We arranged our own air on our next cruise, which includes pre and post extensions and thus "free" transfers. My understanding is that we just need to inform Viking of our arrival and departure circumstances - where and when to find us upon arrival for the pre and where/when to take us for departure. Presumably we will be on the same flights as those who had Viking arrange things anyway.

Welcome to Viking Cruises.

And in this corner ---------------------

51 minutes ago, sandshark said:

We’ll be sailing on a cruise in January, and I am very interested in booking another cruise for January 2025.  Is it advantageous to book a future cruise at the sales desk when I’m onboard?  Or am I likely to get a better price by booking online using a promo code?  Or through a travel agent?  The full price of the cruise I’m considering shows as $7,999 pp.  The price drops to $5,299 when I enter the Thanksgiving promo code.  I received an email today from a travel agency quoting $4,999 for the same cruise - but I’m wondering if I should wait until I’m onboard to talk to the sales desk?  Trying to get the best price from Viking is confusing, to say the least.  Thanks in advance for any advice you all may have…

Apples to apples stateroom level? Three grand is a big drop.

A guy I once knew went out to a nice place on Easter and, without thinking, ordered Hasenpfeffer. 

2 hours ago, SantaFe1 said:

I can well imagine.  It would take a lot of wine to get me to eat Guinea pig!

I've heard it's quite tasty and would try it. You don't want to be on your death bed thinking "Gee, I wish I had tried that when I had the chance."

3 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

Put your choppers out at night with your shoes. They come back next morning all polished.😳

Will they be back by the time needed for early morning lamb chops?

Does anyone know if small bowls are provided in the bathrooms of Viking Ocean ships? The kind one could use to store choppers in overnight? Sorry but I don't have a picture of one.

6 minutes ago, CDNPolar said:

What is apples to apples FOR ME, is that when I price a cruise I don't look at the price per night necessarily, I look at my total cruise fare.  Is it in my budget?  15K for two on Viking I know I don't have to spend more if I don't want to and I have a lot included.  Yes, it might be baked into the cost, but I know the price.

 

If I get on another ship and my cruise fare may be 12K, but I have to pay for this and that and the other thing, then in the end it may cost more than Viking where I know what I am going to get.  

 

We just like the pricing model of Viking because we know what we will get.

 

 

This is interesting... We have looked at Oceania and have always dropped back because we felt that to get our Viking value, it would cost much much more and we are not convinced that Oceania is worth more...

You never "have to spend more if I don't want to" regardless of the cruise line.

18 minutes ago, netpj said:

@millybess We are also from Toronto and will be embarking on our first Viking cruise (32 days) in January.  Out of curisosity, you mentioned in your post you transfer your booking to your TA, presumably in Toronto?  Do you receive the OBC from your TA that was referred to at the beginning of this post?  We are curious as we have not received anything from our TA despite doing a lot of business with this person over the years so were wondering if the OBC potential is somehow geo-restricted!  Thanks..

More likely restricted by a TA who doesn't want to decrease their commission.

It's all relative. Compare apples to apples on price per night. Beer & wine on Viking are not "free" - neither is included excursions. I'd be unhappy about the corkage if I was so inclined and anyone bugging me about sales gets told what I think of that.

8 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

In honor of the rebirth of this beautiful thread I am sharing a picture of myself taken last night onboard Regent in the Caribbean. Keep in mind Regent has a bit more dressy code….

 

Always wondered what you look like.

21 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

It must be time to bring up the dress at restaurants issue again !

Pour yourself a beer and get some popcorn for the show.

Then we'll do bourbon vs. Tennessee whiskey.

32 minutes ago, mariners said:

I don't know what happened during the night/today, but I got locked out of posting on CC, and asked to verify my e-mail.  I did, multiple times, but nothing worked.  It appears, at least if this posts, that I am back.

 

Rumplemintz, if it's not sweet, would be something I would happily try as I am always looking for drinks that are not overly, to my palate, sweet.  I'll have to check and see if it is offered for sale here.  

 

Baileys Amarula, or Carolans, and hot chocolate are always a winning combination.  My DH will definitely enjoy those drinks if they are offered onboard.

 

If I manage to get on CC, I'll try and post live in December.  Thanks, again, for the answers! 

With any luck you might find a 50ml bottle to try.

3 hours ago, mariners said:

Most threads on CC go off in multiple directions, and nobody is hijacking this thread 😀. 

 

mwike, I have not skied and had Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, but I've had "shots" and have to admit it is not one of my favourite drinks.  It's made with Canadian whisky, and is sold at our government run liquor marts, and is typically served as "shots" by the people I know who enjoy the flavour.  

 

duquephart, Rumplemintz is not a term that I was familiar with but, after a trusty Google check, I found out that it is schnapps.  That, the peppermint flavour, I have had my share of, and enjoyed at hockey arenas, winter bonfires, hay rides, ...  Where I live, it is frequently added to coffee, hot chocolate, and some types of tea to enjoy when participating in winter events/activities, but "shots" are always an option.

 

I realize from the answers that I, obviously, did not word my post in such a way that was clear.  I've read the drink menus, but don't see items such as mulled wine, heated Bloody Mary's, hot toddy's, and other drinks that I have had onboard a ship that are offered around the pool (or other areas) as a "Special of the Day" on cool weather days.  I wondered if something similar was available on Viking Ocean, and/or if passengers can request those drinks.

 

We love to spend time outside on a ship regardless of the weather.  The only time we remain indoors is if the outdoor decks are closed.  Having a hot drink, alcohol or not, that is either low caffeine or no caffeine enhances that experience for me. 

 

Thanks for all the responses, and the laughs. 

  

Rumplemintz is not the sweet/candy schnapps you might be familiar with. It is no-nonsense German peppermint schnapps. Bracing!

Is motion an issue? If so the lower and closer to midships the better. That makes 4035 the best bet although some may advise staying away from stairs/lifts.

2 minutes ago, mwike said:

I've had Rumplemintz, but certainly prefer Fireball at 12,000' and near zero Fahrenheit temps.  And Fireball is the local fave on the slope.  But I'll stop hijacking the post with my attempt at humor.  I'm assuming the OP doesn't share my advanced palate for liquor.  

Being a "fave" doesn't make it good - but I'll quit now too 🙂.

1 minute ago, mwike said:

But in all seriousness, I do carry it in my flask.  I ski over 50 days a year, and this will warm you up - no need in wasting the good stuff on the slope.  It's not uncommon to see the younger lads carrying a fifth of it in their jacket.  

Try Rumplemintz next time.

5 minutes ago, mwike said:

The very tip-top.  Second to none.

As far as flavored whiskey or real whiskey? Reviewers generally pan it.

5 hours ago, mwike said:

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky.  Always have that on the slopes. 

 

But I'm afraid Viking doesn't carry this top-shelf liquor.  

Top shelf???????????????

27 minutes ago, mariners said:

I have tried to search on this board, looked at different menus, and read some blogs to find the answer to my questions.  Although there is mention of 11 a.m. bouillon on some cruises, this does not appear to be a consistent offering.  Should I bring my own instant options such as Bovril or Oxo, or is this something offered on all cruises?  I don't need to be ill to enjoy a hot toddy.   Is that something that is typically available?  I'm sure there are many cool weather drinks offered onboard other than tea and coffee, I'd love to hear some other, low to no caffeine, suggestions of drinks offered on Viking.  Thank you.

Two fingers of a good bourbon (or Tennessee whiskey) is always your best bet.

On 8/12/2023 at 10:25 AM, OneSixtyToOne said:

Today’s email: offer MA23

Also received a catalog of just the Mississippi sailings. That is something new.

FEATURED MISSISSIPPI VOYAGES

NEW ITINERARY Grand Mississippi Voyage 2‌2 DA‌YS | New Orleans to St. Paul FREE Roundtrip Airfare & FREE Stateroom Upgrade Plus, $2‌5 Deposit O‌n Ju‌n–Ju‌l & Se‌p 20‌24 Departures ASK FOR OFFER: MA23 LEARN MORE

Discover Vicksburg, site of the Civil War’s most pivotal battle, in Mississippi and delve into music history at the Memphis Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum in Tennessee.

Heart of the Delta 1‌2 DA‌YS | New Orleans to Memphis FREE Roundtrip Airfare & FREE Stateroom Upgrade Plus, $25 Deposit On F‌eb–Ju‌n & No‌v 20‌24 Departures ASK FOR OFFER: MA23 LEARN MORE

Learn how to make Louisiana-style seafood gumbo at a cooking demonstration in Darrow and explore Elvis Presley’s opulent Graceland estate in Memphis.

America’s Heartland 1‌2 D‌AYS | St. Louis to Twin Cities FREE Roundtrip Airfare & FREE Stateroom Upgrade Plus, $2‌5 Deposit On A‌ug & Se‌p 20‌24 Departures ASK FOR OFFER: MA23 LEARN MORE

Visit Mark Twain’s childhood home with its famous white picket fence in Missouri and tour the real-life “Field of Dreams,” made famous by the classic film, in Iowa.

New Orleans & Southern Charms 8‌ DA‌YS | New Orleans to New Orleans FREE Roundtrip Airfare & FREE Stateroom Upgrade Plus, $25 Deposit On N‌ov & D‌ec 20‌24 Departures ASK FOR OFFER: MA23 LEARN MORE

Savor the flavors of Cajun cuisine in Baton Rouge and enjoy a classic Southern cocktail at the Monmouth Inn in Natchez, the oldest city on the Mississippi.

America’s Great River 1‌5 DA‌YS | St. Paul to New Orleans FREE Roundtrip Airfare & FREE Stateroom Upgrade Plus, $2‌5 Deposit On Ju‌l 20‌24 Departures ASK FOR OFFER: MA23 LEARN MORE

Browse the interactive exhibits at the B.B. King Museum in Mississippi and discover the inspiring stories of iconic civil rights heroes in Tennessee.

Love the "most pivotal battle" hype. Apparently Viking never heard of Gettysburg.

The extra TV is a thing.

30 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

Right! They absolutely hate “extra” tips.

I’ve had bartenders push the money back across the bar and say “Extra tips make me feel so tawdry!” 😎

Doubtful. Oh, I get it - sarcasm. Clever!

No waiting list on Jupiter last time. Just a flat "no."