Ultimate World Cruise 245 days and all the parts. Ongoing review, questions, opinion

[Jukebo1x]

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said:

We just heard the dreaded "Bing Bong" during dinner, which is generally never good news. The Indonesian authorities are now requiring a thermal check of all crew and pax before permitting the ship to dock alongside in Java tomorrow morning. This will delay our arrival and the Borobudur Temple Tour is tentatively cancelled.

 

However, as usual Viking is well ahead of the game and Shore-ex Manager is working on a number of options, which includes trying to maintain the Borobudur tour, if departure can be delayed. He has also ordered additional buses for the included tour, so at a minimum, all of us on the cancelled tour can get an included tour.

 

In anticipation of a flood of inquiries, the GM, Shore-ex Mgr, the entire Shore-ex staff are at Guest Services supplementing the usual crewing.

As usual, Viking  is one class act!

[Nashna]

Heidi13,  I found your Magical Mystery Tour posts today.  Our Haymarket, Virginia neighbors, Michael & Mary, are onboard with you on the January to May section.  They have been posting photos and positive messages on FB.   I am a frequent visitor to Cruise Critic and thought I might check on the voyages itinerary changes.  Hopefully, the itinerary is now in place and the sailing will go smoothly.  There have been several reports of passengers on an MSC cruise rioting when their Caribbean cruise was denied entry to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel due to one crew member having Type A Flu.   MSC had offered a complete refund of the entire cruise cost as well as 50 percent off a future cruise.  Evidently, that compensation wasn't sufficient to stop the smashing of a grand piano by a few irate passengers.  Despite experiencing much greater itinerary changes, I'm quite certain, your fellow Viking passengers are behaving themselves.   I'm totally impressed with your positive attitude in the midst of such dramatic itinerary changes.  

[Jim Avery]

Another reason to avoid MSC.🍺

[stretchcruz]

I hope that you are allowed in somewhere after health screenings. If not, enjoy your ultimate sea day voyage 😁😁😁😁

Sad to hear about the Grand Princess today. It will be interesting to see what happens☹☹

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

4 hours ago, Nashna said:

Heidi13,  I found your Magical Mystery Tour posts today.  Our Haymarket, Virginia neighbors, Michael & Mary, are onboard with you on the January to May section.  They have been posting photos and positive messages on FB.   I am a frequent visitor to Cruise Critic and thought I might check on the voyages itinerary changes.  Hopefully, the itinerary is now in place and the sailing will go smoothly.  There have been several reports of passengers on an MSC cruise rioting when their Caribbean cruise was denied entry to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel due to one crew member having Type A Flu.   MSC had offered a complete refund of the entire cruise cost as well as 50 percent off a future cruise.  Evidently, that compensation wasn't sufficient to stop the smashing of a grand piano by a few irate passengers.  Despite experiencing much greater itinerary changes, I'm quite certain, your fellow Viking passengers are behaving themselves.   I'm totally impressed with your positive attitude in the midst of such dramatic itinerary changes.  

Hmmm, some talented Cruise Critic members should form the Lawrence Welk cover band “Smashing Grand Pianos”....

 

 

(I apologize in advance)

[Heidi13]

4 hours ago, Nashna said:

Heidi13,  I found your Magical Mystery Tour posts today.  Our Haymarket, Virginia neighbors, Michael & Mary, are onboard with you on the January to May section.  They have been posting photos and positive messages on FB.   I am a frequent visitor to Cruise Critic and thought I might check on the voyages itinerary changes.  Hopefully, the itinerary is now in place and the sailing will go smoothly.  There have been several reports of passengers on an MSC cruise rioting when their Caribbean cruise was denied entry to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel due to one crew member having Type A Flu.   MSC had offered a complete refund of the entire cruise cost as well as 50 percent off a future cruise.  Evidently, that compensation wasn't sufficient to stop the smashing of a grand piano by a few irate passengers.  Despite experiencing much greater itinerary changes, I'm quite certain, your fellow Viking passengers are behaving themselves.   I'm totally impressed with your positive attitude in the midst of such dramatic itinerary changes.  

I believe that I am confident in that none of the Viking pax would be inclined to transform a grand piano to match-sticks.

 

However, if we were, it would probably take a few days, as we would require numerous rest breaks, as the crew continued supplying us with copious quantities of complimentary beer, wine, etc.🍻

 

That sounds more like "Work", which is a word that most of us have forgot the meaning. 😁 MSC pax, obvious not. I agree with Jim, yet another reason to avoid MSC and stick with Viking. 

[Heidi13]

Yet again, Viking have worked throughout the night tweaking the itinerary, based on the curve ball thrown by the Indonesian authorities last evening.

 

We woke up this morning to a tweaked itinerary, where we now have an overnight in Semarang (Java), so everyone booked on the long tour today, is automatically transferred to tomorrow. They have cancelled the next port, which was a new addition and on departure, we head to Bali, with 1 sea day in between.

 

Shore-ex Manager has also ordered additional buses for the "Included" excursion, so today he has sufficient space for all pax. Yet again, Viking customer service excels. Just booked the included for 14:00 today on the telly.

 

Currently anchored off Semarang, with the local authorities arriving about 1 hour late. Ship has arranged Manfredi's, where we attended, extremely well. The queue moved surprisingly quickly. They arranged the chairs to provide a passage to the 4 testers, who obviously have better equipment than in Komodo. Wasn't hypothermic today. Also had additional stations set up in Star Theatre.

[Floridiana]

So you went from Komodo directly to Java, not Lombok and Bali?

Good luck for your mystery tour. 

[Heidi13]

59 minutes ago, Floridiana said:

So you went from Komodo directly to Java, not Lombok and Bali?

Good luck for your mystery tour. 

Affirmative, same as Australia, the late itinerary changes have dictated we often retrace our path. Departure Semarang (Java) we will retrace our course to Bali, which be cruised by yesterday.

 

Departure Bali we are scheduled to visit Lombok, etc.

[Heidi13]

Currently anchored off the port of Semarang, on the island of Java in Indonesia. We have all completed the temperature check, which unlike Komodo, was accurate. The entire ship apparently has no pax/crew with a temperature.

 

We await clearance from the Indonesian Govt for the ship to be granted permission to dock alongside.

[Floridiana]

Good luck to all of you. I am now off to my cruise in South America

[World_To_See]

I am following with great interest the changes on your mystery tour!  It has been a bit of a shock to return to the real world (i.e. procuring and preparing my own food, making my bed, cleaning my own room and bathroom).  My sister and I were on the LA to Sydney portion. We enjoyed it immensely  and the chance to meet many, lovely people.  Hope all of you can enjoy your days at sea.   Irene

 

[Heidi13]

Many erroneous stories are being published by the world wide media and also on social media regarding the Viking Sun.

 

While we were not permitted to go ashore in Semarang yesterday, regardless of what you may read, this ship has ZERO cases of Conavirus onboard. In addition ZERO persons onboard the ship have a temperature, a fever, flu, etc.

 

Apparently, photos were posted to Facebook of us going ashore in Komodo wearing masks. A previous passenger from the WC posted that we have the virus aboard, which is why masks were required - WRONG, nobody had a temperature and the Indonesians required masks well before we even arrived.

 

Some media outlets are stating we have 2 cases aboard the ship - WRONG. Yesterday, we had 2 passengers aboard, who the ship's doctor wanted sent ashore for specialist consultations - 1 was a cardiac issue, the other was an orthopedic issue.

 

Upon completion of the temperature checks of the pax and crew, the Indonesian authorities cleared the ship, so the "Free Practique" flag was lowered. We were cleared by the Indonesian Govt to dock in Semarang. However, local governments can over-rule the national govt.

 

The Mayor of Semarang, based on Social Media posts and erroneous media stories refused to let the ship dock. After many hours of negotiations, we were finally permitted to come alongside to load the 6 containers of stores waiting on the dock. However, no pax or crew were permitted ashore. The guest entertainer waiting ashore was not permitted to board.

 

While we missed tours, the biggest losers were crew members from Java, some of whom had family travel many hours to meet the ship. At least 3 crew members had family outside the gate and couldn't visit with them. That is the saddest part of what happened yesterday.

 

We are now bound for Java, where we will have 4 days.  

[eff1dude]

Hi all, new CC member here. My wife and I will be joining the next leg of the Magical Mystery Tour in Bali on Monday, flying in from Melbourne. We’ve been going through the “will we or won’t we” stage over the past few weeks, not from the virus point of view as that doesn’t really concern us too much, but purely because of the uncertainty around port closures and itinerary. 
 

Sri Lanka and Maldives almost convinced us not to go but we decided they were still a few weeks away and a lot can change by then so what the heck, let’s do it. Being able to read actual accounts from people on board also helped a lot so thanks!
 

We look forward to meeting some of you on board!

Rick and Jen. 

[Heidi13]

50 minutes ago, eff1dude said:

Hi all, new CC member here. My wife and I will be joining the next leg of the Magical Mystery Tour in Bali on Monday, flying in from Melbourne. We’ve been going through the “will we or won’t we” stage over the past few weeks, not from the virus point of view as that doesn’t really concern us too much, but purely because of the uncertainty around port closures and itinerary. 
 

Sri Lanka and Maldives almost convinced us not to go but we decided they were still a few weeks away and a lot can change by then so what the heck, let’s do it. Being able to read actual accounts from people on board also helped a lot so thanks!
 

We look forward to meeting some of you on board!

Rick and Jen. 

Welcome to CC, see you in a couple of days. At this time, even on board, we don't know the itinerary.

[Jukebo1x]

8 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Many erroneous stories are being published by the world wide media and also on social media regarding the Viking Sun.

 

While we were not permitted to go ashore in Semarang yesterday, regardless of what you may read, this ship has ZERO cases of Conavirus onboard. In addition ZERO persons onboard the ship have a temperature, a fever, flu, etc.

 

Apparently, photos were posted to Facebook of us going ashore in Komodo wearing masks. A previous passenger from the WC posted that we have the virus aboard, which is why masks were required - WRONG, nobody had a temperature and the Indonesians required masks well before we even arrived.

 

Some media outlets are stating we have 2 cases aboard the ship - WRONG. Yesterday, we had 2 passengers aboard, who the ship's doctor wanted sent ashore for specialist consultations - 1 was a cardiac issue, the other was an orthopedic issue.

 

Upon completion of the temperature checks of the pax and crew, the Indonesian authorities cleared the ship, so the "Free Practique" flag was lowered. We were cleared by the Indonesian Govt to dock in Semarang. However, local governments can over-rule the national govt.

 

The Mayor of Semarang, based on Social Media posts and erroneous media stories refused to let the ship dock. After many hours of negotiations, we were finally permitted to come alongside to load the 6 containers of stores waiting on the dock. However, no pax or crew were permitted ashore. The guest entertainer waiting ashore was not permitted to board.

 

While we missed tours, the biggest losers were crew members from Java, some of whom had family travel many hours to meet the ship. At least 3 crew members had family outside the gate and couldn't visit with them. That is the saddest part of what happened yesterday.

 

We are now bound for Java, where we will have 4 days.  

So sad!

[Azulann]

Thank you for the latest update of the Viking Sun WC journey.

Social media is a double edge sword.

We get to  follow along with all the wonderful observations, pictures and have our questions answered in a timely manner. 

On the  other hand,  SM  is a hotbed of errors, gossip, and speculation  these days 

So sad  about the crews members who could not  get to be with their families for the day.

I am sure six containers of supplies will keep everyone well fed and in ship shape for the next episode  of this magical Mystery Tour.  I am cheering for all of you on board 🤩

 

[Jim Avery]

I second Azulann Andy.  Thanks for keeping us on course with your updates.  Media only knows selling spaces.  As in all other things they get it wrong often.  So good to get it straight from the source.  You are putting a really good spin on the never to be duplicated Magical Mystery Tour.  The sea stories you will have to add to your already extensive list.🍺🍺😎

[Heidi13]

Bali is now reduced to 3 days, as we depart Bali now on 9th March. Any itinerary revisions based on Maldives and Colombo being closed are still being finalised, as they haven't yet been promulgated.

 

Shore-ex staff are doing an amazing job, as with hourly changes they are re-working tours almost continuously. This afternoon we received tickets for Bali tours on 10th March, but by evening departure was brought forward 24 hrs, so tours had to be re-worked.

 

Crew is doing an amazing job trying to keep everyone happy.

[Clay Clayton]

While not on your cruise, I have felt like we were along for the magical mystery tour. But now that we are aboard Sky I feel even more connected! Perhaps we could have a virtual drink in the Explorer’s Lounge? 😂🥃🍸🍹🍷🥂

[Nashna]

Our friends are bailing in Bali.  Viking is sending them home business class.  They can't say enough kind words about Viking and the crew.  

[eff1dude]

Are you sure? Our itinerary from Viking shows departure on the 10th March at 10pm and we haven’t been advised of any changes to that. Based on that 10th departure we arrive into Bali at 8pm of the 9th. I imagine we won’t be the only ones.

 

Now worried that we won’t have a ship to board.......

[Heidi13]

4 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

While not on your cruise, I have felt like we were along for the magical mystery tour. But now that we are aboard Sky I feel even more connected! Perhaps we could have a virtual drink in the Explorer’s Lounge? 😂🥃🍸🍹🍷🥂

Hi Clay - I'll drink to that🍻😁

[Heidi13]

1 hour ago, eff1dude said:

Are you sure? Our itinerary from Viking shows departure on the 10th March at 10pm and we haven’t been advised of any changes to that. Based on that 10th departure we arrive into Bali at 8pm of the 9th. I imagine we won’t be the only ones.

 

Now worried that we won’t have a ship to board.......

As of 20:00 (Z+7) last evening we are departing Bali on March 9th, couldn't get a confirmed time, but probably in the evening, as the Twilight dinner excursion on the 9th is no longer happening.

 

Upon receipt of any revised itinerary, I will post it.

[eff1dude]

Thanks Heidi13.
 

Ive just spent an hour on the phone to Viking USA as Viking AUS closed for the long weekend here and no local emergency contact. Long story short, we didn’t get any notification of this change in itinerary, not even via email which I think was pretty poor. I only found out through this thread.
 

Viking confirmed the change and said that there are a number of passengers arriving into Bali on our flight ex SYD on the 9th at 8pm (local) and that they will meet us on arrival and transfer to ship which will wait for us. 
 

Fairly stressful morning here!