MadMarine

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

This is not a nitpick.  On the surface, what Viking is doing is amazing.  However, they received full payment for their cruises 20 months in advance.  If people cancel, they have 24 months to use their FCC - while having the money that passengers paid in advance during all of this time.  

 

IF all things were equal (which they are not), I would prefer to get a refund PLUS a FCC from Regent than being able to cancel  and allowing Viking keep my money for up to "almost" 4 years.  While I was not criticizing Viking, I now see that what they are doing is more self-serving that it appeared on the surface.  

 

Paul, this is not about Regent vs. Viking.  It is about OUR money.  I would not pay for a cruise (in full) 20 months in advance of the cruise and certainly would not let them keep my money for up to an additional 24 months.

Just a data point.  I’m booked on Viking for a WC starting 1/4/21.  Final payment is 6/15/20.  6 months prior to departure.

Mad

Just a heads up.  If you booked a world cruise, none of the advice in the thread applies.  You can't transfer the forfeiture of $1000 per person or the Viking insurance.  We were interested in doing this and were told no go on the transfer.  I would lose $10K if canceled.  We are still looking forward to our WC.

Mad

2 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

Nice to hear that on Sun they use the pool grill for the noodle bar.  Wonder if they are doing that on all ships now? 

 

On Orion there is a new Station facing the Aquavit Bar (beside the ice cream station) which does noodles everyday at lunch and dinner. Sometimes Italian, sometimes Asian. We can’t remember if it was used at breakfast for Omlets and such but think it was. 

 

Viking seems to have gotten better about advertising the special events but still has a way to go. On our first cruise we happened to discover they had set up a Greek Night buffet at the Aquavit.  There was no mention of it anywhere.  We only discovered it as we almost always had a quick nosh of sushi and crab legs with our evening cocktail while sitting watching the sunset over the wake.  

 

Anyhoo, after we discovered this I suggested to the Restaurant Manager that they might want to let folks know about it. That night they had the washywashy person verbally mention it as folks came in.  The next time they were doing a special event they had a sign at the entrance.  On our last cruise these events were also mentioned in the daily along with signage (maybe even on the big screen by the pool?). 

Clay,

A washywashy person?  Didn’t know that they used that approach.  Is this the policy on Viking ships?  I’ve not seen this on smaller, high end cruise lines just on the mega mainstream ships.  
Thanks, Mad

1 hour ago, PSU said:

We will be getting in at 6 a.m. at the Auckland, New Zealand airport and will be transported to our pre-cruise hotel by Regent. We are doing the three-night pre-cruise excursion package. Check in is not until 3 p.m. Have any of you ever booked a room for the night before so you would not have to wait until 3 p.m. to check in. We are traveling from Philadelphia and even though it is business class, I am sure we will be exhausted.

Thanks.

Sure.  Just have your TA book the room for you and ask them to arrange the same room as your pre-cruise if possible.

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said:

From memory it was about CAN $1,600 pp. It was very reasonably priced compared to the other overland tours

Thanks, much.  Looks like a great option after looking at the alternatives.

On 12/19/2019 at 8:03 PM, Heidi13 said:

We opted to complete the 4-day overland, primarily as it is a more comprehensive tour than the tours from the port.

 

Many years ago, I spent 3 months cruising the East Meddy, being in Alexandria every 2 weeks. As a cadet, we were voluntold  that we had to participate in the tours to Cairo/Giza every fortnight. While the roads are better, it is still a long drive - probably 2.5 to 3 hrs each way. In Luxor, it is also a 3 hr drive each way. Way too much time sitting in a bus, for a few hours at the attractions.

 

For Canal transits, I have been through Panama well over 20 times and even now, am out from the initial approaches all through the canal. Suez, I have been through twice - both at night. My best description of Suez is the ditch through the desert. While it would be nice to see it in daylight, there is no guarantee. Our last WC was meant to complete a daylight transit, but our convoy was delayed and we started weighing anchor about 1 hr before sunset.

 

Therefore, we prefer the more comprehensive tours and relaxed schedule of the overland tours and are OK missing the Canal.

Would you mind sharing the ball park cost of the overland tour offered by Viking?

Thanks, Mad

On 12/23/2019 at 6:47 AM, NY Nick said:

“Kiss the fish”, a walk in the park compared to my crossover during my Navy days. USS Kitty Hawk, CV-63, July ‘81. Golden Dragon soon thereafter.

 

Looking forward to another crossing 38 years later. 

 

Oh, my.  The “Shi*ty Kitty”.  

2 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

No.  Will miniature golf do???😎

Thanks, Jim.  It’ll have to do. 😢

2 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

No.  Will miniature golf do???😎

1 hour ago, CCWineLover said:

 

Hmmm....  I think you have the wrong cruise line.  You need to look at the big ship cruise lines.

No space for that on Viking.    As Jim says, miniature golf - or even shuffleboard is it!

Regent Explorer, roughly the same size, has a court.  Just thought I’d ask.

I couldn’t get the search engine to return any responses.  Are there any pickleball courts on the Sun?

Thanks, Mad

8 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

We opted to complete the 4-day overland, primarily as it is a more comprehensive tour than the tours from the port.

 

Many years ago, I spent 3 months cruising the East Meddy, being in Alexandria every 2 weeks. As a cadet, we were voluntold  that we had to participate in the tours to Cairo/Giza every fortnight. While the roads are better, it is still a long drive - probably 2.5 to 3 hrs each way. In Luxor, it is also a 3 hr drive each way. Way too much time sitting in a bus, for a few hours at the attractions.

 

For Canal transits, I have been through Panama well over 20 times and even now, am out from the initial approaches all through the canal. Suez, I have been through twice - both at night. My best description of Suez is the ditch through the desert. While it would be nice to see it in daylight, there is no guarantee. Our last WC was meant to complete a daylight transit, but our convoy was delayed and we started weighing anchor about 1 hr before sunset.

 

Therefore, we prefer the more comprehensive tours and relaxed schedule of the overland tours and are OK missing the Canal.

Thanks, Andy for your suggestion.  Not having done the Suez transit I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I’m not a great fan of long bus trips either.  Need to take another look.

Mad

On 12/10/2019 at 9:26 AM, Heidi13 said:

The one negative on our upcoming cruise is the minimal ports in the Meddy and on clearing Suez we immediately steam West. When they posted the 2021 WC itinerary with an excellent Meddy itinerary, we were most envious. It has been too many years since I visited Israel, hoping to return in the not too distant future.

 

Hope you sign up and enjoy a relaxed cruise.

Hey, Heidi,

One of the reasons we are doing the ‘21 WC.  I have a related question on the Suez portion of our trip.  We have a choice of doing a Luxor and Cairo overland or each port separately and doing the canal transit.  I’m kinda enamored with the transit, but could be swayed either way.  Your perspective would be welcome!  
Thanks, Mad

34 minutes ago, Jukebo1x said:

Mad-Pardon my ignorance. 
Obviously, my forte is not aircraft. 
While I fly more than I’d like to admit, I have never really focused on the difference between a jet and a C-130. .

Thanks for teaching me. 
I was saddened by the news, and my sympathies are with the families and friends affected.
BTW, thank you for your service-Jeannette. 

Oh,  my message was not intended to detract from your excellent post.  It was an attempt to inform.  The C-130 is an excellent aircraft well suited for resupply to Antarctica.

It was a privilege to serve.
Mad

Just for accuracy’s sake, the Chilean Air Force C-130 is not a jet aircraft.  It is a 4 engine turbo prop that has been a very reliable workhorse for various militaries around the world including the US since the Vietnam era at least.  The C-130 has been used to supply Antarctic installations for many years.  My condolences to the families of those impacted by this tragedy. 
Mad

Happy 244th birthday, Marines and a reflective Veteran’s Day to all!!

SemperFi, Mad

Happy 244th birthday, Marines and a reflective Veteran’s Day to all!!

SemperFi, Mad

3 hours ago, SantaFe1 said:

And even though the WC had segments, there were only five in 128 days.

Thanks, SanteFe1.  As near as I can determine, there are two WC length (161 and 141 days) and 3 (40 day) segments.  So, perhaps it will be less turnover of pax and crew, hopefully.  I do think that there is a plus with some new faces to meet and greet.  😎.  Looking forward to meeting you guys in April.

Mad

1 hour ago, Jim Avery said:

Basically there is very little about this voyage that feels like a World Cruise to us.

Wow!  This is a big disappointment.  You pay a premium, I think, for a WC.  The crew rotation that you describe must be a letdown.  Part of the feature of long cruises are getting to know your fellow pax and seeing the familiar faces of the crew.  Still I suppose that Viking needs to fill the seats to be profitable and the crew rotations help them to manage a growing fleet of ships.  Still, for me a bit of a bummer!

I want to thank all who have been posting from the WC.  Great insight and info.  

I've started wondering about the best way to prepare for our WC related to excursions.  My current process for cruising is to create a spreadsheet with days and excursions (1st and 2nd choice).  This is typically gleaned from past cruises, since typically, my planning starts before the excursions for my trip is published.  Now, I enjoy typing like the next man, but I'm hoping that there is a way to create a CSV file of days, destination, etc. to import rather than typing them in.  Any suggestions from the well seasoned traveler?

Thanks, Mad

46 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

After extensive recon and considerable sneaking I have confirmed Knob Creek at the Torshavn Bar only. Vermouth onboard is Martini variations and Lillet. Hope this helps.

 

 

Well done, Mr. Avery.  Your diligence shall not go unrewarded.  Please have another on me. 🥃.  Nice pic, too.

3 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

I shall do my best. Never say no to a Marine. A simple Sir! Yes Sir!! is usually sufficient.🥃

I have every confidence in your ability to carry out your duties with appropriate diligence. Carry on! 🥃

2 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

Just for you I will do some research on this.  Will report back as to what they use.  And your 466 days will be here before you know it. 🥃

Mr. Avery, 

I do expect extensive, meticulous research on this most serious of topics.  I’ve been told that it is important to have multiple, 2:1 oz single-sitting samples, using a variety of vermouths to truly appreciate the impact. 🥴

Enjoying your adventure from the armchair, Mad.

1 hour ago, Jim Avery said:

Yes, there is Ole Knobby onboard.  Might have to try your drink tonight for you....  Extra cherries??😳🥃

3, cherries that is, is my limit.  Do they stock any more exotic vermouth or is it the standard Martini & Rossi Rosso?  I’m especially fond of the Carpano Antica Formula, no bitters needed with this gem.  Cheers!  Have one on me.  
Only 466 days ‘til my World Cruise.  Need to plan ahead!!!

9 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

Sorry Opie but my empty was an Old Fashion.😎

Jim,

As a Knob Creek Manhattan fanboy, not dissing the Old Fashion, any chance the charming Sun carries my fav?

Mad

5 hours ago, snorkle lover said:

Just curious then SantaFe and Mad do you plan on calling Regent to be put on the wait  list for Alhambra or just plan on doing the private tour??

Private.  I think there is a risk of not getting to the Alhambra based on the timing issues.  I’ve reached out to Spain Day tours for ticket info associated with our semi-private tour with them.

Mad