emileg

We were on the Octantis in February. The glasses of wine that were available for the Silver Spirits Package (SSP) were ALL priced at $8.00 a glass. Even though the package allows for more expensive wines by the glass, the better wines are only sold by the bottle. Some of these $8 wines were good, none were great and most were mediocre. In fact, some of the "house wines" that are available to everyone were as good as if not better than the wines priced by the glass.

We had the SSP included in our fare, which also allowed for bar drinks. However, if we had to do it over again and it was not included in a promotion, we would skip the SSP on future cruises.

We also found that once you found some house wines you like, the staff was happy to get it for you, even on a day that it is not being officially served.

The only issue we had with Cabin 3000 on the Octantis was the noise and vibration from the bow thrusters. We were not disturbed by noise of people going to the bow. Of course, being so far forward, you certainly feel the ship's movement more, especially yaw.

3 hours ago, mjdenn said:

We had room 3001 when we went to Antarctica.  I don't believe that the public spaces will  cause any issues with noise.  There is a crew entry door nest to each cabin. 

When we were onboard they were prepping Octantis for dry dock and there was traffic starting at 6 AM.  We spoke to guest services and by the afternoon the issue was resolved and virtually the entire guest services team knew of the issue,  The mark of a great cruise line is how they handle problems and Viking did a great job,  I wouldn't worry.

thank you for your input on cabins 3000 and 3001. When did the Octantis go into dry dock? Do you know what they were supposed to work on during dry dock. I was hoping they would install stair rails on the Aula, as they have on the Polaris. We board the ship in 16 days and counting!

I chose Cabin 3000 on the Octantis precisely because it is next door to the Shelter, in order to get outside quickly in case of a sighting.

On 12/13/2023 at 1:03 PM, disudds said:

We've been following Antarctic cruises on CruiseMapper and it appears that both the Octantis and Polaris left Antarctica a day early and didn't really go past Cape Horn. At first we thought it was weather, remembering last year's December accident, but other ships seem to be navigating fine. Anyone have any intel on what's going on down there? We sail next month and are very excited!

According to expeditioners who are on that sailing, as they reported on the other social media site, the decision was made to return a day early to Ushuaia due to anticipated weather. Passengers were to be provided with tours for their extra day in Ushuaia.

On 11/6/2023 at 6:36 PM, sbp59 said:

How much cash should we bring?

 

My wife and I are nearing the start of our Nov. 15, 2023 Antarctic Explorer trip on the Octantis.  Since there are no port dockings on this voyage, there are only the one day in Buenos Aires (between flights), and the two partial days in Ushuaia.  For the 11 days on board, I assume most expenses are charged to our account or are conveniently paid by credit card.   So how much cash makes sense to bring on a trip like this?  In particular, for the day in Buenos Aires?

I would suggest that if you tip the crew above and beyond the prepaid gratuities, you will need cash for that. Because of the extremely high inflation rate in Argentina, use either U.S. dollars or a credit card. I would not bother with pesos at this time. I would probably take about $500 with us, whether we use it or not.

Have a wonderful expedition and safe travels.

I copied this post from another social media site's Antarctic Photography Group. From Oceanwide Expeditions: As of October 26, South Georgia authorities have received reports of bird flu cases at Hound Bay. Due to its proximity to our usual landing sites at St. Andrews Bay and Ocean Harbour, these sites are temporarily closed for further testing. As of October 30, South Georgia authorities have also temporarily closed all of Royal Bay to landings pending further investigation.

This announcement is from another expedition company, but I imagine Viking will have to follow similar rules.

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/page/bird-flu-safety-protocols?fbclid=IwAR0U0XwUeTuDbb2-iye_bDG2qiClZJod-Otv9xKW47814_ciyLJ6szF5cAU

13 hours ago, Mike07 said:

 

 

They compliment CC well though this community is much more loose with acceptable content. That group, you post outside of their rules it'll be gone in a new York minute.

That's true. I posted some information at the other place regarding the bird flu on South Georgia Island and its effects on expedition landings. While not removed, it was turned off for comments, as they don't permit speculation. In my next post, I am re-posting here what I posted there.

I tried to post this picture on the other social media's Viking Antarctic Expeditions group, but it was taken down because it was considered irrelevant to the group's purpose. We don't have such rigid rules. Enjoy.

This work was painted by my eight and half year-old granddaughter Lilah. She said it represents Antarctica "with Northern Lights." I call it the picture "Southern Lights." I have Lilah's permission to share it.

On 10/22/2023 at 10:06 AM, WAVTAM said:

I'm a retired physician and have submitted three times with reply receipt. Never heard from them. I have printed and filled out the forms and just told quest services that I will have in hand when boarding.

You are in good company. The non-recognition of medical form submission appears to be an ongoing problem for Viking expedition passengers, including two years ago when we were supposed to take the Octantis to Antarctica, but were quarantined in Miami due to a false positive Covid test. From other social media sites, I hear the problem is widespread.

On 9/25/2023 at 2:16 PM, mgatc said:

This was posted on one of my Facebook groups. 
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/bird-flu-penguin-antarctica-virus-pandemic-argentina/

Yes, thanks for sharing this information here. I have been thinking about it. Even if we are not permitted to go on land, I figure the most we would be losing is four hours, assuming an hour a day on shore for four days. We are on the South Georgia Island expedition that spends four days instead of seven in Antarctica. Thus, most of our activities would be on the ship anyway. Time will tell. But what is most important is protecting wildlife.

On 8/11/2023 at 10:23 AM, kchand said:

Don't forget to get the Rolled Ice Cream table next to the Gelato.

Oh boy! I can see the pounds now gained from the ice cream, but lost from trekking on land!

On 7/23/2023 at 6:14 PM, irishwitchy said:

Thanks to those that have actually been on the expedition ship in the  Antarctic.  The pre booking doesn’t apply to those ships at all - hence my question.  I may need to rethink my cabin choice.  If I’m not going to jump the queue,  I can think of other things to do with the significant difference in money.   Thanks, all.  

We were supposed to be on an Antarctic expedition in February 2022, but due to one of us getting a false positive covid test, we were quarantined in Miami. For that cruise, we booked the Penthouse Verandah. However, for our upcoming South Georgia Island, Falklands and Antarctic expedition, we decided to book a DN6, where you have the same priority bookings as a DN1. We are saving $12,000 by not booking the penthouse verandahs. In 2022, the prices for the penthouse were only a couple of thousand more.

For people on expeditions that leave from Argentina, you might be interested in a PBS program called "Great Performances". This season there is a show called NOW HEAR THIS that explores the life and  music of Argentina's greatest composer, Astor Piazzolla, and the music behind the Tango. Well worth watching and can help one appreciate Buenos Aires even more so.

This program can be streamed for those who have PBS Passport. If you don't have this marvelous app that gives you access to decades of programming, you can get a one-year subscription by donating at least $60 to your local PBS station.

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/now-hear-this-piazzollas-history-with-tango-about/14573/

I thought I would revive this thread as the last post was on January 22. I have noticed other more detailed expedition threads have emerged, showing there is still interest. I still wish that Cruise Critic would set up a separate forum for Viking Expeditions instead of including the topic under Viking Ocean.

We had a very vibrant thread here, up to 29 pages. Not sure why it has gone dark for almost two months. I understand there is another very active discussion taking place on other social media. Yet, I do believe there is still room for discussion on Cruise Critic, especially with the delivery of the Polaris and another Antarctic season under way.

One interesting itinerary includes not only Antarctica, but also the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island. There are 17 nights on the Octantis. Dates are 29 October, 2023 and 31 January, 2024. We booked the latter date.

2 hours ago, FLORIDA FLOUNDER said:

Can anyone who is going to the Antarctic soon kindly take a screen shot of excursions offered and post them? Shore excursion booking doesn't open until November 10th for my sailing and I'd love to see what's available. Thanks! 😃

Viking's Antarctica expeditions do not have typical shore excursions that are planned in advance. The schedule is very flexible depending on weather and other ships positions. They wish to give us the illusion that we are all alone on Antarctica. I am pasting a post from another site. I have left out the poster's name because I am uncertain whether she would want her name listed here.

"I can only speak for our February 26 sailing, but this is how it was for us.

"First, keep in mind that on your expedition cruise to Antarctica, there are not typical shore excursions as you have probably experienced on ocean and river cruises. That's because there is no planned itinerary and no ports. Where your ship goes will be dependent on the weather and sea conditions. During the first season, we were all put into groups (my husband and I were the Fin Whales). Each evening the schedule for the next day's landings was published in the Viking Daily (a newsletter that will be delivered to your stateroom each evening), with each group given its own landing time. The landings took place throughout the day. And the landing times for each group varied from day to day. Sometimes we went out in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon. It was all very well organized, and everyone went out on one landing each day (although our captain squeezed in a second landing on our last day in Antarctica!). Landings last about 1 1/2 hours so that everyone has the opportunity each day (Antarctica law allows just 100 on land at one time).

"The special activities (kayaks, Special Operations Boats, submersibles, lab tours, etc.) also took place throughout the day. During our sailing, reservations for these special activities opened up at 6 p.m. the night before, and reservations were first come, first served; they were not based on stateroom category. We could sign up using the television in our stateroom, in person at Guest Services on Deck 1, or using the Viking app on our phone (highly recommended!).

"In addition, there were also educational lectures and films scheduled in The Aula theater throughout the day that are open to all with no reservations needed.

"There were a couple of activities on our sailing (overnight camping trip with 10-12 people and a trial run of the submersible with about 6 people) that were by invitation only. I don't know how people were chosen for those, bit it was likely by stateroom category.

"Of course, things may be completely different this season. You'll have to let us know! "

2 hours ago, CharTrav said:

That's just what I need. As I said she's a Viking TA - she works for Viking. Which is why I said this is amusing. Thanks!

Oh! Got it.

4 hours ago, Pmctexas said:

Hi - I'm considering 2023 Polaris Chilean Fjords cruise and wonder if folks that have been booked in the "N" category rooms were able to get seats on the Special Operations Boat and Zodiacs ?

I assume higher room categories get first choice but would not want to miss out experiencing them..

I'm open to any other advice from prior Expedition travelers...

Thanks

Although we were unable to sail due to a positive covid test, I follow another thread about Viking expedition cruises on a popular social media site. People who were actually on the Antarctica expeditions said that there is no advance sign up for excursions as they may never know  where the ship will be. Even though people in higher cabin categories got first dibs, everyone got to do everything they wanted. How it would be on a fixed Chilean cruise, I have no idea.

5 hours ago, CharTrav said:

you folks may find this amusing but for those of you who’ve done or will be doing Antarctica - I have a question from my Viking TA. When are you asked to provide the sizes for your boots, jackets, and pants? How close to sailing? And yes - I'm amazed this info isn't provided to her.  Thanks!

As I recall, about two months prior to sailing you get email with the link to place the orders for boots and clothing. However, as we booked directly through Viking, I am uncertain whether Viking will email you directly or through your travel agent. 

8 hours ago, eddieg07410 said:

I just read that Viking runs a Galapagos extension after all but giving up the idea of touring the Galapagos. My wife and I both have slight balance issues and were advised by a Celebrity representative that the trek through the islands and getting in an out of the inflatable boats might be too treacherous as the guide and staff do not offer much support. I was wondering if Viking being Viking might offer more, and make it a possibility for my wife and I.

We took a Celebrity expedition cruise through the Galapagos. While I didn't have balance issues, I did have ankle problems. There is usually an easy tour and a difficult tour to choose from at each landing. On some excursions, you just stay on the dingy and have great views from there.

I chose the more challenging tours and the crew could not have been more helpful. They made absolutely sure that I could meet any challenge I wished to. Sometimes two or three people would help me traverse the rocks getting from the Zodiacs to land, as well as steep inclines. There was always plenty of assistance getting in and out of the Zodiacs.  Cruise employees land side often have no idea what it is like on these expeditions. Best wishes.

On 9/2/2022 at 8:22 AM, Australia08 said:

 

Thank heavens. Any idea when disembarkation does take place?

From what I understand from those who have were on the Antarctic expeditions on the Octantis, disembarkation is after breakfast, just as with any other cruise line. That allows time for the crew to clean the ship and get it ready for the next passengers. Since the charters were to and from Miami for the first Antarctic season of the Octantis, passengers were provided with a very nice tour and then dropped off at the airport for red-eye flights to Miami.

Hopefully, with this upcoming season, the charter flights will leave from and return to Buenos Aires. I would have no idea what times those charters will leave, but the best guess is in the morning so that people can catch their evening flights home leaving from Buenos Aires.

On 8/30/2022 at 9:56 AM, Australia08 said:

We are disembarking the Octantis (Antarctic Explorer Jan 17-29) and noticed that our disembarkation begins at 12:00 am on the 29th. Will they be sending folks off at midnight for the charter back to Buenos Aires?  Our guest statement says not to make air arrangements before 5:00 am. Does anyone know if there will be multiple charters?  We are spending extra time in Buenos Aires after the cruise so won’t be flying out to the US that day, but I’m certainly hoping we don’t have to disembark at midnight in Ushuaia!  

Fortunately, they are not disembarking at midnight. This error has existed for over a year. Ignore it.

With 47 cruises over as many years, we have managed to bypass cruise-line arranged air. And this is for all the reasons that have been mentioned above.

We play the points game by having numerous credit cards that allow us to accumulate enough mileage in a year to typically have two or more round-trip international business class flights for both of us. The trick is to charge every single thing on a credit card. Yes, the premium cards can be pricey, but the rewards far outweigh the annual fees. And if you own your own business, or are self-employed, and use the cards for business expenses, these fees are tax deductible.

Some credit cards give you five points per dollar for airfare. Some five points per dollar for cellular and cable companies, as well as office supply stores where you can purchase gift cards for other online and brick and mortar retailers. Other cards give you four points for groceries and restaurants. Still other provide three points for any travel-related expense including taxis, tolls and parking, among others. Then there are cards that give you 1.5 to 2 points for everything else, such as insurance.

Of course, you have to be able to pay your bill in full each month. Otherwise, the finance charges will far outweigh the savings. Since I most likely not permitted to mention where I learned all these methods, just google in one search individual words like "the", and "points", and "guy."

23 hours ago, foser22 said:

I saw that one too!!  I really want to see both South Georgia Island and the Falklands, so that itinerary interests me alot!  I'm nervous about sailing through Drake's Passage though.  I have a tendency to get seasick!

We would be finishing up our Arctic adventure on the Polaris in a few days.  We were disappointed that one was cancelled.

 

It is a great itinerary. I started a roll call for the January 31,3024 cruise.
 

Your concern about mal de mar is warranted. I have heard from those who were on the Octantis earlier this year that the stabilizers worked well. Can’t hurt to take some meclazine as a precaution.

It’s a bummer your cruise was canceled.