Eaches

Hi Dee,
Hope y'all are doing well and staying safe.  Travel seems far, far away at the moment.  You are asking if we would recommend investing the time, effort, and money to go back to many of the areas we recently visited on the London/LA portion of the world cruise so here goes.  I had to think about this a bit as a number of people on this board have posted that the South America voyages were their "best trip ever".  I  am sure they were.  In no way am I intending to demean or in any other way disagree or take away from another's experience.  It is your opinion just as mine is simply that.  My opinion.  Yes, my original posts during the voyage were less than "wow".  Overall we found everywhere we went in South America rather disappointing.  Mainly I am amazed how their governments/regimes can take a huge continent, full of beautiful spaces and rich with resources and turn it into third world cities.  Time after time guides took us to the evil Colonial Era buildings for photo ops.  We realized those were mostly the only interesting buildings in most towns.  Lots of slums, garbage, graffiti and crime.  After a seagoing career and lots of personal travel including two Viking WCs, I have been to over two thirds of the countries out there.  Possibly I have just been exposed to too many third world dumps full of garbage, slums, graffiti, and crime.  We have come to the decision that going to a few more third world places simply because they are on the list of places yet seen is no longer for us.  When this crazy is over we are intending to spend our travel funds going to places we know are nice, returning to enjoyable, beautiful, fun places.  Again, just our opinion but to answer your original question no we would not go to the effort, time, and cost to return to any of the places we visited on the recent WC.  The Inaugural world cruise we shared with y'all was fantastic.  Yes we went to some dumps but we also had some of the world's most spectacular places on our visit list too.  One of our fellow passengers was also on the 245 day cruise with us.  You will remember her, tall slim, long dark hair and she and her husband ate lunch most days at a table in the Aquavit Bar.  Anyway, we were chatting one day prior to arriving in NYC and they told us they were disembarking in NYC and re embarking in LA.  When we asked why, she responded: " everyone should see South America.......Once". We understand fully what she meant.  Hope this helps and again, not trying to insult anyone else's great experiences.  Hope to sail with y'all again some day...[emoji483]

Jim , 

This is Eaches and I wanted to Thank You for the  almost daily info you submitted! We thought of completing the WC circle

but decided to visit family and do the Rocky Mountaineer and two weeks in  Hawaii  instead. Nancy and I are doing a Viking River Cruise this next summer/fall Amsterdam to Budapest. We yearn to go back to VO but we have done most of the areas covered by VO. 
We are doing a week on a canal barge in 2021 for something different. 
Again it’s always wonderful to hear and see your   Travel photos. 
Hope to run into you once again - somewhere in this world 🌎 

We just found those multi-hanger drop down things saved space on the rod, but added bulk below and often creased clothes. Just our preference. Those 12” boxes would probably work. We had these plastic drawers that we were going to throw out, so we figured we would get another use out of them first. We stuffed them with other things we were going to pack anyway, so they weren’t shipped empty.

We did their (Viking’s) WC and loved it . All I can say is, unless you are a cloth horse the storage on the ship works OK . We didn’t pack any folding boxes or over the door shoe bags . Just remember to put your extras back in your suitcase under your bed . The 1st cruise included free clothes washing , which is not currently available on subsequent WC .That was a big help , but the passengers abused it , like the medical service , so it’s also not available or pay as you go . My wife and I are doing the World Treasures Cruise (127 Days) next fall and we learned that you pick your outfits and pack only these items. Start with New items because by the time you get home, you will be so tired of seeing these items and you’ll throw them out . The laundry is not kind on your clothes so don’t pack items that won’t stand up to this abuse. We actually only packed Warm Weather clothes on the 1st WC which made it easier. Remember Cambodia and Egypt the temps where extremely Hot almost unbearable (Cambodia-February early March and Egypt was in April ).

Just try and not go overboard. Remember what you take, you have to take home!

I know one thing , I’m thinking of leaving my heavy 35mm camera and lens home . Almost never used them . I took my I phone everywhere and loved the photos it took .

Enjoy your trip - Viking does it well and I know now that I have to loose 20+ lbs before our cruise just to stay even .

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USD14,000 per person for a twin sharing outside cabin for 96 days voyage.

I guess you get what you paid for ! You can dress up a pig but it’s still a —. Sorry you had such a poor cruise

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Wow, 104 nights! That's amazing!!

1) How did they manage 104 different shows? Was there a show every night?

2) What about the other gameshows and entertainment for 104 days? Was it different every evening?

3) How many champagne art auctions? How many champagne bottles as prizes?

4) How many theme parties? How many pool parties?

5) How many comedy shows? How many gameshows?

6) How many formal nights with lobster and steak?

7) How many countries? How many visas? How many blank pages are required in your passport for visas?

8) What was the (cruise only) cost per person? How much did you spend in all?

 

I have great difficulty convincing my wife to come for even a 29 night cruise I booked at an incredible price. She says a 7-10 night cruise is ideal. She even found a 14 night cruise to be too long and tiresome. Even boring. I really envy you!

Pardon me for all the questions and thanks again for for the information!

Well I’ll try to answer your questions :

My answers are based on a 141 day WC taken last year

1. Most every night there was entertainment and MOST shows where quite good . As a note, we didn’t book the WC for the nightly entertainment , we booked it for the daily experiences we experienced.

2.Yes it different and not all shows where on the main stage . You have to remember that we where in most cases 1/2 the world away from where we started. Most of the entertainers came from the States and England

3.NONE ! Thank you Very Much and No Art Auctions -Nor photographers taking your pictures ! THAT WAS LIBERATING! To say the least. .

4. Only a few and they where optional but fun. The celebrations involved many of the very hard working crew members as they left us for well earned vacations. The one celebration that I remember well was when we crossed the equator and we all had to kiss the fish and jump into the pool to become shell backs ! Something I never thought I’d do at the age of 70. In addition , they gave us an official cruise certification of being a shell back. Just a lot of Fun-Even the Captain went along and participated in the celebration minus the grog we had to sample .

5.Not going to answer that stupid question. REALLY -you rate,a cruise on how many comedy shows you get to see. You need to learn how to entertain yourself and not wait for others to do it for you.

6. NO FORMAL NIGHTS IN 141 night . What a breath of FRESH AIR. Sports jacket and tie is about all I can muster! Plus my wife doesn’t want to PUT THE DOG ON either . At my age who am I trying to impress.?

7. 60 plus countries, if you go on a Good Cruise line they

Will arrange for visas and entry information and have the additional costs worked into the price. Start out with a BRAND NEW PASSPORT. If you are going on a TRUE World Cruise

you don’t NEED to count the pages on the NEW PASSPORT, the visa service will inform you if you don’t have enough .

8. First of all ,it’s none of your business what I or anyone else pays for something is their business not yours. If you need to ask what something costs ,maybe you can’t afford it. That’s what my DAD TOLD ME!

Find a GOOD HONEST HARDWORKING TRAVEL AGENT . Plan and worK with that person and only with that person. They will work their tails off for you !

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I am envious...perhaps I should sell one of my grandchildren to pay for the cruise. We will be doing the Amazon portion in November and I will let you know any important details about those cities!

That would be great. Thanks

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Eaches, are you on the August 31 London to LA? I believe that is 127 days. Looking forward to seeing y'all if you are. Close the loop!:cool:

Yes, we will be there ! My Best Half had her knee replaced after the 1st WC and all is good . Now all I have to do is loose the weight from the last WC before starting out on the next . We are looking forward to seeing the Rest of the World!

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hello Jim, deec (Eaches, if you are still out there !) and others who we exchanged messages with whilst you were on your World Cruise.

 

Helen and I still reflect upon and remember all of your adventures. We would love to share some time with you one day in the future (our VO bookings are NZ - Aust after Christmas 2018, Norway - Iceland in May 2019 and Empires of the Med in June 2019 if you have any spare time and cash ). And Jim ... it's good to know you are signed up for London / LA. Please start a day by day chat for that one as well so we can follow you again. Regards to all CC members. Cheers from 27°28′04″ S, 153°01′41″ E, Frank

We are booked for next year’s London to LA cruise (121 days) . That will make it a complete WC for us . We will then focus on the STATES . We’ve been to the West Coast of Canada and but gave up on Tokyo to Vancouver VO Cruise due to time .

We did photo books on our WC - almost too many ports to cover !

b

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We used this service on the World Cruise and it went flawlessly. Shipped two bags (heavy bags) to the ship and we enjoyed traveling with only carry ons. :cool:

The Best - No Problems - No Lugging!

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The EU outlet and the lamp on the desk by the door to the veranda is not on the power saver. We found this to be the case on the Sky and Star. It's where I would leave a camera battery charging while we were out. Have an adapter that has two outlets - one on top and one in front which is super handy if you want to leave say your iPad and a camera battery charging at the second time. [emoji4]

 

 

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Just take a business card with you and solve the issue ! It’s worked on all our VO Cruises including the WC .

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On Princess, we get a modest OBC for having shares in Princess' parent corp. Does Viking have anything like that available?

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

Steve

If you pay for your Viking Cruise by e check you will earn 3.3 percent which is a Great Deal.!!!!

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We just booked for Feb 3rd 2020 with the Jordan Extension. We were looking at the optional excursions and wondered what the cost for them were ( assuming that the cost would remain relatively unchanged in 1.5 years from now) and if they were worth doing. There is( as far as I can tell...)

1. Visit to Khan el-Khalili and a traditional dinner at a local restaurant in Cairo

2. Hot air balloon ride in Luxor

3. The temples @ Abu Simbel

4. Temples of Philadelphia Sound & Light show

 

This is our first Viking cruise. I understand that it is a busy itinerary. We are both in our late 50’s and relatively fit. We want to see all we can while in Egypt and Jordan without exhausting ourselves and breaking the bank.

 

 

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We did a 2 night 3 day off the ship (Viking Sun WC) and we loved every minute we spent in Egypt. Viking’s Egypt tour guides where Great . We decided to do the overnights because of the travel times on the daily tours and I’m SO glad we did. Viking used TOP Hotels ( 4 Seasons Cairo ) as their base and it was just perfect.

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Aw, c’mon! We shipped three 28” suitcases, traveled with two more 28”ers, plus carryons and a roll-aboard. We used 90% of the stuff we brought - I’m an avid over-packer, and I never regret it. :D

 

 

 

We shipped 2 large bags via Viking’s service and carried 2 bags plus carry ons . We didn’t pack a great deal of health and (ha ha)beauty aids - we picked them up in Miami prior to leaving- much easier than trying to ship them in our bags .

The only changes in the WC is the laundry and doctors visits . We got it free but in most cases it’s going to cost you ! We added up the bills for the items we had washed/dry cleaned and it was approximately 1800 dollars . Not cheap and it was hard on the clothes, but we figured it into the costs and it was the best way to go . You could cut the costs by using their free laundry but it wasn’t worth it. It was also my wife trip and I didn’t want her time tied up doing laundry!

If you use the doctors then it should be covered under your trip insurance so why should it be free. Many of the passengers abused the service for minor issues so they decided to end it . They had two doctors on board and they where overwhelmed with minor issues .

 

 

 

 

 

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Having recently left the Viking Sun after 120 days, we were wanting to sell everything and move back on board...... Slight problem. Most of the longer VO cruises for 2019 are showing "Sold Out" or most categories showing that. Kudos to Viking for filling ships faster and better than any other line but we are wondering if some of the "Sold Out" might be marketing? We booked the recent Inaugural World Cruise only 7 months out and got a nicely located cabin in the grade we wanted. We normally do not book years out for anything. I admit I have not called Viking just lurking the website. Hopefully some will release at final pay due date.:cool:

Jim,

You should book “Viking’s Treasures Cruise (127 days ) in 2019 and complete your World Cruise .

John.

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Your sense of entitlement is unbelievable. You did not *pay* to go to the christening, which was not announced until the cruise was well underway and you had long since paid your cruise fare. It was Viking’s GIFT to passengers. Your expectations were absurdly overblown, and your complaints are quite trivial.

 

 

 

Bus? How did you think Viking was going to transport 900 people?

 

 

 

Venue? It wasn’t fine dining, but the food was varied and tasty, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the phenomenal Shanghai nighttime skyline, and there were empty seats near the closed circuit TVs throughout the evening so that everyone who wanted it had a chance to watch the fantastic performances of Shanghai luminaries.

 

 

 

Again, this was Viking’s gift to us. That you feel free to crap all over that gift rather than seeing the many good things about it says FAR more about you than it does about Viking. We had a great time.

Us Too! One miss did not change our outlook on both Viking and their First WC .

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We were there and I don't want to recount all the details. Let me just say that it was a disapointment, particularly after the buildup.

Larry, I couldn’t have said it better. Viking WC was ever so special even with a couple of small misses that they corrected immediately.

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My wife and I were witness to this situation on a cruise which happened to my sister, who was in our party. All three of us, in single file, on deck five were approaching the aft elevators when suddenly a large man, driving a scooter SOO fast around the elevator area that he lost control and almost turned it over (and would have) if my sis hadn't been there to break his fall !:eek: He GLARED at my sister, and SCREAMED, 'Leave me the HELL alone !!' I know all of this because I was behind her and was shocked at his rudeness. She, also was perplexed and just said too me after he sped off. 'I was just trying to help and make sure he didn't hurt himself'. Guess he didn't see it THAT way. Wonder, WHAT he'd done if my sis had just simply stood aside or kept walking, letting him turn over, with scooter on top.:rolleyes:

 

 

 

Mac

You should have let him go on his merry way - he held the speed button and determined his speed and his outcome . Glad it didn’t involve your sister.

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We have actually signed up for the Viking 2020 WC, which is virtually identical to your 2018 WC, except we start in LA.

We did the 2017/17 (141 day) Viking WC and will be doing the first part of the 2019 Viking WC World Treasures. We loved their crew , staff and itinerary . We actually received back over 1500 dollars back due to so much of the add ons where included in their fair . Go and enjoy Viking’s WC .

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one major thing to keep in mind is that WiFi will not always be reliably available. Put you bills on auto pay and then you can review when you can.

 

 

Horror stories are broken bones and death...both which can happen at your home sweet home but it is a bit more hassle!!!!

 

 

A WC was never on our bucket list....HOwever we had the most incredible time of our lives on Viking's inaugural World Cruise. Adjusting to everyday life has been shocking. We were never bored with ship board activities, itinerary or excursions, food, fellow passengers or each other!!!!

Here - Here I Agree on your comments!

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We are about to book the 2019 Far East Discovery cruise in October 2019. While we have been on many cruises (mostly HAL), we only know what we read in brochures about Viking Ocean.

 

 

 

So here goes - thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

 

 

1) We are looking at Penthouse Junior Suite #6023, deck 6 opening into the forward elevator lobby. Any issues with noise from above, below, or from the elevators?

 

 

 

2) Business class air seems reasonable at $4000 compared to October 2018 rates (JFK-Beijing, Hong Kong-JFK) and for $50 more, you get to choose your flights. Any recommendations on the best airlines for business class on these routes?

 

 

 

3) The Viking website says that minibars in Penthouse Junior Suites are replenished daily with alcoholic beverages? Spirits as well? Is this complimentary?

 

 

 

4) How large are the balconies in the Penthouse Junior Suites? Just two chairs and a table?

 

 

 

5) The Penthouse Junior Suites are located about halfway between midships and the bow - some more than halfway. Any issues with motion?

 

 

 

6) It's tough to tell how large the closet(s) are in these suites - are they adequate? I realize that the tux and gowns stay home for this trip, and that laundry and dry cleaning are complimentary....

We did the WC in 7008 Penthouse Jr Suite and we couldn’t have been happier with the accommodations.

I will try and answer your questions with a man’s perspective.

1. Noise from above or below ? None - only once or twice did we hear a tv that wasn’t ours

2. We’ve done Viking Cruises from Asia prior to the WC and we used Cathay Pacific Premium Acc and they are Wonderful and we saved a bundle over business class . On the WC we used American Airlines and they where fine . Didn’t want to use British Airline due to older planes on our routes.

3. Yes ,you should meet with your cabin attendant and spec the brands you would like .They will try to get what you want . It free to the cabin owners

4. Big -not a problem . My wife brings a folding stool to rest her legs while she reads her books . I think Amazon has them under camping supplies

5. No motion out the ordinary wave action .We like the PjrSuites on deck 7 due to only having 8 cabins on that floor. Not much traffic,most go by the Owner’s Suite and then to the elevators . Plus the Explorer’s Lounge is near by .

6. The storage in the closets is fine . They have plenty of space if you use the draws in the closets and under the TV’s .

Put your items that seem to be overflow-items back in your suitcases and put them under your bed . If you need them, just pull out the suitcase .

You may want to think out doing your own delicate items in the smaller washing machines . The laundry is great but they can be rough on things.

We loved all our experiences with Viking and we hope you do too.

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The Viking WC promotions would have no bearing on a t.a. rebate -- you should get at least approx 9% of what you paid (not including port charges) as a rebate.

Not from Viking !

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I’d have to sell both my kidneys.

 

 

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Only one !

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We completed a 104 night WC on Sun Princess in 2015.The main restaurant options for dinner were Traditional in one restaurant and Anytime in the other. We always opt for Traditional and the WC was no different.With a table for 8, we had 3 couples doing the entire voyage and 1 couple doing 1/2. In London, we invited another couple doing the entire cruise to join us (arrange through M'D). We all dined together for the entire 104 nights, going together as a group to the buffet or specialty restaurants. Three years later, we are still in contact.

 

 

 

Breakfast & Lunches in the restaurant are open seating and we always requested sharing. We tend to have breakfast/lunch at consistent times and frequently were assigned to tables with others on a similar schedule. While the breakfast/lunch tables always change, we probably sat with some people at least a dozen times during the cruise.

Why don’t you try a cruise line that offers open seating ! We just came back from a 141 day WC and the cruise line only offers open seating and except in their specially restaurants . This way you get to meet others and then plan on meeting them at your convenience and theirs . We liked it so much we are now doing a 127 day cruise in 2019 .

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Thank you Jim for starting this interesting blog, and to everyone who contributed to it. And thanks to Eaches for sharing the beautiful photos. You truly were on an amazing journey and I loved following along with it. Safe travels to all whether heading home or on to further adventures.

 

 

 

Karen

Many Viking cruisers are not sure of the London pick up -drop off location on the Thames River. Especially due to notes saying that it’s a tender port. Let me tell you London/Viking did a Stand Up Job with Everything to do with their World Cruise and the Viking Sun . Everything went so smoothly and we had a day in London that no one will forget . Thank You Both for a fanatic End to one of the best Cruises Ever !

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This cruise includes the Silver Spirits Package so I think you get most of your drinks for free.

Correct except some of the high price whiskey and after dinner drinks (high end ) . It’s a really good program - it’s easy because everyone is in it .

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