CCWineLover

We do the exact same thing! We've learned so much from that manager. We try to attend the very first port talk so that we can talk afterwards. They are happy to discuss any of the future excursions with details. We had such a nice man the last cruise on Saturn (from S.Africa). Easy to talk with, easy to understand English wise, and very detailed in providing difficulty assessments, number of steps, angle of inclines, standing time, walking time, bathroom time and just about anything. Based on that, we've often changed/cancelled excursions on board (ahead of the 48 hours) rather than wait for the later port talks. The crew is all more than happy to engage with you all! Especially if your are professional, courteous, polite. (Not like some passengers we've observed who are just the opposite - what the staff must have to be subjected to is unbelievable). Just be articulate and nice!

Everyone be aware - different people have different sensitivities to noise and loud sounds. Some, like my wife, can now simply not deal with it - so that is one major reason we go to the WC. This doesn't mean that some of you will say you have no noise problem with MDR. For us, it is, as said by many, other reasons too. Time to eat, relaxation, sampling of foods, ordering items cooked to order like steaks, mahi mahi, grilled shrimp, Asian bar, along with the sushi and fish selections. We don't even think of it as a "buffet" like the old days. I guess we just like to sample and graze. As I said before, each to his own, and certainly we not trying to "scare" people away from the MDR. Only you know what you tolerate and don't. That's why it is so great to have so many choices on Viking Ocean.

Agree with you about the noise. We used to go to the restaurant dining room, but as my wife now has hearing issues, it has become unbearable from a noise point of view, such that it is not even a pleasant place anymore. Add in the often 2-2.5 hours to get through a meal without being able to hear ourselves or any people we've eaten with, and we've come to the conclusion - why? And the World Cafe has nearly all the same selections - plus you can try all kinds of things to see what you like .... AND it has the best view around. Often if the weather is nice, we eat out on the fantail too. Wonderful time had by all. But each to his own. Some don't appear to be bothered by the cacophony. It's nice to have choices so everyone has what they want!

You probably need to be more specific and include a picture. Rather than asking here, where you'll likely get opinions across the board, you probably should just ask Viking directly by sending them a picture with your question. Send to tellus@Vikingcruises.com

Much of that thanks to Clay's wonderful posts helping us all live vicariously!

Likely your best bet is to check on VRBO or Airbnb - a quick search shows numerous properties that you could choose from - mostly apartments, that would allow you to self cater. We've done that for a week in London before and thoroughly enjoyed it - staying in Kensington. You might find some decent prices outside London however. Hope this helps!

Happy Birthday Clay! Have been following your exploits these many months, and living vicariously by them and your pictures. So much appreciated. What an amazing trip. Wishing you the best in your "re-entry" and assimilation back into the real world, such as it is. See you and Mike next spring!

Excellent Point. I may object to things, but with the $25 deposit only at risk, I'm willing to "place some bets" as options in case I want something later. Too many complain about Viking but then don't go to other cruise lines. I guess it's just human nature.

Agreed - and that's also if you don't plan to leave your room/balcony. We love to go up top in Explorers Lounge, outside in front of the Lounge, or on Deck 8, or the fantail for great views on either side when we sail into/out of port. In between, there isn't usually much to see as the shipping lanes tend to be further from shore. And it seems like Viking always transits Gibalatar in the middle of the night.

Sounds good! We'll have to wait and see. I suppose it was better today than dropping below the IPO price. Also - the Villages must be huge! Seems we meet someone from there on every single cruise we've been on! You are all well represented.

Jim - you are up $26,410 !! Enough for another Viking Cruise 🙂

And they get more expensive each year!

Totally agree! I would do Napoli. So much there and to see as stated above!! We were just there on a cruise and took the day to see Napoli - absolutely a fantastic experience.

Yes, I saw that after I posted. But thanks.

In today's Cruise Industry News: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/04/explora-journeys-sets-sights-on-luxury-dominance/ Nice article. Will be interesting to read how people compare it to others such as Viking, Celebrity, Crystal (new), etc.

Yes that is often true. They'll get you even if you are "getting better' in life!

This is what we got in April - same deal.

Why don't you ask Viking directly? Tellus or a Chat

Joe - we agree on a lot but on this sadly we don't. We will not do river cruising simply due to 1) the dining situation and 2) the inability to find a quiet place to get away from it all Like you can on Ocean Ships. To us that is more important than the need to see places easily, which we like better on river than ocean. Of course, DW has hearing issues that make the mass eating a disaster for her, so I'm probably biased. We so enjoy the World Cafe and CT and other places on Viking Ocean where those who don't want a mass loud eating experience can dine in a little peace. It's sad, because we'd really like to go on more river cruises but it won't happen.

Personally, I'd wait to see how the market reacts to the IPO. There might well be an opportunity to get a bargain if prices plummet a bit after the offering, which seems to happen to a lot of non-tech offerings.

And if you have SSBP, they'll take your order of a glass of SSBP wine, and your room number, then go most likely to the Aquavit Terrace, get your order, and bring it back to you. This is also the case for the included sparkling wine and the included beer at meal times in the World Cafe.

Jim - have heard a lot of buzz lately about Explora. Will enjoy hearing from you then on how they compare with the current Viking Ocean. 🙂

Some cabins have "Sliding Doors" that exit to the Balcony and some have a "Door on a hinge with a door handle" that exits to the Balcony. A slider is a "Sliding Door" to the Balcony. They exist on all DV and V rooms plus exactly one half of the PV rooms. Search the forum for Sliding Doors and you will find a number of threads.

Well put Linda! We just did in Feb/Mar Sorrento (1 week), Naples, and Umbria. Died and gone to heaven. Never had such great pizza!! But I didn't like Viking pizza before either.

Was there in September. Cold and rainy, but a delightful place. Yes, Glen Coe is a great place to visit. Wonderful Natl Park and hike. Another idea is taking the ferry to Mull and then Iona. If those take too long, there's always the Distillery in town to visit and taste!