Respbj

I booked in December as my big voucher expired 12/23/22 and with all my vouchers ( husband died and we had 3 Viking cruises  booked plus Covid issue of no sailing) I was able to get a very good discount on single traveler on a PV with pre and post for 1/24 Med Ancient Treasures cruise. Places I haven’t been and want to go to  so I took the plunge and only had to spend an extra grand. I do my own airfare so I’m not using Viking but excited as last Viking cruise was the welcome back Bermuda and I sailed with my cousins.

40 minutes ago, B_A_H said:

 

This is not cool.  It goes back to what @Hockeyump said earlier.  Why 4 max in the pool or 2 max in the elevators when you can cram any number of strangers together without masks for parties and dining.

 

 

Not cool again.  I'll get off a bus unless everyone's masked.  Especially because of what happened on your cruise and now that I understand Bermuda's "positive by association" approach to quarantine.   Had positive woman been on your tour (or mine) and not worn a mask think of the anxiety we would have felt waiting for multiple negative tests to clear us.  Not to mention spening a night off the ship at our own expense.  Breakthrough cases are rare but why tempt the Gods? 

 

 

Where did the two that were negative stay overnight before Viking rescued them?  Based on what you've shared if we test positive on the ship we're handed over to Bermuda and have to comply with whatever they dictate.  That's the scariest part of all of this.  So good news is if you continue to test negative Viking can rescue you.  Bad news is if you're positive you're on your own and at the mercy of Bermuda which includes a 14 day quarantine. 

 

Well when we signed up and read the small print of Bermuda, it did state we would have to quaritine at our own expense if we tested positive. The negative tested couple spent one night in a hotel, came back on the ship and quaritined until their PCR test came back negative. Since we were the first cruise out, we were the test case. The day before we sailed we were told we could wander on our own, so many more could have tested positive if out mingling with locals but we all got our negative test results to get home.  Maybe Viking will change their mandates as each cruise goes out, but these are test cruises and it was still a wonderful cruise. 

5 hours ago, Famsw said:

Hi Respbj:
Thank you for the thorough write up and boy sorry to hear about your injuries. All in all, the cruise sounded eventful.

One quick question regarding the snorkeling?  Was there equipment (sanitized I hope) available including fins, or did you bring your own?  We are scheduled for a couple of snorkeling trips in July and wondered about that. 

Thanks!

The only one of 3 that I was able to go on they were sanitized and you could use fins but they insisted we use noodles in the water so they could keep an eye on us I think.

So I am back home after the 6/15 Bermuda cruise. Here is my thoughts on the cruise. First off you need patience and a go with the flow additude.

I guess I was pretty lucky as I got through the airport in Bermuda pretty quick, around 30 minutes. The bus had about 10 of us on a 30 minute drive to the ship. 

The day before we left, Viking emailed that no St George's and free to leave ship on our own. So snorkeling tour #1 cancelled. Viking put a 4 hour bus ride to St George's from King's Harbor, so I took it as we were now in King's an extra day. I also took a tourist train in King's that I paid $39 for that was lame. But all other tours were fully booked.

First thing I did on the ship once I did the life vest muster, spit in my tube test, was go to spa desk and make my appointments to use spa pool. I had already booked my spa treatments online for the sea days.

First full day in Bermuda and snorkeling tour #2 cancelled due to rainy weather. I went to guest services and all other tour were booked so spent time at the pool most of the afternoon.

Day at sea I had a facial, spa pool and I went to the private party in the lounge. Yes we were mostly without face masks as we were eating and drinking or we were asked to take off our masks to take pictures. We did have dinner at tables of 6 which was fun as I met people who I had talked to on FB.  That evening was ABBA show, in the theatre there was spacing but mostly 50/50 with masks. If you are drinking/eating, sitting by pool, in a pool or walking the deck, no mask required.

The two days in King's were ok. Some people took taxi to beach, most shops were open and very welcoming. I did the 4 hour bus tour to St George's. Viking had mini vans or bus for these tours, I was in a bus with 5 people, most kept masks on in the bus ,but one woman took hers off, driver didn't insist that she put it on.  

In King's on the first night I was walking around the deck after dinner and saw two friends leaving the ship with all luggage. Through FB I found out that one person tested positive (first thing every morning before anything you have to do test). They were on a Viking tour in a mini van. In reflection, it was good they were not in one of the busses and more people would have been effected.

The next day two people of the four returned to the ship as Viking worked with Bermuda as these people tested negative. They stayed in their room until another PCR test confirmed they were negative. We wear a contact tracing monitor all the time, except in our room or in the pool. The person who tested positive had to quaritine on the island with their partner at their expense. Bermuda does not allow a positive tested person another test prior to quaritine so they may have had a false positive but had to follow Bermuda law.

The second day of cruising was a bit overkill as another day back in Hamilton would have been my preference but I did a spa treatment and did trivia quiz with couple who were allowed back on the ship after the negative tests came back and they were free to roam the ship. We then had lunch with them and got the details of their experience. As they stated, Viking will do the same for anyone in their situation to get them back on board, since they tested negative. That evening, the Explorers night special cocktail party took place on the pool deck. Since almost the entire ship were past Viking cruisers, all were invited, and the cruise team was introduced. Our cruise director Brian Rodriguez sang as he has a wonderful voice. There was a Top of the Pops show one night.

On last full day in Hamilton and I finally got to go on a snorkeling trip. The boat was great, snorkeling in the clear water was great, could have stayed longer in the water but it was only a two hour tour and rum punch was waiting. Back at the dock our boat had to dock next to another boat and go through their boat to get on dry land. Well leave it to me, the gangplank was not secured to the dock and the plank went down and I flew onto the concrete and was able to take advantage of the medical team. Wheelchair back to ship, medical team cleaned my cuts and bruises, doctor examined me, given a tetnus shot, some pain meds, pain cream, and wheelchair back to room, room service and a large bag of ice for my swollen right hand. I managed to get to Manfridi's for dinner and the final night show of the Beatles and a few words from our Captain with a video of the crew since really could not bring them all on stage. Luggage had to be in the hall way with luggage group tag by 10 PM.

Last day we got to stay on board till 11:40 AM, but out of our room by 8AM. Our flight home was 3:10 PM. The airport is small so not a variety of Duty free shopping or food selection.

The cruise all in all was fun. Some disappointment as 2 of 3 snorkeling tours were cancelled. I have been to Bermuda before so I was not disappointed that St George's was cancelled but it would have been nice to spend more time there. The lack of variety and amount of tours was disappointing but you go with the flow. The customer service desk knew me by name as we booked Chef Table and another Manfride's on board.

At the restaurant they said don't worry about reservation and just come when you are ready as even with the socially distancing seating, they were never crowded which perhaps was because only 336 people were onboard. The ship was great, food, bar, social areas were all wonderful, afternoon tea as good as ever. In the room are a pack of masks, a bottle of hand sanitizer and some wipes. Frig was stocked but changed a few selections by just putting note in frig, note seltzer is called soda water.

Now to decide where to go next with my Viking Vouchers!

So I came to Bermuda on the Newark NJ flight Tuesday. I had all my documents ready as I got off the plane. First line for information about testing and show travel authorization, I was only in this line about 5 minutes. Next up passport control, only 3 people ahead of me, stamp and go. Next pick up luggage and go to a line where Bermuda testing takes place, show documents and put luggage to one side and wait to go into area where test take place, only one person ahead of me. Test done took my luggage to a waiting Viking rep who checked my name off a list and left my luggage. Then I walked down to where the buses were waiting. They are small busses and they were not filled up just 10 on our bus, 30 minutes to Hamilton and the ship. Walk to a building have temp taken, credit card taken copy of, tracker device then x-ray carry on and on to ship where I went directly to life jacket demo, then to my room where my steward told me about my Covid test that I had to do before anything else. Spit and fill out a form daily. I received an email from Bermuda at 9:30 PM stating that my Airport test was negative and then I was free to go anywhere in Bermuda. 
Our first full day in Bermuda it rained so my snorkeling trip was cancelled. Did the pool, lunch on pool deck, spa pool later in the day,(need to make a reservation to us it for 45 minutes) went to the lounge to hear Viking Band.
 

20 hours ago, MRGACRUZR said:

Eating and drinking...no

Pool....no

Bars....no

Elevators have capacity limits of 2 or four from same family.

 

Pool has capacity limit of 4 but I've seen as many as six. Remember there are very few people on this cruise...just over or under 400.

 

Spa has a limit of 6 and requires a reservation.

Official count is 336 passengers on board. It seems like I keep seeing the same people. 

23 hours ago, Triptkr said:

I asked one of the Viking employees at the airport while we were standing in our 3,433,223rd line of the day how many passengers would be on board.  He said '425'. (He was checking off passengers names as they came outside to be transferred to a van and on to the ship.)

We had an awesome day in Hamilton...did the Homes and hideaways excursion.  Was relaxing and entertaining.  Then we ate lunch onboard and came back out to shop.   Got some amazing deals and the locals are quite friendly.  Was nice to chat with them and listen to their experiences and perceptions on the past year.   Found an enchanting shop called The Island Shop.  Very much recommend,  it's a boutique store with a plethora of locally made items, high quality.  Everything from jams to embroidered pillows to artwork.  

We feel fortunate to be on this sailing as we can't help but wonder how long this will last.  We hope it will be successful!  

 

Official total is 336 passengers as not all made it on the airplane due to not having correct test/documents. One young girl is onboard but her grandmother didn’t make it due to this issue, she told her granddaughter to go anyway. 

I applied on Saturday for my Bermuda travel authorization but call them Sunday night at 6:30 PM EST. The woman said the had a new system put in but they were back up. I gave her my Bermuda authorization # and she said I should receive a response in 10 minutes but I got my approval before the 10 minutes was up. You need to print out 2 copies and sign/ date them and have them ready to present to the authorities when we land. I would say if you haven’t got your yet you better call!

Help on the Bermuda Travel Authorization it asks for your contact phone number while in Bermuda do you think just your cell phone or do they want the ships phone number?

7 minutes ago, hfjas006 said:

We’re getting our test in Malvern at 11 am tomorrow. Maybe our paths will cross. 

We are 11 also! Too funny

On 6/9/2021 at 9:34 AM, surfcitygirl said:

Azulann, we drove an hour to a Philly suburb to get tested yesterday at Test Now and Go, affiliated with Genetworx at 11 AM and were promised 24 hour turnaround. They supposedly have their own lab and don't send it out elsewhere. The results were in my inbox when I got up this morning, so we were  quite satisfied. Cost $100 each. Have applied for Bermuda Travel Authorization and ready to go, after many anxious moments.

 

Ragnar, thanks for calling the Orion for the testing info. You really know how to get things done! See you soon.

Thanks for the info we are going to Malvern PA tomorrow for our test, you give me hope!

11 hours ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

And of course,  the geniuses at Viking are still showing 3 days.

A few of us have called and did live chat to tell them their 5/11 information changed on 5/19 and all they say is we will let those who need to know … know but still the website hasn’t changed. People need to be proactive here for these early cruises or they will literally miss the boat!

On 6/5/2021 at 7:02 AM, B_A_H said:

Every start-up cruise is going through a version of the same thing we are.  Things aren't normal and they (and we) should have known that.  

 

Watch this video:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8vh0uYnYrI

 

Once we're in Viking's hands I'm really not concerned.  They and Bermuda will have worked out the mid-stay testing and Viking's already said they'll provide us with test results to re-enter the U.S.

 

The three hoops we need to jump though to get onboard the ship are:

 

1. The airline
   
   Bermuda isn't a popular destination (EG: Mexico) and airline personnel aren't going to be familiar with the entry requirements.  They'll look it up in their respective systems.  I'm sure "need Bermuda Travel Authorization" will be the headline.  If we have one we should be good to go.  If the policy in the airline's system is outdated point the airline employee to where the newest requirements are located. There may be some haggling and even a supervisor involved but with a Travel Authorization in-hand the airline won't deny you boarding. Assuming I have a Travel Authorization this hoop doesn't concern me.
    
2. Bermuda
   
   We've beaten up "how many days before" and "PCR vs. others" pretty good.  Assuming we all get test results uploaded for the Bermudian government and get a Travel Authorization this hurdle will be cleared.  I believe the Bermudian government will rely on Viking to meet any of their requirements once we're on the island. 
    
3. Viking
   
   We = revenue.  Viking needs revenue.  They also need these "Welcome Back" cruises to be successful so they can point to them in the future to convince more people to get back on their ships.  They want us to sail.  I believe that as we get closer to the 5-7 day window to get Viking our health and travel information their requirements will become clearer. The process should also get smoother once they have a few cruises under their belt. Until the first sailing is complete everything we and they are discussing is hypothetical.
   
   I also believe that what we send them in that window will be heavily scrutinized and that they'll work with anyone whose information isn't up to par to make it so. As I said before, once we're in their hands, I'm not  concerned.  They aren't going to flub something and leave 450 people stranded on the ship or unable to leave Bermuda.  If not for our comfort simply to protect current and future revenue.

Yes, this is complicated.  Yes, each "hoop" presents risk.  But I still feel the vast majority of us will be fine.  I do also think there will be unforeseen complications that may affect some people (EG: test not back in time, Travel Authorization delayed, airline issues) but that's the price we and others on all these start-up cruises need to pay to be trailblazers.  For those that didn't expect this you may have been a tad naïve.  Same applies to those that thought Viking had a magic wand to make it go all go away. 

 

There's no shame in pulling the ripcord and cancelling for those that find the anxiety created by all of this unnerving.  Not everyone's cut out to be a trailblazer. For those sticking it out, think of the stories we'll have to tell when we get back,  ;)

Nicely said, I’ll be one of those Viking Explorers on the 6/15 sail hoping all pre cruise goes as planned🤞

On 5/22/2021 at 8:18 AM, Respbj said:

Four days at least gives us some wiggle room with test on Thursday and needing to report on Monday in the Bermuda travel authorization form. I still have to drive 2 hours for a PCR test that says results in 24 hours which I am comfortable with. I’m spending thousands of $ and don’t want this test to ruin going on the cruise. 

That should say test on FRIDAY not Thursday…. No coffee yet when typing!

1 hour ago, bafinegan said:

Yes you will.  According tp the Bermuda's covid site for a Tues arrival, day 0 would be Friday, day 1 Sat, day 2, SUn, day 3 Mon leaving day 4 on Tues.  If you get the test on Friday, you need to apply for the travel authorization SUnday to Monday morning (before noon).

Yes I have my appointment for Friday with a 24 hour turnaround so fingers crossed it all goes to plan. Ps don’t know why I originally said my test day was Thursday must have needed my coffee before writing 

49 minutes ago, Respbj said:

Four days at least gives us some wiggle room with test on Thursday and needing to report on Monday in the Bermuda travel authorization form. I still have to drive 2 hours for a PCR test that says results in 24 hours which I am comfortable with. I’m spending thousands of $ and don’t want this test to ruin going on the cruise. 

I am such a good my appointment for my test is FRIDAY not Thursday! What was I thinking when I wrote this…probably didn’t have my second cup of coffee yet!

43 minutes ago, MRGACRUZR said:

If you test on Thursday (Day 0) won't you be a day short on Tuesday (Day 5)?

Sorry you are correct as my test day is Friday not Thursday as I changed my appointment from Saturday to Friday

8 hours ago, gramfrog said:

I spoke directly to the Bermuda Covid office, as a USTravel Advisor on May 17, and let them know that changing the reporting dates from five days to three days after June 6 wasn’t going to fly. I explained the “three days over a weekend” lab mentality in even a big city like Chicago was not going to get PCR tests results  done in time. They said they’d consider that three day position by the meeting the next day (Tuesday). On Wednesday Bermuda changed to four day test results.  Let’s hope they move it back to five. BTW, Viking’s Iceland cruise, same time: Iceland accepts Vaccine Card as proof enough. No PCR tests or other hurdles.  

Four days at least gives us some wiggle room with test on Thursday and needing to report on Monday in the Bermuda travel authorization form. I still have to drive 2 hours for a PCR test that says results in 24 hours which I am comfortable with. I’m spending thousands of $ and don’t want this test to ruin going on the cruise. 

21 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

Thanks to gramfrog for finding this:

 

https://www.gotobermuda.com/sites/default/files/travellers_quick_guide_update_may_19_2021.pdf

Thank you as some people think it’s still 5 days

2 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

I just spent a quite informative hour on the phone with a Viking Customer Relations Case Manager.  Not only was he so very helpful, but quite a professional, and gave some great insights into the changing landscape of Viking Welcome Back Cruises.  It truly cleared several items up:

1.  There is a distinct difference between "rescheduling or changing" a booked cruise versus "canceling" a booked cruise.   The Viking rep had told our TA that we would be charged $700 in airline penalties.  Obviously a misunderstanding of the semantics and failure to question/probe.

If you "cancel", then get a full 100% voucher, then book a new cruise - different booking numbers - then that has NO penalty.

If you "change or reschedule", keeping the same booking number, you get charged the $700 airline penalty.

So obviously one would always cancel, wait for voucher, and rebook.  Hence all the confusion!

 

2.  He gave me the Bermuda sites that Viking is following that as of today, now state clearly that the COVID PCR test has to be within 5 days (not 3 and not 4) of arrival.  It even describes the specific tests allowed and not allowed.

https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-travellers-visitors

"Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days before arrival*"

https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-pre-vetted-travel-authorisation

"Test type must be a PCR test.  Note:  The COVID-19 PCR test cannot be an antigen or antibody test.  It must be a PCR test.

 

I hope this is of value to folks.

On May 19 the government changed test date from 3 to 4 days go to “gotobermuda.com” as it spells it out. As of June 6 PCR testing is 4 days so more time than the 3 day but it is not 5 days. 

On 4/9/2021 at 10:55 AM, CCWineLover said:

 

Yes indeed!  Our TA let us know that right now there are not many flights from US Mainland to Bermuda each day - like maybe 5.   If we have 400-500 just cruise passengers on those Tuesdays, no wonder the flights are full!!    We managed last night to get flights from SFO-CLT-BDA and return but seat selection is poor!  And they will not be ticketing until 55 days ahead of time, so upgrades (on your own) will likely be gone.  But to us it is worth it!  Viking Air will take care of the whole COVID requirements on either end and that's a big plus in my mind.

If you read the Bermuda government policy for entry, there is a form + &75 fee that they must have 1-3 days before entry and a COVID test take up to 5 days before travel sent directly to Bermuda. Look on their website. Viking only said we would all get COVID test when leaving for home so we could enter the US. I think Viking is still to give us entry into Bermuda requirements 

My cousins and me have booked the Bermuda trip for June 15, I created a Roll Call too but no CC meet and mingle. This is my first trip since my husband died and I am looking forward to it, as he would want me to keep on traveling and he so enjoyed Viking. Viking is giving singles a discount on this cruise too.  I've been to Bermuda a few times so just doing the Viking provided tours is ok by me, and I hope we will have time to shop and give something back to Bermuda tourism in the process.

On 4/6/2021 at 10:57 PM, Clay Clayton said:

Has anyone asked if after the PCR test done before disembarking will Viking provide some sort of document good enough to get back into the USA?   Or will we have to take (and presumably pay for this time) another test?

In the documents from Viking they say they will provide the document for the airport at end of cruise as they are requiring testing on the ship 

On 11/4/2019 at 9:35 AM, lackcreativity said:

Not to get too far off the track here, but you are so right. We are much closer to the Baltimore airport than the one in Phildelphia, but the available international flights from Philly are far more. So sometimes we choose to make that drive for a nonstop. That adds a two hour drive, plus extra for the terrible traffic,  plus extra time for the circling the constantly overcrowded long term parking lot there, just to arrive three hours before our flight!

 

I think that the drive back from the Philadelphia airport is the worst part of all. All the anticipation and fun are over, and only the traffic and the laundry remain!

There is a good long term parking just south of the Philly airport, Winner Parking, that we use as we come up from lower Delaware which is 2 hours away. You can usually get a coupon online to reduce the cost. We have always been happy with them plus we don't need to drive near the airport, they do, and it's easy on/ off of route 95.  We are equally as close to BWI but more direct flights from Philly and British Air is our preferred airline as we always stop in the U.K.

We have do many Christmas Markets, two on river cruises. I have ankle boots I purchased in Munich one year at a shoe store that have a warm lining, add to that smart wool socks and feet are sorted. I wear a hat, scarf, gloves with a lined rain coat. Since river cruises are pretty casual, layer sweaters with silk undershirt or turtleneck, at night keep same tops and change to a black pair of pants (some people wore jeans all day and night but I like a nice pair of elastic waist pants for comfort in the evening).  In all my trips it only snowed once in Vienna, most places were mild (40's) but cold at night(30's). Enjoy