Eaches

Right. I took it and didn't cancel and rebook for a couple of reasons: Someone whom I trust told me that it was a worthwhile trip(he or she didn't evaluate it on a cost basis). It's easier and cleaner to be on a Wiking sponsored trip as you (always/sometimes/occasionally) get back in time to sail. I really didn't know what to do with another $698 in ship's credit with less than four weeks to go. I guess I could have bought a few bottles of champagne and poured them at Happy Hour

 

 

 

Anyway, after 6 days at sea I guess I'll be ready for a long trek in the hot sun.

Both sound great ! Nancy and I are not doing this tour, we had it but after India and a small bout of India dropsies, we decided to take it easy. I’m sure I’ll regret this, but we are also doing the 4 day Egypt tour so you have to say No some.times[ATTACH]419159[/ATTACH]

What does everyone think of the razor wire and armed guards aboard to protect us against the Pirates . I think it’s vreat

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Well spotted pudgey. 245 days - split into 2 halves. Wow, 245 is mind blowing. ;p

So is 135,000 pp ! Plus Excursions . The whole cruise is great for someone who wasn’t able to be a part of the 1st WC . We are doing the 127 day London to La . Then we are done !

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Are you saying that the Viking shore excursion for Petra (I am assuming for 2 people) is $698?

We took the tower walk and it was worth every dollar. Spent

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Are you saying that the Viking shore excursion for Petra (I am assuming for 2 people) is $698?

Don’t assume anything ! But you are correct $698 for two and it’s 10 hours long

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Thanks for the descriptions and photos of India! I don’t remember the gray air; must be a sign of these more prosperous times. India truly is a study in contrasts, isn’t it? You’ve captured that well here.

 

While you were going on the overland excursions, what was the ship doing? Did some people stay on board?

It went to Goa and Mumbai and had daily tours. It’s funny, the last full day in Delhi, we had a very heavy wind storm (40+) that picked up all the dust, dirt, sand and trash and deposited somewhere. The temps dropped at least 20 to 30 degrees and in the morning the temps where in the 70’s and the skies where super clear ! Go Figure!

Sorry, I had others but the CC program doesn’t accept the file size

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A bit of news from Viking Sun. The ship is being hardened for our passage through Somali waters to enter the Red Sea. So far a razor wire perimeter is being installed around two deck and reportedly we have some armed security forces boarding in Oman. Have not heard of much pirate activity recently but better safe than sorry. I have full faith in Captain Knutsen and crew to make any necessary preparations to ensure our safe passage.

To Brighten Our Sprits , I have enclosed a number of photos taken d

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The second day dawned gray. Could not really see the sun. After a good breakfast buffet we boarded good old Bus Number 1 and departed for the Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra. Though only about 105 miles, the trip took 4.5 hours or so. The Dehli traffic is as bad as any seen in Asia and was the cause of most of the time delay. Fortunately there is a fairly new 6 lane expressway just outside Dehli connecting to Agra. With a rest stop in the middle we made it safely to the hotel in Agra. Enroute we passed hundreds of smokestacks which were brick kilns. They still make hand made bricks and fire them using wood and coke. Smoke, yes. Just add it to the gray air. Arriving in Agra was interesting as we passed many "sacred cows" most roaming free and some of the worst poverty we have seen yet (and that covers a lot). Suddenly, in all this poverty, a gilded gate opens for us as we enter the beautiful grounds of the Jaypee Palace Hotel. It is a stunning red rock and marble property in the midst of all the dirt and poverty. Quite a shocking contrast but that also is a good way to describe India in general, extreme contrasts. Our room here was also very nice and once checked in we had another fantastic Indian buffet lunch. The only glitch here is no alcohol.:eek: The bar is closed due to some political protests or some such. They were rather vague about it but funny thing, as we were leaving there was a conference of Indian neurosurgeons coming in. Miraculously the bars opened. Go figure. Anyway, the purpose of this adventure was not to drink Indian beer but to visit the Taj. We boarded busses again for the short trip first to the Red Fort. Actually a very interesting stop and JK made it more so. There was also a great distant view of the Taj from here. Very hot and humid and lots of walking but all onboard were up to it. Soon we were back in traffic heading to the Taj. Arriving at the parking area we had to transfer to small electric powered busses which had a very high step up to enter. This presented a problem for some but all managed to get on board. About a mile or so trip on these well worn busses and we got to proceed through security to enter. First up is a large courtyard where we regrouped and headed for the intricately beautiful main gate. The Taj was visible through the opening and gradually revealed with each step closer. It was truly a dramatic reveal and suddenly there it is. As good as any picture you have ever seen on tv. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained and crowds weren't too bad (by Indian standards). Fortunately the renovations that lasted most of last year were gone. No scaffolding or any other impediments. Taj looked pristine. We had around 3.5 hours or so to wander about the grounds, walk around the Taj and enter the mausoleum area. In all ways this part of the trip exceeded our expectations. Finally, very tired, hot, sweaty, and dirty, we all returned to the hotel for welcome showers and a bit of rest. Would have loved a drink or two but guzzling bottled water was probably better for us anyway. We had an Indian dance troupe performing before dinner (for me a little bit of it went a long way) and another excellent buffet dinner. Not usually a fan of buffets but all on this trip were very good. Great quality and selection, and even better, no issues with strange food. In all a very good day.:cool:

Jim ,

Here are photos of the Taj Mahal - we were to see the Taj at sundown, but the smog didn’t allow for it . Oh well .

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Jim,

We on bus #4 would like to recognize our guide Mr. Anukram as one of the best guides we’ve EVER had the pleasure of work with . All in all , each guide had their own traits in their delivery of the facts, but speaking for myself “ We had the Best” We had the liberty starting with our guide and he stayed with us for the compete tour. Mr Anukram was fantastic with his knowledge of the history of the region and he wasn’t afraid of answering questions we asked about everyday life in India . Thank You Again, Mr Anukram for all you did for us.

 

 

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Jim ,

You are correct on the air pollution, it was the pits to say it nicely! It was bad everywhere we went . From the tall smoke stacks of the brick ovens to the millions of cars on the road, the poor people of India don’t stand a chance . LA and New York don’t even get close to anywhere in India. I’m not sure which location was worst, Beijing, China or anywhere in India.

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Ok, so second sea day and I am ensconced on one of the Pool Deck loungers having a Bloody Mary. No excuses left for not catching up reporting our adventures in India. Again, thanks to Eaches for the spectacular shots. They capture the stunning beauty of the Taj perfectly and I love the night shot of Victoria Station in Mumbai all lit up. To the Incredible India Overland, the 4 day 3 night excursion. There was also a 6 day 5 night tour but that is for someone else to pitch in and comment upon. Our journey began in Cochin as we boarded the good nation of Bus Number 1. 104 travelers on 4 busses worked out to only 28 on Bus 1. That made it much more comfortable and easier for the on/off cycles at stops. We travelled from the port to the airport with commentary from J K, our guide for the duration. He was a very good guide, knowledgeable and did not talk too much. We had periods of "quiet time" unless he saw something interesting. Good job J K. Upon arrival at the airport we were given boarding passes and escorted through the check in/security process. It all went as well as can be expected with flying these days. The airline was IndiGo Airlines, an Indian domestic low cost carrier. The planes were Airbus A320 and the seating was all one class so we must have all been in First Class.....:eek: Actually about like the seating on Southwest. Our flight was to Dehli but we had an interim stop but no plane change. In all we were in the seats 5 hours or so. Enroute our ticket included a meal. We had a bucket of noodles that the stewardess poured hot water into and told me to wait 5 minutes then stir it. Actually fairly tasty in an Indian spicy way. The stewardesses were reminiscent of Pan Am in the '60s, all young, slender, perfectly made up, and in attractive uniforms. They did a good job taking care of us. Upon arrival in Dehli we boarded another Bus Number 1 with our trusty guide JK, a driver and a bus boy. The trip to the Le Meridien Hotel took about 1.5 hours in the horrible Dehli traffic. Check in was well organized and quickly we were in our very nice room. Thankfully we had some free time to shower, rest up, and hit the bar for a few pops before 8:30 dinner. We opened the window curtains to see the view and were appalled to see the Dehli air. It is without question the foulest air I have ever experienced. Across from our room, across a broad boulevard, was another high rise property. Maybe 300 yards away. It was hazy in the murk. Beyond this there was no view, simply a gray mass. Terrible air pollution. Not sure how one lives there and what health risks the air causes. It makes even LA look pristine. The good news is the dinner was an excellent Indian buffet. We had hoped they would have good Indian food on this trip and not try to feed us "Western" foods. We were not disappointed. After stuffing with food we retired to our nice room and relaxed a bit. Tomorrow on to Agra and the Taj.:cool:

Jim,

We on bus #4 would like to recognize our guide Mr. Anukram as one of the best guides we’ve EVER had the pleasure of work with . All in all , each guide had their own traits in their delivery of the facts, but speaking for myself “ We had the Best” We had the liberty starting with our guide and he stayed with us for the compete tour. Mr Anukram was fantastic with his knowledge of the history of the region and he wasn’t afraid of answering questions we asked about everyday life in India . Thank You Again, Mr Anukram for all you did for us.

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Sorry Jim

 

For some reason this program doubles the photos ! The plane photo was when we all where coming home to the ship - a beautiful sunset at 30,000 ft. The night **** was one of places I wanted to see but ran out of time - the Mumbai Train Station- just beautiful!

 

 

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Sorry I forgot the pictures of Taj Mahal - the photo of the flowers was all inlaid marble- it was repeated all around the main hall in one band , just beautiful .

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Sorry Jim

For some reason this program doubles the photos ! The plane photo was when we all where coming home to the ship - a beautiful sunset at 30,000 ft. The night **** was one of places I wanted to see but ran out of time - the Mumbai Train Station- just beautiful!

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Had a great trip and really enjoyed meeting both Eaches. My partner! Got back to the ship around tennish (on board) after fairly extensive security/immigration check. First stop the 1 deck bar to replenish "vital body fluids" and catch up with some friends. Exhausted but managed a shower and 9 hours sleep. Will post a full review of Incredible India Overland and Eaches will have some great pictures I am sure. Short version: great trip!:cool:

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Wish we had opted to go !

Day four was wonderful in Qutb Minar where we saw The 22 miter High minaret . Beautiful will have to send pictures later

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Hi Eaches what bus are y’all on? Don’t you love breathing this gray air?[emoji33]

 

See you around the bus [emoji41]

We are on BUS 4 with the Best Driver and Guide !

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For me the lecturers have been varied and for the most part very engaging. There are small group presentations as well. Cooking demos, dance class, a choir, art classes, bridge and mahjong, jewelry presentations, galley and bridge tours ( and on the WC we even had a laundry tour). There is more to fill our sea days than I have time for....but I also enjoy lounging and reading at the infinity pool and watching for dolphins or just being mesmerized by the wake....Life if Good on the Viking Sun ....even when some new part of the world is not unfolding in front of me.

Pictures of New Deli 4 day overland to Taj Mahal . You haven’t seen traffic until you’ve seen it in India . Thank Goodness we have a Great Bus Driver!

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In Corfu we took the included tour, despite having visited the island many times. We left the tour in the centre of Corfu Town and returned to the ship on the Viking Shuttle Bus.

 

In Katokolon the included tour went to Olympia with free time afterwards to wander.

 

In Dobrovnik we took the included tour, but returned on the shuttle bus later in the day. Again we have been several times before but the tour took us inside the Monastery that we had not seen.

 

We did included tours in Koper, Kotor and Zadar. All good. Most impressive were the young local guides who were passionate about their 'new countries'. They all spoke several languages fluently which puts us all in the UK to shame.

Did your cruise stop by Split, we had the best tour there . It was a cruise up a local river up to a small restaurant on the river bank . Great lunch overlooking the river and the wine flowed. What more could you ask for .

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We’ve upgraded to business class for our flights to Athens and home from Venice.

 

What has been your experience of this service with B.A. ?

BA was running an old 744 Boeing early model 747 and it was tired out of Heathrow . We did it once and changed to American air bus - ask either your agent or Viking air what type of aircraft and stops you’ll be taking . Check into economy plus - it could be a money saver . Also check into Viking’s air plus, you can ask about non stops with air plus .

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And while Azulann did the Beatles show, I went to the Met’s HD performance of La Boheme (Star Theater). You’ve gotta love the diversity in entertainment on this ship.

 

We also booked a future cruise for late 2019 ... on a long sold-out cruise (spot opened up). Who makes reservations so far in advance?! You’ve gotta love the commitment of these Viking customers.

 

Issue: what to do with the chocolate Easter bunny. Bring it home (no)? Ponder it (maybe)? Eat it (yes)?

Give it to your room attendant- most love chocolate!

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Jim ,

I was going to clean these photos up but was having issues on the file size and not being able to send them to CC . I ended up sending the files that worked without any work being done on them .

If anyone can give me pointers on file sizes and reducing to the the size CC wants, it would be a big help . I am using an I phone 10 because of it’s body size and ease of sending files .

 

 

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Also I threw my socks away after visiting the Hindu Temple’s and I would suggest that to others . I don’t want to catch a weird Disease from washing the socks with the other laundry. We had to take our shoes off prior to entering the Temples. Afterwards the socks where dark black when we put ours shoes back on . Time to be safe !

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Jim ,

I was going to clean these photos up but was having issues on the file size and not being able to send them to CC . I ended up sending the files that worked without any work being done on them .

If anyone can give me pointers on file sizes and reducing to the the size CC wants, it would be a big help . I am using an I phone 10 because of it’s body size and ease of sending files .

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Something funny has happened to us on our way around the world. We have come to enjoy Sea days the most. Never thought that would happen. A lovely warm sunny flat calm today. In Chennai we only went ashore as required for immigration. Curiously we had to go to Guest Services the day before to pick up our Passports and landing cards. Normally before, the blank landing cards were delivered to our cabin the night before. Not sure why this was different but we still filled them out in our cabin. In Chennai we were all required to go ashore for “face to face “ with Immigration. Really curiously upon arrival in the terminal the very first thing we had to do was surrender our passports to Viking! Not sure the purpose of lining up at Guest Services was for. The process went quickly and we returned on board. As we are likely to see all the India we want on our 4day/3night overland to the Taj and the view from our balcony, we decided to stay “home”. Also, more than one source referred to Chennai as the “Detroit of India “. That and Trip Advisor top 15 things to do involved temples. See above post about “Templed out”. Will offer as much as possible on our overland. And Eaches is on it as well! Great pictures for sure.[emoji322][emoji483][emoji481][emoji41]

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They're not getting a bean from us. We'll have a relaxing few days on board and all the more to spend in the other Baltic and Scandic countries

If you don’t go to St Petersburg you are missing one of the most beautiful stops on the whole tour. From Peter the Great Summer Home to their museums everyone is special . I’ve been there and would go back tomorrow if possible. Viking will keep you safe and well taken care of . Go and see how the others live, you will treasure your freedoms once you return.

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Did Viking take care of all changes to your schedule, flights etc? Did they move the trip to Athens?

There has been talk that Viking is going back but not until next cruise season- 2020 or 2021 at the earliest. Too bad , it’s a Wonderful City to explore.

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Not shown yet on their website. Can the Future Cruise Consultant send you a PDF of the itinerary?

It’s not open for the public yet , soon enough .

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