Zippeedee

They sent around an invitation to participate in a focus group discussing these new itineraries two weeks ago on the Star. Not personally excited about flying that long so I didn’t volunteer. Interested to see how they turn out.

This is a huge change from the ship I stepped off three days ago. Important to note that 150 crew members, including the Executive Chef, disembarked on Tuesday. There has to be a learning curve as everyone gets used to working together. 
I guess one of the benefits of being new to Viking was that Manfredi’s was my favorite restaurant, my ribeye was thick and perfectly cooked and I enjoyed the burgers at the pool grill. I also heard people raving about the tuna made there. 
I hope your experience improves. 

I was very concerned about “fitting in”, mostly because of a few social media snobs and bullies. Just about everyone I’ve met on board is wonderful . Make the leap! 

Just now, graphicguy said:

Good on you.  Viking hasn't come any closer than 2X fare of my Haven cruises...and they were charges for airfare that they were still going to charge extra for.  But if you found tat fare, you're quite the shopper!

It showed up on my fb page. I thought it was a scam until I checked with a travel agent. Yesterday I saw Antarctica for $7999!

Just now, Daruma said:

 

WOW!!

 

Without wanting to be too nosy, can you say approximately how much something like that costs, please? 

 

Thank you. 

This was a ridiculous deal, no one wants 21 sea days! I got free airfare Boston/LA and a DV6 cabin which is the lowest level deluxe. It was $11,600. The price dropped twice after I booked but I was happy! Just having the thermal spa, refilled ice and still & sparking water twice a day and free laundry rooms (with soap!) all included has spoiled me for life.

Just now, kirtihk said:

That’s correct.  Regarding Viking, free international air (especially, to far away destinations) might bring the total trip for a cruise so much down.  We did not have their cruises yet, but our friend (being flexible like you state) had a lot of them, and on many occasions he got free air and sometimes combined with a reduced price, too.  Hopefully, when we become flexible, we will follow that route (with any cruise line), too.

I’m on the Viking Ocean Star right now. I saw an offer and grabbed it. 33 nights, solo from Los Angeles to Hawaii, French Polynesia and back to LA for $1000 more than the 15 day Prima Iceland cruise I cancelled. There is so much included and the service is beyond amazing. Breakfast in the buffet area includes at least three servers making sure water, juice and coffee are on your table within minutes. There are 830 guests and 440 crew. Twice a day room cleaning and mini bar restocking (soda, chocolate and peanuts at my cabin level). Wine, beer and soda included with lunch and dinner. One shore excursion at each port. I have onboard credit and need to go shopping to use it. Keep watching for those sales!

Just now, Azulann said:

Never go to YouTube for any review or self promoters . 

There are lots of reliable cruise YouTube channels. Everyone needs “clickbait” titles to be seen. I like Emma Cruises, La Lido Loca and Tips For Travelers. Just find someone who has similar tastes.

If anyone is interested here is our route.

39 minutes ago, bmct said:

I'm still waiting to hear that he's been picked up.  The patient is one of my best friends.  

I was in the World Cafe around 8 pm when someone asked an officer who confirmed the patient had been picked up. We started moving soon after. I’m sorry for your friend, I hope they will be ok.

Just now, AZ_Tim said:

On board Viking Star, also. We don't have to be in U.S. waters, but we must be within range for the helicopter to make the trip to the ship and return. I understood the captain to say we should reach the rendezvous point around 5:45pm.

Thanks! I was in the Wintergarden and it was hard to hear.

I am onboard as well. I thought they said we just had to go back to US waters so the coast guard helicopter could pick them up.it may have already happened, I haven’t checked the tracker in the last few hours.

There is a toothbrush holder but I don’t think dentures would fit. Just get room service soup or gelato and keep the bowl. (I wish they had those lamb chops at the World Cafe!)

If you haven’t used it, cruisedeckplans.com has all of these details and more. 
I’m in 3045 on the Star right now. Near the forward elevators but close enough to the Atrium to make using either elevator easy.

22 minutes ago, duquephart said:

 

Compare apples to apples on pricing. You are paying for "everything that Viking includes." It's all baked in the cake. The fact that you're "stunned" is evidence that their marketing is working well.

Not at all. I am used to paying extra for a balcony cabin, WiFi, bottled water, specialty meals, the thermal spa etc. The price I paid for my upcoming 33 day Viking cruise is $2000 more than I paid for a 14 day cruise on NCL. 

I will board my first Viking cruise next week. I’ve sailed with Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. I am completely stunned by everything that Viking includes.

I used to work in HR for a very generous nonprofit foundation. We always said no one should join us for their first job. They wouldn’t truly appreciate what we offered and subsequent employers would be disappointing. 
Maybe Viking should require sailing with another brand as a prerequisite to booking? 😁

42 minutes ago, millybess said:

👎

I’ve done this on multiple cruise lines. As long as you are paying for the transfer and book it in advance they don’t care. I’ve arrived a day early and stayed in an airport hotel just to avoid flight delay issues.

5 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

I've been pleased with this one:

CLINE Travel Folding Trekking Hiking Pole with Carrying Case,Collapsible Cane Adjustable Walking Stick Portable Mobility Aid for Women Men Hikers Gift,Black https://a.co/d/cP3vGlq
 

Thanks Clay! I was planning to get hiking poles and didn’t know where to start. I just ordered a pair of these. Appreciate your help!

My first Viking cruise is in less than two months. As of now the only issue I would love to see addressed is the addition of steps in the pools and hot tubs. Thankful for the thermal spa but l would love to be able to use the outdoor pools as well.

Sorry if this is a bit off topic. I prefer iced coffee, black. Not the coffee shop 2000 calorie melted ice cream versions. Is it available anywhere on the ship? I suppose I can make it with the Nespresso machine if not. Just request ice delivery?

2 hours ago, ryc1547 said:

My gf and I have been laughing at the tunnel email. We are local to Boston, and just for the record, the sumner tunnel has been reopened since August 31. Anyway, we too are waiting for some communication from NCL on whatever changes they decide to make. Did anyone else have Canadian Hurricane on their 2023 bingo card? We sure didn’t….

Almost…

Periodic weekend closures of the Sumner Tunnel resume from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. During this time, the tunnel will close on Fridays at 11:00 p.m. and re-open to traffic on Mondays at 5:00 a.m. Traffic will be diverted through signed detour routes. Through the end of 2023, the tunnel will be closed the following weekends:

• Weekend of September 15
• Weekend of September 22
• Weekend of September 29
• Weekend of October 20
• Weekend of October 27
• Weekend of November 3
• Weekend of November 10

Probably an unpopular opinion but I love the spa on the Epic. It all the way aft with an outdoor balcony area. Great views and fresh air.

Thank you Clay. I really appreciate your clear explanation and photos.

Do the hot tubs have ladders too? I guess I’ll be spending more time in the spa.

1 hour ago, Pitzel said:

I stand corrected. I was under the assumption that it would be ok since there isn't really any standing water in the splash pad to sit or swim in (unlike on other ships that have a wading area), but alas you are right 😞

Something like this would probably be pretty portable and could work on the balcony. It could even double as a bathtub, if your cabin doesn't have one.

Just wondering how one fills and empties that pool on a balcony? I don’t want to be on the balcony below.

2 hours ago, uneamie said:

This is a link to all the info about this "dry dock" rehab. Looks like 24 added balcony cabins and added thermal spa balcony cabins. https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-announces-extensive-refurbishment-for-norwegian-joy

Is it just me or is anyone else uncomfortable with a spa employee inserting an IV? Yikes! “Other additions include a new Biostation with IV Drip Therapy; four-senses loungers for for deep relaxation; and Kneipp haptic foot therapy, which massages feet as guests walk across the pebbled moving stream that alternates between hot and cold foot baths”