arlowood

3 minutes ago, aimhigh said:

Hi @arlowood, we have just boarded the 21 Aug cruise and all indications are that the rotation is as I posted earlier (Asian Panorama is this evening). Will let you know!

OK - update when you know more. We certainly ate La Route des Indes  menu on Thursday evening. Maybe it was a one-off

On 8/18/2021 at 6:06 PM, aimhigh said:

The menu(s) are in post 226 above and the rotation is Asian Panorama, Great Britain, Lotus.

Slight correction to your comments. We've just disembarked Viking Star and they have a new menu in the rotation called "La Route des Indes" which features the warm spices associated with the original spice route from the East Indes. We dined on Thursday 19th and that was the first night of that rotation. So that menu would be available 19th, 20th and 21st (tonight).

Not sure if they are going to retain that menu with the  Best of British and Asian or whether that change signaled a new departure into other features. Perhaps those currently on board will be able to confirm or refute. 

Edit:- Just found La Route des Indes mentioned in a post back in 2019 so it is a standard one for Viking:-

17 hours ago, Staffordshirecruiser said:

Hi All, I think I’ve solved the puzzle, The Golden Horizon is due to visit St Mary’s/IOS on 10th August. It’s a new ship (Tradewinds)which had some problems when it arrived in Dover, so it’s perfectly possible Viking were waiting to see if the owners cancelled the slot, before contacting us.  If that the case then 14 Aug cruise should be fine?

Just checked the Tradewinds website and it appears that the Golden Horizon is calling at St Mary's on 10th August.

https://www.tradewindvoyages.com/voyage/english-south-coast-and-islands/

So theoretically a call at Tresco might have been feasible for Viking. Only issue would have been the tender provision which appears to be restricted to local island ferries rather than ships' tenders (probably due to the access to slipways/harbours). I'm guessing Tradewinds have bagged all the local ferries for their passengers

Oops - just noticed that Tresco is also an optional tour for the Golden Horizon passengers so all the above should be ignored . Apologies for the geriatric blooper

Yes - opinion seems divided about how visible they should be.

I'm sure I read somewhere that some passengers who put them in pockets/bags etc were challenged by crew members to prove they were being carried. It is a requirement of the Viking procedures that you wear them at all times outside your stateroom so if they are not visible then you risk being asked to prove you have it with you.

On our June UK Shores cruise my wife and I just stuck with the lanyard to avoid any undue hassle.

BTW we were not warned in advance that they would flash different colours at random times so we queried it with guest services. We were told that the blue and green flashing was when the device was communicating with the central data gathering system. Red flashing indicated that the devices battery was getting low. Not sure if that was correct or just an inspired off-the-cuff response.

2 hours ago, downsmead said:

It depends on why it was cancelled - apparently operational reasons! I believe a Saga ship is in the same day as us and possibly the tenders cannot cope with that many passengers. We only had 5 hours or so there.  If no other ship is there on your sailing, it may be OK for you 🤞. This is just my guess though. 

Yes I'd heard mention of a possible clash with a Saga cruise. However I've just checked the Saga website and their Scilly Isles cruise doesn't leave Tilbury until 10th August which is the date that the Viking Star was due to be in Tresco.

1 hour ago, Maxweller said:

Is there going to be a Viking Star 12 night cruise from Portsmouth to Portsmouth departing 28/08/2021 back in Portsmouth 09/09/2021?    

 

I only ask because, If you look on the Portsmouth International Port website, and the APCOA Car Park booking service they are currently showing a Viking Star Cruise Car Parking Deal from 28/08/2021 to 09/09/2021 for £99.00!   (This doesn’t appear on the CPS Car Park booking service).  Let’s wait and see. Fingers crossed.

That raises a bit of a conundrum. Having checked the cruise schedule for Portsmouth, the Viking Star looks to be departing on 28th August after the last UK Shores cruise but intriguingly it returns again on 3rd September before departing again on the 4th but no evidence of any arrival on the 9th September

https://www.portsmouth-port.co.uk/cruises/cruise_schedule

So possibly Viking are sneaking another UK cruise into the programme but have not yet announced it. Also maybe they haven't decided on what length it is going to be (7 night or 12 night) hence  the disconnect between the port schedule and the parking

5 hours ago, ospreycruiser said:

I spoke to Viking this morning and they confirmed NHS letter or app if fine at check in. The Verifly app is aimed at fly/cruise passengers but the system automatically sends it to every booking.

Thanks for that. It would have been helpful for Viking to add a footnote in their email that the VeriFLY system was not really aimed at the UK staycation cruises. I've just spent at least an hour going through the palaver of setting up the app and trying to get the "Ready to Travel" authorisation for our 14th August cruise. I'm now successfully authorized through the VerFLY system but I'm just a tad miffed that an hour of my life has been  wasted on a pointless exercise.

1 hour ago, ospreycruiser said:

Just received the Viking email about the Verifly app. This will not be compatible with my old phone and when I booked on the phone I was told the NHS vaccination letter was acceptable, but no mention of this option in the mail.

Yep. I just received the same email. On our June cruise Viking were happy with our vaccine status being confirmed with the NHS app or the little cards issued by the vaccine centres when you were jabbed.

I'm sure my phone will probably handle the VeriFLY app but I just think it is another level of faff and hassle that I could do without.

I'm going to give it a go over the next couple of days to see if I hit any problems.

5 minutes ago, Jammy Bun said:

I'm slightly concerned that the influx of Brits new to Viking will change the dress standards... the Americans, who in normal times outnumbered the Brits, are on the whole  much more casual than us, which is one thing that I really like.  I don't want to have to dress up for dinner!

Have no fear. On the 5th June sailing of Viking Venus which was exclusively British guests there was no evidence that anyone was trying to inflict a stricter dress code that they might have been accustomed to on Saga, Cunard or P&O for example.

Evening dining was "elegant" casual as Viking describes it. Trousers with a short or long sleeved collared shirt for the men and a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for the ladies. Some men did wear jackets but they were in the minority.

Jeans and sportswear are not acceptable in the Main Restaurant or Manfredi's and The Chef's Table. I think they would be allowed in the World Café which is a buffet restaurant with a more casual vibe. However I may be wrong on that. Some others might correct me accordingly.

2 hours ago, Jammy Bun said:

 

Saga is slightly tempting me at the moment - their included insurance is a definite bonus in the current climate.

Yes - we reckon we'll be looking at Saga once we pass the 80 milestone.

We've done a Nile  cruise with Saga quite a few years ago and that was fabulous. However we've never done any sea cruises with Saga so next June we're on the Spirit of Adventure doing a round Britain cruise just to get a feel for how they compare with Viking.

17 minutes ago, Alsun said:

We saw one video about the positive case during one of the Iceland cruises but haven’t seen anything else. Where could we find the videos you refer too?

 

Does anyone know when we can expect our luggage tags etc for the 14th August sailing? I know it’s still 3 weeks to go but it does add to the pre-travel excitement!

We're on 14th August sailing and received our luggage tags at the beginning of this week. In theory you should have had them but I've seen news of postal delays in some areas due to the "pingdemic" so I would not worry too much.

To answer your second post, I had heard that Viking were planning to run these cruises closer to full capacity than those on Viking Venus in June. However they are still promoting them regularly on that other platform and when you check the 7th and 14th sailings they still have plenty of availability in the V and DV cabins. Less in the PV and suites. So my guess is that we will probably not sail at full capacity. The 21st sailing is not showing up on the link they give so I don't know the status of that one.

36 minutes ago, les37b said:

 

I don't think it would be a problem mentioning the bank. Someone had mentioned theirs (Lloyds) which he got covered for under his legacy policy which enables him to travel - but no new people will get that. My own (First Direct) amended their policy late last year I think to introduce covid related restrictions and this one most definitely doesn't give cover.

 

The issue, is getting cover to travel. I suspect the cancellation aspect you mention above, would only be valid if the booking was made prior to the FCO advisory added.

 

But.... Hopefully this cruising in international waters advisory (as described on the government website - and not to be confused with 12 miles from coast) will be lifted shortly. I hope so anyway, else Brits will be forever sailing around the UK and nowhere else!

 

Hi les37b

Thanks for the heads up. FYI and for others who may be interested, the bank in question is Barclays - if you hadn't already guessed. We have been customers for many years and switched to their Travel Pack Plus policy a couple of years back when my travel insurance company indicated that my annual policy would not be renewed since I had reached the age of 75. The Barclays policy will give my wife and I annual cover until we are 80. Thereafter I think we will be on single trip policies if we can find any at a reasonable price.

It might not be particularly helpful to those UK based passengers who are currently in a form of "limbo" due to the existing FCO advice against International Cruises.

There is at least one potential route to get insurance cover and that is via the Travel Pack product offered by one of the major UK banks. (I have left the name out of my post as I'm not sure if the rules permit me to disclose the name of the bank). As this is only available to customers of this bank it could have limited value to others. However if you are prepared to switch banks or take out a separate account then this travel insurance would be available for your cruises.

In some recent guidance to policy holders the bank has stated that you would be covered if you wanted to cancel a holiday due to FCO advising against travel. Also if you cannot rearrange travel and still wish to travel, you will have the benefit of your insurance so long as you comply with the advice and the local authorities in the areas you are staying. However if you do travel against FCO advice you will not be covered if you choose to return early.

It's not obviously a belt and braces cover but at least it would appear to some protection.

I believe also from reading elsewhere that one of the other major banks also offers a similar product.

1 hour ago, ospreycruiser said:

We have booked for the alternatives but is it essential for dinner in the main restaurant? (Viking Star 14 Aug). We prefer to turn up at short notice and prefer table for two.

On our June 5th sailing on Venus we just rolled up at the Main Restaurant whenever we felt like it - no need to book then. However I  believe the numbers on board will be greater on the August cruises so we have booked some slots just in case. I don't expect there will be a problem tho.

1 hour ago, Glenndale said:

Dear Viking Guest

Thank you for choosing to travel with Viking. and we are looking forward to welcoming you on board.

If you have not already done so, we would like to invite you to pre-book your included shore excursions, dining, and spa reservations via MyVikingJourney. A variety of optional excursions will also be available for you to choose from and these can be booked and paid for once you are on board.

We would also like to take this opportunity to update you on the additional boarding procedures and requirements for your sailing.

As you may already be aware, in line with Viking's enhanced COVID-19 protocols, all guests must adhere to a dedicated time slot for embarkation. This will ensure a seamless check-in for all our guests while maintaining social distancing and reduce congestions at the terminal. Embarkation slots for your voyage are now open for booking, and this can be done via the Shore Excursion section of your MyVikingJourney account.

Health and COVID-19 screenings will take place for all guests, which will require a non-invasive PCR test, contactless temperature check and verification of your pre-travel health questionnaire. Please note that due to the length of time required for testing to be completed, all guests must arrive to the port at their prebooked embarkation time. The latest arrival time permitted to the port will be 12pm.

As a reminder, these sailings are only available for guests who have had their full COVID-19 vaccination, at least 14 days prior to departure. If this is not the case, please contact us immediately via 0800 319 66 60.

You will be asked for proof of your vaccination dates or prior to embarkation. Confirmation of your vaccine dates can be found on the NHS app or letter. You can download the  link to the app here, or obtain a COVID pass letter by calling 119.

A final requirement for boarding will be completion of a health questionnaire. This will be available for you to complete via your MyVikingJourney account from 7 days prior to departure, and we ask that this is completed prior to travel to avoid delays at embarkation.

Should you have any questions before your departure, please contact Guest Services on 020 8780 7900.

Thank you for traveling with Viking; we wish you a wonderful journey.

Yours sincerely,

Guest Services
Viking UK

 

Above the email we received, I cannot see anywhere where it states that the PCR test will be taken on shore. On our Viking cruise in June we took our tests in the cabin, handed them to our attendant and were then free to go for lunch. 

We were very impressed with Vikings safeguards.

As far as our Scilly Isles stop, we don't anchor until 1pm and there will probably be only time for one excursion. As we wanted to visit the gardens anyway we are happy with the included excursion.

Yes I can't imagine they would have changed the protocol to take the PCR test in the terminal and have passengers wait there for the result before allowing them to board. From my experience of the 5th June sailing on Venus the Portsmouth terminal is quite small and I can't see them being able to cope with what could be several hundred passengers hanging around for a few hours.

On the 5th June sailing we took the test on board and even then, with only 400 or so passengers it took them until late evening to process all the tests - we did not sail until about 10.45pm. Also I'm not sure what eating facilities are available at the terminal

18 hours ago, mancunian said:

Yes such as they are.  Only the included ones and except for the Scilly Isles all coach trips with an occasional photo stop..  Even Liverpool is a coach instead of a walking tour.  The Falmouth day they previously had a garden and the supplementary trips have gone.   Someone is seriously worried about things.  It looks like there is no chance of going ashore by ourselves.  

 

I also wonder why the site was down over the last few days and is down once again for updates.  I just so hope we are not heading for cancellation.

 

Having said all that we personally are not too worried about the excursions.  We are in need of a cruise and sea air more.  We used to live in Cheshire before moving to Derby and know Liverpool well, and quite by chance we are in Falmouth the week before the cruise on a long ago booked holiday.  I am however looking forward to the Scillies which we have not visited before.

I've seen several comments suggesting that the optional tours will only be available to book once you are on board. That may explain why only the included tours are showing up on MVJ at the moment.

Another explanation may be related to what grade your stateroom is because they release the optional shore excursions progressively from the highest grade cabins downwards. So if you are in a V1, V2 or DV cabin you may not be able to access the excursions just yet.

I would hold fire for a bit and se what develops.

I think it unlikely that VIking would eschew offering those optional tours where they can generate a bit of additional revenue.

1 hour ago, rcdave said:

Okay, I know everyone is tired of the talk about Covid-19 but, I have questions. We (3 couples) are scheduled for the Aug. 21 Viking Star sailing. My daughter and son-in-law are considering canceling since they are both working and do not want to take a chance on being quarantine in Iceland for an extended period of time. Questions - what happens if someone tests positive for Covid  - does Iceland make you quarantine in a hotel of their choice, if so for how long or do they just want to get you out of the country as quick as possible. Are you required to do anything when entering back into the US, further testing, quarantine, etc.  Does Viking do anything for you, i.e. some cruise lines are paying for the return flight.  Thank you.

 

Now for my soap box: It would be nice if a Covid-19 expert (if there is such a person) would confirm or deny that a fully vaccinated individual who tests positive is able to transmit the virus to other individuals. I have heard it is highly unlikely and also have heard that you are highly contagious - I assume the truth lies in the middle.    

 

That's interesting because Viking are currently promoting 3 UK based itineraries on Viking Star based out of Portsmouth UK. The first is scheduled for the 7th August followed by sailings on the 14th and 21st. Have you got documentary confirmation that you are defijnitely sailing on Viking Star on the 21st.

If so Viking have a few questions to answer from a host of UK passengers who have booked on the Star in August.

1 minute ago, bluesea777 said:

 

Now I see that. It isn't showing in Welcome Back to the World section.

 

BUT .... the active covid cases are spiking in the UK.

 

 

If what you are suggesting is true then Viking are going to be disappointing quite a few UK cruisers if they cancel the 3 sailings planned on Viking Star during August in favour of sending a 3rd ship to pick up demand for the Icelandic cruise schedule. Not impossible I grant you but I have booked on the 14th August sailing on Viking Star out of Portsmouth UK and my luggage labels were delivered yesterday. Will keep a watching brief

30 minutes ago, Tom.in.nc said:

Has anyone else here noticed that the Viking star is, according to Marine traffic, heading to Iceland instead of the UK?

Wonder what’s up with that?

Tom

Yep - seems to be due in Seydisfjordur on 21st. Can't imagine they would be trying to squeeze in an Icelandic cruise before the first of the UK sailings on 7th August. Might just be a glitch or an error. The Venus was logged as going to Portsmouth, Virginia USA in stead of UK back at the beginning of June

30 minutes ago, MarkTapley said:

 
Interesting.  Never read any reviews that mentioned this.  In our experience from two months on Orion, Deck 8 is perfect;  very quiet, near Explorer Lounge and nice walk across the deck to rear stairs to World Cafe.  Never heard the fog horn, although entering busy ports in big Asian cities, one hears lots of ship’s horns, all part of the experience!  As we say in America, “your mileage may vary.”

We were on Deck 8 on board Venus on one of the UK "Welcome Back" cruises in early June. We had fog during the day and through the night on several occasions. My hearing is not the best but I can definitely attest to being disturbed on a couple of nights at least with the sound of the fog horn. We might just have been unlucky but I would certainly think twice about a Deck 8 cabin in the future.

Avoid any of the Deck 8 cabins. If you happen to run into fog you will certainly know it. The ship's fog horn can be heard very clearly in these cabins. Cabins in the mid ships and forward area of Deck 3 are prone to noise from the Star Theatre and also the Torshavn night club. I would go for just aft of midships on Deck 3 but I'm sure if you want a higher grade cabin then others will comment on the Deck 4 5 and 6 options

4 hours ago, mancunian said:

Can I ask advice from those of you have done this parking before at Portsmouth.

 

How far is the walk to the car park.   I am partially disabled and use a rollator and my husband has recently had a complex operation on his arm. This means I am not sure about him pulling suitcases.

 

We are at present torn between the two firms.  The advantage of CPS would be that they drive the car to the park.  Of course my husband could drop me and luggage and then take the car.  However coming back is more problematic.  CPS reserve disabled spaces the other firm says they have them but you cannot reserve.   The bigger problem is of course the luggage.  Do you think if my husband went to collect the car he could get back to pick up me and the luggage

 

Finally if we use the other firm and you are taking and collecting your own car does this mean you keep your keys which we would prefer as we are coming on from a week in Cornwall so will be leaving stuff in the car.

 

Many thanks

 

 

We booked with CPS when we were on the 5th June sailing of the Viking Venus. We have used CPS many times for P&O cruises out of Southampton and like the valet parking element at that port. About 10 days before our cruise in June we had an email from Viking stating that CPS would not be offering the valet service at Portsmouth. This was slightly worrying but as it turned out I was worrying unduly.

When we arrived on the departure day we were guided to the car park by a CPS rep and inside the car park there were several other attendants who directed you to where you were to leave your car. The luggage was taken away immediately and transferred to the ship. The car park was a short (5 min) walk from the Terminal where you did the check-in. After going through security, you were bussed to the ship. I'm sure if you have mobility issues, Viking will sort out the best way to get you aboard without you having to struggle. You could have your husband drop you at the Terminal and he could then park the car but as said above there will probably be a shuttle to help people get to the Terminal if they have any issues.

BTW - we kept our car keys after parking.

Just been informed that the discounted parking rates are now available for the August cruises on Viking Star. The website of the cruise terminal parking company is in the link below

https://portsmouth.apcoa.co.uk/

Viking have negotiated a deal of £60 for the week - a considerable saving over the £91 without the deal.

11 minutes ago, Dave W 10 said:

In June cheaper deal was Apcoa not CPS. Same car park. We booked with Apcoa and dropped luggage at terminal before parking, although I think CPS were collecting all luggage from car park regardless.

Current Apcoa price is £104. Maybe same deal will turn up again.

Yes, I believe the deal was £55, negotiated between Viking and Apcoa back in June. Sadly I had already booked with CPS at £71 so was a bit miffed. Not sure if Viking are planning to negotiate a similar deal for the August cruises but I'm holding off making a CPS booking for the time being

High Guys. Just logged into the CPS website and noticed that Viking is now listed as an option for the 3 cruises in August. They are quoting £77 for the weeks' parking which is a saving on the £91 if you park directly with the Cruise Terminal Parking website. However as I stated earlier, Viking did negotiate a cheaper deal with them in June (£55) so I am hoping that might appear.