KBs mum

It's all electronic. Actual stamps are rare now. You are unlikely to need to take your passport with you at every port. We've got three actual stamps in our current passports, Schengen, USA and Russia. No other countries bothered with them

Pack as you would for a stay in a 4* hotel in whichever part of the world you are going to. Pack outfits that are comfortable enough for excursions but snart enough for evenings, smart casual. Two pairs of shoes smart but comfortable, and comfortable but reasoably smart. There's nothing special about clothing for cruises, just meet any dress codes and dress for expected weather

We avoid the lot of them, they are average at best. We don't need to be entertained, we can occupy ourselves. We'd prefer no music or 'entertainment', other than the lectures.

Not true, there are differences, manly between forward and aft, also minor between decks. The aft ones have smaller bathrooms and bigger balconies. Layouts differ in bedrooms, lounges and window location. Equal but different. Looking at the room virtual tour is best when choosing

If not sure of lunch availability we just have a sizeable cooked breakfast, full English/Scottish/welsh/irish not being available, we improvise. Room service is available if we return hungry before evening food service starts

ADA compliant to operate in US coastal waters and for the majority US customers, shows reasonable adaptation to be compliant in Europe, there being so many countries involved worldwide nobody is bothered as long as some adaptions are shown. The accessible facilities in the US don't meet UK legislation, to the point we dont bother booking or looking for them, so we don't book those rooms on Viking. Boooking first then asking about things not usually allowed is normal, I explained why. This is not unusual. If you are in North America you are only risking $50, hardly an issue, a decent TA will hold the booking for you at their risk while getting the answer. I realise you are dealing with a very nasty progressive condition, but working with an occupational therapist to develop 'coping strategies' will help you get as much travel freedom as possible. This is why I have the wheelchair and a scooter, using whichever is easiest in the circumstances, KBs Dad doing a fine job of helping on any steep bits. If you want to stay overnight at a friend's house they won't have adapted facilities, my rehab team made us stay in a small not adapted suite in the hospital to show we could cope with whatever. Not easy at the time but useful. Can also go up and down steps in wheelchair or on behind.

All accommodation providers who have several levels of room have the accessible ones in a mid range. Normally the lowest level that is physically big enough to allow a wheelchair to fit around the furniture. Viking is only ADA compliant, so adaptations are minimal by most European standards, nothing to worry about missing out on for most. Disabilities vary, you complain about being forced to book a larger room, yet others, including myself could book the smallest with no major problems. Viking's policy about scooters is fairly standard for providers where scooters are not normally permitted. Permission does depend on itinerary and room type. They aren't going to give permission only for you to book a room or itinerary that is going to create problems. After 10+ years of Viking cruises, river and ocean, I still need to fill out the fitness to travel and wheelchair/scooter permission paperwork. Same as I need to for airlines, sleeper trains and some ferries. It is a routine part of travel. You are taking this personally, when it isn't, Viking have arrived at their policy after years of experience, it is to prevent issues. It applies for all their ships, boats, land transport and airline bookings. Some itineraries include air or land segments where third party policies need to be taken into account. They are open about not being very suitable for those with mobility problems, the ADA rooms are there purely to comply with the letter of the law. The stepped ramps stop them actually being accessible as most would understand it. Their business model is aimed at older physically active people, and it works well for them, they won't change it while the ships are full. Ultimately you do have a choice of rooms to book. Book one with another company who's business model and infrastructure meet your needs. Same as we and many others do

We've cancelled excursions within the 48 hours after getting accurate or more detailed information from guest services, and have been refunded. It was within the 48 hours as the excursion was the day after embarkation. Google Street view is a good resource for surfaces and step info, I also use searches on Facebook and Internet for photos and videos taken by visitors to wherever it is. You may find independent easier, as you can go at your own pace, prioritise what you want to see, rest and return to the ship whenever you choose. You also won't have to struggle on and off buses

There's usually a stop at a random church, and if out over lunch time there will be an hour stop for that. If in a town we leave them to it and meet back at the bus at a prearranged time

Nobody refunds deposits if you cancel because you want to take an item that isn't allowed, or don't meet the fitness to travel requirements. In our case we know the wheelchair is travel compatible, so we book with confidence. Read the cancellation policy to see if booking with whoever it is will be a financial risk. Scooters are listed as not usually allowed by Viking. I have not encountered any admin fees for the fitness to travel approval or booking deposit, check the T&C page for your country to see what you should be charged

Read the information on Viking's website relating to mobility/medical equipment, and disabilities. Comply with that, you'll have no problems. Anything else you have to get permission for, this is standard procedure for ships, trains and aircraft, and not discriminatory. Often the problem with scooters is the lithium batteries, and size. It's also normal to book then sort out any arrangements for equipment. If the website of whatever company says yours may not be allowed, you either book with another provider, or chance it. You probably will be allowed it if the battery is OK to go on an aircraft and the charger isn't surge protected. You will also need to be able to get it into/out of and on/off transport and the ship with no assistance. If the scooter is a travel scoot or similar, or one of the folds into a case type you should be fine, there should be a page in the manual with the battery info required

I've got a travelscoot, but only use it if taking our car. It's too much of a hassle otherwise, so I use a lightweight folding wheelchair for travel instead. It has to be approved via a fitness to travel form for Viking, and a similar form for airlines

Accessibility depends on the specific needs of the person. Scooters may not be allowed, but have had no problems with my lightweight folding wheelchair. Years of experience as somebody with a spinal injury means that with help from husband I/we can cope in any hotel room. Viking is as good as any other accommodation provider

The descriptions are so vague as to be useless, a proper accessibility statement for each is needed. I use a wheelchair, distance on a level surface is no problem, a short distance on gravel is. For a lot of people the reverse is true.

I agree with those who ask that people do basic research and are then realistic about their capabilities. Having bought a lightweight folding wheelchair and after checking transport compatibility, it's annoying to have to wait for people too stubborn to accept they need mobility equipment