millybess

14 hours ago, Hockeyump said:

Was it the female guitarist (we disembarked in Hong Kong)?  In our opinion she was too loud and the music was intrusive rather than background particularly at busy times.

Yes, a female guitarist.

1 hour ago, LindaS272 said:

We were on Jupiter in March 2020 when Viking shut down due to Covid. Jupiter was just a couple months old as I recall. On Orion in Nov. 2019, but I don’t know its build date.

Orion was built in 2018; Sea in 2016.

3 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

The Orion is probably slated for refurbishment.  We got off it on 5/14 as well and don’t agree with what was said totally.  In fact, meals in Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s were some of the best we have had.  We had excellent cabin attendants, and mostly ok service in WC.  
While we were on board, the carpet was replaced in the corridors.  DH noted that the floor in the Explorer’s lounge was buckling, near where it opens to the outside deck.  However, we noted this on the Jupiter as well, so suspect that there may be design issues with these 2 ships, since they were built about the same time.  

Admittedly, the British menu was good at Chef's Table,  although they substituted chicken eggs for quail eggs.  And in Manfredi's, I enjoyed the short rib.  DH enjoyed almost everything at Chef's Table, but didn't like anything at Manfredi's.

At the WC:  The eggs Benedict were always cold.  The seafood: shrimps, lobster and crab were consistently mushy -- like they had been frozen and then thawed a tad too long.  The NY Striploin was uncuttable.

In regards to ship shape, the floor in the Explorer's Lounge by the piano is totally worn and very deeply scratched.

When we started to cross the Pacific and all of the outdoor loungers were removed from the Aquavit, we noticed 2 large blotches on the deck, portside, which appeared to be holes.  These would ordinarily have been covered by a lounger or a side table.

Anyway, our point is, we feel that our 3 sailings on Viking Sea in the last 14 months were excellent and very good value.  Our sailing on Viking Orion -- not so much.  Hence, we are hoping that our experience on Venus will be as good as our sailings on Viking Sea.

We have 3 more cruises booked with Viking and we are very much hoping that our recent experience was an anomaly.

22 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

Crew happiness has little to with which ship they are serving on and a whole more to do with the tone set by the management team.  There is no way to predict who that team will be at booking.

 

Moreover, as a GM explained, the crew is constantly changing with handfuls of crew coming and going at a time as opposed to large blocks of personnel being replaced at one time.  V has found that it is easier to integrate smaller numbers at a time.

 

 

I agree with all of that. And our experience on Orion was definitely unexpected.
 

Obviously, one wouldn’t know for certain who the management team would be at booking — although, there might be a pattern if you really think about it. 

Hopefully our experience on Venus will be similar to our numerous experiences on Sea.

Regardless, Orion is not in good shape. And again, obviously, we wouldn’t take a cancellation hit on a whim. 

On 4/3/2024 at 8:09 PM, millybess said:

Just to add: dates, itinerary and availability of preferred cabin and location would be our deciding factors, not the ship. 

No longer true.  We will consider the ship.

We have sailed on Viking Sea 3 times since March 2023.  We sailed on Viking Orion once and disembarked on May 14th.

The difference was very surprising.  It was like it was a different cruiseline.

We had zero issues with staff on Orion, but Sea was different because it was a "happy ship" as far as the staff goes, and it showed.  There was a huge difference in staff being happy with their jobs  and also a difference in the service.

The food on Sea was consistently excellent in all venues for all 3 cruises.  The food on Orion over 5 weeks was consistently inedible -- just my opinion.

The condition of the Viking Sea ship was very different.  It was in very good shape.  The Orion is a newer ship, but appeared to be far more worn.  We had a PS2 and it had issues.  Just one example would be the carpet "bubbling", but there were other issues.  The Explorer's Lounge is in very rough shape.  The floor is very scratched and worn, and the arms of the chairs are ripping.

We had a cruise booked on Orion for March and have changed it to a similar cruise on Venus. So I take back what I said about not booking for the ship.  Hopefully the issues on Orion will be addressed.

8 hours ago, BlairsvilleCruiseGirl said:

We're on the younger end too and my playlist leans to rock also, so the non-stop "easy listening" music in all the bars tends to put me to sleep after a while!  I really, really wish they would have some rock music (recorded is fine - it doesn't have to be live) in one of the areas in the afternoon/evening!  If I could put in a wish list, it would be that the Aquavit Bar planned rock in the afternoons/evenings - that way we could have some cocktails and enjoy the view to some Up-Beat music.  And yes, I know I'm about to get jumped on by all the classical music fans on CC about how it's lovely and relaxing and beautiful, etc etc.  Agree, it is lovely and relaxing and beautiful, but I can only take so much before I just want someone to  🎵Start Playing that Old Time Rock n' Roll!🎵 😎

Absolutely agree with you.  We aren't so much on the "younger end", but would like some of the music to be more up-beat.

We disembarked Orion yesterday after a 5 week cruise. The guitar player in the Explorers Lounge played 3 sets every evening -- the same tune, just different lyrics.  It was mind-numbing.

On 4/1/2024 at 11:40 PM, Hockeyump said:

It is very hot! We have had a couple of issues but they have been dealt with very well. 

Welcome to Hong Kong.  We were sitting in the hotel having breakfast and you sailed right by -- a happy sight to see.  Sorry the weather is not great, but enjoy your day here!  

Just to add: dates, itinerary and availability of preferred cabin and location would be our deciding factors, not the ship. 

4 minutes ago, RobinB13 said:

Has anyone been on both ships?  I know they are supposed to be identical but with Sea a couple years older, is it showing more wear?  Trying to decide on a date for a cruise and not sure if that should be a factor.  Thanks.

We will be on Orion for the first time next week.

We have mostly sailed on Sea, and as recently as January. We really like Sea and we haven’t noticed any wear. 

14 minutes ago, MikeyB said:

Thanks for posting.

Simba is a wonderful beverage manager.

And we’ll have one of Viking’s better CDs. Should be fun!

22 minutes ago, SailorPaulH said:

I know currency exchange is not possible on board, but is it possible to break larger notes to smaller (same currency) on board?

We have often changed Euros and U.S $ at Guest Services for smaller bills. 

4 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

We have bookings in 2025 and 2026 and our TA OBC is on our invoice immediately on booking.

 

The OBC from our TA will apply if we go to MVJ and purchase optional excursions, SSBP, or pre-paid gratuities.

 

The things we look at on the invoice after booking are the final payment date, the cabin number, the dates if we are coming in early or staying after, and then that the OBC is there.

 

I also did not know that some don't see this until just before boarding.

 

We have received OBC or rather SBC from Viking for various reasons and that is not available until we board the ship, but it is still stated on the invoice.

 

Is this a difference between US and Canada invoicing?  Perhaps?

I don't think there is a difference between U.S. and Canada invoicing.  We never see our OBC from our TA until the day after we board

@Hockeyump  Actually I see you're getting off as we're getting on.  I hope you have enjoyed your cruise!

10 minutes ago, Hockeyump said:

I can't find the thread where @millybess (I think) asked for these details. Currently on Orion so up to date. Temperature in Explorers Lounge also mentioned. We are in there every night and either sleeveless or short sleeves. Walking around tonight I found the Living Room area cooler than the EL.

@Hockeyump  Thanks very much.  See you next week!  

21 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

We have been on 3 Viking WCs, two fully sold to complete world cruisers and one mostly full of segments,.  Approx. 200 full world cruisers or so we were told.  First thought is like Dee we fully enjoy the camaraderie built up with some guests.  However, there are always those that irritate you or worse.  Nice when they are segmenters and go home...  We also met some very nice segmenters we still keep in touch with and were sorry to see leave.  Personalities aside, segmenters invariably come aboard with the do everything at once mentality.  Hurry up cause we are going home soon.  Full world cruisers get into a much more relaxed vibe as you don't have to hurry and do everything.  There is always tomorrow.  Also full world cruisers get into the rhythm of the ship, understand the flow patterns at the World Cafe, don't feel the need to storm Manfredi's and the Chefs table after the first two or three visits makes that not a thing.  Segmentrers bring a bit of fresh outlook onboard but can also bring fresh cooties from their travels to the ship.  So, plusses and minuses for both.  Best plan is take one of each and see which you like best....🍸

Very insightful.  Thanks!

3 hours ago, kcpvwill said:

What are these ducks? Not seen any on the cruises we’ve done.

So I did a bit of research, and it seems they are rubber ducks that some pax bring on board with their name, location, etc. tagged.  They hide the duck, and If you find the duck, you add your name, location, etc.

Maybe it's a group on the F book?  I guess, eventually, the duck travels around the world.  I'm not sure I have this right.

2 hours ago, kcpvwill said:

What are these ducks? Not seen any on the cruises we’ve done.

Same.

4 minutes ago, bluesplayer said:

Very disappointing!!   Ugh..  Heading out in a few days with the beverage package.  In my case for upgraded wines.  Maybe a mistake..

If you are leaving in a few days, I guess you can't cancel the SSBP on MVJ, but you may be able to cancel it on board.

6 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

Sad to learn today that Mark’s rest hasn’t helped his hand so he is leaving us tomorrow. He will definitely be missed. Hope he can soon be back aboard a Viking ship and entertain others the way he has us.

How did Mark injure his hand (if it's okay to share that info)?  Mark is the best guitar player we've come across on Viking.

2 minutes ago, bluesplayer said:

Are you able to get your room key punched and use a lanyard on Saturn Ocean?  Thank you!!!

I have never tried that, but I find that a self-adhesive card holder stuck to the back of my phone works well.  

9 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

Shore excursions rely on humans to drive and guide. There is a shortage of both pretty much everywhere. What a local tour company promises a year out is not necessarily what they can deliver. People move, quit, get sick. Human infrastructure is the least reliable part of planning.

I think the point is, "what did they know, and when did they know it?"

9 hours ago, SantaFe1 said:

 But this is just plain not honest!

I agree.  I think the notification came a few days after the NW Passage pax could cancel.

And, right, we pay nothing to our agent. We pay Viking directly through ACH. That is what gives us the 3.3% discount. Our agent has nothing to do with these payments. Although she does send a reminder to do that about 10 days in advance. 

2 minutes ago, cruisedreamer2 said:

I'm assuming in that case that you did not get a reduction in the price of the cruise? By paying the agent, he can apply a portion of his commission toward the cost. You just have to weigh whether the savings offered by the agent is greater than the 3.3% deduction. If the agent is only providing a cabin credit, then (I am now learning and thanks for that info) Viking can be paid directly. 

Yes, we use a promo code with the Viking agent.

We get that discount.

The booking is transferred to our travel agent.

We log into MVJ and any excursions or SSBP we book is at the 3.3% discount.

The final payment is a 3.3% discount. 

In addition, we receive refundable OBC from our TA. 

Dear Viking Guest, 

Thank you for choosing Viking for your upcoming Far East & Alaska voyage. We would like to take a moment to advise you of a change in your itinerary.

As you may be aware, schedule or itinerary changes may become necessary due to a number of variables. In this instance, we are unable to secure sufficient motor coaches in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. As a result, we will now spend an additional day in Seward, Alaska in place of Dutch Harbor. The port order has also been slightly revised:

Date

Original Itinerary

Revised Itinerary

May 4, 2024

Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Day at Sea

May 5, 2024

Day at SeaKodiak, Alaska

May 6, 2024

Kodiak, AlaskaSeward, Alaska

May 7, 2024

Seward, AlaskaSeward, Alaska

To see your updated itinerary in full, please visit MyVikingJourney.

A shore excursion program for your additional day in Seward will be available to book shortly on MyVikingJourney. Your Kodiak shore excursion program has been adjusted automatically.

Thank you for your understanding. We trust you will find the alternative arrangements enjoyable.

Should you have any questions regarding this update before your departure, please contact your Travel Advisor or Viking at 1-855-300-3970, between 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM, PT.

We look forward to welcoming you on board and wish you a wonderful journey.

Sincerely,

Viking

On 3/27/2024 at 5:51 PM, MikeyB said:

I admit, I'm confused.

I am on the same cruise as Millybess.  We are doing the North Pacific Passage cruise.

On May 2nd we cross the IDL.  My guest statement from Viking as well as My Viking Journey

only displays May 2nd once.  Shouldn't it be twice?  Sounds like I'm being cheated out of another sea day!

@MikeyB you might want to look at the new itinerary that came in your email.