sandbag7

We have reserved a Cabin near the very rear of the 9th deck for the Cape Town to Rio cruise next January, with the hope of enjoying some sun on our balcony on sea days.  A review on CC mentioned that their midship cabin on the 9th deck was always in the shade due to overhang from the 10th deck. Can anyone tell me if this is also a problem at the rear of the ship?

On 2/4/2022 at 4:10 PM, frantic36 said:

Yes it has a special menu usually in main dining room. In the Colonnade that night they are more likely to have the French Menu. I don't worry about missing out on the French night menu now as I know I can special order with 24 hours notice to have escargot, chateaubriand or foie gras.

 

Can you get sautéed Foie Gras?  I’d want to do that every night.

Okay, some nice posts!  I may rethink the large veranda as I do not expect seasonal weather to favor sunning as opposed to just enjoying the veranda.  I will have to check the Lisbon/Azores cruise in September as we were looking at one then on the Europa.

Thanks to all who posted.

Thanks for the suggestions Cruisee; before  I posted I did read available reviews and checked the “Cruise critic Detailed Review” which stated there were 5 dining options; this is contradicted by both Berlitz and Flyingscot’s comment above, so I can’t really credit the review; as to passenger reviews they suffer from the usual vagueness and didn’t address any of the concerns I raised above.  I like a  Veranda that’s big enough and contains two full size loungers and a table (not for dining as I don’t really like in suite dining); on a non-expedition cruise food quality and amenities are more important to me and if La Dame is not a worthwhile dining experience that’s important to know as are the noise issues raised by FlyingScotSailors; that was an issue on our first Ocean Cruise 35 years ago when we booked a Fodor recommended cabin; go figure.

Our last two scheduled cruises (Crystal) have been canceled. We are thinking about a cruise on a smaller ship.  Silversea Cloud had a Lisbon to Senegal itinerary that might be interesting but the Berlitz guide suggests that the ship is tired and mediocre.  I can’t find information as to the current number and type of restaurants, quality of food, size of verandas, currently available exercise equipment and spa quality and cabin sound proofing.  What is the evening dress code like? Can anyone who has been on the Cloud this past year shed some  light on these issues?  Thanks.

We have a cruise sip stop next March (on a Sunday); given cruise ship limitations we probably have a 6 hour window of activity.  What options are available to us?  Thanks.

We will be on a cruise next March that stops in Cairns at 1 pm, and then overnights until 5 pm the next day; am I correct that this is NOT a tender port? We are looking at an 8 hour GBR tour from 8-4 and we don't want to cut it too close.  Thanks.

We’re looking at a potential cruise on Le Champlain in 2020 and I’m advised that excursions are not included.  Given the port times it seems that we may have some difficulty in arranging independent excursions and I doubt that CC will be helpful. So does Ponant charge an arm and a leg for tours or does it cost a whole body, like Oceania?  Examples would be great.

Thanks for all the good info;  we usually arrange our own tours but these small towns, with winter weather conditions will make that a challenge.  No one on our cruise board has shown an interest in private tours.   And CC isn’t what it used to be, and  I had better luck arranging tours with fellow passengers in the pre CC era (before 2001).  Anyway   I’m somewhat surprised about the weak included tours given Viking’s stellar reputation but I guess a few bus tours won’t kill us.

So, we are about 17 days away from being able to book our free and paid tours on our winter cruise in search of Northern Lights; it’s a new itinerary for Viking  and we are new to Viking.  So far the only “included” (free) tour on each day is a bus tour; not even a walking tour.  Is this the usual thing or is it a oroduct of the unusual Northern Norway itinerary?  Any significant chance that Viking will add any different tours between now and the January sailing?

Don't give up - ask when you get on the ship. I approached the tour desk about an age restriction and was told I looked capable and was able to sign up for the tour.

 

Don't think about going on the ship's Canal tour - our January cruise on the canal was the worst ship's tour we ever had. 10 buses went to boats to go through the last two locks. The first two buses were able to off-load onto the boats. The rest were stopped by Canal authority - and waited 2 hours for the boat captains to come onboard before they were allowed on the boats. In the 2 hours they were kept on the buses without bathrooms or drinks, then after complaints, were allowed off to stand by the buses. There was one bathroom a great distance away people were finally allowed to go to. The truck delivering food was also not allowed to offload the food - and sat in the sun for all that time. We were afraid to eat the food.

As to the Canal I expected as much plus I’m just not excited about making an artificial crossing; I will hold out for the kayaks.

They did make an exception for a member of our party, after contacting the tour operator.

It was for a very easy tour, and we never did learn why it even had an maximum age restriction in the first place.

I would suggest going to the shore excursions desk to ask early in your cruise, so you have time to make other arrangements in case you are turned down.

Apparently they approach it on a case by case basis, leaving the approval or denial decision to the tour operator.

It may have nothing to do with insurance.

We heard of a situation where a tour operator decided to ban children under a certain age from their whale watching tours after they had a problem with a child acting up on one of their tours, causing them to get a lot of complaints and requests for refunds from the other tour participants.

 

In a similar way, some tour operators may impose a maximum age restriction if they have encountered a problem with an elderly person slowing down or holding up the rest of the group, or otherwise creating a problem for them.

If they happen to get a slow person who is 35, there are no repercussions at all, but if a slow person is 85, that is a different story.

I’m pretty resigned to the likelihood I’ll have to take thit up on board; the other potential tours are of no interest, there is no snorkeling in the vicinity, Colon is pretty much a dump (I’m led to understand) and I’m not much for staying on board, but since I’ve got Indy tours arranged at every other port I can accept a day at the pool with my music and books if things don’t work out.

Thanks everyone for your $2 worth (with inflation).

Your only recourse is to research alternative tour operators independently and book directly with them if the specifics of their tour don't carry the same insurance restrictions.

Yeah, I’ve been looking for that; the port is Colon, Panama and the tour consists of kayaking in Gatun Lake; all the relevant tours I’m finding are out of Panama City and won’t work.

I saw the same restriction on a National Park Walking tour in Croatia. They had a age restriction of 70. I believe it was to reduce the presumption of mobility issues of senior. While I am only 68, I think it is a very arbitrary restriction, as I walk 10-15 miles a day and am probably healthier than many on the tour.

 

In retrospect it turned out to be the worse excursion I have ever been on. The guide was terrible and when we got to the park they said they didn't have time to do the full tour so switched to a do it on your own.

At the ripe old age of 66 I did a walking tour on a Holland America cruise last year; I usually stay away from ship tours but I couldn’t find an independent expedition. The tour was maddeningly slow; One guy was even pushing a wheelchair through the Forest path! I Wonder what insurance company approved that!

You might try booking directly with the tour company. While in some cases it might be the tour operator, in other cases its the insurance company making these restrictions.

Interesting thought; is there any way to ID the tour company Celebrity is working with?

Being a bit north of age 65 I ran into an age limitation on Celebrity on a Kayaking expedition. I don’t know if this was imposed by Celebrity or the company they contract with. Does Celebrity ever change age limits to allow you to book an expedition once you’re on board?

Thanks for the responses; they were all helpful and informative.

i tried to post this before; don’t know where it went; are these tables readily available in the various dining venues? Thanks.

Yes, it is strictly there to give background as the event is a "Munch" moment. In my opinion, it moved too slow and the interest was fleeting long before it was over. Didn't really know what to expect. Next time I'll opt for watching wallpaper dry but it's part of the cruise experience that you should definitely look into while on board I'm sure a traditional concert may be more interesting is some aspects. What you speak of was done on the Homelands cruise in Bergen. Not a formal concert in the theater but we gathered in the atrium and the violinist played about 6 or 7 numbers with some conversation in between. the selections were mainly those of composers from that area so it was destination focused. Knowing I was headed on the cruise, a few months before the local symphony did and evening featuring Grieg and Sibelius that I found delightful. An insight to feelings of the land that inspired them. I was amazed at how many I knew and remembered from Music Appreciation in elementary school. That was a long tome ago.

I’ll definitely look into it; my father who was born in Germany played classical music all the time so I was born into it; I like Grieg though I prefer Nielsen, Atterberg or Pettersson, the latter two being amazing composers virtually unknown outside Scandinavia; I’ve never given Sibelius much of a listen except for the amazing violin concerto and one symphony; good time to expand my listening.

Thanks for all the info; it helped me decide to sign up for the Northern lights tour this coming January.

"Munch Moments" are when classical music (On the Midnight Sun cruise it was Greig) is played while art by Munch is shown on the big screen in the atrium. It is very pleasant.

Thanks Dhsamso; I’ve got a Munch “Madonna” print next to my computer and a “Scream” Mousepad cuz I’m old school; I prefer Norwegian landscape art, but I like the concept.

As to a 15 minute mini concert that is not appealing; being a traditional concert goer I prefer 45 minutes at a dedicated site or 30 at a minimum; well, now I know.

On our last 13 day cruise, the BBC was on the screen in one of the smaller screen areas, like the TED Talks. They support the itinerary. The musicians on board play all over the ship at different times and different venues. Most performances are around 30 minutes in the public venues. The Guitar player also played some in Torshavan. There is also a company of singers--(4 this cruise, with the new production company) They performed a few times . The Cruise Director and assistant CD also did a show in the theater and all 6 in another performance there.

We had a guest female performer and a comedic "Kreskin" type performer do 2 shows each. We also were treated to local music performance in Barcelona, Rome and Corfu brought on dancers, On our 15 day VH cruise, there were opera singers in Russia, Guest performer for 2 nights around mid cruise and a violinist in Bergen. So, some entertainment is dictated by destination. i'm just covering the stuff that wasn't detailed in the last post. Show usually run 45 to 60 minutes in the theater format.

Thanks; Is there a dedicated classical music ensemble on board, or do they mix classical with show tunes like some lines do?

I was on a 15 day TA with lots of sea days.

We had Munch Moments every evening from 6-6:30 on the big screen on the first landing of the Living Room. There was live classical music played during this time.

 

What are Munch Moments? Are you saying it is something on a screen? Is the live music separate or a part of this? Thanks.

looking at the 2019-2020 Ocean Cruise Guide which references the above along with Ted Talks, BBC, Guest lecturers, etc. As to the music how many performances and of what type can we reasonably expect in 12 days or so? What venues are used? We’re looking at Northern Lights which is new so we are looking for general info. Thanks.

Henry,

I agree with you in most places but not necessarily so in India :)

Not sure of the meaning of this post; if it is a “fear of local cuisine” post posed as humor I believe it is misplaced. I’ve spent 6 weeks in India over the last 3+ years without any issues; I agree with the recommendation to seek local cuisine ashore whether in India or otherwise.

In an Oceania brochure received just last week, the line swears the following: "Being of service comes naturally to our staff, a trait as innate as their unbridled enthusiasm. You can see it in their warm smiles and hear it in the sincere tones of their voices, as they zealously devote their full attention to fulfilling your wishes. Their commitment runs deep and never diminishes,no matter what the task." So, golly gee, Sheila. Clearly, you must be wrong.

 

Seriously, I'm not making this up. One wonders if their brochure writers can actually keep straight faces as they churn out this foolishness.

Yeah, you would think so but I had exceptionally good and personable service on the Riviera in December; not talking name recognition or anything silly like that but genuine friendliness which I don’t look for. I was surprised.