FetaCheese

Read Wine List last night in The Restaurant. French Champagne offered by glass: Sant Gall $18, available to pax with SSBP, or anyone for charge. (Rest are Bottle priced only). Enjoyed this label last cruise, and in my opinion, was satisfied with quality, dry not sweet.

I used my cap 360 debit card in Marigot, St. Martin a few days ago, to purchase cheese and wine. Later, Calculated the exchange rate, and nearly identical to USD/EUR rate on Yahoo finance. Also, no forex fee. (Was not given choice of EUR or USD). Probably has been said, but in foreign countries, if using ATM, always use a bank owned ATM, never one at at an airport cambio or storefront ATM. And also, whether purchasing at stores, or Bank Owned ATM, and, if given choice, select to transact in Local Currency.

If your favorite wine/champagne was previously on list, talk with sommelier. He may have some stock available, but not enough to put on list. This occured on our prior Star voyage Re: French Champagne that was on list, then off a few days later. He said they still had it, just ask. I did, and it was brought to table. Even opened a 2nd bottle, when requested. (We didn't drink the entire 1st bottle, it was already opened!)

Had the opportunity to chat with CD at Explorer's party. Ask if he would be having "coffee chats" (none so far). Said they will no longer be offered, along with no Captain's Q&A. He wanted to schedule them, but was told not to anymore.

On Star now. Looked at book onboard offer. $100 OBC for current cruise. 6 month PIF date. Will try to post a pic of sheet later. Onboard agent is Victor.

Explorer's Society Party happening now in Atrium. CD Damien performed a song.

@Cyber Kat Enquired at Aquavit Bar, no Jenever onboard.

Went down to GS, to tell of shorex disappointments. Before I said which bus, Rep ask me if it was bus X. Yes he had already heard from other pax. I still told him the several issues. Said would send comments to shorex mgr. Not expecting anything, yet rep apologized. Also told me this was 1st time without dedicated separate guide.

Thanks for suggestion. When exiting the coach after tour, a V rep asked me how the tour was, I did tell him my disappointments. Asked me for cabin#, and wrote it down on clipboard sheet, saying "for documentation". Am planning to visit shorex mgr. and/or Guest Services. Did complete digital survey, and was honest with responses. Unfortunately, there is not a text box to add comments.

Have come to learn that tour quality is dependent on quality of guide. Luck of the draw. However, I would expect Viking to perform a more thorough vetting of tour operators, coaches and guides.

Agree that Viking Bistecca is smaller than 1st experienced on Venus, December 2021, the piece I had Monday night was not as thin as yours, yet of very high quality and not tough. Very surprised that chef admitted cost cutting measure.

So sorry, I meant to ask you to correct MY spelling of Cotes du Rhone wine. Glad you're enjoying my posts.

@stretchcruz Hope you feel better real soon.

The wine variety spelling. Grilled swordfish, and and end cut prime rib. Both excellent. Restaurant Cheese Plate, very fine quality and presentation

Forgot to say: Driver/guide drove coach with left hand, microphone in right hand. With narrow, winding, hilly roads, did not feel real safe in coach. All prior V shorex had driver and guide. Is driver/guide the new scheme ?

John, singer/guitarist at pool BBQ. Tiger prawns in Restaurant, a new presentation with jumbo prawns.

Took included shorex, Scenic St. Martin. Very hot today. Coach A/C very weak; we roasted. Cooler outside. 1st stop, 10 min lookout to sea and surrounding island. Guide was nearly impossible to understand, and was not very knowledgeable about island. Entire trip just pointed out neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, hospital. Considerably below Viking standards, to which we have become accustomed. Very disappointing. Then on to Marigot, 45 min available. y mission accomplished! Found the Fromagerie, and purchased 3 varieties. Clerk was very helpful. On way back to coach, stopped to buy a French Cote d' Rhone bottle. @CCWineLover, please correct spelling! Highlight was the Marigot cheese and wine shops !

Yes, above menu is what is on offer in Manfredi's. Thanks, @CCWineLover

@Cyber Kat Will try to find out about Jenever, although never heard of it. Have not sat at LR Bar, yet all staff very friendly and accommodating.

Non refundable credits posted a couple days after boarding. App had an early notification saying when they would appear, to preempt many questions. TA Refundable credits were available in onboard account upon app setup.

Almost docked. Compare Wonder of the Seas with Marella Voyager, the former Celebrity Mercury , and Mein Schiff 2 ship. We will dock on other side of Marella. Island will most likely be crowded. Whale and Dolphin Man has been doing live commentary, using Quiet Vox, during sail in. Very knowledgeable guy. He was also onboard during our Hawaiian Islands Sojourn cruise.

Yes, taking the included tour. Planning to visit the Fromagerie in Marigot, to purchase some French cheeses.

Attended his CIA museum lecture, presenting interesting facts about spies and tools of the spies. Also spoke about the spy Moe Berg. Another lecture is scheduled for today, the CIA museum, what you missed the first time.

Today, arrival to St. Martin has been advanced 1 hour, to 11 am. Tonight, a BBQ dinner is planned for the pool deck, with roof retracted. All entertainers are scheduled also, with dancing under the stars. (Yesterday, pool roof was partially opened in afternoon) Today, weather is sunny, clear and up to 79 f.

M&M has been scheduled in WinterGarden, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served.