SpiritRiver

Checking on whether any of you received special immunizations for a Viking Panama Canal cruise?  I’ve had everything imaginable except for Yellow Fever so wondering if that is a concern.  We’re not planning to go exploring on our own - Viking excursions only.  Thanks!

On 11/21/2022 at 3:59 AM, SempreMare said:

 

100% agree with your wife on both.

Same here.

7 hours ago, Iloveketo said:

I checked and it looks like it is mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. 
 

1 hour ago, MSEm said:

We will be on this cruise in Feb 2023.  How cold will it be in Patagonia?  Will i need a heavy coast?

Thinking we will send some suitcases by a forwarding service to avoid hauling clothes not need for our trip to the falls at the beginning of the trip.

 

Also any other good info for this cruise?

Thanks to all,

We are booked on this cruise in January 2023, and we’re planning to take a couple of extra layers to add to our other clothes.  Thinking a warm vest plus hat and gloves as outerwear will be fine—going from experience of 25 years of Minnesota winters.  Long underwear and long-sleeved tee if we think we need it.  

21 minutes ago, SpiritRiver said:

Yes, we have Viking Air Plus and have our outbound flight booked and seats chosen.  It’s the return flights that are not yet available with contract-priced seats.  I am told by a travel agent friend that those seats are usually released 6 months prior at the airline’s discretion.  I find this curious as our outbound flight was booked in May, eight months prior to departure, so I am being persistent in getting both answers and a return flight.  

I failed to mention that we have indicated three preferred flights which I have confirmed are noted on our Air Plus booking.  It seems that the outbound route has more options and so was available earlier. Business class is assured, I’m told today.  So, I wait.

2 hours ago, evonlef said:

A few questions. Have you paid for "Air Plus and Air Deviation" fees? Without those fees, Viking has the option to select or change the airline and departure times. If you made those payments, do you have the booking code for that airline? Then you can google the airline/ booking code and select seats; however, you should be able to call Viking Air and if you paid the above fees, they will help you select seats. I always pay those fees, as I always arrive a few days in advance and want to select which airline and flights I will be booked on. I call cruise flight's airline booking depts and ask if my airline and departure times are acceptable to their price guidelines, as I don't want long flight times or cheap airlines.

 

We are booked on a Viking flight to Prague in two weeks; but there was a change in airline flight times about three months ago which was inconvenient. It was before Viking booked the flight. Because I paid the Air Plus / Deviation fees, Viking changed my booked flights to another airline. But she told me that if it was already booked, that I would have to pay a cancellation fee to change flights, even though the airline is responsible for allowing me to make changes when it changes flight times. 

If you haven't paid those fees, IMHO Viking has the option to change your flights and doesn't have to give you seat information. Most cruise lines have similar policies. I would pay the fees now. 

Yes, we have Viking Air Plus and have our outbound flight booked and seats chosen.  It’s the return flights that are not yet available with contract-priced seats.  I am told by a travel agent friend that those seats are usually released 6 months prior at the airline’s discretion.  I find this curious as our outbound flight was booked in May, eight months prior to departure, so I am being persistent in getting both answers and a return flight.  

23 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

If you are concerned about getting ticketed in business class, you can always book your own seats.  We flew AeroMexico out of Seattle to Santiago, out of Buenos Aires back a few years ago.  We had fabulous connections through Mexico City, the service in business was comparable to anyone else and it was about $2500pp less than what Viking quoted us for flights to South America.  We had no problem getting to/from airports on our own.  We hired a tour guide to take us to wineries, and he dropped us off at the ship in Valparaiso.  We did Iguazu Falls on our own, spending time in BA too.  Our hotel arranged for transit to the airport.  
When you book on your own, you have control.  The other side of the coin is that if a problem arises, you get to deal with it, not Viking.  I’m ok with that, but others may not be comfortable.
 

We like having Viking take responsibility for us from outbound flight to ship to return flight.  In years past we have traveled independently to far-flung places, but at this stage in our lives we would not fare well should something go awry.  So, I persist in getting answers from Viking.  

If this is discussed elsewhere, sorry to repeat.  We are booked on South American and the Chilean Fjords for January 2023.  We have our outbound flights booked but not ticketed, but I’m told contract seats aren’t yet available for our return from Santiago. That seems odd to me as it’s only two weeks after our outbound flights.  We’ve paid for business class since my husband needs the extra room and comfort on an overnight flight due to age and mobility issues.  Has anyone had experience with booking business class tickets through Viking Air Plus?  I keep being told to call back in a couple of weeks or a month.  Flight options are not plentiful to get us home so my concern is that all business class seats will be sold and none will be available.  It’s already tight according to the airlines’ websites.  

9 minutes ago, lisaatric said:

I’m so sorry. Feel better and keep us posted!  We sail in October and are trying to figure out exactly what we need to do (to ensure compensation) in case this happens.  Again, this is horrible for you!  This is our first trip and it’s a big deal in so many ways.  It must be devastating.  

Yes, do keep us posted and do feel better soon? Not at all what you planned, I’m sure. We sail on Viking Sea May 9 so are interested in your situation in the event we have the same experience, or one of us does.  Are you and your husband isolated together?  Staff/crew helpful?  I’ll admit I’ve downloaded a couple of extra books and movies, plus have a new knitting project, for that eventuality.  So sorry this has happened to you!

21 hours ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

 Agreed. Neither am I digging the idea of maybe being removed from a ship following a positive daily PCR test and having to deal with quarantine at a hotel and arrange transportation home, etc. I'm still struggling with 'to go or not to go' in May. 

We are struggling with the same question about our May cruise, especially with Viking’s relaxed Covid protocol.   It feels like there are more opportunities for exposure and for testing positive.  

On 3/14/2022 at 10:46 AM, SpiritRiver said:

To answer my own question, I just had a long on-line chat with a Viking representative about this issue.  He said it is currently, and will be for the foreseeable future, Viking’s policy that Covid-positive passengers will be disembarked at the next port to quarantine at their own expense and return home at their own expense.  The captain has no discretion in the matter.  He explained that while other cruise lines are relaxing their Covid protocol, Viking has no plans to change.  So - decisions, decisions.  

Well, different Viking rep, different answer to the question.  This rep said it is Viking’s policy that, generally, Covid-positive pax quarantine on board unless the country being visited requires disembarkation.  In that event, expenses are the responsibility of the pax who would file a claim with trip insurance.  Now to research policy of countries we’re visiting.  Thanks for your patience in reading all these posts as I try to learn the most up-to-date info. 

3 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

That's an interesting change in the Viking Policy, as while it has always been to disembark COVID +ve cases, until now, I believe Viking were paying for the quarantine.

 

The on-line rep knows the Viking Policy, but clearly has no knowledge of marine regulations. The Master must follow any directions provided by the local authorities, even if they contravene company policy.

 

Section 5.2 of the ISM Code provides the Master with overriding authority on all matters relating to safety and pollution prevention. If the Master considers that the next port is unsafe to land pax ashore s/he has the overriding authority to refuse and retain them aboard.

It was my understanding early on that Viking would pay for quarantine and the flight home.  The rep indicated that were I(we) to be disembarked we could file a claim with our trip insurance.  I suppose this is no different than if one of us were to become ill or injured and require more treatment or hospitalization we would be at the mercy of the insurance company for reimbursement for our expenses.  We aren’t leaving until May 9 so I’ll monitor the situation between now and then. If anyone else would like to chat with them and confirm my conversation with Viking, please dol. I would love to be corrected to the good.

15 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Depends on the countries you are visiting, as the local Health Authorities can dictate to the Master, if s/he reports any infectious diseases.

To answer my own question, I just had a long on-line chat with a Viking representative about this issue.  He said it is currently, and will be for the foreseeable future, Viking’s policy that Covid-positive passengers will be disembarked at the next port to quarantine at their own expense and return home at their own expense.  The captain has no discretion in the matter.  He explained that while other cruise lines are relaxing their Covid protocol, Viking has no plans to change.  So - decisions, decisions.  

49 minutes ago, SpiritRiver said:

What is the current protocol if a passenger tests during the cruise - quarantine on board or disembarked in next port?  Anyone with recent experience? Booked on Viking Sea Mediterranean Odyssey in May.  

It should read “if a passenger tests positive during the cruise”.  

What is the current protocol if a passenger tests during the cruise - quarantine on board or disembarked in next port?  Anyone with recent experience? Booked on Viking Sea Mediterranean Odyssey in May.  

In 2011 my husband’s artificial hip dislocated on the second day of our Panama Canal cruise out of San Diego.   At my request to consider evacuating him by Coast Guard helicopter, the captain agreed to turn the ship around to get within range of the San Diego-based rescue crew.   Although heavily sedated, my husband was greatly impressed with the kindness and competence of the crew who hoisted him into the helicopter and flew him back to San Diego.  I remained on the ship until we docked in Cabo San Lucas two days later.  Those were among the longest and most worrisome days of my life.   The doctors in San Diego corrected the problem and sent my husband home to MN.  I packed up all of our belongings and got myself home from Cabo.  A few days later I received a phone call from the President of the cruise line inquiring about my husband’s condition, a call that was certainly unexpected but greatly appreciated.  We have taken many cruises since that episode even knowing the potential hazards.  We are planning for a Mediterranean cruise this spring and, for the first time, will have Medjet coverage.  That seems wise.   

Just wanted to share a personal experience with airlift evacuations.  They are common and so many thanks to those who carry out the rescues!

Thanks, folks!  Since my original post I have researched sample excursions on our itinerary and there are several that my husband should be able to enjoy without too much trouble, assuming the 2022 excursions are somewhat the same offerings.  Trekking poles will be a must!  Now to watch the Covid numbers through the next four months to determine how comfortable we are with resuming overseas travel.  

1 hour ago, bbtondo said:

I did the Iconic Med Cruise in Nov 2021.  Not sure if some of the ports are the same as yours.  I will say that if anyone has even minor mobility issues, be prepared to have a difficult time keeping up. JMHO

2 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

I just got off Med Antiquities a few months ago and am mobility impaired.  The Med was a difficult part of the cruise for me (we went from Athens to Santiago Chile) as it is a port every day, no sea days to recover.  I’m not in a wheelchair, nor do I use a cane under normal conditions, but for this cruise I brought collapsible trekking poles and used them.

There were a few ‘demanding’ excursions I went on and they were a lot of difficult walking (steep hills, cobblestones, distances).  Someone had a Fitbit on one and at the end of it we had done 12,000 steps.  I tried to keep these to places I really wanted to see, otherwise I scheduled easy or moderate.

2 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

I just got off Med Antiquities a few months ago and am mobility impaired.  The Med was a difficult part of the cruise for me (we went from Athens to Santiago Chile) as it is a port every day, no sea days to recover.  I’m not in a wheelchair, nor do I use a cane under normal conditions, but for this cruise I brought collapsible trekking poles and used them.

There were a few ‘demanding’ excursions I went on and they were a lot of difficult walking (steep hills, cobblestones, distances).  Someone had a Fitbit on one and at the end of it we had done 12,000 steps.  I tried to keep these to places I really wanted to see, otherwise I scheduled easy or moderate.

We are booked on the Mediterranean Odyssey cruise in early May, and my husband is concerned that his increased mobility issues - no need for a wheelchair, walker, etc. - will cause real problems when it comes to excursions.  I’m hopeful that Viking will allow non-Viking excursions by then so that we can hire private car tours if needed; otherwise, advice from anyone who has dealt with this issue would be appreciated.  Also, if anyone has done the Lake Como extension, talk to me about that in this regard.  Thanks so much as we need to get a 360-degree view of the trip.  This issue, along with lingering concerns over Covid, is making us think twice about going.

Need comparisons of various river cruise companies - Viking, Ama, Avalon, Crystal, etc. Just complete a Viking Ocean trip and was pleased and now considering a Rhine cruise in April/May 2019. Any and all information from folks who have been on different ships greatly appreciated! We four cruisers are 60's-70's and moderately active. Any and all comparisons welcome.

Considering a Disney cruise to Alaska with our daughter and her family, which includes 3 children, all girls, ages 8, 6 and 2. I'm not concerned about the shipboard experience, but are there things to do on shore that are appropriate for these ages? Our other choice for a Disney experience with them is the Hawnaii resort. Advice, please. Thanks!