Fieldofdreams

On our recent Australian/New Zealand cruise I was told by the Executive Chef and other officers the reason that is not as good is because they could only get New Zealand beef and not American imported beef. Not certain if that is correct, but several onboard shared the same information, regardless all four of us could not eat the steaks we were served.

Thanks Joe - I was wondering the same about the included excursion in Athens and if there was any overlap. Appreciate you sharing.

Geri c - Thanks for the clarification I could not imagine Viking not including tickets on this type of excursion.

Thank you so much.... great information! Really found your responses very helpful! Question about Taormina, if Viking offers "Taormina on Your Own" as they have on previous cruises, is it possible to hire a professional guide at the Amphitheater or in Taormina for a few hours to take us around? Is it worth it? Alternatively, thoughts on just using the Rick Steve's approach, download a self walking guide and do it on our own? BTW JC522 I totally agree with you that sometimes in certain situations it is nice not to be a guided tour and just wonder and explore. We have only taken one other Viking Ocean cruise, just recently to Australia and New Zealand and I found most of the paid excursions through Viking not to be a great experience and the included excursions an even worse experience, just window tours riding around cities for a few hours. Obviously everyone has to decide for themselves what best suits there situation but with so little time in each port it's nice to spend time on your own.

CorgiGuy - This is fantastic! thank you...

Thank you again, after a bit more research I think for this first visit we will just weave around the streets and alleyways of the old town at a leisurely pace and take it all in. If you have suggestions on any of the other ports I posted that would also be greatly appreciated.

Millybess and DD57 and others - Thank you for sharing. Is this a tour you would recommend for a first visit to Kotor or would it be suggested to walk around Kotor for the day? Thanks for any advice.

Thank you dd57

Thank you

These are the ports we will be visiting. If you would share what you have done for the day in each of these ports: Naples, Catania, Crotone, Bari, Sibenik, Venice (2 days), Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon

I recently had the same experience with Viking for an upcoming September cruise and I was provided the same information as you were that this is their policy. Others on CC have confirmed the same. Certainly does not give one a warm feeling before getting on the ship.

If it helps any I came across a site which I thought was very useful when tipping in Italy https://mominitaly.com/tipping-in-italy/

Hello everyone - I have a general question about tipping for shared shuttle services from Rome hotel to port. Would anyone offer what is general protocol. Thanks

Thank you

Any suggestions for booking shared transfer from Rome to Civitavecchia? Meeting cruise ship Viking Jupiter on the 27th of September, 2023. We will be at the Rome Marriott Park Hotel. Thank you for any suggestions.

Thank you

jc522 - Viking is stating that there is a free water taxi running 24 hours from Chioggia port to St. Marks Square. Have you found that to be true?, if that is not correct are you able to provide some information on what Viking is offering to get to Venice/St. Marks square area? Thanks so much

jc522 - Agree with everything you have said so far. Just back from our first Viking Ocean cruise Australia/NewZealand and found the same for all that you have expressed. Going on our 2nd Viking Ocean cruise Italy/Adriatic/Med late September on Jupiter have a feeling it will be pretty much the same. Having said that very much looking forward to the itinerary and the ports.

Thank you for additional information

We are on the same cruise, also interested if there is a shuttle from White Bay to Circular Quay.

We recently completed for Australia/New Zealand, we completed it directly through the country sites, very easy and I believe $20 or so per country so there is some cost savings.