Staffordshirecruiser

Hi, we have just transferred our Malta booking to a UK Scenic Shores sailing that has just become available on 7 August.  So I will be contacting the insurance company about downgrading my insurance.  I was finding I was getting more stressed re the insurance and changing Covid rules and less excited about how great a Viking Cruise is.

I double checked today, I used the term international cruises because that is the FCO term, the advisor initially said we weren’t covered, but on clarifying we were actually talking about European Cruises she said she needed to check, I’m waiting for confirmation but this shows how much of a niche issue it is, and how a single word can create such confusion.

I’m half thinking of changing to Iceland having seen the pictures  and booking a Malta based one later in the year.  

Hi Dave, yep, that’s me.  We were on Venus third uk cruise, and I really didn’t want to get off!  We’ve booked Malta even though it’s only a few weeks later - a little more complicated than Iceland because it involves amber ports.  Pictures from Iceland looking great.

3 hours ago, Dave W 10 said:

Could you let me know what company. I think we're sorted but an alternative would be handy.

Thanks Dave

Hi Dave, I’m not sure if I’m allowed?  The administrator on the book of faces gave me permission, but not sure how to get it for here?

All sorted.  I rang one of the specialist insurance companies today, and they arranged cruise insurance for travel against FCO advice, so we are good to go!  I took an annual policy to give lots of flexibility.

Hi Again, just spent an hour on the internet, no info on travel insurance for international cruises against FCDO advice as yet, but I’m hoping this will emerge as UK residents start taking the step beyond uk cruising.  I intend to keep a watching brief as plenty could happen, the FCDO could declare international cruises as ok, the travel insurance industry could promote a suitable product or the cruise could be cancelled by Viking as has happened with the repositioning cruise. If I can’t get insurance by 10 July,, we will have to move onto a later cruise before the risk free guarantee expires. In the meantime I shall just have happy dreams of getting back on Viking Venus.

Hi, by coincidence we have booked Malta for the same day, 24 July.  I was going to  do an internet trawl today.  I am aware there is a travel insurance you can buy to travel to areas against UK gov advice,  but not sure if this also covers travelling in a manner against uk gov advice. 

Hi Arlowood and Dave, thanks, it may be that the quarantine rules change for August returners (and then change back again!) before we set off.  I’ve noticed the first Venus Malta sailing on 11 July is no longer on the site, so I’m wondering whether that’s due to be cancelled and ours will be next!, if so wonder where Venus will be going instead?

Hi Neil, thanks for the advice, all booked. Very 😃 

Hi, we have just returned from UK Viking Venus cruise (UK is our home) and thought it was fantastic.  The daily testing and other COVID measures were no problem, in fact they were reassuring. We are thinking of rejoining her for the Malta Adriatic itinerary, maybe as early as 24 July 2021.  As far as I can tell, although we are double vaccinated, we would need a PCR test before setting off, and we may need to quarantine unless the rules change by the time we return on 3 August.  We would also need to take out special insurance due to the fact the FCO advises against international cruising at the moment.  We could travel later in the year, in the expectation that these inconveniences would fall away, but to some extent, I think we should seize the day, as more rules could emerge in the meantime.  Wondered if anyone was having similar thoughts, or could offer any advice?

Hi royallondon

The cruise was brilliant - we would have asked to stay on for the next one if we hadn’t had to get back for work.  The food, service, design of ship, entertainment, and staff were all seriously impressive.  Our fellow cruisers were all a pleasure to sail with and it was easy to cope with the COVID precautions. We feel very lucky to have enjoyed a cruise holiday when so many other people have had their cruises and wider holiday plans disrupted.  Here’s to plenty more cruising the Viking Way!!!!

Thank you Strangford Tripadvisor was very useful.

Thank you MikeD we stayed where you suggested and it was great.

Hello, we have just booked this cruise.  It will be our first on Viking.

We were going to book a Premier Inn for Friday night, but there are quite a few, any suggestions?

Hi, any advice on whether to book 13247 or 13386 on Virtuosa next week. These are both Fantastica?  There are also some well positioned Aurea cabins midships on deck 11 which are £500 more, not sure what you get for the extra though - some of the experience eg drinks are already included in Fantastica for the UK sailings?

Gosh, thanks for the heads up.  Looks like I will just need to pack the sea sickness tablets! I might book a guarantee Bella cabin rather than a Fantasia one and take my chance?

Hi, wondered if anyone could advise?  I want to book from Liverpool, but the cabin choices are limited.  I like mid or aft, and am not a fan of the overhangs on the higher decks.  The Southampton departure on 5 June has some great options,  but Liverpool only has forward ones. Could I book, and then ask to change cabins when on board? Even if I had to pay it would be worth it?

thanks 

Any suggestions for a quiet balcony cabin on a Britannia school holiday cruise over Easter.  I was thinking of selecting an area on C deck where most of the cabins are for 2?  

Hello, I wonder if someone who has stayed in a mini suite on Arcadia since the ship refurb in 2017 could advise how they have been improved?

Hi, wondered if anyone on the Board had stayed in these cabins, and if the had taken any pictures they could share?

Thank you for all the advice, I think I am going to leave until next year after the refurb.

Hi, I've read a few reports about sewage smells and plumbing problems on Arcadia. Equally I've read reports saying there aren't any issues, so I was wondering if it depended on where you were on the ship? If anyone has stayed in one of the aft facing cabins on E deck on Arcadia please could they let me know if there were any issues. Alternatively is there an area of the ship that is definitely OK?

Thank you

I wonder if any regulars could advise on suite selection? We are looking for a non aft B4 suite on Britannia, are there any suite nos we should avoid or are they all much of a muchness? Has anyone stayed in one they can reccommend? Is there any point in paying the extra for a B2 instead? Thankyou

Hi, I am trying to decide between the Britannia cruise on 2 April to Canaries and 16 April round the Med. Which is likely to have the best weather? We like to have a wander round at the ports rather than take an excursion, are either any better in this respect? Any suggestions on port or starboard? On Britannia?