LibertyBella

DH and I like adventure and lots of sightseeing, and it can be costly. Sometimes we pay more for our overall shore excursions than the cruise itself. We do not skimp on shore excursions no matter where we go, because for us seeing new places and having experiences is part of the joy of cruising. Yes, I agree that the helicopter tour with a glacier walk with crampon boots is very memorable (pp hundreds of dollars). There was also an ice-climbing trek that cost even more, but that was some years back. We did zip lines over the forests, and husband also did rock climbing, while I went on a canoe cruise looking for wildlife (it was rainy and cool the entire time.) I did not do dogsledding, although I love it, because I have done it in Canada for longer time periods. There are many economical and safer options at every port. You could check out VIATOR just to see some of the many tours offered at the ports and prices. Have a great time planning!

NCL has solo cabins on some of their ships. My mother sailed in one. They are a bit skinnier than regular cabins and share a special common area.

Thank you so very much, but that is not my body in the photo, although I did buy that dress (probably in a larger size than the model)!!

What a generous and wonderful gift for your grandsons! I took my first cruise with five in a cabin--two bunk beds and a roll-away cot--those were the days, back in the early 1970's. But we were a nuclear family, already used to sharing a bathroom together and seeing each other in our underwear. Have the boys ever shared a bedroom with you before? I am guessing that use of the bathroom may become a priority, especially if grandma wants to get dressed/undressed. You will need to stagger times for showers, etc. i do not remember if Carnival still gives everyone a bathrobe to use, but those could come in handy. Are they old enough/independent enough to have their own keys, and will you feel comfortable letting them arrive back in the cabin later than you and your husband? I would recommend small flashlights, in case you and your husband are already asleep. Alaska can be chilly, so you may need some coats and hats which take up more space. You will need to figure out if the closet space is enough for everybody, or perhaps the boys may need to keep some of their clothes in the suitcases instead of completely unpacking. In the old days before cabins had televisions and more bells and whistles, they were mainly just for sleeping and dressing. Hopefully the boys will be active and find lots to do all over the ship so the cabin will not ever feel cramped. Have a wonderful cruise! P.S. By the way, I took my nieces on their first cruise as teenagers, and got them a separate cabin. They ordered chocolate mousse by room service six times a day and had all those little bowls piled up in the room and outside the cabin. Yes, teenagers still need to be monitored.

Dressing up is part of the highlight of a Cunard cruise for us! If you ever make it to Philadelphia, PA, we have a large mall nearby and some of my favorite stores for gown/dress shopping are Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Nordstrom. We also have a Saks Fifth Avenue nearby, but they have more online than in person. One of my favorite stores, Lord & Taylor, permanently closed but they still sell gowns online. In the US we have many, many frequent sales, and there are also lots of coupon opportunities. Also we have two or three malls just full of outlet stores--they sell regular new merchandise at bargain prices--as well as off-price stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall's. I am too old to go looking in thrift shops for bargains, but my nieces like to do that. We always love to take photos on the cruise ships. The photographers on the QM2 told us last Summer that the British are more "shy" about taking photos as compared to Americans, so that is why the photography studios on the Cunard ships are more subdued. Here is my newest dress purchase for my next cruise (Princess, not Cunard).

I have been to Iceland several times and I just flew there for Thanksgiving for a visit. Icelandair is a nice, efficient mid-range airline, but since I do not fly on them that often, I would always choose the airline with whom I have a frequent flyer program. However, if the price difference is extremely significant, I can see why you might want a different option. Icelandair charges for all meals (they do offer Icelandic food like reindeer), and the gates waiting areas are very tiny and without many seats. The Keflavik airport has some nice shops with souvenirs and a small food court, but you really have to leave the airport to see the country. You can spend a few nights to see some of the highlights in nearby Reykjavik, but I agree that your itinerary is already a bit busy. I have also changed planes in Amsterdam--the airport is bigger and busier than Iceland, and they even sell diamonds in some of the stores! Layovers do not usually allow you to leave the airport. Once I had to layover in Tokyo airport for six hours and sadly, saw nothing of the country on that trip. That is the way airplane flights work. Have a great cruise!

I am sorry for your situation, but I think there is a bit of a lesson to be learned that when one books travel far in advance, it is important to keep track of the arrangements and constantly monitor the reservation. This is even more critical if you make your own travel arrangements, rather than use a travel agent who would take responsibility for those efforts instead. Covid interrupted most peoples' travel plans, and many cruise lines were on the edge of failure, so it is great to see the industry recovering and cruises getting booked up. In any case, somehow the communication regarding the cancellation was not accomplished, and it would probably be impossible to find out where the fault was, since it happened many, many months ago. Someone could have forgotten, got distracted, went home sick, computer glitch--who knows? Yes, you are upset, and yes, you are disappointed, but the issue is how to resolve this travel situation. Do I think you should "sour" on Viking forever? Absolutely not--big companies have many employees working for them and no employee is perfect. Do I think complaining to Viking about their poor service will make them more eager to assist you? Not sure. Do you still want to cruise this Summer? Then see what is still available online, and tell them which cruise you want. Maybe you can do two back-to-back shorter cruises. If you feel that you are near to having a stroke, then you are too emotionally invested in this one issue/trip. Travel is always an adventure, and sometimes flexibility is key. Forget about what Viking "owes" you--that is not a conclusion. You must decide if you want the money returned, or if you want to travel with them instead. If so, take a breath and make a decision with that cooler head.

Booked on Regal Princess for July 2022 Greek Islands, but Princess cancelled all passengers for a whole ship charter. Now going on Enchanted Princess in July 2023 on same itinerary. Cruised on Cunard QM2 in July 2022. We are still working so our vacation time is a somewhat limited, but we also went on ski trips to Vail, Stowe, Lake Placid, and traveled to Iceland two months ago to see the Northern lights. We also have booked a Viking Europe river cruise for March 2023. Travel is a joy and a wonder!

I'm another frequent cruiser who seconds the opinion of considering the Gulf of Mexico versus the Pacific for your first cruise. Of course I always think longer cruises are much better than short ones (nice to unpack and relax for a while), although I have done many of the short ones on Carnival, including the Catalina and Ensenada cruise (which we combined with a visit to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Disney, so we were gone for over a week anyway). I also agree that the Catalina and Ensenada ports are much more adult-oriented, with bars, walking tours, etc. The water is a bit rough and can be cool--husband actually went scuba diving in Catalina with a wetsuit because he wanted to swim in the kelp. There are some more child-friendly activities and soft beaches, and of course, much warmer weather and calmer waters in the Western Caribbean. I also agree that you probably do NOT need a suite--spend the money on a smaller cabin for more days at sea. I hope you and your family have a wonderful first cruise! P.S. Do all of you have passports?

My brother and family just drove nonstop two days ago from Pgh., PA to Miami to make a flight and a cruise when their local PA flight was cancelled. Yes, a real pain, but they chose a solution that worked for them. They are planning to catch the Amtrak auto-train home so they are not stuck driving so far both ways. Keeping my fingers crossed for all!

Yes, but some people only have that vacation time available, some people planned a dream trip years in advance, and some people like my husband, are Winter sports enthusiasts (skiing, ice hockey) and INSIST on Winter travel. (Nothing like driving in the pitch-black night, in the swirling snow and ice on the scary hills of Colorado, with a herd of elk trying to cross the road in front of you!). By the way, my dear brother and family left yesterday to fly to the Caribbean for a mini-cruise--found out their flight from PA to FL was cancelled, jumped in their car and drove nonstop to Miami to make the FL-Carib flight. They had the energy to do it, but others may not be up to that type of solution. I just saw a man on the news who has been sleeping in the airport for eight days--YARGH! That would NEVER be me! P.S. Even better than travel insurance--a back-up credit card with a very high credit line to be used only for emergencies--has come in handy many times in the moment, as insurance only works AFTER the fact.

Okay, the "shoulda, woulda, couldas" are dominating the conversation, and the most important thing is to extend some sympathy and some valuable timely assistance. The family is in emotional turmoil at the moment, and is looking for next steps. Of course travelers turn first to their cruise line (and/or travel agent) and expect assistance and support. Many older travelers can often get overwhelmed with the crushing stress of cancellation, and those travelers who are not extremely experienced do not necessarily know which next steps to take. There is nothing wrong with wanting to travel during the Winter and holiday season, even if it is busy and/or cold. We all expect everything to flow smoothly, and it can be almost impossible to predict all the potential mishaps or solutions. At this point it is very unlikely they will make the cruise, no matter what. I would not want to travel that far distance just for half a cruise anyway. The airline problems and weather challenges have taken their toll. Yes, the travel insurance should be the first point of contact for potential reimbursement, but that does NOT necessarily mean Viking cannot extend some generosity in this extreme situation. Rudely saying the passengers are "no shows" and will lose everything is a bit heartless, as the passengers were completely innocent in this situation. Contracts and legal language are important, but even more important is ensuring the satisfaction of valued customers. VikingNightmare, try to enjoy your own cruise, and advise your parents that although the situation is terrible right now, you will work with them as soon as you return to contact Viking until you receive a satisfactory response, submit the travel insurance, and various other next steps (publicity? credit card stop payments?). Hopefully the shock is lessening and now it is just a disappointment. Perhaps the trip can be rescheduled for next year, if everything works out. Sometimes no matter how well we plan and organize, Mother Nature will have the last word. Best wishes to you and your parents and please look forward hopefully, to a happier New Year.

Well, I am one cruiser who would jump on the British Isles cruise over a transatlantic any day. I love cruising because of the many fantastic port calls--it is a combination of both relaxing and discovering. The most lovely and regal ships are the Cunard liners, and certainly being on the ship is a grand celebration of tradition, formality, and pampering. We enjoy the European-style atmosphere, and we like all the lectures and learning opportunities. But, we have done transatlantic, and let me just say, it is just the tiniest bit boring for DH and me. Of course not having jet lag on arrival is great, but we are probably just a bit too active to truly appreciate the calm repetition of each sea day. Perhaps in another decade or two we will be more content to cruise without shore excursions, but right now we look forward to using the ship also as a moving hotel, and not just a destination unto itself.

Hey Teddie, Ten years is MUCH too long to go without cruising! There is nothing easier than going to a cruise port without having to take a flight! You just throw the bags in the car, fight a tiny bit of traffic, drop off the spouse with the bags, get a good parking spot, give the bags to the staff, stand in the check-in line, and then you are on board and OFF! I took a big cruise in 2019 overseas and then covid hit, so I was in withdrawal symptoms stuck at home. But I am so happy to say that returning to the waves this past year was totally worth the wait! Yes, I had to take the Covid test, wear masks, and sanitize a lot on my first cruise back, yes, the staff were not quite up to snuff perhaps, yes, other cruisers could be whiners, but the WATER, and the SUNSETS, and the PORT CALLS, and the FANCY DINNERS, and the DRESS-UP (formal night gowns), and DRESS-DOWN (bathing suits), made me recall why I love cruising so much!! You will have a wonderful time, and hopefully schedule a few more cruises. I am cruising RC out of NJ in June, just for the fun of it! And flying to a few cruises as well, but I need to catch up with my bucket list.

Okay, I have sailed all three, and I find Princess and Celebrity more similar than different, rather upscale, sophisticated and more adult-oriented. I like the itineraries and service on both lines. I will be testing out the new Princess medallion experience this upcoming year. I have also sailed Holland America and Cunard, and find them all in the same vein--a bit more formal and traditional, very much my favorite style of cruising. I think cruising the Hawaii islands is a WONDERFUL experience. You get a taste of each island, and can think about what you might want to come back and visit for a longer time. The first time I went was on American Hawaii cruises (historic ships), and we had a memorable time stopping in each island and watching lava flow into the ocean from our porthole. I more recently took NCL PoA with family (children to seniors), and found the modern ship with single cabins, diverse restaurants, etc, and a casual style very appealing, although ordinarily that would not be my personal first choice. Stopping every day and touring makes for a busy schedule, but if one has the energy and interest there is so much to see and learn! Going to Hawaii in some ways is more about the islands than the cruise itself, and that is what it should be! Hope you will be able to find a cruise that suits your budget and schedule and enjoy!

I love cruising the Greek islands! The water is gorgeous, the sunshine is wonderful, and each island is unique and full of treasures. Do you like archaeology? That is the highlight for me when I go there. I research all the sites I want to see and learn a bit about all of them. Usually I cruise for a week or ten days and add time before and after. (I have pets, so I cannot go on the very long cruises right now.) I like to arrive at least three nights in advance to get over jet lag, relax a bit, and be prepared in case of delayed flights, lost luggage, etc. I am going again to Greece next Summer, and I was seriously considering Viking Ocean as well. I think the itineraries are quite strong, and they have a lot of the most important ports included. But I do not like that the most expensive cabins are the first to have access to shore excursions, and husband and I still enjoy a lot of night life (dance clubs, bars) and extremely active shore activities. Also, I do not want to fly in or out of Istanbul (Ancient Treasures trip). So we are sailing Viking River in March in Europe instead, and using Princess for Greece in July. A fellow Cruise Critic writer Sleep7, shared all of her Viking Ocean Greece adventures (see below) and it was very enjoyable to read. Have fun planning!

I am going on Danube Waltz, and I am still debating the baths tour. I did read somewhere that if you go on the Viking tour a guide accompanies you, and takes care of everything at check-in and explains the process--a bit like hand-holding. I think they also give you the slippers and towels (required), or the baths will make you buy them if you do not bring if on an independent trip. I have seen some reviews that they felt the water was a bit dirty, so that is more of a concern for me. We just came back from Iceland and we enjoyed our Blue Lagoon baths experience, so I am leaning towards trying this in Budapest. Regarding Vienna Mozart concert, still debating--I do not know if I want to do three excursions in one day or not (city tour & palace first) .

If you think about how norovirus spreads, it usually starts with an infected person contaminating surfaces, foods, or others with direct contact. Often the cause is unsanitary food workers preparing the foods. Unfortunately the virus can linger for a while. It is very different from the flu or Covid. I would say I would probably avoid fresh foods once I knew there was an outbreak, and keep my distance from those who are ill. My husband still carries and constantly uses hand sanitizer, and I would recommend that before touching any shared utensils. I might also avoid public bathrooms, or touching handrails. Did you want the ship to stop the cruise, kick everybody off, sanitize everything, and throw away all fresh food? I suppose they were just letting the illness runs its course if it was not severe... I have had real food poisoning in Egypt, Spain and Mexico, (and Chicago!) with fevers and chills, and had to go a few days without eating until everything passed through my system. Travel is always a risk, and health issues can always be a concern.

Took my first cruise in 1973, so I have seen it all. From my perspective, those on a cruise may not be wealthy, but they are certainly not poor. Yes, cruise lines have to make a profit, Covid knocked out some cruise lines forever, inflation is here, prices have increased around the world for issues like employees, construction, goods, but cabins and ships have also become very luxurious and chock-full of many glamorous activities like hot tubs, pools with slides, televisions in rooms, and much more. Those foodies who criticize cruise ship food probably forget the poor chefs are feeding thousands, not a few like in an exclusive restaurant. All those specialty restaurants on ships now allow for more focus on food preparation (hopefully). I think this discussion about classism is silly--we are all just deciding whether to pay for more perks or less perks--the real class differences are those who cruise versus those who have never cruised, and probably never will, due to true poverty.

I have gotten ill twice this year and NEITHER time was on my vacations (cruise, flights, bus tours). Each time was here at home when I was unmasked, going about my community, doing social things. I believe being a bit "on guard" while traveling kept me focused on health precautions. I do think the new scientific findings about reduced nose immunity in cold weather makes me a bit more careful about going about when it is chillier.

Looks like they have more or less removed Ephesus as a stop from many of the Greek itineraries. So glad I am traveling Summer 2023, as I do not think the 2024 itineraries are really any better. Sometimes with very unique itineraries the prices rarely drop, so it becomes a take it or leave it situation for costs. It is always better to search for a European cruise that goes every week or is later in the season if budget is the issue. Thanks for sharing.

Northern lights (the aurora borealis) were on my bucket list as well, but I did not even think about taking a cruise to see them, and I cruise a lot. I just returned from a land-based vacation in Iceland over Thanksgiving, and we had some great lights displays and activity. The tour buses get reports of where the lights are showing up, and then drive all over the island to get there for the best view. Clear skies and time of the year are most important. Yes, the cruise ship could have great views, but nothing is guaranteed. Cold weather cruises are much lower in my satisfaction level, because outside time is so severely limited, and it seems more illnesses spread with everybody stuck inside. Rough seas could be an issue, but I do not get seasick, although I would not want all my plates to slide off the table during dinner (ha-ha, just teasing!).

Yes, I just received that email as well. Oh well, everything is increasing, so not a big surprise.

My first cruise ever as a child was in an inside cabin with bunk beds (back in the 1970s), and I thought that was the way all cruise cabins looked! I have always felt comfortable in inside cabins, but now I will also book cabins with balconies if it is a special cruise, or a great price, and sometimes I try for the upgrades, and other times I have been upgraded for free! But I think the key issue here is economics-- you are trying to stretch your budget, and that is great! I already have three cruises booked for next year, and one is an inside, because I just needed an extra getaway! Have a wonderful trip and don't worry about the cabin!

Why would you ever want to go on a Greek islands cruise and NOT visit the islands? Do you know anything about the history of each of the places you are visiting? Of course, I am an archaeology aficionada, so I know exactly what I want to see and I would miss nothing! When I was in Santorini, I specifically took a full day tour that included Akrotiri, the site that many say inspired the legend of Atlantis. Yes, we stopped at Oia to take that iconic roofs photo. We also had time back in Thera to visit the small prehistoric museum, shop and eat lunch. All in all, a wonderful day! Delos (I adore the lions) is always on my list when we go to Mykonos , and I like to enjoy lunch near the windmills. Agreed that Ephesus should not be missed, nor should Pompeii, nor the Acropolis, etc. I love visiting Greece so much that I am cruising there again this Summer! I will also stay over a few days in Athens so I can go back again to Delphi, Mycenae, and hopefully visit Meteora. Of course, if ancient history is not your passion, there are always the beaches...