OneSixtyToOne

Helly Hansen makes the Viking jackets. You can find woman's raincoats on their site: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-seven-j-jacket-62066?color=304564

Lucky Strikes means fine tobacco (also know a NSFW version) Ship to Shore Traveler has a Viking branded clothing store https://viking.shiptoshoretraveler.com If you do not care about the logo, it’s all made by Helly Hansen https://www.hellyhansen.com

Passenger weight is what we were told by the crew. The issue seems to be the time it takes going up and down the boat ramp. That is a much longer process than just pulling along side to load/unload. Here is video I shot of the last boat of the day returning. It takes a while. As you can tell it was a sunny, calm day. With any waves this would take even longer. IMG_5097.mov

Yes it can. We were suppose to tender in Monaco last year and woke up to find ourselves docked instead.

They made a change to port talks and lecture times in late 2022 - early 2023. We were told by a presenter that corporate introduced a strict schedule in order to try and mitigate the crowding at the restaurant and afternoon tea at specific times. IMO it seems to have worked. As far as recordings being available on the server for broadcast, that is probably a resources issue, both human and IT (bandwidth, copy times, post-production).

I thought I read a post a while ago that stated almond milk was available in the World Cafe. DW uses it and we will be sailing next month. I'll post an update when aboard. The only non-sugar sweetener I've seen consistently onboard is saccharine. Others are hit or miss.

It probably has to do with availability and contracts with both the railroad and the hotels. On a 4 day extension, guest stay in Oslo for 2 days then leave, then the 2 day extension guests arrive, then there are also guest traveling in the opposite direction from cruises that have disembarked. That's a lot of moving parts. Things are not always as simple as they seem.

From MVJ today: Hydrafacial From $199 Per Person 50 Min / 80 Min Enhance skin health and remove years with our natural, noninvasive face-lift. Our powerful treatment rejuvenates and uplifts, leaving your skin hydrated and glowing. Hydradermabrasion, acid peel, painless automated extractions and deep hydration give an immediate skin-tightening effect. Ideal for all skin types, it targets hyperpigmentation, congested pores and wrinkles. Total radiance for your skin. Nordic Facial From $169 Per Person 50 Min / 80 Min Our soothing facial refreshes tired, stressed skin and gives you a gorgeous glow. Our skilled therapists tailor-make the steps to suit your skin, including our Nordic hot and cold stone technique for the ultimate skin renewal. Your facial can be as gentle or vigorous as you like. Northern Stillness From $229 Per Person 80 Min / 110 Min The stillness experienced on cold nights, when the aurora borealis flares across the skies, was the inspiration for our Northern Stillness. A mindful but firm massage of back, neck and shoulders followed by hands and feet while being wrapped in a rich blueberry mask, will ease you into a meditative state. The Nordic scalp ritual completes the gentle dance of stillness and serenity. Nordic Restart From $229 Per Person 80 Min / 110 Min The perfect combination to recharge and invigorate a sore or fatigued body. We start with a Nordic scrub to kick-start your circulation and remove dead skin cells. Followed by a tailor-made half body Swedish deep-tissue massage, completely customized to your likings and needs, and a deeply relaxing Nordic scalp ritual. Swedish Deep Tissue Massage From $149 Per Person 50 Min Release your tension with this thorough and invigorating deep-tissue massage, our most popular. Our skilled therapists will tailor your massage with suitable techniques and tools to your individual needs. This energizing treatment soothes deep muscle tissue, relieves soreness and enhances overall mobility. Stretch out, breathe deep and enjoy blissful relief after this body work. Our skilled therapist will tailor your massage to your individual needs. Swedish Mindful Massage From $149 Per Person 50 Min / 80 Min Soothe your body and spirit with this relaxing massage. Gentle yet profound, this treatment relaxes your muscles and eases your joints, perfect when you need a tranquil experience, long for an extra treat or just want to ease into serenity. Organic aromatherapy oil soothes the senses and quiets the nerves. Our skilled therapist will tailor your massage to your individual needs.

No, they are different tours. Viking offers a 7 hour scenic train ride between Oslo and Bergen. NIAN is more extensive. A video of all 7 hours of the Bergen to Oslo train ride is online here

New Switzerland and Austria extensions are available on some river cruises.

Have fun. SOBs are a blast! IMG_5073.mov IMG_5076.mov

You can buy a combined tour ticket for the Palace Tour and entrance to the Oceanographic Institute for 25€. The institute was amazing. Here is my writeup and pictures along with some amazing video of the interactive exhibit at post 49 https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2927474-almost-live-viking-sky-mediterranean-odyssey-april-2023/?do=findComment&comment=65245954

I can confirm. They eliminated boarding in the hanger because the weight of the passengers slowed down the process. By loading using the outer doors, they can add two additional excursions a day. Boarding is pretty easy. You walk one step onto the boat with the help of a crew member and walk to your seat. Don’t worry about it. Piece of cake.

We’ve been on Mediterranean Odyssey in an Aft DV1 4122, and Trade Routes on a starboard DV2 on the 6th deck. IMO port or starboard is pretty irrelevant. Most of the cruise there is little land to see when at sea. The aft cabins are my favorite for the spectacular sale-away views. You can find some sail away pictures in my write up of the Mediterranean Odyssey from last year.:

Here you go…

They should renamed it a Vi Tai

You were leaving the EU and going to the UK, another country. Norway to Denmark is within the EU (Schengen area) so it’s like domestic travel in the U.S. Once you left the EU they needed to record that you exited.

Interesting article. We've stayed at the Royal Hawaiian but somehow missed the Mai Tai bar. Now we have an excuse to go back!

I just looked at our last couple of Viking Dailies for embarkation days. The spa is open 10 AM until 8 PM. However, we have occasionally found some facilities closed on embarkation days, due to maintenance. Also note there are locker rooms in the spa with towels, robes, and slippers. No need to parade around the ship in a robe. The locker uses your room key to keep your personal items secure.

Someone started a similar post a few months ago:

It’s totally port dependent. Without a specific itinerary, it can’t be answered.

This cruise is more akin to scenic cruising than port intensive cruising, which we enjoyed immensely. Spending days cruising the fjords and visiting glaciers was amazing.

They evening schedule typically consists of a Port Talk, Enrichment Lecture, Trivia in the Explorers’ Lounge followed by live music (typically a guitarist), classical duo in the Atrium, some sort of show in the Star Theater (solo singer, duet, musical review, magic act, comedian, etc.). The schedule changes on sea days as well as additional activities. There is usually some form of local entertainment and enrichment at some ports. Pool deck usually has a special dinner or movie night.

Anytime and anywhere I’m approached by a photographer I always tell them I’m in the Witness Protection Program and can’t take photos. Half the time they think I’m serious and they don’t know what to say. 😁