molymoo

I would also check your travel insurance to be sure you are covered while off the ship.

Not sure what the difference was but we have noticed that each cruise has it's own "vibe". This one had a "everyone wants to do everything" vibe and I'm guessing that is has to do with the fact that for many (us included) it was the first significant trip "post-COVID". The restaurant was hopping every night ... many nights the reception area was full and one night it took more than twenty minutes to get to the podium and then there was a wait after giving our name to the maitre d. Thorshaven was hopping nearly every night and it was often a challenge to find a seat. The world cafe was packed most mornings but this was the first time we had an occasion where we literally couldn't find any seating during our first "circle". This was the first time we were not able to book Manfredis onboard. There was no availability for two for any night, any time for the entire cruise! This is all mentioned not to complain ... we had a wonderful trip and the Viking quality of service was top notch in every way! Just an observation that things did feel a bit different this time around.

We just returned from a cruise and on our floor there were at least three cabins whose guests were obviously being quarantined in their original cabins (we were on the 8th floor). The occupants never left the room, could be heard coughing on the balconies, and their empty food trays were left in the corridors inside red bags for pick-up. One on our floor was probably in there for ten days ... the others apparently started quarantine later; within a few days of the end of the cruise. Didn't see any "evidence' of quarantining cruisers on other floors ... but had no reason to be there. I'm guessing that those in quarantine voluntarily tested ... there was a lot of coughing, sneezing and nose flowing as the trip progressed. We opted for masks most of the time on excursions ... especially on busses.

Just back from British Isles Explorer and the captain, in his welcome comments, mentioned 860+ passengers. Ship was full and in almost ten ocean cruises I must admit it was the first one that at times felt crowded.

We were originally booked in a PV. This really is a lovely ship and we are planning to try to schedule enough time to enjoy it!

Embarked yesterday evening for our British Isles cruise after a lovely pre-extension in Oslo. Our flights were on time, our luggage arrived right away, we were the first to finish checking in from our rather large group, we were upgraded to a PJS, and the sun is shining in Bergen! Grateful as heck but waiting for the other shoe to drop!!

And check out the reindeer sausages at Trekroneren ( 3-Kroneren ) … just past the McDonalds … which by the way is one of the cutest McD’s I’ve seen!

It is my understanding that it is not mandatory … just a way to “jump start” the boarding process. The only thing you do is verify the passport info and download a picture … all of which can be done in person when you arrive.

It is simple and safe and crew members are there to assist at every part of the process. I’m not as steady as I used to be and even my clumsy self can manage to not humiliate myself in the process! 😆

We will be on this extension in a few days and the description of the included (sounds like half-day) tour includes Akershus Fortress, Parliament, the National Theater and of course the Viking Ship Museum. Being that the museum is closed, I’m not sure what they will do as that would have been a highlight. There are other similar museums (Kon Tiki and Fram) but they’re not nearly the highlight the ship museum would have been. We have been to Oslo before and covered most of what there was to see but somehow we missed the Ship Museum … guess that’s their way of keeping us coming!

On two occasions we signed up for M&M but never received an invitation so assumed they had been canceled for some reason. Did go to guest services the first time and the young lady there was trying to be helpful but had no idea what I was talking about. Please know that in some cases it wasn’t a matter of “not bothering to show up”.

We stayed in a room overlooking the main entrance and the train station. Downside was sunlight and the afternoon heat which was pretty intense on the two very sunny days we were there. The AC couldn’t keep up. It helped to open the windows as the temps outside were nice but then the bright light well into the evening kept us up late … not to mention the traffic and other street noise. Would have loved a courtyard room!

We stayed at Petite Palace Plaza Mayor for a couple of nights on an “independent” extension in 2018. Small and a little quirky but relatively inexpensive and the location was great. We had a huge bathroom and a nice terrace too.

Viking does not hide their policies and have always been upfront about everything. What you see is what you get ... and you are free to decide accordingly. I'm glad you are looking out for "future Viking cruisers" but your warning is really not necessary. People can read and decide for themselves, but thank you for your concern.

I get it … and I did cringe a bit when I saw the dreaded dress code was up again. I am not going to get into that topic except to point out the fact that sometimes “inappropriate “ attire might mean (especially in the early days of the journey) that luggage has been delayed getting to the ship. The airlines are struggling now and handling luggage seems more an afterthought than an essential service. We’ve canceled Chefs Table reservations when our bags were late getting to us on embarkation day … and that was just Viking handling the bags! Some unfortunate souls have been without their bags for the entire cruise! I would relax and not make assumptions and enjoy the cruise.

You will find that the majority of the people on Viking cruises will be the age of your parents … maybe grandparents but that might be a bit of a stretch … 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. That said, most are pretty active and interesting people; well read and experienced travelers. My daughter travels with me and she was in her early 30’s when we started. She was the sociable one; conversing easily with our fellow passengers and enjoying their company. There are usually some “youngsters” aboard … often during the summer and holidays when families take trips together.

We’ve gone in after booking (with air) and added air plus. At that time we have been able to book our flights … often as early as 200+ days before sailing date.

Sounds about right … and we were staying at the Thon Opera Hotel right next to the train station.

Our cruise leaves 7/1 and we leave for our pre extension two weeks from today. Still looking at April 1st “pre-embarkation requirements” in MVJ

We’re still waiting. Our MVJ still has the “old” April 1st “Pre Embarkation Requirement’s” listed. We leave two weeks from today.

Funny ... we will be on our second British Isles Explorer cruise soon but it will be our first time in Liverpool. For "logistical" reasons Liverpool was skipped on our previous cruise and we went to Glasgow instead. Big Beatle fan here so I probably won't be "fed up" as you were but I had much the same feeling in Barcelona about Gaudi. I know (and I have been told in no uncertain terms by some on the book of faces site) that Barcelona is about more than Gaudi ... but ... you wouldn't know it by the tour guides!

https://www.visitliverpool.com/blog/read/2018/06/sailing-into-liverpool-what-to-do-on-a-day-in-port-b304

We were on an extension staying in a hotel close to the restaurant. Others were dressed much the same … no one was really dressed up.

Dinner actually. Changed into clothes we might wear to dinner on the ship. Slacks, “dressy” t shirt and scarf. Nothing fancy.

AND the shower is larger !