loriva

The two websites mentioned--CruiseMapper and WhatsInPort--will give you basic information on the ports as well as how many other ships are scheduled to be in port the same day as yours. (For example, three other ships are scheduled to be in Venice the same day as Splendor according to CruiseMapper--although I've found its information to be less accurate than pre-pandemic.) They do not, however, tell you which specific dock a ship will be using in port. As @RELSmentioned, the best and most-accurate source of information on docking locations is the authority for the individual ports. For example, ships calling at Venice now sail into and out of Fusina port. We received this information from Regent as we'll be sailing out the day you disembark: "Situated approximately 12 miles/20 kilometers from Venice center, Fusina allows for more-convenient exploration of the City of Canals. While the ship is sailing from Fusina, all check-in procedures will take place at the Venice Cruise Terminal located in the city of Venice. Here, all guests must check their luggage and go through the routine check-in procedures. You will then be transported to the ship in Fusina port which is situated on the western shore of the Venetian Lagoon (an approximately 30 minutes’ drive)." Regent should have provided you with similar disembarkation information. The sailing schedule for this port may be found here: https://venezia.ilogis.it/riepiloghi/pages/riepilogoNavi/layout_riepilogoNavi.zul;jsessionid=FCB3E3FF00197775D05D6AA3DD1B74CB. It only lists a few days out, however. Fusina is relatively new at hosting cruise ships so does not have its own cruise ship schedule page on its website (https://www.terminalfusina.it/en) that I could find.

We did the Regent transfer from Southampton to the Landmark in September 2022 after our British Isles cruise. I recall needing to be on the bus by 0830 hours and we were in London around 1100 hours (on a weekday). As @Techno123 noted, the Marylebone tube station is right behind the hotel (that is actually the side where the bus parks). You are a short walk from Baker Street, the Regent's Park, and the Marylebone high street. Lots of trendy restaurants in Marylebone as well. For more-casual fare, there is an Indian restarant, Mumtaz, we used to go to frequently when we lived in the neighborhood on Park Road just north of Baker Street, and an Egyptian restaurant, Shake Shuka, on Marylebone Road. There is a nice neighborhood pub two blocks away from the Landmark on Gloucester Place, the Alsop Arms, and another on Baker Street across from the southwest entrance to Regent's Park, the Volunteer. If you are in the mood for a walk, you can go through Regent's Park to the London Zoo and Primrose Hill for a view of London (also nice restaurants and pubs in that neighborhood). I'm not a fan of the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker Street (he was fictional--no such thing as 221B Baker) nor Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, but they are also close by. (If you watched the Sherlock Holmes series with Benedict Cumberbatch, the restaurant in the Landmark was a filming location. They also used to serve a lovely high tea.) Finally, if you are a fan of The Beatles, there are a ton of relevant places in the neighborhood or close by. Abbey Road Studios is about a mile away (ride the upper deck of the bus on Abbey Road northbound for the iconic shot), Macca's house is at 9 Cavendish Avenue around the corner (you can reach both by walking or from the St. John's Woods tube station), The Beatles Apple store was at 94 Baker Street (there's a plaque on the building), and Paul and Linda were married at the old Marylebone Town Hall across Marylebone Road from the Landmark. If you are interested in the Beatles in London, Richard Porter has been guiding tours for over 30 years (https://beatlesinlondon.com/). We had a great time on a couple of his walks, one of which starts from the Marylebone tube station.

What is the special feature night? Is that the same as the seafood buffet at the Pool Grill? Any idea when it will be on our cruise? For example, we leave Oslo at noon on 11 May--would that be a good guess on when it might be held? Or since we only have one sea day on our sailing, would it be an opportunity for a repeat of the soup buffet as we will be at sea for at least part of the lunchtime?

Yes, the port agent is the local contact person for each port. For our cruise, the agent in Stockholm is European Cruise Service, +46 8 31 84 75, stockholm@europeancruise.no. ECS has agencies in several of our other ports, so they may service Viking in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Bergen as well. The agency is listed when you expand the section for the Jupiter at https://www.portsofstockholm.com/vessel-calls/. Then I did an internet search for ECS to find the contact information. (I was surprised the port agent and contact information was not included under the "Your Cruise Dock Location" heading on our final cruise docs.) Having never sailed VO before, I'm not sure about the listing in the Viking Daily. Port agent contact information was listed (along with the ship's phone number) in the Daily for our Viking River cruise last December. (I think they also had the information on a sheet of paper at the reception desk just as you left the ship--so you could snap a photo of it and go.) Of course, leaving an ocean vessel is different from a river ship. The information has been listed in the daily program of every other ocean cruise line we've sailed with. Many ships also have the information on the sign at the end of the gangway with the "all-aboard" times. So, I'm presuming VO will do something similar. But, I could be wrong!

Or you could combine technologies and take a photo using your phone of that day's hours from the Daily. I do that with the ship's contact information and the port agent before leaving the ship as well. I used to search out that information for my trip document, but taking a photo is so much easier. And should be current as well.

I found this on "The Points Guy" last year, but could not find it in a search just now. I found it very helpful using eSIMs for the first time on our UK and European trips last year. It sums up alot of the discussion in this thread in a simple to understand and use way--even for non-techie me! I've printed it out and carry it with me, then pull it out while waiting at baggage claim to switch over to the international eSIM. It has worked for me, but as always YMMV. The secret lies in the settings – Using eSIMs Once you're abroad, the first step is to make sure both of your SIM cards are activated and connected. On iPhones, you'll see two rows of network status bars in the top right-hand corner of the display, which indicates that you are connected to two networks. Going into settings and clicking through to the cellular tab will give you the details of your individual SIM cards. You'll want to make sure your primary (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) number and your international provider are listed as "on.” From there, you'll want to change the primary cellular data line to your international provider and turn off cellular data switching. By doing this, you're telling your iPhone to exclusively use data with your international provider, which will avoid any charges for internet access with your primary U.S. carrier. (If you want to be extra sure you're not charged for data from your U.S. provider, you can also turn off data roaming on your primary line by tapping on your phone number on the previous screen.) You can then change your default voice line to your international network, too. Now, you'll still be connected to both your international and your domestic phone numbers — but your outbound calls, texts, and data will be routed through your international provider. However, the beauty of dual SIM is that you'll still be connected to your domestic phone number in the background. You'll still receive phone calls and texts, but you won't be charged for a $10-a-day pass unless you answer them. Receiving calls and texts is free with AT&T and Verizon regardless of where you are, as confirmed to TPG by spokespersons for both carriers. Answering calls or texts will trigger a $10 pass, but if you leave them unanswered, you won't be charged any fees with your U.S. carrier. Now, sometimes you really need to answer an urgent call or text. To ensure you don't initiate a $10 international package, be sure to ignore the call and then return it using data, perhaps via FaceTime Audio or WhatsApp, which will use the internet access provided by your (cheaper) international provider. To be sure your WhatsApp calls will be free, put your phone in airplane mode with Wi-Fi on. Make your calls over Wi-Fi to eliminate your cell provider from the process. If you can't place the call using one of the internet calling options, then you can connect to Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi calling to make your phone call. Look for the "AT&T Wi-Fi" or "VZW Wi-Fi" status in the network bar to confirm that you're connected to Wi-Fi before placing your call. (Wi-Fi calling to U.S. numbers is usually included with most domestic unlimited plans. Be sure to check the specifics of your package though.)

Our AT&T plan allows us to receive SMS texts while overseas. It is only if we try to send a SMS text that triggers a charge (the $10/day International Pass charge in our case.) Not defending one plan or denigrating another, just stating our experience.

During the past few months following the Viking board in advance of our first ocean cruise with Viking, I picked up the comment that "Port talks are at 1630 hours and lectures at 1845 (must finish by 2000 hours). Corporate policy to reduce rush times for tea and restaurants." Sounds like this no longer what people are experiencing?

This is an important distinction using your cell phone (iPhone) overseas. As we learned on a couple of overseas trips in 2022. --Apple iMessages to another iPhone using show up as BLUE (your messages after you hit send) on your iPhone. --Messages on your iPhone to an Android or other phone are SMS and show up as GREEN. DH and I have a mixed marriage--I have an iPhone and he has an Android. We have both installed WhatsApp to communicate overseas without triggering charges on our AT&T plan. (Our home internet is with AT&T after cutting the cord from Spectrum. Will investigate T-Mobile when it is time for new phones. They also offer free MLB-TV with at least some plans, which would make DH happy.) I also found sometimes when using an eSIM from Airalo that it did not automatically connect to a local data provider or the connection dropped. So when I tried to use iMessage, my iPhone switched to cellular data instead. So suddenly what should have been an iMessage to another iPhone user (blue) went out as an SMS (green). Which, of course, triggered the $10 day International Pass charge from AT&T. I do not remember changing any of the settings on my iPhone (primary cellular data line to your international provider and turn off cellular data switching) and I'm not a tech person, so cannot really explain what happened--just know that it did. The "text" doesn't show up as blue or green until you send the message, of course, but the place where you type the message says "iMessage" when in that mode. So, now I know to check before sending--and then check settings to ensure my eSIM is connected to a local data provider.

Weighing in as another first-timer on Viking Ocean (but experienced cruiser on other lines.) The category class system also appears on the dining reservations. We are traveling in a party of six on a Viking Homelands itinerary in May, with two of the couples traveling in higher category suites than we are. They had all the booking numbers but could not invite us when it was their time to reserve as our booking window had not yet opened. So, I think the invitation function will only work once the window opens for the lowest category in the party--i.e., I think I could have invited the other two couples. By that time, of course, the other two couples had already booked their specialty tables. The couple in the highest category suite in our party even called Viking the day their window opened to ask about not being able to invite the other two couples. The agent told them we would have to wait until we boarded and then combine our reservations. The agent suggested we all book two-tops for the same date/time--which seems to reduce the pool of that desired commodity even further for others. (We found, in fact, when it was our turn to book our group dates/times that all the two-tops for the restaurant at the desired time were already booked. We took the next slot and hope that will be close enough to allow us to combine.)

On our Viking Elbe cruise in December 2022, there was a set time the dining room was open--maybe 0700-0830 hours for breakfast, for example, but you showed up at whatever time within that you chose. And there were some smaller tables available. There is also a coffee nook where they put out pastries by 0600 hours--I know as that is the time I would fetch coffee for DH and myself. We also appreciate our alone time and could find some space to decompress. (NB that the ships Viking uses on the Elbe are smaller--baby longships--so that might have contributed to our experience,)

Viking gave everyone on our Viking Homelands itinerary $250 OBC for an itinerary change (stupid Putin). I was surprised it never showed up in MVJ to be used for optional excursions. I asked our TA to ask Viking and she was told they would only appear in our onboard account.

Great option for wine-producing countries like France, Spain, or Italy. What about ports on the Viking Homelands itinerary? Germany produces wine, but it is not the forte of the Nordic countries. (Beer is another matter, and we will be seeking out and carrying on some local brews. Which will suit DH very well for lunch or a pre-dinner drink and even dinner if he doesn't like the wine of the day offerings.) And imported alcohol in those countries has always been very highly taxed. Are there duty-free stores in the port terminals that offer good prices? But, yes, it is another option. And another reason to make me wonder if buying the SSBP on VO is for us. Again, individual choice and I'm grateful for information learned on the board.

Our thoughts exactly. The only way to receive what I would describe as a "premium" (not just an alternative) glass of wine from VO is to buy a bottle. The benefit of the SSBP would be a discount on that bottle. I did the math on one of the French whites on the wine list and the discount would bring the price down to about $10 a glass--but that is on top of the $25 per day per person for the SSBP. Which pretty much wipes out any savings--unless you are drinking the number of cocktails, after-dinner ports, etc. to equal out the cost of the SSBP. (As others have mentioned, the SSBP on Viking River--at least as of December 2022 before Viking came out with its "enhanced" SSBP--was more user-friendly to wine drinkers. We could select any bottle from the wine list under $75 and it would be opened and poured by the glass.) SSBP is an option that some will find very beneficial. Others not so much. It is an individual decision, of course.

Not Janet, but our experience is that shorex reservations opened exactly when Viking said they would, which was 1200 hours (noon) Pacific time (so 1500 hours for us on the East Coast). Dining reservations were supposed to open at the same time when that date arrived, but we found they were open as soon as we checked in the morning--so maybe they opened at 0000 hours (midnight) Pacific time? We are taking our first VO cruise, but our experience matched what those on this board had led to us expect.

Thanks for raising these questions, @SempreMare. Now better prepared for our upcoming Viking Homelands cruise together!

Not stressing, just learning about VO to decide what works best for us. This is what CC.com has always been about for me--know before you go. We only have $500 OBC to spend. After we pay the suggested gratuities for our cruise ($476), we'll only have $24 left. (Maybe a bit more if we decide to book a new cruise onboard--thanks again to all here for the tips on not to pre-pay gratuities or the SSBP for that reason.) The SSBP would put us $676 in the hole from day one otherwise. We drink spirits, wine, and beer but do not think we've ever ended up with a bar bill that high after any two-week cruise. If there were truly a "premium" wine by the glass--say $15 instead of $8--it might tip the scale toward the SSBP. (And, yes, I realize we can buy any alcohol at any time on a VO ship regardless of whether we have SSBP or not.) Thanks again to all for the information,

Thank you very much for this. So Viking's definiation of "premium" is "something other than the wine of the day." That would not be my definition! But that information is VERY helpful to know. I'm thinking the SSBP for VO might not be for us. Thanks again,

Also check out Atlas Obscura for some interesting information on the Fantoft Stave Church, if you do decide to try to go. Spoiler alertL It's much newer than you might think.

The Viking website says "Our newly enhanced Silver Spirits Beverage Program is now $25 USD per night. The package includes: Any drinks up to $18.00 including premium wines by the glass, cocktails, & aperitifs Now includes house champagne by the glass Premium wines by the glass, cocktails and aperitifs Selection of applicable wines change twice per cruise 30% discount on premium beverages above $50.00 USD 50% discount for premium tasting events The Chefs Table premium wine pairing Wide range of upgraded selection of whiskeys & whisky’s Wide range of upgraded wines and spirits Soft drinks & juices --Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package for the full length of the cruise for it to be valid. A 15% service charge per person is included with the price." Viking mentions "premium wines by the glass" three times (if you count the Chef's Table pairings) in their description of the SSBP. But what I'm seeing on this thread is that premium wines by the glass no longer exist--there are only the ordinary wines by the glass. Is that a correct conclusion? The SSBP also notes a 30-percent discount on premium beverages above U.S. $50. But all of the bottles of wine on the list have a notation that they are "not included" in the SSBP. So, if you buy the French white for $51 it is that price (plus 15-percent gratuity?) not $35.70 (30-percent discount, again not sure if 15 percent is added to that as gratuity)? Still trying to decide if the SSBP is for us or not. We bought it on our Viking River cruise as it offered us a much-better selection of wines. VO does things differently, however, and not sure the SSBP now offers the possibility of upgraded wines. (Based on the photographs of the wine list, it doesn't even appear one can buy a premium wine by the glass independent of the SSBP. I do understand Viking allows one to bring wine on board and enjoy it without a corkage fee.) Would appreciate comments, please.

More labor intensive, but you can also look up the cruise ship schedules by performing an internet search to find the websites of the individual ports. Here's one for Oslo, for example: https://www.oslohavn.no/globalassets/oslo-havn/dokumenter/cruise/20230321-cruiseanlop-oslo-.pdf. Some ports, of course, have better, more-user-friendly information than others. There are also some websites that collate ship and port schedules. I used to like CruiseMapper, but they have not been as reliable post-pandemic. MarineTraffic is another one, but some of its functions require a subscription. (I found a combination of these two helpful for river cruise schedules--I started following the ship we were sailing about a month out and noting the times in port. The websites have real-time (near real-time) tracking capabilities.)

We are just south in Satellite Beach, FL. According to Wikipedia, "nearly 12,000 satellites are planned to be deployed, with a possible later extension to 42,000." If that is true--I could not find projected constellation numbers on Starlink's website--they are a little over a quarter of the way toward their first goal. No wonder we're seeing one to two launches a week!

Thanks for the feedback. We're locked into dates for the Douro River cruise as we're taking a TA to Lisbon. Cruise calendar for 2023 and 2024 is also full, so no other cruise to book for onboard benefits.

A somewhat similar question. We board Viking Ocean on 01 May--one day after a current promo is due to expire on 30 April. We're looking to use EBD for a Viking River cruise in 2025. Anyone had any experience in having a promo extended by a day or so? (Although EBD might be one that is usually available--but not sure if the $25 deposit will be.) Also, we booked a cruise voucher onboard our Viking River cruise ($200 value for $100 payment). Do we need to bring it physically on board with us or will Viking have it associated with our name? Many thanks,

How long did it take for your laundry to come back, please? Wondering if special instructions comes back in the same time as other laundry or if we would need to factor in extra time for return. Many thanks,