hersheyhughes

Since this is our 1st cruise with Princess and having booked the Princess Plus, good to know how to navigate. When adding all the costs for grautities, drinks, specialty coffees, it seemed like a great deal. Looking forward to experiencing Princess. Will be on the Aug 28 Canada and New England itinerary. Thanks for all the tips! Kimberly & Phil

It may have to do with the Homelands itinerary. When we did Homelands way back when, Air Plus was not available. Getting in and out of Bergen is a challenge was the reason we were given from Viking. Was a wonderful trip back in 2016. Kimberky

Looks like Viking is experimenting with several aspects of their excursions. On our Eastern Seaboard cruise in July and August we had 2 optional excursions ($169 each for 6 hours) which included lunch. At the 1st restaurant we were advised we would be responsible for any beer and wine we drank. On the 2nd excursion we were advised on the bus if we had beer or wine we would be responsible. It was very surprising considering all of the other cruises and excursions we have taken with Viking. On our cruise in Nov of '21 bottles of wine were on the tables for us to enjoy. During that cruise we had 7 long optional tours and we were never asked to pay. I questioned the practice last month and was given the explanation it had to do with it being a foreign port and what their practices were. A pretty flimsy excuse, at best. Seems Viking is cutting corners where they can.

Just a note. Desalinated water dries my hair out completely. Bring a good leave in conditioner. Olaplex #3 was great Kimberly

You are absolutely right 2 days are just not enough time to see Madrid. And Micro So rolls is one of my all time favorite museums. The tile work alone is worth a visit.

When we did Barcelona to Athens in 2021 We did the Madrid extension and they picked us up and loaded our luggage on the bus, train and hotel. Great fun train ride on the high speed rail. If you stay at the same hotel we did, cannot recall the name, the Museo Sorolla is a easy 5 minute walk. The day we went it was free admission. A very beautiful artist home museum. We are planning a trip back to Madrid next spring along with the Basque country. Cannot wait.

Thanks for this insight. I knew about the 1st day of the cruise and day after. These little tips are so helpful. I just got back from the Eastern Seaboard this week and used so many tips I learned. The French and Italian cooking classes for example. So many people I met along the way asked how I knew about them. Thank you to all the contributors to Cruise Critic. Kimberly

cruisingthere'sa Thanks so much for your response and review.. Wow, this looks like this was your 1st post. I hope the disruption with services on the cruise were not too difficult. I am sad to hear you had issues before and after the cruise. It really takes away from the adventure. We will arrive in Montreal on Monday for the pre extension. Was there an attraction you saw that is not to be missed? We may try to catch the light and music concert at Notre-Dame Bascillica. Did you by chance hear anyone mention going on the Zodiak tour of Saguenay? We are booked for that optional excursion and I am hoping I can handle. Also, were you able to enjoy the spa area. One of my favorite things to do on sea days. Best wishes for your next cruise!

I loved your review. I am leaving for Montreal on Monday and was looking for reviews of this itinerary. It looks like you had a great cruise seeing the fall foliage and fascinating places. Weather will be much different for us in July and no foliage for us. Am wondering what your favorite port was. Also did you try any delicacies while cruising from Montreal to Halifax? I know it has been a while since your trip and hope you have had other wonderful trips with Viking. Kimberly

I am curious how you manage that.

Thanks! Good to know. I will definitely be taking mine. Hope you are having a wonderful cruise.

I am going from memory. I will be on the Neptune July 26. I will update then.

So, how was your cruise?

Be sure to check out the flip top on the desk. If I remember correctly it has a lighted mirror and has compartments for your skincare or makeup. Great place to get ready in the morning to watch sail ins. On my 1st 2 week Viking cruise I discovered it on the last day. One of my favorite areas in the cabin. Have a wonderful cruise. Kimberly