OneSixtyToOne

Using plastic ducks is probably a poor choice on an ocean voyage given the history behind it. It’s bad optics. 'Moby-Duck': When 28,800 Bath Toys Are Lost At Sea https://www.npr.org/2011/03/29/134923863/moby-duck-when-28-800-bath-toys-are-lost-at-sea#:~:text='Moby-Duck'%3A When 28%2C800,Are Lost At Sea %3A NPR&text=Fresh Air-,'Moby-Duck'%3A When 28%2C800 Bath Toys Are Lost At,28%2C800 toys into the ocean.

It really depends on the merchant and the card processing company they are using. In Amsterdam we tried to buy a transit ticket at a machine and couldn’t use our card. It didn’t accept cash. A friendly passerby used their card and we gave her the cash. Another time we had issues with our card and the waiter had to change some option on his device to “international” to get it to work. It appears that PINs are widely used in Europe but there are workarounds for international cards. If you deal with places that are frequented by non-European tourists, they probably know how to process it correctly. BTW paying through my iPhone seemed to work every time.

As stated throughout this thread there are strategies that mitigate this requirement. Even without employing those strategies, let’s say you book a $20k cruise and need to pay a year out and you could get a 5% return on that money. Paying by ACH gives you a 3.3% discount, so now we’re taking about 1.7% (some have said they can get more value using a credit card). More than a year out the cruise probably has an early booking discount baked in the price. So how much of a premium are you really paying to get exactly what you want and protecting yourself from future price increases? Less than $200? As someone else said on this board, think of it as buying a cruise future. And if you try it and enjoy the product and book another cruise, you’ll get more than $200 back with a prior guest discount as well as other possible discounts and OBCs.

And just to clarify for those that are not aware, they are biodegradable and the instrument package is the smallest and greenest available.

Been there, done that. IMG_5154.mov

Is this a secret signal like the upside down pineapple?

Here is a great presentation about the economics of airline class

No middle seat and more space for armrests UAL:

We did Zurich to Paris in 2018 and loved it. We also did the Switzerland extension, which was the best Viking extension we’ve ever been on. Crossing Switzerland on the Glacier Express was a great experience. Book it, if you can.

It was 2 nights in Geneva then a long but very scenic bus ride (with lunch at a a very nice winery near Montrose, overlooking Lake Geneva) to some small town (don’t know the name) where we took a short local train ride into Zermatt (no vehicles allowed). Then 2 nights in Zermatt where we took the Glacier Express to Chur. Then onto a bus to Zurich, arriving at the hotel around 5-6 PM. Winery Local to Zermatt Zermatt View from the Glacier Express Chur

We took the Tuscany extension last year and absolutely loved it. You can find my write up in this “Live” thread starting at post 66 https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2906353-almost-live-viking-sky-journey-to-antiquities-jan-2023/?do=findComment&comment=64733283

One other thing. Be aware that “premium economy” is only guaranteed on the transoceanic leg.

If you don’t use the coffee maker, ask the stewards will remove it. It will give you extra storage space.

This is a matter of personal preference. Some people want to control the whole process others want an integrated trip with Viking taking care of any issues. We typically use Viking Air because we have received free air on some occasions and on others we don’t want to worry about transfers or delays. We also live close to a major airport. On our last cruise to Venice, there was an Italian air controllers strike the day of embarkation. Although we were not affected (we always do an extension to arrive early. BTW NEVER fly in the day of the cruise) Viking handled the situation for those who had Viking Air. On another cruise, we were delayed by weather and arrived very late in Athens. Viking was waiting for us and arranged a private car service for just the two of us. My point is you must also factor in the cost of ground transportation with the air cost. As far as air plus is concerned, don’t purchase it until you are sure you need it. Viking updated their online air interface on MVJ a few years ago and you have more control over your flights. You can search for different ones and even change airports. If you fail to find anything of your liking then you can purchase it. Also be aware that any airline information that you may see online is just a placeholder. Airlines change this all the time and it isn’t locked in until very close to the date of departure. For our return flight from Barcelona last year, a few days before our cruise, Lufthansa dropped our return flight due to an aircraft availability issue. Viking handled all of it for us. One other thing, if you purchase the Viking extensions, ground transportation is included, even if you book your own air. If you are DIY, you can also purchase ground transportation if you arrive and/or depart on the same day as the ship. If you plan on a cruise that starts in Venice, don’t underestimate the value of Viking handling the ground transportation. You will not dock in Venice and transportation to the ship can be costly. Venice is best explored by staying in the city for a couple of nights. IMO you don’t want to do Venice without staying there.

Much of what “value” Viking offers is totally subjective. What’s the value of no children, no casinos, and the quality of the lectures? I’d pay a high premium for a “no children” airplane flight. I doubt you will find your answer in a spreadsheet. My suggestion is if Viking offers you an itinerary of your liking, try it and see if you like their product.

No pocket doors in "steerage"

Taking the boat down the Thames to Greenwich is both scenic and easy. Although I have not taken the BIE, when we were in London last summer sightseeing, it literally left us off a few feet where the large red Viking banners were flying and the check-in tables were located. Greenwich is a tender port, so you are shuttled from the dock to the ship. Notice the red Viking banners near the Cutty Sark: Tower Bridge: This is a tidal river and you can see the dramatic difference from high to low tide: Old Royal Naval College: Your ship:

Anything will be acceptable. Our stewards were leaving and heading to Asia after our cruise so trying to match the currency to the destination is overthinking it. On our South American cruise we tipped with extra Euros from a previous trip. We asked our steward if it was OK and he said it didn’t matter. The crews often leave for somewhere else and they are happy to accept anything.

Reminds me of the episode of Silicon Valley when the tech billionaire built his manufacturing plant on a platform on the international date line because he wanted to celebrate two New Year's Eves.

If you were looking at the bar menu sample on MVJ, they are years out of date.

Manfredi’s lasagna: “Hold my beer” Worst excuse for lasagna I have ever tried to eat.

The planetarium doesn't have a telescope. It's an IMAX style dome screen and a projector.

Did any of the codes work for you?

As stated above you have two public transit options. The tube to the DLR to the Cutty Sark station or take the boat to Greenwich. Both leave you right where the ship docks. The cruise down the Thames is definitely worth the trip. OT but if you are staying near Lambeth North, be sure to visit the main Imperial War Museum. It’s one of the best museums I’ve ever visited.

SSP and Free Air SPECIAL OFFER Ask for offer VM3 · Expires March‌ 31, ‌2024 Discover the best of the Mississippi in 2024 Stroll through the historic French Quarter in New Orleans after attending a private jazz concert. Sample world-famous barbecue in Memphis. Or visit Mark Twain’s childhood home, with its iconic white picket fence, in Missouri. America’s heartland awaits your exploration when you embark on a Mississippi River voyage. Unpack once and let us take care of the rest as you discover the distinctive culture and cuisine of this vibrant region. Reserve your preferred stateroom today on board the elegant Viking Mississippi to enjoy FREE airfare, a FREE Silver Spirits Beverage Package and more on select 2024 departures. LEARN MORE Offer VM3: $25 deposit, FREE roundtrip airfare plus complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package & special fares valid on bookings made from Mar 23 to Mar 31, 2024. Cruise from $7,999 per person on select Jun, Aug & Oct 2024 departures of Upper Mississippi Explorer in category V1; cruise from $3,999 per person based on select Nov & Dec 2024 departures of New Orleans & Southern Charms in category V1; cruise from $5,999 based on select Aug 2024 departures of America's Heartland in category V1; cruise from $4,999 per person based on select Jun, Jul & Sep 2024 departures of Mississippi Delta Explorer in category V1; cruise from $9,999 per person based on select Jul 2024 departures of America’s Great River in category V1; subject to availability, other categories may be higher. Call for details. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply. Airfares vary on other itineraries, gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. Book by Mar 31, 2024. Pay in full by Apr 30, 2024or at time of booking if within 120 days. Offer expires Mar 31, 2024.