternoon enjoyed the beach town experience of Warnemunde.

Helsinki: the  Temppeliaukion Church, Ateneum (if you enjoy art museums), Market Square, Suomenlinna and Esplanadi.

56 minutes ago, duquephart said:

 

Guest Services - as soon as you can after boarding.

They may also offer behind the scenes of the kitchen and laundry, both very interesting. I think it depends how many sea days your cruise has; the more sea days, the more “Behind the Scene Tours.” We also got a “tour” of the engine room via a talk with photos in the Theater. 

12 hours ago, Twitchly said:

These days we just take carryons. If you don’t mind wearing the same few outfits for a couple weeks, it’s not that hard to do. On our last cruise I didn’t bother to bring jeans — just a couple pairs of black pants I could wear on excursions and in the no-jeans dining venues. Our carryons were adequate for our 3-week trip (we spent an extra week onshore beforehand).
 

The biggest tradeoff is having to do laundry more often when you have fewer clothes. We packed enough to go a week between laundering, which meant washing underthings in the sink or shower in between times. 
 

Or you could pay a bit extra and have Viking do your laundry. 

Exactly how we handle it! No lost luggage and black pants go with anything.

5 hours ago, kaisatsu said:

There are nearly a dozen countries with ports in this area, and they all have their own alcohol laws. it could be good to narrow the scope a bit if you’re looking at specific locations.
 

If you’re asking specifically about drinking on the ship while it’s in port, I can’t recall any restrictions mentioned here. Norway has laws that limit alcohol serving before noon, but I’ve never tested this while I was on a cruise. I’m usually off the ship while it’s in port and not much of a morning drinker.

Not sure how accurate my info is now ( it was a few years ago), but cruise ships docked in Norwegian ports had to abide by the country’s hours for serving liquor. 

26 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

Hi Clay - good to know.  We will be on Mars tomorrow in Barcelona headed to Bergen, then staying on Mars for Bergen to Iceland.  Will hopefully get to meet the two Leo's!

Kent

And we are looking forward to meeting you in Bergen. Safe travels…..and take good care of the ship for all of us who will be boarding in Norway.😁