CurlerRob

Andy, this was the coverage offered by Viking/Tripmate for a 35-day cruise in June 2023. As you point out, the medical coverage is totally inadequate and must be augmented. I tend to view the Viking offering as trip cancellation/interruption insurance with a CFAR option if you are happy with vouchers. Worth evaluating against other options, but no magic. 🍺🥌

And now we have the dual joy of companies being able to charge the credit card premium on top of the bill, as well as Air Canada slowly reducing the value of reward points. 👿 Eternal vigilance and more number crunching required! 🍺🥌

A few more thoughts for some of the ports: In Hobart I think you are squeezed for time, but if it works, the 3-hour Tasman Island Cruise was one of our finest ever - a RIB tour around the south of the island. It would require some private transport, or contact with the operator, as it leaves from Port Arthur, some distance from Hobart. https://www.tasmancruises.com.au/ In Dunedin, we were blown away by a day tour with Elm Wildlife. They have access to some private areas for touring - special access to the wildlife. The "group tour" turned out to be 2 couples in a small van! https://www.elmwildlifetours.co.nz/our-tours/wildlife-tour-options/peninsula-encounters-albatross-tour Lastly, for those interested and able, I see that Viking is offering the Sydney Bridge climb. Highly recommended, and their pricing appears to have a very reasonable markup, but the direct site is here: https://www.bridgeclimb.com/ The ferry to Manly is a must - be sure to take the slow ferry (about 45 minutes) not the high-speed one. Walk through the town to Marine Parade and follow it as far as you like - easy hike to Shelly Beach. We like Garfish as a restaurant - a stone's throw from the ferry. This was one of my favourite pics from the Manly ferry ... 🍺🥌 Enjoy! 🍺🥌

Clay, I can't resist! "Bonsai Pipeline" - carefully manicured miniature waves? 🤣🤣🤣 Best spellcheck ever! 🍺🍺🥌

My memory is fuzzy on this (it goes back to 2015), but I believe that the kimono pictured below was donated to the ship when she was RV Sun - and kept on display on Prinsendam. We were always fascinated by this history and connection. Wonderful ship! Perhaps someone with a better recollection can expand on it ... 🍺🥌

Oceania's method is a bit more complex than was obvious from @basenji56's comment. If you purchase their "OLife" package (additional cost over the base cruise fare), you have three options: a drinks package similar to Viking's - included beer and wine with meals, OBC in the amount you paid for the OLife package (essentially handing over the money to them in advance, then you have to spend it), or the amount can be applied to ShoreEx as was said. O has no 'included' ShoreEx. The flip side from my observations is that O's ShoreEx are very expensive - one recent example is a 90-minute walk on the Acadia Park Ocean Trail with a naturalist - $350 pp in November. Tends to eat up the allowable amount in a big hurry, although the more ShoreEx you buy from O, the lower the prices get. Always interesting comparing how various lines approach the market! 🍺🥌

Ours was a yellow card (which looked much like the then-current vaccine card - I suspect intentionally) which was signed off by the doctor at our Travel Clinic. I would expect the card/form to be different depending on jurisdictions - you may wish to call a travel clinic near you, or your doc. @Moosers Mom, at the time when we sailed to SA, either the vax or a waiver was needed for embarkation itself. It was then up to the countries that required the proof to decide individually if pax could get off the ship in each. 🍺🥌

Certainly you want to have a camera - and lots of people prefer to use their phones. I continue to use my Canon, but am just as paranoid about loss, so I back up to our iDevices. You may well be aware of these other options, but here are two that I have used over the years: 1) If you can get access to a laptop/desktop (maybe even a (new) friend on board, you can copy all your iPhone pics to the laptop or a flash drive plugged into it. Your iPhone should show up as a device in Windows explorer when you plug the USB cable into the laptop - navigate to DSIM and copy away. 2) If you have a second, or old iDevice (I actually have an old iPod Touch with 64 GB), punt your photos to that device via AirDrop. No need for WiFi - just proximity via Bluetooth. 🍺🥌

Thank you for such a calm and professional review of what was clearly a highly disappointing experience - so nice to see this versus some of the reactions that people post on CC. I would expect that providing Viking with your document and details will result in a satisfactory result - hopefully you'll be able to take the time to update us when you have some resolution. 🍺🥌

Do speak with your doctor prior to getting the YF vaccine. Depending on your age and/or health status, there can be contraindications for taking it. The option (that has existed for many years) is a physician certification that the risks outweigh the benefits - which we found was accepted by the cruise lines and most countries when we sailed to SA years ago. As @Iloveketo's map indicates, Brazil was, and continues to be the highest risk area for contracting the disease. Less so in the other indicated countries. 🍺🥌

This is a fantastic trip and the other posters have all provided excellent input. My key advice is flexibility - in both clothing and expectations. The Southern Ocean is home to the most unpredictable and changeable weather on the planet. In 2013, on a different cruise line, we were forced inshore by a storm bringing 70 knot winds and 40 foot seas - no Punta Arenas, Ushuaia or Cape Horn. Disappointing, but still one of our favourite trips. Here's one teaser from our adjusted route ... 🍺🥌

Just saw that the O website has updated its SailSAFE protocols effective Oct. 3, bringing them in line with recent Canadian changes. The protocols are still out of step with Bermudian recent announcements eliminating testing after October 25. An excerpt: For All Voyages Departing On or After October 1, 2022: The line’s revised SailSafe base-level protocols for embarkation are as follows: • Fully Vaccinated travelers aged 12 and older will not need to test to embark. • Un-vaccinated travelers will need to present a negative, medically administered covid-19 test. Antigen and PCR test results may not be more than 72 hours old at the time of boarding. • Travelers aged 11 and under are not subject to any cruise line vaccination requirements or testing protocols • Fully Vaccinated travelers must meet the generally-accepted definition of “fully vaccinated” based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination. Travelers who cannot provide proof of vaccination will be able to travel but subject to any required testing protocols. For Voyages Calling in Bermuda: • All travelers must be Fully Vaccinated. • For voyages that arrive in Bermuda within four (4) days of embarkation, all travelers must present a negative, medically administered covid-19 test. Antigen test results may not be older than 48 hours at the time of boarding and PCR test results may not be more than 96 hours old at the time of boarding. • For voyages that arrive in Bermuda more than four (4) days after embarkation, all travelers must present a negative, medically administered covid-19 test prior to embarkation and undergo additional testing onboard, prior to arrival. For embarkation, Antigen test results may not be older than 48 hours at the time of boarding and PCR test results may not be more than 96 hours old at the time of boarding. Onboard testing will be conducted onboard within two (2) days of arrival in Bermuda. Cheers 🍺🥌

I would consult your country-level or Queensland gov't protocols, then try to verify them with Viking. Things have been changing so fast in some countries that the cruise lines can't keep up, and conflicting advice is not uncommon. 🍺🥌

Excellent pictures, thanks! Just a note for new cruisers who may read this - there are numerous ports around the world where bringing food of any sort off the ship is strictly prohibited (and has severe consequences). Always be sure to check if restrictions exist - it can save you a lot of grief. 🍺🥌

I thought you may be interested in the Roll Call for your cruise (below) if you have not found it yet. It will be the best place to connect with other pax for research and arrange private shore ex should you wish to. 🍺🥌

On September 26, Canada announced significantly reduced restrictions effective October 1. On September 27, Oceania emailed pax on the Oct 1, 11 and 21st Canadian embarkations about the key changes. (Interestingly, nothing was sent to Oct 31 pax). The O SailSAFE protocol sheet is still showing the withdrawn Canadian requirements as in effect - even after the October 1 sailing has left. Insignia calls at Bermuda November 11th. Given the lack of timely correction of the O website info regarding the Canadian change, I am skeptical that it will be updated for Bermuda any time soon. One of the mandatory items in e-commerce is timely and accurate information - especially on the firm's primary face to the customer. Inconsistent information is bad for both parties - the resulting customer confusion and annoyance leads to more requests for information to the cruise line, impacting their overall service level. 🍺🥌

I second @LindaS272's support for Bali. Another excursion that you may enjoy is what Viking bills as the "Temple Wonders". It's a long day, but the two temples visited are absolutely spectacular. (This from a guy who has been known to mutter about "yet another church"). In Semarang, Borobudur is a must for a first-time visitor (and you will likely have a police escort for your bus - not due to danger, just to ensure you can actually get through the traffic!). In the two locations, I do recommend a ship's tour for peace of mind. If you prefer private, join a fellow cruiser who is very experienced at that location - the "price tag for missing the ship is painful, given sea days after each. Enjoy your planning! 🍺🥌 Spoiler alert - two teasers - Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun ...

Thank you - we may get one shortly, or O may update their site. 🍺🥌

At the risk of being a wet blanket (no pun intended), @DrKoob found the beds harder than he liked. Usually, mattresses soften with use over time, so if they are being replaced due to age ("more than three years"), the possibility exists that they will be even more firm - which I hope is what you meant by "terrific"! 🍺🥌

Could you advise how you received this notification? We are on Insignia out of Montreal on October 31 and have received nothing to date. The O website SailSAFE protocols have not been updated since August 29th. Thanks! 🍺🥌

Lorna, hopefully the guys will find time to weigh in, but their cabin looks like a HAL Verandah. That would put it at about 228 sq. ft., noticeably smaller than a V/DV on Viking (270 sq. ft.). I have not been on K-dam itself, but if it follows the normal HAL pattern, there will be somewhat more storage on HAL than in a V/DV, but the bathroom will be much smaller. Viking's PV, at 338 sq. ft., fits somewhere between HAL's Vista and Signature Suites. Of course, any cabin is fine when going to Hawaii! 🍺🥌

Glad you made the connection without too much additional knee pain! I haven't done an exhaustive search, but the only direct flight from Bergen to North America I found was UA to Newark (and it seems to be seasonal). Normal connect points are AMS (as you experienced), KEF, FRA or LHR. If you do go again at some point, and want to fly, you may wish to consider Icelandair - it routes through Keflavik to many NA destinations, is good value and will often wait for an inbound delay. Cheers! 🍺🥌

Appears that cruise restrictions are lifting as well: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2022/09/government-of-canada-to-remove-covid-19-border-and-travel-measures-effective-october-1.html Naturally, the cruise lines will have to announce that they are accepting these as well. 🍺🥌 Government of Canada to remove COVID-19 border and travel measures effective October 1 From: Public Health Agency of Canada News release September 26, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a layered approach to border management to protect the health and safety of Canadians. As the pandemic situation has continued to evolve, adjustments to border measures have been informed by the latest evidence, available data, operational considerations, and the epidemiological situation, both in Canada and internationally. Today the Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective October 1, 2022. The removal of border measures has been facilitated by a number of factors, including modelling that indicates that Canada has largely passed the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 fuelled wave, Canada’s high vaccination rates, lower hospitalization and death rates, as well as the availability and use of vaccine boosters (including new bivalent formulation), rapid tests, and treatments for COVID-19. Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to: submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website; provide proof of vaccination; undergo pre- or on-arrival testing; carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation; monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada. Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of October 1, 2022, travellers will no longer be required to: undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or wear masks on planes and trains. Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys. Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States. Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act. The Government of Canada also reminds travellers to make informed decisions when considering travel outside of Canada to protect their health and safety. They are encouraged to review the travel health notices at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for more information on safe travel. Canadians can continue to do their part to protect themselves and others, and reduce the spread of COVID-19, by getting vaccinated and boosted, using high quality and well-fitted masks where appropriate, self-isolating if they have symptoms and self-testing if they can.

Can't resist, Clay - the thread title suggests almost 'permanent test knowledge / protection'! 😈 🍺🥌

Appears that cruise restrictions are lifting as well: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2022/09/government-of-canada-to-remove-covid-19-border-and-travel-measures-effective-october-1.html Naturally, the cruise lines will have to announce that they are accepting these as well. 🍺🥌 Government of Canada to remove COVID-19 border and travel measures effective October 1 From: Public Health Agency of Canada News release September 26, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a layered approach to border management to protect the health and safety of Canadians. As the pandemic situation has continued to evolve, adjustments to border measures have been informed by the latest evidence, available data, operational considerations, and the epidemiological situation, both in Canada and internationally. Today the Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective October 1, 2022. The removal of border measures has been facilitated by a number of factors, including modelling that indicates that Canada has largely passed the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 fuelled wave, Canada’s high vaccination rates, lower hospitalization and death rates, as well as the availability and use of vaccine boosters (including new bivalent formulation), rapid tests, and treatments for COVID-19. Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to: submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website; provide proof of vaccination; undergo pre- or on-arrival testing; carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation; monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada. Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements. As of October 1, 2022, travellers will no longer be required to: undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or wear masks on planes and trains. Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys. Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States. Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act. The Government of Canada also reminds travellers to make informed decisions when considering travel outside of Canada to protect their health and safety. They are encouraged to review the travel health notices at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for more information on safe travel. Canadians can continue to do their part to protect themselves and others, and reduce the spread of COVID-19, by getting vaccinated and boosted, using high quality and well-fitted masks where appropriate, self-isolating if they have symptoms and self-testing if they can.