duquephart

Couple of dark beers go very well with a dog (or burger) at the pool grill!

Well ----- now I know about Kuşadası. The port area is strewn with shops - most of which appear to be very nice/high quality places selling all the usual stuff, with Viking (as noted) providing a list of shops that meet their approval according to some set of criteria. Following the tour of Ephesus we were herded (invited?) into a rug/jewelry shop the bus stopped at for a "demonstration" of rug making and "presentation" of the goods that the tour guide had pitched on the way back from the tour. Very slick and clearly a set-up - and Viking should be called out for allowing this. The demonstration and presentation followed a pattern that can be seen in any number of videos on the subject. The rugs are stunning (of course) and basically sell themselves. My "we don't need any rugs" other half and myself were easily taken in - which is the whole point of the process they are very good at. We are quite pleased with our purchase. We also got caught by one of the jewelry guys on the way out - you are basically running a gauntlet. We have a habit of purchasing very nice jewelry items that a given area is known for - Baltic amber for instance - and in Turkey that means Zultanite.

"Lobster Night" on a Viking cruise is no big deal - unless one thinks frozen lobster of unknown orign is a big deal.

Convenient. How did that happen? 😃

You have to wonder if it's really machine made. How many have been sold?

"Go to the coop demo on the Viking tour in Kuşadası." Which tour is that? I've read on other threads that tour guides get an attractive kick-back for delivering cruise tourists (who often turn into buyers).

We are booked on the "Wonders of the Ancient World" excursion. I wonder if that will include a "demonstration" in Kusadasi.

Thanks! Now all I have to do is convince the other half that obtaining a rug is a good idea.

Thank you! What size is the one shown? Stunning!

Were you able to dig out the names of the dealers? Leaving in three days.

We have asked if a riesling is available. Never denied.

I can't imagine it would matter much. Are you talking over and above mandatory "gratuities?"

Always a plus when it comes to star watching.

Great example would be what Viking calls bisteca. Someone should be thrown in jail for that one.

Calling something something does not make that something what they call it.

Enough of local currency to offer suggested tips to local guides and drivers and maybe small incidentals. We're calling it equivalent of $10 per day.

14 days at room temp tops.

How does one keep injecter type medications cold enough on the way? From our door to the room refrigerator (assuming they have one) in the pre-extension hotel is going to be probably sixteen hours + or -.

A better difficulty rating system would be welcome - "moderate" ranges from bus ride to forced march.

Sour info I believe.

The one on Jupiter was not being used when we were aboard.

Starts in Barcelona - ends in Istanbul. Four segments.

Late afternoon. Helpful if you can overlook the hustle/sales pitch.

I'm with you. I buy t-shirts everywhere I go and have lots of what I consider to be nice ones. One of my favorites is a Minnesota Kicks (tried to get soccer going in the late 70's) which reads "It Takes Leather Balls to Play Soccer."

Has anyone here had any luck getting the mini-bar included beer swapped out for something else on the list?