DJVKN

3 hours ago, spangler said:

Understand concern of overnights and travel from the ship but we organized the trip to depart at noon on a Saturday as soon as Neptune docked and returned by midnight on Sunday.  That provided us a window of being able to return on Monday if any glitches as the ship did not depart until Monday afternoon.  There are numerous flights daily between Delhi and Mumbai which helped reduce the stress of returning on time.  Send me a DM or provide email address as I can provide our experience of organizing a tour that grew to 27 fellow passengers.  Our visit to the Taj Mahal was the highlight of the WC and so glad we made the trip.  

 

This is what we are doing with a small group of 8. I did not organize it myself except to put the group together. Memphis Tours is our organizer to secure air, hotel and tours. 

2 hours ago, bwknsf said:

Hi flowsue - We’re very interested in this day trip to Taj Mahal/Agra from Mumbai. It sounds nearly perfect to see the Taj without missing the other ports and WC experience.  Would you please share the tour group you used, cost, and number of other Viking passengers who joined you?  If you’d prefer, please email me at bwknsf@gmail.com.  Thank you!  Brian

Hi Brian . If you arrange this or something similar to Taj Mahal we would be interested. We don’t want to be off the ship for the 7 day tour.  Please feel free to email me at avahondj@gmail.com 

Diana and Myron

5 hours ago, flowsue said:

We just did an up and back excursion (24 hours) and after doing it would not do it any other way.  We flew out early in the morning, Mumbai to Delhi, drove to Agra, saw the Taj Mahal and Fort Agra, had a delicious buffet lunch and got in a little shopping.  Drove back to Delhi and flew back to Mumbai.  Got back on the ship almost exactly 24 hours after we walked off. It was helpful not having luggage to check or carry.  We understand some in other overnight groups had their luggage delayed.  Hopefully, you will hear from them. Sure we were a little tired for a day, but we had a great day with no issues.

Did you do this on your own or did you use a tour operator? Can you share who you used?

TIA!

Diana

14 hours ago, spangler said:

I can share details of organizing the tour for a group if you have interest in doing the same on a future Viking WC.  

I would be interested in the details please. I am on the 2024 WC. My email is avahondj@gmail.com

Thank you,

Diana

1 hour ago, mbviking2023 said:

We also hired a great guide for our days in Bali.  I'll email you his contact as well.

I would love his contact information please. TIA. avahondj@gmail.com

Diana

On 2/24/2023 at 4:24 PM, mstadleraz said:

We enjoyed this excursion as well. I took the guided snorkeling and the guide explained the various coral and sea life. We were able to feel/touch a sea cucumber and a hard coral which were the only creatures we could touch. I would recommend as well.

On 2/24/2023 at 6:13 PM, mbviking2023 said:

Three solid recommendations. We booked through Viator, but now you have the direct website for booking. Just loved it.

Thank you so much. We have booked this excursion with Great Adventures for the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling for our day in Cairns on the 23/24 Neptune WC. So nice to hear from folks who have actual experience.

Diana

17 hours ago, dreamercruise said:

My husband and I were very, very lucky to be able to see the abundant quantity and various species of coral and fish in the outer reef (specifically, Moore Reef). Why lucky? Firstly, the weather (wind and rain) was unpredictable. The day we were in Cairns was rainy and sea was not very calm. The rain and wind died down when we arrived at the reef area. Secondly, we went further out enough (outer reef instead of inner or near Cairns coast) to be able to see very healthy and colorful coral.  The variety is amazing. We saw almost all of the species that Professor David Drewry showed us in his presentation’s slides (attached one of his photos). There were also many schools of big and small fish.  We got to pat the Wally fish (see Becky’s photo) as they swam by us.  Lastly, the fact that we went to a stable pontoon platform via a big catamaran (independent tour) helped a lot, in terms of less motion sickness and easier getting into those tight stink suit (protection from jellyfish) and fins, and into/out of water.

The day earlier when we snorkeled in Whitsunday (Airlie Beach), we did not see any fish or interesting coral (only some dull brown color). Think the main reason is that we were in the inner reef area.  Due to short port time, our tour was shortened from the normal 7-hr to only 5-hr, hence no chance to visit the outer reef.  Weather was perfect though, and we had a comfortable snorkeling experience.

Amazing. Can you share who you used for an independent tour? TIA!

Diana

12 minutes ago, Floater69 said:

In the South Pacific. Internet access (Bandwidth) is pitiful. Managers say it is satellite related. Baloney ! Other lines now have very good bandwidth. Spend the money, Viking !

Cannot believe this new ship does not have better bandwidth. Disappointing, to say the least.

That is so disappointing to hear. I know Gary @GKTV32162 had said it was awful on the 2021/2022 WC on the Star. I was really hoping it would improve on the newer ship with later/better technology. Guess not.

9 minutes ago, NY Nick said:

Can I hang out and lurk?

Absolutely!! Feel free to contribute when ever you’d like. Looking forward to it!

33 minutes ago, UWDawg said:

FYI... Link to the Captains Logbook for the 2021/22 Viking World Cruise:

 

https://brochures.viking.com/view/682349859/ 

I hope we get one on the 23/24 Neptune WC. What a great memento.

16 hours ago, UWDawg said:

@DJVKNDiana, which of the cruises are you on in 2024?  Is it the 23/24 Viking Sky WC departing LA on Jan 6 or the 23/24 Viking Neptune WC departing LA on Jan 9?  Quite a few folks from the 21/22 WC signed up for one of the upcoming WC's in order to hit those ports which we we missed due to the revised itinerary.  I'm guessing most will be on the Sky since the 22/23 and 23/24 Neptune WC's were pretty much full, but I think some are booked on each of the upcoming VWC's if I recall correctly.

@UWDawgWe are on the 23/24 Neptune. I keep forgetting there are two cruises. We chose Neptune as the Sky does not have drawers in the closet for the PV or below cabins. We went to Iceland on the Sky in 2021. I know the Star did not either. Viking kept assuring us the Star would have them retro fitted  before the WC but they did not. (we were to be on the 21/22 WC but chose to wait) We flew back home the day the ship sailed. Are you doing another WC?

37 minutes ago, UWDawg said:

We were lucky enough with the revised 21/22 WC itinerary to get a second day in Aqaba, a third day in Israel, and a second day in Athens.  That allowed me to squeeze in more excursions than would normally be available.  I took in the following excursions:

Thanks so much for your insight. I don't sail till 2024 but I love the planning process.

Diana

Thanks so much, Garry and Arlona for taking us virtually along on your travels. Thanks for all your insight, the good, the bad and the Covid. I really appreciate your honesty and loved yours and Arlona's sense of adventure. Even though we traveled with you on the Iceland trip last summer, we never met and really wish we would of.  Have a safe and uneventful journey home. I'll miss the daily "chats" May we meet again someday.

Diana

My thanks to all the World Cruise folks who have shared their adventures with us on CC and FB as well.  A big thank you to @JM0115 who originally welcomed me to this roll call when I was going on the cruise. Hope we can sail together someday.

A special shout out to @GKTV32162 for the blogs. We were on the same Iceland cruise in July 2021 and never met them in person but maybe our paths will cross again some day. I will miss my daily blog reading.

We are now booked on the Neptune 2023-2024 World Cruise and since we had canceled this one the day before we were to sail the price has jumped a lot. We were in a PV for this cruise and will now be in a DV. At least we will have drawers in the closet and a much newer ship. I hope our internet will be better as well. Safe travels to those going home or for those staying aboard may you continue to have a great time with Viking.

Diana

23 minutes ago, GKTV32162 said:

World Cruise Day 119/152 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece - My big fat Greek day!

 

 

https://kolbsontheroad.blogspot.com/2022/04/world-cruise-day-119152-athens-piraeus.html

Garry, What a wonderful day you and Arlona had. I personally, greatly appreciate when you give Viking credit for things they have done well and just as much appreciate knowing when Viking could be better. Keep on keeping on and enjoying your cruise.

16 minutes ago, GKTV32162 said:

At one of our stops, we had a walking tour that left right from the pier. It was described as a three hour walking tour. Right before the tour started, one of the guests asked the tour guide, "Will we actually be walking for all three hours?"  Seriously.

You can't make this stuff up! People are hilarious. When we went to the American Cemetery at Normandy we had a guy ask at the visitor center where you picked up your maps where the gift shop was. The gal at the desk said "Sir you do understand this is a cemetery. Unbelievable.

16 hours ago, GKTV32162 said:

World Cruise Day 63/152 - Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde Islands - Land Ho!

 

 

https://kolbsontheroad.blogspot.com/2022/02/world-cruise-day-63152-mindelo-sao.html

Garry, love your blog. I like your writing style. I love love love your photos but most of all I really am enjoying your frank, this is how it is, way of describing your experiences. You don't sugar coat it. My DH and I were to of been on this cruise as well. Since we had already been to South America and Europe many times it was no longer an experience that excited us but I am so happy that you and Arlona are enjoying the trip. Continued safe travels and calm seas.

Diana

Just an fyi... I have been following Oceania Insignia roll call which is on their World Cruise (albeit it is a segmented cruise) just  announced today major itinerary changes. Their journey began in LA. They will complete their current itinerary of South Pacific Islands and then return to LA. Head south through Mexico, un through the Panama Canal then on to Europe. They are offering refunds etc based on what the client chooses to do. You have a much better itinerary on Viking.

11 hours ago, GKTV32162 said:

World Cruise Day 26/152 - Puerto Walmarta

 

https://kolbsontheroad.blogspot.com/2022/01/world-cruise-day-26152-puerto-vallarta.html

Love following your blog. I also appreciate your comments on respecting others. Hopefully it gets better as time goes on.  

On another note, my bags were returned home today from luggage forward.  They spent a little time in Las Vegas but there was no cash in either bag. 🙂

On 1/9/2022 at 8:15 PM, NY Nick said:

Linda and I have criss crossed the country by car a half dozen times always taking a different route. Give us your starting and ending point and I’m sure we can toss a few ideas your way. Here or at djnick913@aol.com

Nick, so thoughtful of you. I sent you an email  so we don't hijack this thread. Put US Car Trip... in the subject line.

Diana

34 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Diana,

 

Tough decision to make, especially at this late date, I feel so sorry for you after all the preparation and anticipation. Wishing you safe travels home.

 

I note they have a few cabins open next year.

Thanks Andy. we saw that as well, just don't want to get caught in the voucher cycle. (been there, done that) If the stars align we will try again,. For now we will go home, regroup and probably head south. We have many friends who winter in AZ. I followed @NY Nick and we may try to replicate some of the areas he and his wife explored.

Diana

We have cancelled our world cruise for a full cash refund. We have flights leaving LA tomorrow morning for home. It was nice to have met many of you virtually and maybe we can meet for real sometime. Enjoy the cruise for those who are continuing on. Stay safe and Be Well.

Diana

2 minutes ago, uktog said:

Unbelievable, do Viking not know what is happening to their guests in South America

I just told them that via the chat feature of the Zoom meeting. I am asking them what makes this World Cruise worthy.

14 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

Please do a running commentary for all of us who are living vicariously!

We are now going East instead of West. No South Pacific, heading south back through Mexico and Central America to South America. Been there, done that. The webinar is still happening but Torstein did say we can rebook. 

I am in my hotel room in San Pedro. Logged into Zoom and ready to go for the presentation in 9 minutes!