Hobson1754

I’m going to post a précis of our cruise when I get myself sorted i.e. unpacked, laundry etc. but felt I had to jump in here in response to Kent’s post. We did the Barcelona to Venice legs of Kent’s cruise and I really don’t think there was any enforcement of dress code around the ship. One evening I saw 3 women leaving Manfredi’s all ‘dressed’ very casually to say the least. One of the women had on baggy jogging bottoms tucked into UGG boots and what I can only describe as a utility coat with lots of pockets that you’d wear to go fishing - they would have looked under dressed for the World Cafe!! There was a guy very casually dressed who always seemed to wear a knitted cap/hat in the restaurant. I also saw a man with his bath robe on (no trousers) standing at the bar in the Living Room, it was quite busy, talking to others for at least 20 mins. I could go on and on!!

It depends greatly on what & how much you drink. To my great dismay I no longer am able to drink wine because it doesn’t agree with me, however, cocktails, G&T’s, Mocktails etc. I’m ok with so the package for me is ideal.

We really like Chefs Table - ate there 3/4 times (can’t remember which) on last 15 day cruise. Not so keen on Manfredi’s.

Yes - 25% - none of it is refundable, so we need to be very, very certain if we’re booking a cruise 18 months out🤔

Oh dear - sorry about the many changes, hopefully it’s a little more positive with improved food. I’d be less than happy however if I’d spent all that money on a world cruise.

How the rest of the cruise now Jim - in particular the standard of food in restaurants & other glitches?

Thanks Linda - I’ve booked 4 cruises with Viking over the last 3 years & often wondered why my room number etc. wasn’t on MVJ, could never see it - now I’ve found it - mystery solved😀

Prices in US I think must be a lot different to UK prices as I’ve looked a few times and mostly found Viking is less expensive - that’s taking into account cabin, location, etc. as you say ‘apples for apples’. I’ve just priced a similar itinerary on Oceania to one I have booked for next year with Viking & the price is pretty similar, however Oceania cruise is 12 nights & the one I’ve booked with Viking is 14.

Oh dear - I hope the glitches get sorted for you, especially the food 🤞

We were meant to tender there in September ‘23. The Irish Sea was so rough that, although the crew tried to lower boats, the Captain took the decision it was too risky and we missed Dublin altogether. I would assume that if it had been possible to dock there, we would have. I was really disappointed but safety comes first and, although a few passengers were moaning, the Captain’s role is to assess risk and we have to accept it.

Good luck with that!🤞

And if you do Kent & manage to snaffle some, please remember your fellow cruisers - I really want to try these.

Yes - same for us 2022 & 2023 - they opened an hour earlier at 7 a.m.

Have a great cruise Jim - look forward to seeing your reports (if you’ve time to fit any in).

So jealous of your day in Santa Barbara. Enjoy.

These photos really take me back - Santa Barbara was our favourite place when visiting US & we stayed there many times 🤩

Looks delicious 😋

Don’t believe there’s any difference in date between DV2 & DV5 with regards to booking excursions.

Have a fabulous cruise Clay - looking forward to reading your reports.

We live on the North Sea coast and I can definitely attest to the fact that storms can happen any time. Our summer in North East England is usually 1 or 2 days in July LOL 😂

It is - had it for lunch many times😋

Have a great WC everyone - look forward to hearing all about it.

They do in UK - you can add an option to your policy for this very reason at an additional cost of course.

Ours gives us an amount off the total cost of the cruise rather than OBC - obviously part of their commission😀

100% agree with you.