blacksmith

I was advised by Explora themselves that the website could not be used for booking any types of services. I set up an account with a password and profile (including one booked cruise) and downloaded their app, but the Explora agent told me that I needed to go through them or my TA to book or reserve anything. He also said that the app is only helpful once on the ship. Like I said before, everything has gone smoothly in the booking process. It’s just different. Just don’t screw up my Negroni when I’m on the ship 🍸

We just booked with Explora. The website is impossible to accomplish anything. You have to use your TA or call Explora for an assist. That includes restaurant, spa, excursion, and flight reservations. Even the check in has to be emailed to you to complete. Having said all that, everything has gone smoothly. It’s just different, and perhaps the website will improve in time.

Just returned from a Viking River cruise and had a very interesting experience. On the third day my wife fell ill so I performed a RAT on her and sure enough she had Covid. I called and spoke with the HM to advise him. He asked if she needed an ambulance and would be happy to arrange. I told him that she wasn’t sick enough to require hospitalization as her breathing was okay and no fever. He assisted me in locating a pharmacy where I was able to purchase Vicks, ibuprofen, additional RATs, vitamin C. She didn’t leave the room for the rest of the cruise but never got any worse. In conversation with the HM he told me that Covid is now treated like any other illness. We traveled through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, returning to the USA. We both wore masks of coarse, but never encountered any obstacles related to Covid in our travels. I would add that Viking provided some of the best service we have ever had. Even though we were in a standard category every service was first class. Just an example: The hotel provided for our cruise extension in The Hague was 5 star (Hotel Des Indes). This was not requested or expected. The transfer to Amsterdam airport was a private Mercedes for ourselves and my sister in law. Arriving at the airport the driver contacted a Viking rep who greeted us, assisted with bags and even performed our kiosk entries. Our last SS cruise (a little less than a year ago) began with a no show by Blacklane picking us up at our house, a madhouse at Barbados airport and 3 star hotel . On the ship the spa was closed for the entire 20 days, 6 hr wait for the hotel room in Halifax, completely unorganized RATs provided prior to airport transfers. What a difference a year makes 🤗

We have just disembarked the Cloud in Halifax this morning. SS has arranged antigen testing at the SS hotel for this afternoon. A printed copy of results will be supplied at checkout.

The backpacks and water bottles are provided.

I agree with everything MHF is saying. I’m on the ship now having boarded in Barbados and continuing on to Halifax. Blacklane was a no show to pick us up. Sent an email 3 hrs prior to reserved time (made 3 weeks earlier). Unable to contact a real person with Blacklane, only a chat line. Chat person’s response was “your booking was unsuccessful “. Called TA and SS. Too late for them to help. Had to scramble to get to the airport and make our flight. Expedition staff has been great in my opinion, but the food and beverage performance has been abysmal. I’m encouraged that the reduction in passenger load on the next leg will help in that regard. We’ll see🤷‍♂️