itchyfeetx2

We did it last year. Was somewhat skeptical beforehand, but we really enjoyed it! The cave is spectacular and the tour is well run. The drive thru the countryside to get there was beautiful. Then the drive and scenery to the Atlantic Road was even more incredible!

No, this will not affect my travel plans. You could consider not bringing large electronics. There was a time when people survived without them.

Yes, but travelers ALWAYS brought a camera...

If, as is being predicted, the ban on all electronics larger than a phone in carry on baggage is extended to all flights from Europe, how will that affect your cruising plans?

 

And if, as Joe Leader (the CEO of an airline industry backed group The Airline Passenger Experience Association) states 'it's simply a matter of time' before the ban is extended to all US domestic flights, how will that affect your cruising plans?

 

I am troubled about the sudden turnaround from being forbidden to put lithium batteries in the hold because it is dangerous, to being forced to do so. Not to mention the massive inconvenience and the hugely increased risk of one's electronics being lost, stolen or damaged.

 

Surely there must be a better way?

Following...6/14 we leave for monthlong Viking Ocean trip

For those of you that have been to Helsinki with Viking, do you think that the included tour is a must? I am seriously thinking about skipping it and doing it on our own. Currently, I have the first tour booked and then planned to get to Soumenlianna Fortress on our own. Reading up on it today, I am thinking that we could probably experience it all by ourselves. Can anyone shed some light that have been to Helsinki and did the included and Soumenlianna on their own?

 

Also, from reading, it looks like we dock fairly far out that will require either taking bus number 14 to Market Square etc or they say some cruise lines have their own shuttle buses. Would love to hear that Viking has there own.

 

Thanks everyone!

Following

This is on the Viking Homelands forum, under that title. I just checked.

I guess the secret is entering 'Viking Star Viking Homelands' as the search term and selecting "title" as the filter criteria. Anyway, found it! Thanks for the detailed explanation. Neither one of my CC's has a foreign transaction fee, so I will try to charge as much as possible. Will also get some Euros and take a bunch of singles & fives for guide & bus driver tips. Just need to figure out how to get coins for toilets! (Btw, do the tour buses have toilets--the Viking River ones did?)

Four of us just signed on for the Viking Homelands cruise on July 1, 2017. Looking forward to reading how others have dealt with this.

We are on this cruise too (however, we start with the Midnight Sun cruise). Definitely worried about all the currencies.

Dauntless, sorry. I have looked and looked for (#17). Can you explain if you took different currencies? I am leaning towards just using ATM's when we get to each port.

 

Question: Is there a shuttle provided at each port (saving on needing taxi fare)?

I too am confused. Can't find the #17 post mentioned.

I was absolutely amazed when I got a phone call from Andre about 90 min after I submitted questions to the 'tellus@vikingcruises.com'! My cruise is considered a 'combo tour', which means I don't have to disembark in Bergen (between Midnight Sun & Baltic Jewels). He gave me some very useful tips re: how to make my shore excursion & dinner reservations as well as answered a bunch of other nit-picky questions.

Btw, the suggestion to check the 2016 roll calls others who did back-to-back and ask questions is one I am definitely going to do

Roothy, this sounds like a question for the folks at tellus@vikingcruises.com.

Would love to learn what you find out about the 'back to back' cruise rules---we are on the 6/17/2017 Midnight Sun Cruise from Greenwich to Bergen and then on the 7/1/2017 Baltic Jewels cruise from Bergen to Stockholm.

I have never had a problem ordering multiple appetizers or desserts. I have yet to order multiple main plates, BUT I have asked for an additional vegetable from a different plate. I agree...one of the joys is to sample many, many different foods.

The review was titled "Misled in Bordeaux" from May 2014.

Tipping....to whom and how much?

Can anyone explain the "tipping" policy? I read in one of the Cruise Reviews (think it was point #9 in a review by a disappointed cruiser) that according to French law service gratuities are included in the posted price and one merely "tops up" to reward exceptional service. Is this true or is it just a cranky scrooge review point?

We have just returned from our sailing of this itinerary. Still adjusting to the time change so it is very early this a.m.

I have already stated that the cruise was excellent, wine and food good, and the experience very enjoyable. Just wanted to list some parts that we most enjoyed. Have noted which were included and which optional.

--The ship provided 3 tours of Bordeaux, all a bit different. One walking tour the afternoon of arrival of the immediate area near the ship. One in the evening that day of the central part to see the lights---got there by tram, then walked about. Final tour the last day by bus and then walking. All well done.(included tours)

--From Puillac we had chateaux tours. All passengers divided into 4 groups and each taken to a different chateau. We did Lynch-Bages…could not have been better. If you have a favorite you may want to inquire if you can choose your group. The day ended with the Chateau Kirwan dinner. WHAT FUN! Wine was free flowing, food was very good. "Tasted" both an '84 and an '81 in addition to younger wines (all included)

--Visit to Blaye and the citadel was informative and enjoyable. Because we didn't dock there we did not have more time to explore the city. (Included)

--the optional Chateau Siurac tour and luncheon was fabulous. Our group (there were 2) was let by Paul Goldschmidt, one of the owners. A delightful gentlemen who led us through the vineyards to see his precious oldest vines and gave a fine tour.Also provided discounts for purchase, which will be shipped from a supply they have in Sonoma County, California.

We were provided a tour of the Libourne market before Siurac, and a tour of St. Emilion with free time after…both included.

--the included afternoon for sauterne tasting and tour of Cadillac was well done. Those who went truffle hunting the day before were provided the opportunity to take the tour of St. Emilion that a.m. There was also the opportunity to spend more time in Libourne where we had been docked overnight.

--a.m. on Thursday we had a lovely sail to Bordeaux. When we arrived the included bus and walking tour of the city took place after lunch. Some folks took the opportunity to have dinner in town, although the dinner that night was the farewell dinner with lots of bells and whistles.

--a.m. Friday we took the optional chef's tour of the Capucin Market and loved it. The chef met us at the market, took us through, and provided tastings of cheese, wine, and meats…and oysters which he shucked on the spot for the more adventurous tasters (my husband and not me). Chef Victor is delightful and a great showman. He comes from Spain, has been with Viking for 1 year, and led the tour in English that is far better than any Spanish or French I will ever speak. GREAT FUN! So happy we did this tour.

--Almost forgot…we also attended the wheelhouse tour led by the captain who is VERY FRENCH. He had translation assistance from the Program Director, Mieka. He gave us great information about navigating the rivers in this area. This clarified much about the itinerary issues.

 

Many folks we talked to agreed we would do this cruise again. So much to see and do and so little time. Some folks had unreasonble expectations about some fairly insignificant issues and spent time exhausting the staff with their demands. The staff went out of their way to make everyone as happy as they could.

 

I'll check back a couple of times next week to see if anyone has a question I can answer about our experience. After that we are prepping for our next cruise in August so will switch over to that roll call.

 

I have one request of everyone who does take this itinerary…please let the Viking folks know (especially the staff onboard) and let the roll call know of your experience. The true issues they are working very hard to fix. The staff onboard are following this roll call on a daily basis and comments on real concerns will be appreciated. Positive comments will also help lift their spirits.

Thank you SOOOOO much for this post, the details, and the comments about "expectations". My cruise is not until 11/22 -- plenty of time for Viking to work out the kinks. Since I am expecting challenging weather, I am not anticipating any river cruising on the deck watching the scenery go by. I want a floating hotel, great food & wine, interesting excursions & experiences, and a helpful, accommodating staff. Based on your comments, I think my expectations will be met! (and, as the Alaskans say, "there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes") I also appreciated your comments on the Chateau optional excursion...that will probably be one I book! I'm not interested in truffle hunting -- been there, done that in 2002 when I spent a week on a culinary "truffles & foie gras" trip...AWESOME!. Anyway, thanks again....happy cruising!

I want to thank everyone for the updates and reviews. I have been a little nervous as well seeing the horrible reviews but it has been great to see that the kinks are being worked out. Love you all sharing all the details and pros and cons!

 

Itchyfeetx2 - we will also be on the 11/22 sailing!

 

Host Jazzbeau - last year we went to Italy and my cc company sent us new cards right away with the chip. Have you tried contacting them to request? (I am sure you have but just asking). We have an American Airlines Citicard and they offer in case maybe you would like to open on to get the chip. We had no problems using our card throughout Italy and stops in Dusseldorf and London.

Woo-hoo! Glad to have finally found another 11/22 cruiser! Hopefully all of the Viking "issues" will be worked out by our departure.

Are you doing any pre- or post- trips? We are in Paris for 5 days before our Bordeaux departure and will be taking the train from Paris. After the cruise we are making our way to Bayeux via train to visit the Normandy D-Day beaches and Mont St Michel. It will be an exciting trip -- can't wait!

Are your US credit cards Chip&Pin or Chip&Signature? We have just gotten our new American Airlines MC as well as Amex. However, both are Chip&Signature. Want to make sure we haven't missed something.

We are not totally surprised as we had to try 3 credit cards before we found one that worked. The situation when we travel in Europe is even worse since it has become increasingly difficult to use a US issued Magnetic strip card. Fortunately we now have managed to obtain a Chip/PIN EMV card which will work anywhere in Europe..but getting these cards is still not easy in the US.

 

As to the SNCF site, they really try to kick folks to the Rail Europe site where ticket prices can be quite a bit more expensive then buying them direct from the railroad. For many folks we suggest just waiting until you get to Europe where you can easily buy train tickets unless you are buying tickets on a route where you must have reservations and the demand is high.

 

One irony is that now that we have managed to complete a transaction on the SNCF site, we get all kinds of e-mail promotions (which big price reductions) from SNCF. One recent promotion was for 50% off of tickets on some routes!

 

Hank

Re: your statement "Fortunately we now have managed to obtain a Chip/PIN EMV card which will work anywhere in Europe..but getting these cards is still not easy in the US. I have been able to get both an Amex & MasterCard "Chip & Signature" card. So, What is the "trick"?

I am planning on taking train from Paris to Bordeaux on 11/22 and then from Bordeaux to Bayeux (by way of Paris) on 11/29 and then from Bayeux to CDG on 12/3. Any special "tips" re: best (and cheapest) way to get these booked? Both travelers are over 62.

Thanks for your help!

I'm on the 11/22/2014 cruise. Please add me to the list. Hoping to learn all about "the good, the bad, and the ugly" from those taking this cruise before us. 1st time on Viking; loved last river cruise on Uniworld.

Roebud....sorry, I read your post wrong and thought you were doing the TGV from Paris for the 11/22 cruise. Please post your "learnings" re: train transport from Paris and cab from station to port. So far, I think I am the only 11/22 cruiser on the boards. As this cruise is late in the season, I will just have to live vicariously thru all the post-cruise posts! Have a good time.

FotoPeg...Thanks for your time in putting that roll call list together. Did you purchase your train tickets thru Rail Europe?

 

itchyfeet...DH and I are also DIY Paris to Bordeaux traveling. We arrive in Paris the day before and will take an early am TGV train from Montparnasse station to Bordeaux. We also will be traveling with carry ons so fortunately it will be easier navigating through the turnstiles.

 

id4elizabeth...You must be getting so excited. Thanks for whetting our appetite regarding the cruise info. Can't wait to hear all about your experience.

Rosebud...let's keep in touch re: maybe coordinating the TGV train travel to perhaps share a cab to port. Getting more excited by the day!

Thanks for the info...and letting me know I'm the 1st for the 11/22 cruise.

Fortunately, we travel VERY lightly, so dealing with the luggage should not be a problem.

Really looking forward to you post-cruise review (along with other folks' reviews). I love living vicariously thru others' travels!

We are booked on 11/22 itinerary. We are doing our own pre-cruise 5 day Paris extenstion and will take train from Paris to Bordeaux on 11/22. We are also doing our own post-cruise 3 night Normandy extension and will take the train from Bordeaux to Bayeux on 11/29.

Am VERY interested in hearing about any "logistical" transportation learnings from cruisers. Want to know the "good, bad, & ugly" experiences of train transport (including insights into train ticket purchase).

This Chateaux, Rivers, & Wine cruise will be my 1st Viking experience. (I loved a previous UniWorld cruise, hope I won't be disappointed with Viking!)

Anyone else on the 11/22 cruise???

Anyone else doing DYI transportation from Paris to Bordeaux? We are planning on getting to Paris 11/18 and have an "airbnb" apt rented from 11/18 to 11/22. We are going to take the train from Paris to Bordeaux. Anyone else doing this???

Anyone taking a DYI post cruise train trip to Normandy? We are planning on taking the train from Bordeaux to Beyeux for a 2-day D-Day & Mont St. Michel extension.

As this is the 1st year for this itinerary, I will be anxious to read the posts from cruisers describing the highs & lows of the cruise. I also would love to know of any hints for maximizing our experience.

Thanks for all your help. Keep on travelling!