ssawjo

I found Brisbane to be a very livable city when we visited 12 years ago. Yes, a long time ago. And the cruise port was closer to the city proper than now. We are on the same type cruise in 2026, Syndey to Bangkok. So, any information you get is appreciated. You may want to post your question on the Asia board also.

Our cabin attendants asked for a very early room cleaning and we were more than happy to help them out. They did get off for a few hours and were happy. I guess we were on the same cruise. Great cruise overall. We are headed back to the Philippines for two weeks because we enjoyed it so much. Sailed pass Corregidor on the way out but too far away to really see anything. Bill

We did a city tour offered by Oceania when we were there. The ship departed at 2 PM so the tour was short, IMO. However, if you are there all day, I suggest using Tours by Locals and you can tailor your tour to what you want to see. The Intramuros is very interesting and historic, especially for WWII history buffs, like me. Our tour started with a stop at the famous Manila Hotel and then a walk through Riza Park. Then to the Intramuros and the old city. Drove by the mall mentioned above and did not stop. Corregidor is undoable because the ferry from Manila to the island is not operating at the present time. You have to go to Mariveles on Bataan and take the ferry from there. You will not have enough time. The Filipino crew members were not at all happy about the earlier than originally scheduled departure from Manila. Many had plans to be with family and one of the bartenders was going to see his son for the first time. Felt really bad for them but they were their usual cheerful selves. Have fun, Bill

We were forced to spend an overnight in Port Klang on Oceania for "technical reasons" last February. The ship was docked at the large 24/7 container terminal, and it was awful. We went into KL the first day (about 50 kilometers away) and did the usual tourist stuff on a private tour and it was ok. I didn't arrange it so I don't know who it was with but it was inexpensive. We were to go to the Batu Caves also. However, there was some kind of weeklong Hindu religious holiday or festival at the caves, and it would be very crowded, so we did not go. We spend the second day onboard. It was loud and noisy if you were outside and not pleasant at all. Unfortunately, our cabin faced the container terminal so we could not even sit on our veranda. Interesting operation, however, if you took the time to sit and watch. There was a shuttle bus from the ship to a mall in Port Klang and some passengers went and said it was nothing to write home about. You could not walk around in the terminal. Good luck, it was not our best port call. My only real suggestion is to do the KL city tour the first day and Batu Caves the second. But check to make sure there is no other activity at the Caves first. Bill

The Terrace (buffet) is very good with grilled to order items (steaks, lobster, shrimp), pasta station, craving station, salad bar, etc. They usually have a regional night, e.g., Indian cuisine or German food. Breakfast is standard things with an egg station and so on. Lunch is very good and the Pool Grill has hamburgers, hot dogs, and an excellent surf (lobster) and turf sandwich. The MDR is good but it can be hit or miss, I'm afraid. I am not a foodie by any means but I like what I like. Really can't recall the "bad" things or the "good" things to be honest. The Specialty restaurants are very good, especially, Red Ginger if you are on the bigger ships, Vista, Riviera, and Marina. However, I found Polo Grill (steaks) to be again hit or miss. Some of the sides can be undercooked/overcooked. Tuscany (Italian) is always good and Jacques is good but I am not particularly a fan of French food. They also have a Pizza bar in the evenings that is again hit or miss. I had a burnt crust pizza and the next time it was prefect. You will not go hungry, and you will probably enjoy your meals.

Great comparison, thank you. We have been on Princess numerous times, Oceania four times, and Silversea once (several years ago). We do have a Viking cruise in the Far East scheduled in the future. I would suggest trying Windstar in the future. Small 312 person yachts and smaller sailing ships. Everything was perfect. From the crew, excursions, food, cabin, etc. The choose is yours, of course.

Happened in San Pedro with Princess. One lady's taxi driver dropped her off at the wrong ship and she gave the porters her luggage. She then checked in for the correct ship (really not sure how that happened) but then found out, because she didn't get her luggage, that her luggage was bound for Hawaii and we were headed for the Panama Canal. Our first stop was Cabo and she went shopping. I don't know what happened later.

Thank you for your very inclusive review.

Well, I guess I will pay up but we will pay with an ACH. At least save a few dollars. Thanks everyone for their insightful comments. Bill

Thank you, it was very informative. But still...

We booked a cruise on Viking Orion, South Pacific Sojourn, leaving Syndey on March 30, 2026. I was informed by my TA that final payment is due on February 15, 2025! I find this date to be remarkably early. Other cruise lines that I have been on are, at most, 120 days out for final payment. Granted, this will be our first cruise on Viking, and we are looking forward to it. Question: Is this Viking's usual method for payment? And is there any way to have the final payment pushed back a few months? This is a long time for them to have our money and, if we need to cancel, that is a lot to get back in a reasonable amount of time. The cruise seems to be selling well, so would that be a reason? Thanks, Bill

We will be embarking in Syndey on the Viking Orion. Would Viking frown if I bring onboard a case or two of excellent Australian or New Zealand wines and beer? Just curious.

That is a better idea. Did not know that would be allowed. Definitely frowned upon on other cruise lines. We will doing our first Viking Ocean next year, that is why I am asking. Would like to avoid buying a drink package if the cost of a cocktail is reasonable. Thanks.

Great idea but we also like to sit at a bar and meet fellow guests and chit chat with the bartenders.

Thank you for your blog. Very informative. I will be a first time Viking cruiser next year.

Thanks, that looks pretty reasonable for sure. What about a gin and tonic? We usually have them before dinner.

New to Viking, and I am curious if Viking has a Happy Hour like Oceania? Thanks.

Today is also National Store Brought Cookie Day. Examples are Oreos, Chips Ahoy, and, apparently, Nutter Butter is a winner on our local TV station.

Question: Is there a Happy Hour on VO cruises?

Today is also National Jerky Day. In case, you are a lover of jerky.

You'll have to follow up on this tomorrow and see what happened and report back!

Cunard has a cruise from Southampton to New York City that overnights in Reykjavik on August 12. Just an FYI.

That's what's called highway robbery!

I would have booked it myself online IF I had known this was going to happen. I have transferred the booking to my TA in the past. I do agree that people will likely cancel for one reason or another. I will get on the waitlist (I need two cabins) asap.

I am really upset about this cruise being sold out already! I was under the impression that it was not open for bookings until May 22 at the earliest for elites. Unfortunately, my travel agent is traveling and wouldn't return until May 21. We were on the Emerald TSE cruise and wanted to do it again. I will attempt to get on a waitlist somehow and hope for the best. Of course, the cruise is over two years away. Cunard has a similar cruise out of Southampton but I don't like their over-the-top formality. Maybe another cruise line will offer something similar.