travelguy19

Since Viking so often offers highly discounted or free airfare, I’ve come to the conclusion that airfare is basically always built into the original price to some degree. So if you are not getting some kind of airfare deal, you are probably overpaying. IMHO 🙂

46 minutes ago, rescuemom said:

another question about the diamond circle vs the natural treasures tour. The diamond one is listed as demanding,and when  when i asked my travel agent to ask why it was listed as demanding they said it included extensive hiking at high altitudes, . Has anyone done this? Any idea how extensive the hiking really is? how far and how rocky? I wish viking would have more specifics on their excursion descriptions. thank you!

You may want to google Diamond Circle. It won’t be the specific Viking version, but it should give you a good idea. One thing I noticed was that the walk to the waterfall for DC was 1 km and somewhat rocky, whereas the NT waterfall is close to where you park. Unfortunately the DC excursion is fairly new to Viking so I haven’t seen many reviews.

 Akureyri port - does anyone have any insight into Northern Iceland’s Natural Treasures vs. The Diamond Circle? Both excursions are the same price (and seem to slightly overlap). Thanks!

2 hours ago, cboyle said:

 

We did three of those and thought they were all very good.

 

For the "Highlights of Montenegro," you take a bus up a windy road (Serpentina) with 25 switchbacks to great views of  the harbor. The mountain the bus climbed is part of Lovćen National Park. We stopped at a taverna in Njeguši for some local wine, cheese, and prosciutto. In Montenegro’s former capital, Cetinje, we visited the museum that was the first and only king of Montenegro’s palace. One of our group of 19 got lost somehow and our guide had to go searching for her while we all sat on the bus for 15 minutes. This was a long (5 hours) tour and we returned to Kotor along the Mediterranean coast, passing several resort areas. It was not so smoky in the mountains and the forested scenery was lovely.

 

John and I had been to Dubrovnik in 2008 with our son and DIL. Then we had all walked the city walls (in the rain) and afterwards John and I took a DIY walking tour of the old city. We enjoyed that enough to do the walking tour on the walls again. The city is much better restored than in 2008, probably due to “Game of Thrones” filming here. Our guide said people call it “King’s Landing” and don’t believe Dubrovnik is a real city. The temps were in the high 80s and it was a bright, sunny day. The pace was pretty slow, but there are a lot of steps and several people had to drop out along the way.

 

The tour to the Krka Waterfalls National Park was offered from several ports, but the one from Sibenik involved the shortest bus ride. The part of the park that we visited had a 1.6 mile circuit of boardwalks and paths around a series of small falls over travertine terraces.

A number of people in our group had to remain at the overlooks at the starting point because making the circuit required climbing up 200 steps at the end. We had the choice of sticking with the rest of the group or going it alone, so we set off by ourselves.

The topography is very interesting—the river is quite wide and shallow as it spreads out over the terraces. The are a number of overlooks to get good views and there is a long footbridge in front of the largest section of the falls. The park was very crowded, so it took time to wait for all the selfies for our chance for a good look. Our guide had told us earlier that it used to be even more crowded before swimming in the falls and pools was forbidden. Although the falls individually are not very high, the overall effect is very attractive and we were glad we had the opportunity to visit this popular sight. This and the hike in Paklenica National Park were our two favorite tours.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks so much for your very detailed reviews! The descriptions always make every excursion sound wonderful, but you never really know. We are leaving on Sunday, so definitely getting excited!

1 hour ago, cboyle said:

 

You're welcome. We took 10 optional tours too, if people have questions about some of them.

 

When we stopped on the walking tours, people were able to find walls, steps, benches, etc. to sit on most of the time. However, we usually did not stop for very long in one spot. If this is a concern for you, you might want to look into a cane with a seat. Those are available at places like Amazon or Walgreens for under $25.

Since you offered, what optional excursions were really good, and what ones were not so great? Here is what I’m currently signed up for:

Malta Capitals, Old & New

Highlights of Montenegro

Dubrovnik City Wall Walk

Highlights of Split Riviera

Krka Waterfalls & Skradin

Comino Sail & Swim

Thanks so much!

34 minutes ago, crochetgirl said:

Newbie question here:

 

We have some Euros from previous trips (not with Viking) that we wish to use for tips on the excursions. However, most of it is in larger bills than what we will need. What are your suggestions on how to break them while we're in the Viking bubble on Malta and Greece? It's not like we can go make a small purchase before we get on board!

 

I would love to hear how others have solved this problem. Thanks!

This will be my first Viking Ocean, but when we did Viking River a couple of years ago, Viking did break down Euros if you asked. I’m hoping Viking Ocean does the same, because it is a problem.

19 minutes ago, gma1 said:

Thanks for all the helpful info! We are starting to "nail bite" on the stress of our PCR tests results. Scheduling 2...following your example of CVS & Walgreen on coming Friday... Interesting that it was checked by United in Orlando.  Someone else said with her Air France flight also!

We are doing the exact same thing - both Walgreens and CVS on Friday. If it makes you feel any better, it seems like most everyone is getting their results back in 24-36 hours.

23 minutes ago, PBtroy said:

Our first morning back from the 8/10 Sea cruise to Montenegro/Croatia.  Catching up with the latest flurry of posts out of curiosity, I thought I'd relate some of our experiences.  Beginning our adventure, United at Sacramento, CA wanted to see everything, printed Malta DPLF, recent PCR test even though not required by Malta, CDC vaccination card.  At Newark, Lufthansa only wanted to see the DPLF.  Our luggage was checked through from Sacramento to Malta.  Arriving in Malta, I carefully watched what the health inspectors were requiring, and people were sailing through with the printed DPLF and what seemed to be their CDC vacc card.  However, a young inspector arrived and waved us over to his desk.  He wanted everything, including having us get out our phones, connect to the airport WIFI, and do the Verifly app thing for the Malta Arrival.  Margaret had no problem, but for some reason there was an issue with my connection.  He ultimately went to his supervisor, and came back and waved us through to board the ship.  Bottom line, and why I'm posting this, is that what you have to show totally varies from written requirements, and depends on the individual official.

 

As was said earlier, in the return, luggage has to be picked up at Newark, and passed through customs which consisted of two bored agents talking and seemingly not looking at any of us.  Then you drop it at the connecting luggage location next to the departure area, and go back in through security to your gate.  In the flight connection Viking set up, we had one hour and forty minutes to do this, and were the last people to board our flight to Sacramento.  By the way, United has apologized for my duffel being shunted to the carousel and says they will ship it to me "real soon".

 

The Cruise was just great, and for us, Viking is right up there with our go-to Oceania.  Margaret likes it a little better overall, while I prefer Oceania small ships.

Regards, Troy

Thanks! Any recommendations for excursions (or ones that weren’t so great)?

10 hours ago, FLORIDA FLOUNDER said:

On the Viking Sea. Arrived yesterday at 11:30am on the Lufthansa charter flight from Newark. Viking had a rep in NY to help with any concerns. The only items needed at the Malta airport were passport, vaccination card and that Malta digital health form. They never asked to see our negative covid tests in Malta but they did in Orlando (where we originally flew from).The whole process was easy peasy as long as you have everything together. It’s a short bus ride to the ship and the check in process was well organized and very fast. 
Hope this helps!😃
I’m attaching today’s Viking Daily.

 

ENJOY!! Curious…. how crowded was the Viking charter? Also, do you know how many passengers are on your cruise? Or how many on the next one? (That’s our cruise 😀).

19 hours ago, crochetgirl said:

For those who have flown the charter from EWR to Malta:

 

How strict are airline personnel in checking the weight of the carry-on bag?? I am hoping that it might be more relaxed since the plane probably will not be full.

 

Thanks for your insight!

I asked a similar question in a FB travel group. The responses were that it depends on the particular flight and airport agent, but in general, Lufthansa is very strict on size and weight. Carry on weight limit is only 17 lbs., and an empty roll aboard is 6-7 lbs. I think I’ve convinced my wife to take a shoulder bag instead. I can only look at Business and Premium Economy seats on the website since that’s what we’re doing, but the charter we are taking had surprisingly very few available seats in those sections ( we are on 8/30 cruise).

3 hours ago, philw1776 said:

Pretty much impossible here to get a timely PCR test for WED night flight to Malta for 9 September. Monday is Labor Day. Tests may be open but lab processing not. Backlog.

Luckily Malta does not require COVID testing, so I’m not going to stress TOO much over it. I have an appointment with CVS about 72hrs before arrival and hoping their 1-2 day result time is accurate. I would like to know for peace of mind. Just in case Malta does require it before we leave (8/29), I also have an appointment with a place that gives same day results (for $200/person). Hopefully all this hassle will be worth it 😀. Our first Viking Ocean cruise (have done River).

1 hour ago, gma1 said:

We have appointments made for the 27th..10:30 am. I hope if any of us are required to produce the PCR test result a few hours will be forgiven!  Some of us are not on the charter either & must transfer to Air Malta on Monday from different places in Europe. Viking has us going through Vienna, Austria. Others through Germany & 1 I read through France. Lets hope all will be acceptable & all this paper work covers all unknowns!!

This always confuses me, but I think with the 6 hour time difference, you are OK? (10:30am is 4:30 pm Malta time). I called an urgent care near me that my neighbor has previously used, but they are now saying it’s closer to 3 days to get the results due to the increased testing due to Delta. I found a place (it’s actually a lab) pretty close to me that can get PCR results back in 5 hours, but it’s $200. You have to file a claim with your insurance to try and get reimbursed. What a mess!

41 minutes ago, disudds said:

Let me get this straight...at this point in time, the only reason to get the PCR test for a Malta arrival is for our own peace of mind. Right? The logistics of getting it within the 72 hour window when flying from the western US (and leaving on a Sunday) are practically impossible.

It’s also in case Malta suddenly changes the rules and requires the test.
 

With all these breakthrough infections, it would be much better to find out that you tested positive before you left, rather than get quarantined in a foreign country. That being said, I am on the East Coast and still trying to figure out the best time to do the test. Your situation is tough. I think they have testing at some of the airports with quick results if you have time.

1 hour ago, FLORIDA FLOUNDER said:

Does anyone know what Viking is doing with us on disembarkation day if your flight isn't until 1:30pm?

I saw somewhere that they took people on a bus tour around Malta for a couple of hours before the airport. 

Printable Passenger Locator Form

N.B. As of Monday 16th August, ONLY THE DIGITAL PASSENGER LOCATOR FORM linked above will be accepted for travel to Malta. The printable Passenger Locator Form below will be INVALID.

22 minutes ago, gma1 said:

So sorry this has happened to you. Doesn't sound like the port excursion guides was very responsible. Was there a Viking employee with you? I have read a couple other reports of non Viking guides not being very strict about distance & such. Worrisome! 

It didn’t happen to me. I copied this post on FB from someone who is currently on the Iceland cruise. Just wanted to pass it along to keep people informed. It does sound like they were not strict enough on this excursion (8 hour tour, by the way).

7 hours ago, geordie_jim said:

 

Hi, I am a little confused about one aspect of preparing the (UK) paperwork for the cruise Malta and the Adriatic Jewels, , specifically the Malta PLF (the digital version I guess) and it's requirement to be linked to the "Verifly Malta Arrival" trip or not. I was merrily printing off the Malta PLF and writing in the details when I came across a post on the roll calls which indicated the digital completion of PLF was the procedure to follow. I tried to investigate and I can not see any email or update from Viking to me which indicates this is required, I have a suspicion that the US customers may have this requirement, but I can't find anything from a Viking UK viewpoint that this is a process we need to follow.  I have downloaded the Verifly app and I am "ready to travel" for "A trip with Viking" but I have not done anything regarding the "Malta Arrival" element of verifly.

 

Any updates on the correct UK procedures are appreciated.

 

We are looking forward to the 23rd AUGUST cruise, does anyone know how many passengers there is likely to be on the ship? I appreciate that bookings are still coming in, but it would be interesting to know current booking levels.

 

Jim and Hilary

Actually, it looks to me like more people are canceling vs. new bookings. I am on the 8/30 cruise, and I see on the website that some cabin categories that were sold out now have some availability. So far, all the Malta/Adriatic cruises have been under 200 passengers. I don’t think that any of them will be over 400 passengers.

32 minutes ago, hutch1994 said:

Just watched her videos that she has been posting on her Facebook page describing what they are going through.  Viking should have stepped in earlier to help them.  Took them 4 days to be contacted by Viking.  Scary fact.

This is everyone’s biggest fear. These breakthrough infections don’t seem that rare. Unfortunately, they didn’t even get to cruise at all. How much is the hotel costing them? Is Viking getting them a flight home when quarantine is over? 

Just now, PeabodyMa said:

Which Malta cruise? Was it the 8/3?

I’m trying to find out more info. I just checked, and the Viking Venus is in Split, Croatia. So either they were taken off the ship before it left Malta, or (hopefully) it’s FB rumor/ misinformation. I apologize if that’s the case.

UH OH… reported on FB:

Four people have been taken off Viking Venus in Malta due to positive testing. Two because someone has tested positive at least twice and has cold symptoms and the two people they were traveling with. Being quarantined in a Malta hotel for 14 days and not getting much help in the situation.

3 hours ago, gma1 said:

Faye & Carl from northern Virginia...near DC. Our 4th Viking Ocean cruise plus 2 Viking river boat cruises. We leave from IAD to Vienna and return on charter. 

We are also on the August 30th cruise… Gary & Carol from suburbs outside of Philly. It’s our first Viking Ocean, we have done one River. We are on the Newark charter RT.

50 minutes ago, ebtrip said:

A big thanks to all the Malta cruisers.. just finished Malta Health survey and VeriFLY.. all your helpful hints made it easier then it would have been.✈️🚢👌

Does the Malta VeriFLY and the Malta forms have to be done in a particular order? I think someone posted that you needed to fill out the Malta PLF form (and get a QR code) before the Malta VeriFLY? I also remember someone said you couldn’t fill out the Malta PLF until you had a negative PCR test to upload? So confusing 😀.

1 hour ago, Azulann said:

Sorry about my above post. Don’t know how to delete it 

 

new question : has anyone been booked on direct flight from Newark to Malta  for your upcoming cruise ?

hope book the Western Med Oct 12 -18 Malta to Barcelona . I really do not want to fly from US to Frankfurt to Malta. That would be three flights in one day. Viking agent could not tell me what flights I would have with Viking  Air. 
thanks!

We are booked RT on Newark-Malta charter for 8/30 cruise. Hoping that this doesn’t change. I believe these were set up special just for the Welcome Back cruises which end the beginning of October. (Yours is a repositioning cruise). There was no Viking Air Plus for these cruises, so you are at their mercy. I went through my TA who did his best to make sure we got on the charter.

1 hour ago, FirstTimeFreddy said:

Viking Daily - Day 5 - Dubrovnik, Croatia

20210727_230834.pdf 3.59 MB · 12 downloads

Thanks! What happened to the City Wall Walk excursion?