TayanaLorna

Lirio, I began my trip report and have reached the point where our Viking ship entered the Amazon basin. I am doing it in the Viking Ocean boards and it is called Amazon & Caribbean Adventure, February 2023 Report with Iberostar Grand Amazon River Cruise after Viking. Its journal style includes excursions we took and some Viking specific info for future cruisers. If i can figure out how to do it, i will copy a link here.

Betelguese, Southern Cross, Milky Way endless names.

Just one red and one white but the type changes every couple of days. I think beer is also included with lunch and dinner too.

I think "priority" means ES has priority over PS, PS over PV, PV over DV and DV over V. V has no priority.

February 26 - Another Sea Day February 27 - Macapa Technical Stop and Scenic Amazon Cruising 2/26/23 After an active French Guiana self exploration day, I woke up after a poor nights sleep keeping myself and my DH up with my coughing. A headache usually indicates a fever for me so we were off to the medical center at their earliest opening time. Vitals taken by a nurse while the doctor listened to my description of symptoms. Charges were explained and a Covid test was offered with the warning that if I tested positive I would be quarantined for 5 days. I couldn't believe I was offered a choice given my symptoms. I said I have to know if I have Covid or not so do it. I had both a flu test and a Covid test with negative results on both. I had taken a Covid test that we brought on the cruise and the second negative confirmed no Covid which was a relief. I was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and acute bronchitis and left with a bag of medications including antibiotics, codeine cough medicine and ibuprofen. I was happy to have a sea day sleeping, ordering room service and trying to heal. The codeine cough syrup really helped with the sleeping. Our room steward was a gem bringing us 3 carafs of water twice daily, providing an extra blanket and stocking our shelf with herbal teas and honey. I assured her I did not have Covid. For 2 days now the Viking Daily had been filled with warnings, requests and closures. Guest laundry facilities would be closed. The Infinity Pool and Hot Tub on the Aquavit Terrace were drained. The automatic opening doors at both ends of the World Cafe were disabled. We were able to go to the aft terrace but only by exiting from a side door and walking along the deck. This was to keep the insects outside I think. In the hot and humid climate, please aid the AC system by keeping veranda doors tightly shut. Close stateroom curtains during the dark hours unless you wanted a bug covered veranda when you woke up next morning. We were also asked to surrender our passports to Guest Services OR be up at 5 AM the next morning to present them to Customs & Immigration when the boarded to clear the ship. That evening we missed the second performance of the Legends of Guitar show by Matt & Lainie. They were going to showcase different guitarists then the first show. Although feeling a tad better, I was to a point where I did not want to contact Covid on top of my bronchitis fearing I would surely end up in the hospital if I did. I was actually much sicker then my friends who did get Covid on board. There were lots of folks coughing and sneezing. During our 2 visits to the medical center, lines of people were waiting and we did not see one person agree to a Covid test. All they wanted was either tylenol or cough syrup since the ship store was closed. Well folks, time has gotten away from me and its time for do dinner prep. Will continue with Macapa Technical Stop and Scenic Amazon Cruising next edition. Sorry no photos here. Well, here is a nice dog seen by DH on his Tapajos Forest Hike in Santarem. Thanks for your patience.

February 25, 2023 Iles De Salut, French Guiana The pilot declared it was safe to anchor and tender to shore. We were the first cruise ship to be able to stop here and go ashore in two years! Are we lucky or what?! The Viking Daily delivered to our stateroom the previous evening announced that we were required to book a complimentary self exploration ticket to go ashore. We were able to do this on our room TV or at Guest Services. Tender reservations were in 15 minute increments begining at Noon. Once everyone who had tickets were transported, space was available without a ticket. Once we completed our circuit of the island and its sites, we were able to take the next tender back to the ship with no reservations required. The return was problematic as there were long lines and only 2 tenders running. Fortunately there was seating along the path to the dock where one person could sit and the other stand in line. Me sit, him stand. Although photos would have been better in bright sunshine, we were very grateful for the clouds as they kept the temperatures down. To future cruisers on a sunny day - be sure to wear a wide brimmed hat or bring an umbrella for shade. Bring lots of water too and there are rest rooms on shore, don't worry. The path to the penal colony ruins was wide, graded and a gradual up. There were no benches for the heat weary or less mobile guests but you could find a boulder with the lichen and moss worn off from countless derrieres finding a seat. As one approached the wide path, there was another steep staircase to the right which took one to the top quickly if one so desired. We walked the gradual path listening to the bird calls and monkey chatter. There were monkeys all over and close to the path. Photo opportunities were outstanding no matter your device - camera or cell phone. Once at the top we saw no monkeys. They were only in the woods alongside the wide gradual path up. Nearing the top we passed a cemetary and could see a lighthouse in the distance. Once at the penal colony ruins, the ground was level but the grass was quite overgrown. We were concerned about mosquitoes and had sprayed our outer garments with insect repellent. We saw no mosquitoes even though we stirred the grass up when walking through it. Personally I was glad as I was able to cool off by tieing my repellent soaked long sleeved shirt around my waist. We had maps showing the paths through the prison grounds, identifying the buildings and assuring us we saw everything. You really couldn't get lost. Besides the monkeys, we saw a brilliant peacock and some Agouti - a rodent like creature. We were able to capture on film one young and one adult agouti. We often heard them scurrying in the leaf litter catching only a glimpse of one so you needed to have a good eye. Most sobering of all the prison facilities were the solitary confinement cells. One could only imagine what it was like when the solid door to the cell closed and a prisoner was alone in the dark surrounded by noise dampening thick cement walls, floor and ceiling. Horrifying. We were on one of the first tenders to shore and spent about two hours exploring. We walked the easy path down to the tender pier and apparently everyone else had the same idea of wishing to return to the ship. There was a tender loading when we reached the long line and it took 2 more tenders before we were able to board one. It was a very slow process as only one tender could dock at a time. Passengers disembarked and then passengers embarked. When one tender left the dock another one did not quickly arrive as it was still either off loading or loading passengers at the ship. So happy once back on board to have a nice cold beer and shower. We had another sea day on February 26 before entering the mouth of the Amazon. As we neared the huge basin we could see the color of the water change to muddy and observe the current of the outflowing river in the waters surrounding the Viking Sea. Still not feeling well and fighting that respiratory illness, the day at sea was a welcome rest. My coughing had become so bad that I was keeping us both up at night. My DH told me that unless I had marked improvement, we were going to the medical center the next morning.

Sea Days & General Info We had two dedicated sea days with no sight of land and one scenic cruising day on this voyage. It was time to enjoy the ship by using the Aquavit Terrace pools, dining outside, using the spa, getting massages, attending Tea at 4 pm, listening to lectures, visiting with friends, joining the Wildlife Watch on the bow, journaling and editing photos. This first sea day, the day after Barbados, was the first time it began to feel hot and very humid. The Caribbean islands so far had always had a breeze or we were out in the mountains where the temps were cooler. We never had any rolly seas or noticed big waves with salt spray but we found we could not sit outside on our Veranda as the railings, table, chairs, floor were all salt encrusted. We mentioned this to our room steward who dutifully cleaned our veranda each morning but a few hours later it was once again salt encrusted. This was our 5th Viking cruise and we never noticed a salty veranda on any other cruise. We would regularly take room service breakfast out there. The only cause I could think of is that the air in the Caribbean is very moisture laden and salty. The 2 photos below are in the Wintergarden where we found some interesting lighting from the intricate ceiling reflecting to the furniture. Another photo is of the resident guitarist, John, who was excellent. You may not see land on a sea day but there are other vessels out there. The themed lunches and dessert specialtys are fun on sea days. Some of my favorite places are Mamsen's for breakfast and the Explorers Lounge. We affectionately referred to the excellent Naturalist Guest Lecturer, Richard Lovelock, as "the Viking" and the photo below shows why. We came to the point where when outside, we had to be in water or dining in the shade. General Viking Info: Happy to report that there have been absolutely no insects so far. Sad to report that the guest laundry rooms would be closed following the next day's stop in French Guiana. I knew about the laundry from previous sailings and got ours done before the mad rush.

Thanks. The photo efforts are both mine and those of my DH.

I will most likely answer some of your questions about hotel, transfers and private tours in Manaus when I get to that section.

Barbados Barbados was a new island for us. We signed up for the Barbados Photo Adventure hoping it would be off the beaten tourist track. First we had to get out of the port. Oh my, there were many huge ships and thousands upon thousands of passengers. So glad Viking had a shuttle taking us to the cruise terminal but then we had to jostle our way through the crowds, families with screaming kids, passengers dragging luggage all being directed to a narrow opening to get out the door to waiting tour buses. I could be happy never to visit this terminal again. We found our guide, a local award winning photograher named Ronnie Carrington. Our energetic septugenarian announced we were off to parts of Barbados that few visitors ever see. Ronnie was a wealth of information having spent most of his life on Barbados. We learned so much about how people live(d), the cost of things, why they paint their homes certain colors or not paint their homes at all and about the ongoing construction of the Chattel Houses as families grew. Photography tips were interspersed with critques of photos taken. We stopped outside a beautiful plantation home driveway, a small neighborhood with chattel houses, scenic viewpoints and at a park and bar on the Atlantic Ocean. We had a rum punch at the bar and some fish fritters as well as time to wander the beach park. Twas a great day. We had Chef's Table dinner reservations that night where we would meet a couple from the UK who were also taking the Grand Amazon further up the river after we disembarked Viking in Manaus. I felt like I was fighting off a cold or something respiratory so took a Covid test beforehand not wanting to infect new friends. Negative fortunately! As far as reports regarding other excursions. People seemed to like the Viking Included just fine and friends raved about the Tropical Gardens of Barbados optional excursion. Other friends who took the Submarine excursion said it was awful. They waited a lot, were packed into the sub like sardines, it was hot with no airflow and no one wore masks. Two days later he was quarantined with Covid and she tested positive two days after that.

Wow, found me already. Managed 3 ports so far. Time to make dinner. Alas no World Cafe or Manfred's tonight. More tomorrow I hope.

Dominica For some reason our cruise stopped in Dominica whereas all the other ones stopped in St. Lucia. Don't try to figure it out I guess. We were delighted as Dominica is our favorite Caribbean island and one where we spent weeks exploring on the Lorna Doone. Our challenge was to explore where we never had before. We chose the Carib Indians & Natures Hidden Treasures. My reasoning was we live in the Caribbean but know nothing about the Carib Indians. This optional excursion took us through Rosseau and up to a lookout point and for a brief stop at the botanical gardens. We visited the gardens on a previous trip but not with a local guide so enjoyed the narrative. Next we headed cross island and deep into the mountainous interior for a stop at Jacko Falls. It was a lovely stop and some even braved the crisp clear waters for a swim. Continuing cross island we held on to our seats at times with some passengers not daring to look into the steep valley along the road. Our main destination was the Carib indian built eco village along a pretty river where we were treated to a local vegetarian lunch of "provision" - roots and locally grown vegetables with rice and pumpkin. Delicious! Following lunch we enjoyed a performance of traditional dances. Our guide for the trip was a Carib herself and described the benefits of living on Kalingao land. They now refer to themselves as Kalingao not Carib as the latter carries the negative connotation of canabalism which our guide emphasized they were not. The Kalingao Territory stretches all along the southeast coast of Domica and is huge. After the village stop we drove through the territory along the gorgeous Atlantic coast and back cross island to the ship. It was a long day but the scenery made up for it. Back on board we had the best sunset of the entire trip and even clearly saw the green flash as the sun disappeared below the horizon. That evening the first performance of Legends of Guitar was in the Star Theatre. Wow, were they good! In the group photo on the ship, my husband Ray and I are on the far left so you know what we look like.

Antigua Our first stop was Antigua. Although we had been to Antigua many times when we lived aboard and cruised our own sailboat, the Lorna Doone, we had only been to coastal towns and ancho.ages and never driven across island or through the interior. So we chose the Sugar Plantation of Antigua and Nelson's Dockyard. It was okay. Some in our group said meh but I enjoyed it because I was able to see where the real people lived, some of the sugar history and was able to visit a former haunt of ours Nelson's Dockyard plus the lobster lunch was pretty darn good. We visited an old church and graveyard dating to the 1800's. The delicate wood ceiling in the church came from a ship. Have no idea how they got it up there. We drove through typical neighborhoods and a fishing village all pretty run down but then the rich and famous all live along the coastline. Our next stop was Betty's Hope a former sugar plantation with some structures intact but mostly ruins. It was picturesque however. Final stop was Nelson's Dockyard, a still in use and very active Georgian boatyard. After having spent way too much time on the first half of the excursion, our guided tour through the historic boatyard was rushed and disappointing for those who did not know the history. Lunch was set out on tables outside under an awning and was delightful. Afterwards we had some time to wander around Nelson's but it absolutely poured. At least we did not have a catamaran snorkle trip or a day at the beach with rain to spoil it. People did love the included excursion.

2023 was the first year since Covid that Viking sailed this itinerary up the Amazon River. The Viking Sea did 2 round trips between San Juan, PR and Manaus, Brazil consisting of 4 separate cruises. Our cruise was from San Juan to Manaus with an additional week on a smaller river boat further up the river and a stay in Manaus. I will describe our different stops, the excursions we took and provide some general information for those interested in this itinerary for 2024. I won't be able to complete this report in one sitting but will add days as I am able. I welcome your comments and questions. San Juan We live in Puerto Rico so getting to the ship on a Sunday morning was a breeze. We checked in at the port before Noon and the terminal was empty. The Viking pre extension buses began arriving shortly after noon so we beat the crowds. Soon we were having lunch at the World Cafe and happy to hear all the rooms were ready shortly after 1 pm. Friends from Chicago area flew in the day before arriving at the airport mid afternoon. They stayed at the Airport Hotel and took an Uber to The Waterfront Restaurant in Pinones for a fabulous meal of local food on a deck right along the Atlantic Ocean. Next morning they took a cab to the port checking in before noon also. I suggested the airport hotel and the restaurant since all they wanted to do is arrive a day early in case of weather, eat, sleep and get to the port. Hotel was less then $200 a night. Having guided our own guests through Old San Juan, we skipped tours and instead I had a nice massage and we took a walk along the waterfront by the cruise port to stretch our legs before sail away. Sail away was amazing as we had been inside Old San Juan many times but not on the water looking in. In fact being local and knowing the North coast we had a great time identifying where friends live and the different islands off the East side of PR. I don't think anyone on board enjoyed the sail away as much as we did.

Same shows since we have been sailing with Viking since 2018. About time to retire both.

"having more days". I am confused. Are you on a two week cruise and your daughter/SIL on a one week cruise? Or you are in a PV (get 2 res) and your family in DV (1 res)?

Yes if you are in the same stateroom type (DV, PV etc) one couple needs to have both booking numbers on hand when you enter MVJ. Go to Manfredis or Chefs Table and click on invite others. Enter the booking number of the other couple when you choose your date and time. Your booking number is already entered by virtue of opening MVJ. We did this with up to 6 people. The reservation will show up on both couples calendars.

I would do a separate Iceland circumnavigation cruise as the country is magnificent!

I just read through your entire large post with all the fantastic photos. Our Feb. 2024 cruise is a different itinerary but includes Rome, Naples, Sicily and Athens. We live in a tropical climate and your weather discussion gave us an idea of what to pack. The lack of crowds is a fair trade off for colder weather I think. Have a question - was your Taormina excursion the Taormina On Your Own or the guided Taormina one? Thanks and happy cruising.

Now that's amazing.

Ours was actually on our very first cruise and involved several employees. We did not use Viking Air or a Viking transfer. We missed our connection in Iceland and were unable to get on the rebooked flight the same day but our luggage did. We stayed overnight in Iceland and took a flight the next morning completely missing our independent pre extension in Bergen but arriving in time to board the ship. In the Bergen airport a Viking rep found us walking in a daze and upset because our luggage went to Oslo. He showed us to the lost luggage counter, told us to make a claim and Viking would handle it from there. He also directed us to get on a waiting Viking shuttle and handed us over to Guest Services when we boarded. We had Chefs Table reservations that night but my DH did not have a collared shirt plus most of our clothing needed laundering. Guest Services lent him a clean and pressed dress shirt and gave us free express laundry service. They found our bags in Oslo. Since we did not get on the plane our bags stayed in Oslo not making it to our Oslo to Bergen flight. Viking made sure our bags made it on another flight to Bergen. One bag was delivered to our stateroom that evening after dinner. We had an optional excursion the next day and Guest Services assurred us they would track our still missing bag. Our clean clothing was delivered that morning. During this entire process Guest Services kept us informed. We returned from the excursion an hour before sail away to find no second bag in our room. Minutes later Guest Services called our room to let us know they were delivering our bag. We were in love with Viking already on our second day aboard. Perhaps the great luggage service was due to we were in Norway and Viking has leverage there. I don't know.

You will probably be so far offshore that it doesn't really matter but portside would be landside most of the trip.

Great. Happy to help.

Yes Torshavn is on Deck 2 but it's not a go to for grabbing a drink because it does not open until 9 pm. I've rarely been there because after a very active day and usually an early morning, we are beat. After dinner we usually go to our room, watch the port talk in the TV and pass out

No its on paper not digital.