JM0115

3 minutes ago, mnocket said:

Yeah, I always travel in a day or two early.  Since I'll be leaving DEN in January, I'm going 2-days early (I'm always surprised at how easily DIA is disrupted by light snow).  Nothing I can do about a snowstorm, but absent that, I'd hate to miss my connection because it was too tight.  Unfortunately, as things stand now, the alternatives are either hugely more expensive or result in a 6+ hr connection.

Good move! Anything can happen in CO! 

1 minute ago, mnocket said:

In my case, not really domestic travel, but a domestic connection leading to an international flight.  Specifically, departing Denver and traveling to Buenos Aires with a connection in either Dallas or Miami. The connection times are about 1hr15m.  Since fixing a missed connection on this itinerary isn't easy, I'm worried this connection is too tight. Thoughts on this specific case and connection times in general?

I’d be nervous with 1 hr but as long as you are going to the cruise embarkation city at least 1 day if not 2-3 days early it probably would be ok to have only the 1 hr connection time.

Just now, Zach1213 said:

I'm really curious what sources you were finding that say you do need one, because I would recommend people stay away from whatever the hell website that is. Not only do you not need one, but it's not even a transit in an immigration sense...you are entering the Schengen Zone in Frankfurt, which covers both Germany and Norway. Transit visas usually apply when you're going from Country A to Country C via Country B...in this case, as far as immigration is concerned, you're going from Country A to Country B via Country B. 

 

 

In most cases, true. And in OP's case (for tourism or for business), true. But sometimes US citizens do need visas to go to the Schengen Zone (which is different than the EU). For example, if you plan to work there, or study there for an extended period, or spend more than the allotted visa-free time. Like I said, these don't apply to OP, but there are cases where US citizens would need a true visa (not just an ETIAS) to go to EU and/or Schengen. 

Yes you are right. I was just referring to tourists less than 90 days.

You do not need any visa if you are a US citizen anywhere in the EU.

3 minutes ago, mjmagee said:

Is there any way to print my cruise itinerary with the ship arrival and departure times?  I found one itinerary but it only lists the day and the port, not the actual hours in port.  Times would be very helpful for excursion planning.  Thx in advance for any assistance. 

 

Marilyn

The invoice page 2 or 3 should list the itinerary with times and whether tendered or docked.

Yep. There is nothing in Tilbury. 

22 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

Is it just me (or maybe it’s only happening on Sky) but is anyone else missing the chirping birds (or ocean sounds) in the public restrooms onboard?  Sky now has several different sounds-one set might be whales, but there is another that sounds like rutting boar!😳

 

There is another than sounds like it might be some tribal sounds-but it’s mostly children it seems so a bit disturbing at best. 
 

no bird sounds?!? 😞

6 minutes ago, Deb922 said:

I’ve been looking into an ocean cruise for late fall 2025. 
 

Venice to Athens, there are 2, one 10 day and one 8 days in duration. 
 

The price Viking is showing for air from Detroit is $1599 for economy and $1000 more for premium  economy. 
 

At what point would you think that the price offered is not a value and would book on your own? 
 

Especially seeing all the complaints about Viking Air and that I would definitely add air plus for an additional cost. 

If you have points you can use you may want to do that. Otherwise look at the prices online and compare and see what makes sense to you. I would definitely add Viking Air Plus so you can pick your flights - it is now $150 pp additional. Prices right now for this fall (I know you said 2025) are around $1000 RT for economy and $2500 for Premium Economy so it looks like a good deal in premium economy.

5 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

Enjoyed the new (at least to us) Menu at Manfredi’s last night.  The asparagus appetizer is delicious as was the vitello tonato.   The steak while not as thick as in the before times is better than the very thin ones we had just two weeks ago on the previous menu.  The osso bucco is still very tasty though the portion seems smaller which is ok with us as it always was a bit overwhelming before. Friends have said the lasagna isn’t as good as the previous version-may try that next week when we go back.  The Carmelo dessert is tasty but VERY sweet-they pour the caramel sauce at the table so will probably try it without next time. The Millefolgie was light and tasty. 

Love the asparagus!

5 hours ago, cidymom said:

Unfortunately I left it late to book shore excursions for a snorkeling with rays and sharks for this coming April in Bora Bora.  The excursion offered through the ship is sold out and Viator doesn't have much available either.  Does anyone recall if they saw any tour companies at the Bora Bora dock when you arrive from a cruise ship.  I read they have it in Moorea but just wondering about Bora Bora.  Thank you for any input.

We really liked a company called Bora Bora H2O.

1 hour ago, Travel Lady in CT said:

I've decided to take a WC.  How do I choose?  Does anyone have a spreadsheet of criteria that they've used?  It's rather overwhelming with Cruise lines, ships ports, incentives, etc.   I'm thinking around 4 1/2 months, probably in 2026 with a balcony cabin.

Would love to hear how others have narrowed down the choices. Thanks!

We loved ours on Viking! 

2 minutes ago, Jewelly said:

Can anyone recommend a pre cruise hotel stay in London? 

CitizenM Tower of London

Just now, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Thanks!  We will definitely have checked luggage.  

If you stick yo one alliance, like Star Alliance (United, Lufthansa) you MAY be able to check the bags all the way through.

1 minute ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

We booked a direct flight from Charlotte to Munich with miles. We need to book a connecting flight (is that the proper term?) to either Florence or Rome. How much time should we allow between flights? 

I’d say 2-3 hrs. Especially if checking bags as you will have to retrieve them in Munich.

3 minutes ago, Mad-39 said:

Any suggestions as to which excursions are worth my while? Going in May 2024 from Bergon to Stockholm 

Pulpit Rock cruise.

9 hours ago, SelectSys said:

We have a cruise booked for early January, 2025 from Singapore.  We are going with another couple and are following their lead to book Premium Economy on the nonstop flight between LA and Singapore.  Does anyone have familiarity with this product and is it relatively comfortable for a 17 hour flight?  Thanks in advance for any information. 

It differs depending on airline but I think it is worth it if you can get the 2 seat side. To me that is the big advantage as you don't have a stranger sitting next to you. A lot of posters have said that they won't pay more than $50 per hr more than economy. This would be an additional $850 on a 17 hr flight. 

11 minutes ago, rinshin said:

I just checked my business class flight booked and purchased in December from SFO to Amsterdam in May for type of craft and was shocked to find that price has doubled.  We travel to Japan annually and use to think that best price was found around 4 months from departure but apparently that is not the case anymore.  How far in advance are you finding the best price?  

I purchase as far out as possible. Typically 330 to 355 days out depending on airline's policy.

3 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Yep...missed those.  Both top-notch airlines.  Lots of options to/from Japan.

 

 

We are going to Japan on Eva and coming back on Singapore in the fall.

You could also look at Singapore (NRT-LAX) and EVA Air (NRT-TPE-SFO).

2 hours ago, PRH said:

The last four cruises we’ve been on, it was gone within six days.  When the bar manager checked stock, there was none.  Guess we cruise with heavy Woodford drinkers!

You are not supposed to drink half a bottle a day....or are you :)??? Ha ha

Have never had a problem getting it but not at all bars.  

1 minute ago, SantaFe1 said:

Well, I sort of didn’t want to give them a heads up that I was going to cancel. And I think I would have to cancel through my TA. So what I really want to do is just let them keep the deposit and default on the final payment. Will it just fall through if I don’t pay it?

Seems like your TA could ask them the hypothetical easier than you could.

2 minutes ago, GRACIECA said:

I would call Viking and give the you booking # and ask if you by waiting until the final payment is due will only cost you the $50. MY guess is that is correct, but my experience has not been good when it comes to their practices. Get the name of the person you speak to and have them put it in writing. 

Hope someone tells us their experience with this. 

1 minute ago, SantaFe1 said:

I think some time ago there was a thread on this question but I can’t find it.  So, here is my question.  We have a cruise in the fall that it appears, for many reasons, we aren’t going to be able to take.  We got the $25 pp deposit offer, so $50 is all we have down.  Final payment is May 6.  The cancellation table of $100 pp up to 120 days out was clearly intended for the regular $500pp down payment.  So if we just skip the final payment, is Viking going to come after us for another $150.  And if so how are they going to get it?  Thanks for any help.

I've considered this before. I do not know the answer but assume that they will not come after you for the remaining $150 but I assume you paid by credit card for the $50 in which case I guess they could charge the card but doubt they would do that.  I guess you could ask them?

5 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

Where are you located/live?

 

Resources may be different depending on where you are unless you only want online options.

 

In Toronto Canada we have in-person and online options.

I live in Colorado.  My closest embassey/consulate is Chicago. We will definitely use a service.