MomC

I am sailing July 26 on the Marina in Norway. Even though I tried to book excursions 6 months in advance, I am waitlisted on 3 of the 5 I wanted.  I had no idea it would be a problem that far in advance—it tells me there must be limited tour operators in those ports or they would have added more buses.  I would normally just book private tours EXCEPT one of the best parts of the cruise special was the $800 excursion credit.  When I made final payment last Friday, my waitlist status had not changed.  Often when final payment is due, some opt to cancel their cruise reservation.  Thus opening up spaces on the previously booked excursions.

What is your experience with this process?  Are you notified if you clear the waitlist or should I keep calling to check on my status.

Thank you for your help.

Mom C

Thank you all for your help.  I didn’t see the stops on the site I was looking at.  I will buy my passes ahead of time.

I am sailing in late July in Norway.  Since I have previously toured Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen, I plan to use the HOHO buses in each city.  Has anyone used the buses in these cities?  Your thoughts?  Do you know if there is a stop near the cruise ship terminal?

Thanks in advance,

Mom C

23 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

The fee for the Specialty Restaurants has recently been increased to just under $50 pp. 

 

Phil 

I just spoke to someone at Azamara and they said it was $30 per person.  As usual, different answers from difference folks.

It seems like every post I read these days talks about increasing prices for services.  Could someone who has cruised recently or is on the ship now please tell me the price to upgrade from the beer and wine complimentary package to the one that includes cocktails ( not the premium brands)?

Also, what is the current tipping fee for a concierge cabin?  Can I pay tips and upgrade the drink package before I get on the ship?

Thanks!

38 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said:

The fee for the Specialty Restaurants has recently been increased to just under $50 pp. 

 

Phil 

Think I will pass on that.  That’s a little steep for me to go and dine by myself.

Since I am traveling solo for the first time, I have not booked a Club Continent Suite—thus, I will have to pay to eat in one.  When my husband was alive, we were in a suite; thus we didn’t pay and that was why I didn’t remember the charge.  Do I still get house cocktails included in the price?

Thank you,

Mom C

Ooops!  Meant Azamara.  I actually booked cruises with both cruise lines and was going to ask if either had charges for specialty restaurants.

Also, do you have to make reservations to attend the evening shows?

Mom C

I have just booked an Oceania cruise for the first time since before Covid.  Do they now charge for specialty restaurants?

Thanks for your help.

Mom. C

On 2/25/2024 at 7:49 AM, Henk123 said:

Why not look at Regent also? That is really all included

The itineraries weren’t as good as AZ and O.  I love Regent, but on this trip, itinerary really drives the cruise.

I am looking to book a cruise to Japan in 2025.  I have narrowed my search to Oceania and Azamara.  Any feedback would be helpful.

Thanks,

Mom C

I am looking to book a cruise which does Japan in 2025.   I have narrowed it down to Azamara and Oceania.  Any feedback would be welcomed.

Thanks for your willingness to share your experiences.

Mom C

I will need a limo from the Coral Gables Hyatt Regency to the Miami cruise port on a Friday around 11:00AM.  How long should that take, and could you recommend a reliable limo company?

Thank you for your help.

Mom C

Thank you!  Question answered.😊

I know dress is country club casual, but are there any formal nights requiring cocktail dresses for women?

Mom C

Thanks for the  update!

Does anyone have definitive information about which cabins have definitely been renovated—not just fabric pieces?   I thought I read on here last week that everything concierge and above got the refurbishment.  When I called O the representative had no idea—put me on hold for 20 minutes—came back and said it was only the suites that were redone.  All other categories just got new fabrics.  Don’t have a lot of confidence in her answer.  Seemed like the post last week was more credible.

Thanks so much for the info.  Sounds like I will be paying by the drink or hitting happy hour.  I’m not a big drinker but I do like a pre-dinner cocktail.

Call me stupid, but I can’t find the numerous prior threads about drink packages.  I apologize.  I am cruising this next summer and wonder what the Simply More drink package includes.  Is there a list someone could send me?  If not, I know beer and wine are included and see that a limited number of mixed drinks as well.  So it is those that I wonder about.

Thank you for indulging me.

Mom C

Thank you!  I am tempted to hire a car and guide in these places and see it independently.  There are three of us.

Blue Puffin seems to be recommended often, but from their website, I can’t see if they are open in the summer.  I need to contact them

we are sailing from Oslo to Bergen, no train.

I am sailing the Norwegian itinerary in July.  It looks wonderful!  I have already visited Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen, but I don’t know what to book for Leknes—( the Lofoten Islands); Hardstal, Alta, Honningevag—the North Cape,and Tromso.  If anyone has visited these places and can shed some light on what are must-sees, I would really appreciate it.  Excursions are EXPENSIVE so I want to make sure I see the best things.  Thank you so much!

Mom C

I know European countries are instituting a visa policy in 2024.  Does anyone know if islands in the Caribbean are also requiring them?  I am sailing in March.

Is there a site listing what countries will start to require them?  And hopefully how we buy them.  I am going to Norway in July.  I assume I will need one there.

Any information on this would be appreciated.

Mom C

I just booked the Marina for a 10 night cruise in Norway—sailing north to Tromso.  It’s a bucket list trip for me and my first traveling solo.  I think this cruise is sailing this summer.  If so, could someone recommend excursions for some of the ports?  They are EXPENSIVE but I am used to sailing on Regent which includes the excursions.  You either pay one way or the other when you sail.

I am not complaining but when looking up excursions, I don’t know the ‘must see’ places and experiences.

One final question, the itinerary says the ship docks at 6 AM.  I’m sure we won’t be able to disembark before 8 or 9.  How far is the Tromso airport from where the ship docks?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Mom C

Thank you for your responses.  I respect everyone’s point of view.  Guess I will just try to book inside six months.  May not have the cabin selection as I would a year out, but I too prefer to have my money invested for the 6-12 months rather than have Viking investing it—or whatever.

I have booked—-and cancelled—two Viking cruises.  Why?  Because they ask for final payment months before every other line.  I need your help.  Viking has a very loyal fan base so I want to know WHY Viking has this policy, and HOW do you justify paying it?    I am not being critical, but I have always found CC subscribers to be savvy business people.  Thus, giving money to the cruise line months earlier than other cruise companies mystifies me.  I like what I see in Viking’s ships and itineraries, but I need your help with this policy that keeps me from booking—and sailing—Viking.

Thanks for your help.