millybess

We have done this a number of times at dinner in the alternative restaurants. Viking's bottles of wine are much nicer than their wine by the glass offerings with many more choices. Even without the discount, Viking's prices per bottle are very good. The SSBP discount just makes it that much better.

I will add that Viking’s tenders won’t be used. It was explained to us by the Viking GM that all the tenders are local and are operated by the Santorini Boatmen’s Association which is a union organization in control of transferring passengers. Their tenders are also larger.

The ship is Viking Orion. And, yes, it might well be because there are multiple segments. It was suggested on the roll call that there would be a meet and mingle for every segment.

That would be lovely! I wish we could get there in time to join you. Beautiful photo BTW. Enjoy!

Not necessarily. The organizers on the Grand Pacific Explorer roll call thought they could get something organized. They had an extensive, ongoing spreadsheet with first and last names, embarkation ports, home cities, cabin numbers, etc., but yesterday Viking said no to the meet and mingle. They are planning to have an informal meet and greet in the EL 8th today. I hope it works out for them because a lot of work has been put into this. It's a multi-leg voyage and we've been following it because we are on the Hong Kong to Vancouver legs. Hopefully we'll be able to meet up with some of them.

Will do! Thanks. 🙂

We would be very interested on your take on "old world" wine tasting. Enjoy!

I agree with you on that. We, in Canada, also use the metric system. Having grown up with the Imperial system, I consider myself "bilingual" in both measurement and temperature, with a bit of French thrown in for good measure. 😉

JMO, that's a lot of personal information you might not want to have out there. We organized it on our roll call with just our first names -- no spreadsheet, no formal invitations. Once we met up, many of us exchanged more personal information: email addresses, etc.

On our Amazon cruise a few weeks ago we arranged a meet and greet for the "Brazil E-Visa Survivors". DH and I talked to Guest Services as soon as we boarded and told them we wanted to meet informally at the Explorers Lounge 8th deck and that we were expecting around 24 people. No problem. That night I received a call from the Guest Services Manager telling me that they would like to take over the hosting duties. The next afternoon they had closed off the 8th deck EL for a "Private Party". There were appetizers, drinks, 2 dedicated servers and, of course, many officeers showed up along with the Cruise Director. Speeches were made. Around 30 people showed up. It was a lot of fun and it was nice to get to know the people we had been talking to online (and also sharing misery) for some time and it made a big difference for that cruise. Viking went way above and beyond our expectations.

help@cruisecritic.com

I really like that table. It's nice to stroll by and maybe find a corresponding piece on your way to somewhere else.

We do this all the time. It works for us, but I know others here have said it doesn't work for them.

@aungrl Cruise Critic was down today at one point. Later in the afternoon, when it was back online, I started getting notifications.

This chart was an excellent idea. Very helpful. 👍

And an amazing cheese steak and chicken wings. Very yummy and our first go to when we board.

Actually, we found it quite enjoyable to join the queue. It's a fun way to get to know others. One time the line was so long, that the F&B Manager said some of us could go to Chef's Table. Most stayed put.

The Restaurant is first come, first served. If you want to eat between 6-6:30, make sure you get there very early. By 6:00 the line up is well past the elevators.

Same. Yes, there seems to be a problem.

Haha! Wings and pizza. Not a bad view here, but not as nice as yours. Enjoy!

So close. 😊

That's exciting. Better than watching TV @Jim Avery 😉

As @lackcreativity said, don't fret. As far as dining goes, it will work out.😊

That might be difficult. Often they offer discounted or free airfare, free Silver Spirits Beverage Package. Also we have found that their fares increase on popular itineraries as the departure date nears. By then some have already chosen their dining venues and times. What you are proposing would create a lot of confusion.

Absolutely agree with you! I've been in touch with folks on the HAL WC. They have had their new schedule for a while now and are already talking about their excursion choices. I do agree with @Hanoj post above; the cruise ship rerouting must be difficult for the individual lines. But I don't know very much about that.