bison2013
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Posts posted by bison2013
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On 12/4/2023 at 6:02 PM, LindaS272 said:
On another DIY trip in Morocco a few years before, however, we went to a government-run/regulated rug demonstration where they gave us fair prices and we didn’t have to haggle. Bought three rugs which adorn our floors to this day—nearly 40 years later! So if it were me and I was interested in getting a “Turkey” carpet, I’d check it out. Personally not into the very high-pressured sales tactics in the bazaars!
Fully agree- the 'mandated' visits hosted by the Turkish govt coops are where we bought our beautiful rugs. Arrived on time via courier, lovely to look at and given the recent hardships of earthquakes etc in Turkey, we were happy to support this dying art form. And have a souvenir to pass on to our next generation of travelers.
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2 hours ago, farmecologist said:
I think it is more than fair to have people pay a small fee if they wish to work from the ship, etc...
Agree with this- as a user who would be in the category to pay more for additional band width if that was an option.
As a rural user, we know the tricks to keep band width demands as low as possible and yet still function with tools like Zoom etc.
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14 minutes ago, SJD117 said:
I’d be hesitant about thanking Elon for anything these days.Without this man's vision and investment, any areas of rural NA would have no access to stable internet... and now apparently the same goes for while at sea. So, thanks are indeed offered.
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Probably unpopular opinion but we choose to work while travelling. This sometimes means using online tools like Zoom etc.
The option to 'pay more to get more' is not a problem and I expect this will be the norm shortly. Much like we see with the excursion offerings. I don't see this as a nickel/dime issue as long as those who want to use minimal bandwidth have that opportunity.
Thank you Elon and your army of satellites for giving me an office with a view!
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Interesting that they did not have any pics of the food... out of character based on how much other footage they collected.... Made us laugh anyway at what niggles some folks enough to dress up for the video to over 'share'
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I appreciate this information- we have had the same with facilities that indicate 'heating' is provided in off season Europe. Where the 'heater' is the air con turned up to a higher temp... a very slow and (to a Northern American) unexpected system to what we are used to.
Being aware of this potential in advance vs discovering it on site is the goal with these posts- so thanks again to @GeorgiaPeach51 for posting.
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If you are going to travel to Naples for Pompeii, consider adding a ferry ride over to Capri. It is closer to a full day trip if you go from the ferry landing, then upwards (and back to the ferry terminal) so may not work with your timeline.
Like many on this board, one trip will whet the appetite for more time in the different regions so don't feel you need to see everything in one visit...
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17 hours ago, Colt0708 said:
...There is a contradiction of wording on MVJ about whether only transcontinental only will be business. We had long segments domestic that were coach...
This is often the case with these excursion contract tickets. We have even had to be very careful with mainline airlines esp with code shares and/or when using award points. The dreaded 'mixed cabin'...
Diligence and persistence like you demonstrated is what is needed on the part of the traveler.
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Has anyone received an update from VO regarding dock location for Barcelona? Seems to be a mid October onwards change.
Spain ports topic doesn't have any updates except links to popular press articles.
I did try Viking chat but I was not able to get clarity.
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GoogleFlights allows you to track prices for the date/routes you are interested in and will send you an alert if a significant from normal price change has occurred (higher or lower).
Best advise is when you find something in your price budget, book it and then monitor for flight changes. While each airline is different, when the airline makes a schedule change, it generally opens up other options for you to look at with better timing, fewer stopovers (generally the most expensive flights are direct) etc
We always book direct with the airline vs using third parties.
Interesting that most on these boards are happy to use a TA for cruise booking but choose to book flights, hotel etc directly.
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2 minutes ago, marazul said:
That works if you are sailing on a straight north to south line.
also when sailing on an angle.. latitude matters as well as time of year.
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We choose side for morning vs afternoon sun on our balcony.
Not sure when you are sailing, but in warm weather we want afternoon shade...
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On 9/24/2023 at 11:26 AM, JerryInIL said:
Do other cruise lines also discriminate by cabin category in selecting excursions?
of course they do- that is what 'preferred access' or 'priority access' or 'exclusive access' refers to...
I think the better phrase is 'incentivize by cabin category' as there is no status/loyalty levels with Viking that I am aware of.
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On 9/13/2023 at 8:33 AM, princeton123211 said:
Hard to beat the GB Rooftop which sits atop one of Athens' top hotels, The Grande Bretagne. Beautiful views of the Acropolis. Have had many memorable meals over the years here and its great.
We are staying at the GB later this year. Do all the tables have good views or do we need to reserve? Also, is it the same restaurant for breakfast?
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3 hours ago, uktog said:
Oh boy did we bounce around last night - Captain this morning said it was unexpected, given the weather maps I saw I’m not entirely sure I buy that. On other lines where the ship might rock at night a pre departure announcement is made to that effect often with the suggestion to “pop a pill at bedtime”. I think some might have appreciated that warning last night
We are going to be three hours late into Akureyi they hope to extend departure by two hours. We are waiting to hear about our shore excursions retiming. This is one of those times you are so glad you’ve relied on the ship for tours, it’s their hassle right now not mine.
Last night we had another great dinner, I had been trying to schedule in a Chairman's salmon during the cruise and went for it last night but then dived straight in so no picture (I could have given you one of a very empty plate I loved it😀😀)
The Tartare was also very fresh and “vibrant” taste
And the Blueberry dessert had not been skimped on the fruit mmm
We did send a note to the hotel director about the issue of nuts with everything and mixed messages on the labels. At dinner the Executive Chef came and spoke with us, we were most impressed by his reactions to the issue, recognition of the labelling problem and the actions he is taking. We had held back from raising the very much minority concerns but were very happy with the outcome, shows how much Viking do care.
The show last night was another performance by the guest guitarist. The first had not worked for us so we didn’t go. We didn’t hear very positive comments later on. We just enjoyed a lovely time in the atrium listening to the piano playing of Sasha. She is so talented. Again a strength of Viking, there is entertainment elsewhere during the show, on some other smaller ship lines it show or nothing
From OP: We did send a note to the hotel director about the issue of nuts with everything and mixed messages on the labels. At dinner the Executive Chef came and spoke with us, we were most impressed by his reactions to the issue, recognition of the labelling problem and the actions he is taking. We had held back from raising the very much minority concerns but were very happy with the outcome, shows how much Viking do care.
This is NOT a minority concern. This is not marketing labelling-It is a health and safety issue. Labelling food items with nuts and other allergens in a recipe (including garnish) should be straightforward. Cross contamination risk is a risk that comes with the territory and that is not what I am referring to- I don't believe OP is referring to this either.
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We also passed through at night. While the 'shape' of the Rock was visible, what really hit home was how (relatively) close the coasts of Africa and Europe are at this point.
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the last set of pictures is amazing- this was from the ship? not a tour? what kind of camera to get that level of clear detail.
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the value for CC comes when something needs to be cancelled or refunded to original payment. @CurlerRob do you have any experience with how long it would take Viking to refund cancelled excursions paid via e-check/ACH?
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The 'draft' excursion list Viking Chat provided upon request showed pricing in our currency of booking (CAD); will this be the same when booking online?
I have currency options I can use so want to set up the correct one to save time. and avoid conversion charges...
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1 hour ago, budmeister said:
Thanks! Those are the exact ones my husband has! Mine are higher and heavier, due to a desire for ankle stability on uneven ground and walking through rocky ground (not little bitty rocks) , which normally would be hiking trails and more scenic out in nature places.
Do you think a hiking stick would help if I do not want to bring the boots?
I find the hiking shoes are good for sole of the foot comfort vs stability. It is surprising how many little rocks along unpaved paths I can feel through soft soles like on tennis shoes. Worst are 'walking shoes' with those foam soles.
The hiking stick question is one I struggle with- looking forward to hearing from others. I find it throws my balance off esp while going up hill.
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We wear our Merrell hiking shoes everywhere in Europe and increasingly in NA.
Uneven surfaces of unknown composition, cobblestones, higher curbs and peace of mind knowing our toes won't get crushed when we get stepped on in queues... all worth it IOE.
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On 8/6/2023 at 4:09 PM, CynBeth6 said:
We ended up taking a taxi it was so easy. There was a stand right as you left the terminal.
Any trouble getting a taxi back to the terminal at the end of your day?
Live from the Viking Sky (Ft Lauderdale to London) December 20, 2023 - May 6, 2024
in Viking Ocean
Posted
Loving your amazing photos!
Sharing- Our excursion along the Great Ocean Road to the Apostles (not on this trip) was magical- the driver launched Pachelbel's Canon in D as we crested the hill on the highway and saw the Southern Ocean for the first time. Remains one of my favorite memories of Australia. Nice to see the Apostles are (mostly) still standing! That ocean is relentless...