CCWineLover

Michelle and Lorna - We also did a river cruise end April/early May (Rhine River). They were still testing and pulled people out of dinner off the ship to quarantine. Scary. But personally I think it is more scary now with all the people selfishly coughing, hacking, and spreading their sicknesses everywhere. We did not like the dining arrangements on River Cruises. The Dining Room was always packed on our cruise so there was no place to sit "by yourself" at end of a large table. As such we sat in the Aquavit Lounge all the time - fortunately found 2 people from California who felt the way we did (being safe) and ate with them almost entirely. We started with 172 and ended with 154. Our lounge was moderately full during the day and packed at port talks and before dinner, as well as the after dinner bar crowd. Was just too much for us. Won't be going on a river cruise for a long time, if again. Just not enough places to spread out, but everyone has their own opinions. We so much have enjoyed the ocean ships instead during COVID. The last one, post masking, post testing, however, was probably more tense due to passenger behavior, but we were able to find lots of places away from people and be "safer" - avoided the Star Theatre like the plague, as well as the bars and The Restaurant. And stayed healthy.

Perhaps the confusion is this. Most of the time, past guest discount is $200 per person. Sometimes (not often) as a promotion, Viking throws out a $400 per person past guest discount. So you could see 2 different ones. We've mostly had the $200 but 2 times we got the $400 only because it happened to be featured that month (and we didn't even know it).

Linda - we also swear by the power on KN 95 masks. Used them constantly on our cruises. It has been much riskier once Viking said masks were not required as 90-95% immediately unmasked all the time. we also in the world cafe get our food to the table and immediately go wash our hands again. We would do this every time we got more food. Only saw one other coii you ple doing this. We’re appalled at the numbers of people that rushed in and never washed their hands. Selfish, stupid, oblivious? we also avoided places like Star Theatre which seemed a Covid hotbed.

True indeed. We are not going to change stupid and selfish people. It is just a fact that sadly our society that is cruising now is emblematic of society as a whole. It's all about me. And no doubt COVID exasperated that trend. We just have to face that cruisers for the most part are going to be this way and then make our own decisions on whether we want to be on a ship with them and/or if we can tolerate it enough by avoiding them, finding our own space, and enjoying the fabulous crew and the few others who think and behave the way we do. End of story.

I think we all agree on your statement. The comments more pertain to how many of us have a disbelief in the incredulous behavior of our fellow passengers in the past months. I never would have thought we'd have so many selfish people out cruising. It has certainly brought out the worst in people. Just amazed at how many. It is just a sad commentary, apparently, on our society these days..

Odd…. We’ve booked many cruises in the past year with cruises already on the books. Our TA sends us the invoice and we always get payment 6 months out - no asking, no negotiating. I thought it was automatic if you had cruises upcoming. no mention on here likely because so many get 6 months payment, and also because this is one thing I doubt Viking will change as long as the customers keep pouring in. Supply and demand. At least they do reward loyalty.

FolsomMike - I am so sorry to hear that you got sick from the Viking cruise. I truly feel for you. We were on the Viking Venus on the cruise just prior to yours, from Greenwich to Bergen, so we got off just as you got on! Loved Bergen! Sadly, I must say that I 100% agree with your assessment of what is going on regarding passengers on Viking these days. We masked and were trying to be careful but sadly, most did not. In fact, we also encountered passengers who reveled in not wearing masks, as well as many who were obviously seriously sick who were still on excursion buses, still hacking away at the World Cafe buffet, and more. We avoided the Star Theatre, and elevators, but it was difficult to be sure. We were indeed surprised by the total cavalier attitude of cruise passengers. I'm sure it is a case of COVID fatigue. We were certain we would get it, but we must be incredibly lucky or have good immune systems, as we returned and have stayed healthy. Probably everyone is going to get it anyway some day. Latest news was 82% of all Americans have or have had it. In any case - we now know that if you wish you cruise, you should know what it will be like - and then make your decisions based on that. We had taken many cruises on Viking post COVID when masks were required and quite frankly, we felt much better then than this previous cruise.

I have to agree with you. Living in another good California Wine Region (Paso Robles), we've developed an appreciation for some good wine, and also have become sometimes particular. As I said earlier, I think they need to revamp the SSP wine list with at least some different ones than the standards offered over the past several years (thinking of Coppola Zin for example). I do like your idea of having for purchase a couple different levels - and also think that would be welcome.

Totally agree with all of these suggestions! We've done 10 Ocean cruises now. We no longer go to the Star Theater performances. So much repetition. If for some reason we want to hear one or two ABBA songs, we just turn on the TV 🙂 Someone once said there had been 21 menus at Chef's Table. In all our cruises, we've only seen 7 of them, so they are definitely repeating over and over again. Some new menus would be great! Variety variety! Someone also told us the crew often has meals from their own culture. Perhaps they could do a Ethnic meal night in World Cafe or something so we can experience some of those different world foods! I'd also like to see a revamping of the Silver Spirits wine list. They've gotten stuck in a rut (likely due to contracts with wine distributors?), but having some new wines to try would be fun! Thank goodness they now put the shows, port talks, lectures on TV so if you miss them you can catch up. Speaking of port talks, these need a complete overhaul. We've never learned that much about a port and the majority of the talk seems to be details on excursions that everyone has already purchased. And the several people we've had as excursion managers have been so difficult to understand with their accents. We really appreciate and enjoy the new scheme of assigning bus numbers to people, based on when they check in, not assigned ahead of the cruise and printed on the excursion tickets. Seems to really help out, and allows those who want to travel with friends to do so by all checking in together.

That is why we were surprised. Only time we've encountered that in 10 Viking Ocean cruises over the past 4 years. Maybe it was just an oddly hungry crowd !!

Speaking of OBC's from TA's, has anyone else encountered this new procedure that seems to be occurring with Viking? The last 2 cruises, we booked some excursions ahead of time at 67 days out and paid for them. Roughly a month out, our TA sent the OBC's to Viking. Instead of keeping the OBC's in our "account" for us to choose what to spend them on, Viking immediately sent us cash back for the excursions purchased, deducting that from the OBC's. So we have no choice. I called and asked Viking and they told me that is a new procedure - when anything has been purchased ahead of the cruise by the passenger, OBC's will be immediately applied to those purchases (excursions, Silver Spirits packages, etc) and the passenger refunded. I had never seen this before but they insisted this is the new policy. Anyone else encounter this? It sounds suspicious. When I expressed my concern to Viking, they said, it doesn't really matter as it all comes out in the wash, so to speak.

On Viking, there are no inside rooms. All balconies.

Love your signature! FYI - we just got off a Viking Ocean Cruise. As usual they had plenty of the great pistachio raisin rolls. Have never seen a ship in 4 years and 10 cruises that didn't. So - maybe it's just your ship. Which ship and which itinerary are you?

We've always been able to get reservations we want once on board, particularly for the 2nd half of a cruise. Even after a couple days, people start to cancel reservations (they began with the FOMO mentality - fear of missing out), as they realize it may not be what they wanted. However, it is our experience in 10 Ocean Cruises that EVERY cruise has a completely different makeup and personality, including what is popular and what is not. We've had an equal number of cruises where the hot place to go was Chef's Table, and we've had ones where Manfredi's was difficult. Our last cruise (a few weeks ago), those 2 were about even, but The Restaurant was overflowing, and passengers were lining up (like for a Florida buffet!) twenty minutes ahead of time down the 2nd floor waiting to get in at 6 PM. We went once only and at 7:30 and literally every table in that big restaurant seemed full! Won't do that again, since, as expected, the staff couldn't handle that crowd, and the service was way too slow and quite frankly poor. (Not hot meals, some people served and others not at a table, and more). But we sort of expected that.

We just got off the Midnight Sun from London to Bergen. We were on the starboard side (6093). Personally I don't think it makes much difference on this or any cruises - because when you are sailing you are often quite a ways from land. Also, for us, when you leave port and come into a port on approach, it is often so much better to be out on deck or up in the explorers lounge to view things. Our favorite places were the 8th deck - fore and aft, as you can quickly walk from one side to the other. This was especially worthwhile during the Fjord passages. FYI - 4010 is port side, and 5009 is starboard. We've been in both before and they are fine. Couple other points: the ships mostly dock on the starboard side. Sometimes this is good as you can look out and see when the gangway is down and when people are exiting. Laundry rooms are on the port side, so if on port side, less walking back and forth.

No special dress code at all. Look at my Viking journey or the web site for what they say regarding suggestions. we’ve done the holiday cruise, and people did wear red at Christmas. Certainly though no dress up for NYE. We did see one man with a jacket and dress shirt but no ties ever. you should also post on your cruises roll call.

Hard to do. If people aren’t there on Cruise Critic, they aren’t there. sometimes occasionally there will be a bigger group. Luck of the draw.

Hi icruisetoo. Are you on Venus now? We are. I see you are in Santa Barbara. We are just up the 101 from you in Paso Robles wine country. Kent and Pam 6093

Yes where were you in London? Big City and we don’t need to set future travelers expectations poorly. We just did Uber from Kensington to Greenwich -4 of us- on an XL- for 38 pounds. Best deal. Had been going around 45-50 each time we looked. Nice driver. Took over an hour to get there at 10:30.

Check in building is the building just east of Nandos and Cutt Sark. You won’t miss it as there are many Viking people swarming around the area. We arrived at 10:40 am and they took our luggage. The check in room did not open until 11, but there was a nice park where visitors info toilets, and coffee place is. Not sure how early you could drop bags. Probably not until Viking personnel arrive and set up. note the ramp to the ferry platform can vary in steepness depending where the tide is (24-27 feet). We were at max low tide so had a very steep decline. But later it was flat. hint: don’t overthink this boarding process. It’s not that difficult.

Room where we were checked in at Greenwich. Quite nice. No more tent!

Just got on board Venus a few hours ago. 2022 update. There is no tent anymore. Viking uses the large building east of Cutty Sark and Nandos restaurant. Nice easy checking indoors at 11. Water coffee and small eats available. Ushered down to river boat pier/Palo toon to take Uber Thames Clipper to the ship. view from 7th deck looking down at river boat and Greenwich landing.

Was at the river boat pier near Cutty Sark just an hour ago. Venus was anchored. Can confirm the tenders appear to be the Thames Clipper Uber Boats. Venus is anchored maybe a couple hundred yards up river. Also it’s just a ramp up and down to the boat floating platform. Not a bad walk. Big line of passengers waiting to get back though, for their final evening! No tent up yet, likely not til tomorrow. Lots of lollipops gathering their crews for afternoon and evening excursions.

OK Andy and Jim, our resident Cruise Credit afficianados on good pubs! I just booked us (for 4) for tomorrow (Thursday the 14th) evening for Riverside table. Looking forward to it. Hope to share some pics! We board the Venus on the 15th. Kent

does look interesting. We may have to try it. There are 4 of us and we'll only go if we can eat outside. It has been a bit sad to miss all the indoor activities in London (museums, pubs, etc.) as we are trying to be careful and certainly people in London are done with COVID. However, we've filled our time in London with so many outdoor activities (doing about 10-15K steps a day) - spent the day Tuesday at wonderful Kew Gardens. If we do make it Thursday night, I'll post some things.