stretchcruz

18 hours ago, lswankel said:

I have been to both part of the park after this trip to Rinca. I think it is every bit as nice as Komodo island for me.  The walkways were well build and you had the chance to look down of the dragons, not walk around them. Yes, it takes some of the “fear factor “ away, however some of the small dragons can and have climbed up the walkway. For anyone with mobility issues Rica was a better experience. They have also built a small but efficient museum and and added to the experience nicely.  You can only go in a tour group, no individual exploring but that really did’t seem to be an issue. We ere a late in the day tour and se still saw dragons, enough to get good pictures and some earlier tours also was water buffalo and many monkeys. The experience was only on hour in length but excellent as far as Im concerned, comparing it to the previous Komodo Island trip. This was focused on the island, research being done, and NO gauntlet of sellers to walk through. There is a government Ranger gist shop and cage at the museum and there were a few sellers on a side dock that you could easily avoid.  The ranger had cold water for everyone who wanted it and it was an enjoyed tour.  Overall I think a better choice than Komodo.

Sounds like we would have liked Rinca better. Don't remember on Komodo how long our walk was but it seemed forever because of the heat. And we climbed a hill, coming down my husband fell and cut his arm. It was bleeding. So, naturally, worried about the dragons. The "guides" had no type of first aid or even band aids. I did. (Hey, I was a Girl Scout). It turned out fine but it was so hot for such a long walk. And then the horrible gauntlet of vendors. 

18 hours ago, lswankel said:

I have been to both part of the park after this trip to Rinca. I think it is every bit as nice as Komodo island for me.  The walkways were well build and you had the chance to look down of the dragons, not walk around them. Yes, it takes some of the “fear factor “ away, however some of the small dragons can and have climbed up the walkway. For anyone with mobility issues Rica was a better experience. They have also built a small but efficient museum and and added to the experience nicely.  You can only go in a tour group, no individual exploring but that really did’t seem to be an issue. We ere a late in the day tour and se still saw dragons, enough to get good pictures and some earlier tours also was water buffalo and many monkeys. The experience was only on hour in length but excellent as far as Im concerned, comparing it to the previous Komodo Island trip. This was focused on the island, research being done, and NO gauntlet of sellers to walk through. There is a government Ranger gist shop and cage at the museum and there were a few sellers on a side dock that you could easily avoid.  The ranger had cold water for everyone who wanted it and it was an enjoyed tour.  Overall I think a better choice than Komodo.

Sounds like we would have liked Rinca better. Don't remember on Komodo how long our walk was but it seemed forever because of the heat. And we climbed a hill, coming down my husband fell and cut his arm. It was bleeding. So, naturally, worried about the dragons. The "guides" had no type of first aid or even band aids. I did. (Hey, I was a Girl Scout). It turned out fine but it was so hot for such a long walk. And then the horrible gauntlet of vendors. 

That's nice. We were on Viking when we went in 2019. Or 2018. Sorry, don't remember. Lots of stress lately. We did Auckland to Bali.

The worst part about the Komodo dragons was have to walk back to the ship through the big overhead market with booths selling stuff. I probably would have bought something if I wasn't forced to walk through with all of these over aggressive sales people..Granted, there was a line on the ground that they couldn't cross. But it was awful. You walk down the beach past the deer that will be eaten by dragons and are herded through shops. In the heat.

A passenger in the stateroom next to the one where the fire started stated that they grabbed their passports etc to evacuate and the smoke in the hallway was so thick and black that she couldn't see where she was going. She said that the stench was horrible even on the floor below. She was worried that all of her clothes etc would be ruined. 

According to Sydney Australia news:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11707563/Viking-Orion-cruise-ship-evacuated-fire-three-rooms.html

When we've cruised to Hawaii the captains have always slowed down and then cruised in a circle so that everyone could see the volcano. And I don't remember which, I remember the smell of the sulfur and hearing the lava hit the ocean. It was awesome.

They are currently doing ship building on Viking Jupiter too. Someone on the site that must not be named put up a bunch of pictures of the snowmen on this cruise. Very creative! Lots of participation it looks like. I'm loving reading the blogs.

I am so sorry for all of you. We so enjoyed our Auckland to Bali cruise in 2019. A floating hotel is very nice but doesn't compare to the ports and adventures that you were planning on. I'm sorry.

1 minute ago, CruiserBruce said:

OK, yes, I misunderstood you. But if you test positive when you get home, what is to say you didn't get it on the way home?

 

But I am also confused by the need for @Clay Claytonto test. Doesn't seem to meet any of the policies. 

Could be you get it on the way home. But if you test positive as soon as you get home, most likely you got it before the airplane. Who knows? And who knows why Clay has to test? Maybe they will tell him when he asks (and he WILL!)😁😁😁

3 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

No ne has had to test to fly home in months...

That's not what I said (meant) I said that they didn't realize that they had it until they got home and then tested. I apologize that I didn't make myself clear.

Very interesting, Clay, about the Covid test. Are they anticipating that you will have contracted it? I know a lot of people don't realize that they have it until they fly home. Hmmmmm

OMG!!!!

I'm really looking forward to following along. I need a happy diversion!! Enjoy yourselves!!!

The leftover obc from my TA was refunded to me by Viking after we got home. On the TV in your cabin it is listed as "refundable"

On 7/22/2022 at 8:50 AM, AnyWayIsGood said:

Stretchcruz....thanks so much for this advice!  I put 'em both in my notes! LOVE good Mexican food. 

 

Speaking of Sabino, I have trouble accessing directions. Google can't find it easily. I've tried Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, etc. So El Charro is on E. Sunrise, and so closer to Tucson than Sabino, right?   This is probably the best address to use for getting directions:  5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

 

 

El Charro is on the southwest corner of Sunrise and Kolb. To get to Sabino Canyon you will head east on Sunrise to Sabino Canyon and turn left to the parking lot. 3 minutes.

Have lunch at El Charro when you are at Sabino Canyon. It's the longest family owned Mexican restaurant in the US. It's at Kolb and Sunrise right on your way. Breakfast at Bisbee Breakfast Club at Swan and Sunrise. Very close to where you are staying.

13 hours ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

Off topic..but was wondering if the rental car situation has improved there? Doing a fly/drive trip (3rd attempt at this) in October and will be flying into Tucson. Planning to visit Saguaro, the Desert Museum, Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, and the Mission before moving on to NM and TX. I had it all booked for last year but then was told it was near impossible to get a car. Year before that I canceled due to covid. All set again but just need flights and the car. 

I'm also from Tucson and my brothers could not get rental cars in Feb when they came in last minute when my sister passed away very unexpectedly. They were, however, able to get them in April for her memorial service. They reserved them weeks in advance. Hopefully you can get one by reserving way ahead of time. We live less than 5 minutes from Sabino Canyon. Enjoy your visit!!

It's still so interesting that you are staying in the same cabin. First I've heard of that. We were on Orion a month and never heard of anyone able to quarantine in their cabin. And, they've always said that the 10 day quarantine was due to....I don't know what, local rules? CDC? don't understand....but the CDC in US is 5 day quarantine and then mask regardless of positive or not. I'm not saying that I agree with it, I'm saying what the CDC says on their website. It's just so confusing what happens on different voyages.

1 hour ago, ROTONDA said:

 

Still in initial room I think because they thought they could get us off in Ketchikan? Not sure if that was lip service. Must have known from previous trip. 
Oh~ and we sat out in the bay for 2 hours. We were ready to go just as the ropes were being let off. They told us a tender was possible then the call came later no one was available at the terminal to greet us.

It's very interesting that you were allowed to stay in your cabin. When we were on Orion quarantine was Deck 3 forward port side with a door blocking it off (no, we didn't have to experience it.) Since the recommendation from the CDC for quarantine in the US is 5 days, will they let you out then?

Yes, I can't wait. 22 days. Never been to Alaska and we'll avoid the long trip from Seward!!

Update:

My TA contacted Viking. We booked the cruise and got the onboard booking benefits. So we are cruising Vancouver to Vancouver. Yay! Thanks for all of your input. You guys were right!

1 hour ago, GKTV32162 said:

Yes, but with their daily testing, they catch cases immediately so they no longer isolate close contacts. 

I'm glad to hear that!! It still sucks, though. You all did so well for so long.

I'm so sorry. I hope that she has a mild case. I'm glad to hear that you don't have to isolate. Didn't they used to make the partner stay isolated in the original stateroom for 5 days?

13 hours ago, PasadenaDave said:

We are on the Sky Istanbul to Venice with pre and post excursions.  Here is a brief review.

 

Flight LAX to Istanbul via Frankfurt on Lufthansa was all on time, no bumps, an easy flight despite lengthy.  Viking was at baggage claim to greet 8-10 people and they already had our bags off the carousel.

 

Pre-cruise nice hotel, good food and great excursion 

 

Excursions:  Great guides.  The excursion we booked for Istanbul was the same as our pre cruise and while we cancelled when we boarded, no refund yet.  We didn’t know excursions on pre cruise when we booked excursions poor form on Viking.  All excursions top notch 

 

Food:  we order room service for breakfast and it is always punctual.  Always eat at World Cafe, food is very good, superior to Princess.  We ate at Manfredi’s last night, good but late.

 

Alcohol:  no package we each have bought three drinks.  Wine and beer at lunch and dinner included is fine for my tastes.  Thanks to Clay’s suggestion, we bought a bottle of gin for the fridge and enjoy a Gin and Tonic in the room, we don’t hang out in bars or Explorers Lounge although they are all very nice.

 

Thermal Spa:  Excellent steam and large jacuzzi I like the snow grotto but it has been down refilling twice.  This is superior to Princess.

 

People:  Staff and guests top notch.  We had a Karen on excursion today who she and husband had no business walking up to the Acropolis, they got transferred to a private guide.  I think they expected an accommodation for disability…..This isn’t the US!

 

Bed:  I can sleep anywhere but these are hard beds and I wake at 0300 with an aching back.  Poor marks

 

Evaluation:  Best cruise ever ship, people, food, excursions, and itinerary I can’t say more good things about Viking

Are there a lot of Covid cases onboard? On the forum that shall never be discussed here there are several people reporting being in quarantine. One reported 40 cases after an excursion in Capadoccia? Must be an exaggeration, I'm thinking.....