SailorPaulH

21 hours ago, rljan said:

Hallgrimskirkja is a must see.  Also the statue of Leif Eriksson which was given to the people of Iceland by the U.S. government.  As a side note, the plaque on the statue ( in true American style ) misspelled Eriksson. (Ericsson).  Also make sure you eat the national favorite food, pylsur. The Icelandic hotdog with all fixins.

Agree on Hallgrimskirkja. Just watch out for variations on opening hours that can happen on certain days and with certain services. Here is a link to information on access to the tower.

https://www.hallgrimskirkja.is/is/um-kirkjuna/opnunartimar-og-turn

Also nearby is Cafe Loki - we had good eats there one lunchtime.

https://loki.is/

3 hours ago, philw1776 said:

Dear Viking Guest,

When I last wrote to you in January, I promised to keep you updated as we continue to assess our COVID-19 protocols and make adjustments. Since then, conditions around the world have improved dramatically—case counts are falling, and countries are lifting travel requirements.

With these developments in mind, I am pleased to let you know that we are relaxing some of our protocols beginning April 1, 2022. Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of all those on board our ships will always be our top priority. The updates to the Viking Health & Safety Program outlined below are simply a reflection of how we are evolving our operations as a result of lower prevalence rates and eased local restrictions in many of the destinations to which we sail.

Effective for voyages departing April 1, 2022 and until further notice:

Face masks are no longer required for guests while traveling with Viking.

Once you have submitted your first COVID-19 test sample, you may explore the ship while wearing a mask. Upon receipt of negative test results of your embarkation test, you may remove your mask.

While on board, face masks are optional for the duration of your voyage.

While ashore, we recommend that you wear a face mask, and masks may be required in some countries to comply with local regulations.

Note: Our staff and crew will continue to wear masks, as will local guides and motorcoach drivers.

COVID-19 booster dose is not required – but is strongly recommended for all guests when eligible.

To travel with Viking, all guests must be "fully vaccinated" at least 14 days prior to traveling.

As an added layer of protection, Viking recommends that, when eligible, guests receive a booster dose prior to traveling.

Note: While Viking does not require a booster for guests, many countries do require a booster (for entry and to visit attractions, dining facilities and event venues) and the details will vary. We will continue to keep you informed of the specific requirements for your itinerary by e-mail, in MyVikingJourney.com and on our website—in the Pre-Cruise Requirements found at the resources tab of your itinerary.

Additionally, as a reminder, all guests can now explore independently while ashore in most countries—complementing their Viking-hosted shore excursions. Please note that restrictions in some cities and countries may change before or during your visit.

As the world emerges from the pandemic, we expect that travel safety guidelines will keep evolving—and we will continue to make adjustments as necessary. We firmly believe there are very few places one can go that are as safe as a Viking ship—where every person is fully vaccinated and is tested up to daily.

On behalf of the entire Viking family, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Sincerely,

Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono, M.D.

Viking Chief Health Officer

Great news and thank you for posting! If I may ask - where did you see this? I looked in my MVJ account and I don't see it - please give me a pointer.

Now if they would just drop the daily tests and the pre-flight tests 🙂

3 hours ago, longterm said:

Leaving Kotor

Longterm - nice job with the photos and updates: I'm enjoying them, and we're thinking this could be a cruise we go on ourselves in the future. Two questions: you did your own Rome pre-cruise extension, right? How about Athens - are you doing extension (Viking or self?). Thanks.  

2 hours ago, PBodek said:

Hello!

We're scheduled for "Ultimate Iceland" a 5 day pre-cruise extension in June. While the extension does include many excursions there are parts of days where we are on our own for exploring and dining.  We are staying at the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel.  We're on our own the whole first day.  Any recommendations for sightseeing and dining within walking distance of the hotel?  On day three we travel to Snaefellsnes and are staying at the Fransiskus Hotel.  Sights and dining there?  Thanks so much for any input.

Here is a link to a previous post for a few ideas for Reykjavik ..

38 minutes ago, millybess said:

We are sailing in May and we booked our shore excursions and dining reservations at the appropriate time for our cabin level.  

Question: were you able to see and review your shore excursion options prior to your date of being able to book them?

I have to say that Hagen made major improvements on the original 9th-11th century business plan.....

VIKING CRUISES (pre-Hagen)

NEW! 21-day voyage of discovery and acquisition on the Viking Homelands to England and Scotland cruise.
Sail on the Viking Mjolnir (48 crew/'passengers') - a fully immersive, all-included experience (note that subject to weather conditions, some additional physical exercise (rowing, fishing) may be required.
Viking Mjolnir Deck Plan:
DECK ONE: Sleeping quarters
DECK ONE: Dining and Bar
DECK ONE: Observation Deck
Payment: 1 goat, two sheep (must be paid in full 2 years in advance).

Accomodation: all-inclusive, deck level accommodation (exceptional ocean-view and starry vistas) with authentic sheep-skin blankets provided for comfort. All meals included:

• Breakfast: Waffles, Lamb, Fish, Beer
• Lunch: Lamb, Fish, Beer
• Dinner: Lamb, Fish, Beer
• Supper: Beer

Embarkation and daily testing is required: You must pass a strength and attitude test each morning. You agree to quarantine (permanent) at the next port of call if you fail said test.

DAY ONE: Depart our Homeland, sail the North Sea
DAY TWO: Sail the North Sea
DAY THREE: Sail the North Sea
DAY FOUR: Sail the North Sea (hey it's a sailing ship, remember?)
DAYS FIVE through SIXTEEN: Included tours are.... Raid and Pillage the English and Scottish coasts at ports of call subject to weather conditions and acquisition opportunities. Visit monasteries, castles and villages and acquire forever treasured momentoes of your once in a lifetime visit to these fabled lands. Tours are demanding (and may involve many hours of standing, walking and swinging heavy objects above your head). Return each night to your beach encampment and eat at the included Chef's Tables where you will learn to butcher and cook fresh ingredients acquired on-shore that very day - for example: lamb, fish, beer). Any beer captured on-shore may be brought on board.
DAY SEVENTEEN: Sail the North Sea (take advantage of on-board discounts for future expeditions: upcoming voyages include Kicking Ass in the Baltics and Russia, and Mediterranean Mayhem).
DAY EIGHTEEN: Sail the North Sea
DAY NINETEEN: Sail the North Sea
DAY TWENTY: Sail the North Sea
DAY TWENTY-ONE: Return in glory to the Homeland.  

1 hour ago, Jim Avery said:

SDJ, a creative idea but Viking already has plenty of Grannies with butterfly, etc. tattoos.  I think a shooting range maybe would pack em' in....😱

Axe-throwing may be more on brand 😅

3 minutes ago, gbldcl said:

Once before I had an alert to view a new document, so I looked at it but did not print it. When I went back later to look at it again it was gone. I had to call Viking and have them send me a copy. Apparently this glitch is known to them but has not been fixed. If you want a copy, call them and ask them to send you the Pre departure doc dated March 4.

Same happened to me once. Instead, just 'Save to a PDF' in your print options and you have it on file.

According to cruisemapper.com Orion is en route to Cozumel, Mexico after leaving Key West.

12 minutes ago, tigger8792 said:

I 100% agree with you.  We are thinking about do the same thing.  Our ship leaves on June 15th from Athens, but we arrive in Athens on June 12th.  Our flight and stay in Athens is independent.  Our Pre-Departure Check List say the same thing and how many people are going to read all the FAQs.

Can you look and see if you can still see your Pre-Departure Check List PDF file (my last visible one was dated 3/1/22). I just looked in MVJ and can no longer see mine.

13 minutes ago, PRH said:

Did you pull up the FAQ?  It is hidden in there under testing.  Ours still says “if traveling independently..” a pcr or antigen test is required before boarding.

Yeah, I see that now. If that remains the case, we can get an antigen test at the Oslo airport on arrival day (although I wonder if the written answer [with name/title of a rep] I got to the specific question I asked them will override this). Somehow, I think there are more changes coming over the next few weeks/months - so patience is a virtue I need to develop on this matter!

1 hour ago, biggerbearmom said:

As you can see from our departure requirements, it only mentions the outbound flight.

 

I see the same on my March 1st update for Norway - also only mentions the outbound flight.

I searched through resources, and there is no longer any mention of additional testing prior to first "Viking activity" if traveling independently. To eliminate any confusion, I got the following in writing from Viking, when I questioned them regarding my planned 1 day deviation before scheduled pre-excursion ... and I quote ...

"Thank you for your recent online inquiry.  We hope this finds you and your family well. Currently Viking requires that all guests need to have either a PCR test 72 hours, or an Antigen test 24 hours,  prior to boarding your first outbound flight from the US.  Once you arrive at your pre extension hotel, depending upon the requirements at the time of your itinerary, you may be tested there. You will be tested again when arriving at the ship." 

For my own situation I will decipher it as follows:

• Get PCR test on morning of Tuesday 6/28 (will satisfy 72-hour Viking requirement)
• Fly from USA to Oslo, Norway on evening of Thursday 6/30 -> arrive late-morning of Friday 7/1 (local time)
• We are doing an overnight independent stay (deviation) on Friday 7/1
• Meet up with Pre-extension program some time on Saturday 7/2 "you may be tested there" (see above)
• Embarkation in Bergen, Norway on Wednesday 7/6. Boarding Test.

Considering all the different itineraries, countries and their requirements that Viking has to deal with, I think the company is doing a reasonable job of keeping things up-to-date, but as customers I think we do have to be diligent and keep on top of them 🙂

On 3/8/2022 at 9:40 AM, Jim Avery said:

We are with you Twitchly.  Will miss Viking if that happens but will not pay thousands for such "pleasantries".  And if Viking is to be profitable again they need much more than 200-300 passengers.  Even 600 is probably not profitable.  Time will tell.  🍸

I think the protocols Viking originally put in place helped restore confidence in cruising. But with increased vaccination rates (actually 100% for VOC passengers), higher natural immunity, and restrictions being reduced or eliminated at increasing rates, I think Viking's protocols might work against them as competition relaxes its requirements. I won't book another Viking cruise until this onslaught of testing is reduced or eliminated to reflect the prevailing conditions seen in the countries in the cruise itinerary.

I check in with MVJ most days now (I am about 4 months pre-cruise and watching for excursion options) in anticipation of the protocols being reduced .... but no significant changes so far.

OTOH, I should just focus on having a wonderful time with wonderful people in wonderful places.

On 2/8/2022 at 8:44 PM, TinaLee said:

Heard this is changing to allow independent exploration except in Italy. Anyone else heard this? 

I just received an update in MVJ (effective March 1st, 2022) replacing prior update for 2/14/22. The only change I see for this iteration is:

"Guests are able to explore on shore independently while following the requirements in the country they are visiting. Our team will continue to monitor conditions, partnering with local authorities."

This is for a trip to Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland in July 2022.

Quick question for you VOC veterans: If you should miss attending a 'Port Talk' is there access to a recording of it after the fact (on the app? cabin TV?). Thanks.

On 2/17/2022 at 9:14 PM, SailorPaulH said:

More good news: Iceland appears to be dropping all border and domestic restrictions within the next week

 

From Iceland — COVID Roundup: Health Minister May Lift All Border Restrictions In Next Few Days (grapevine.is)

 

From Iceland — Health Minister May Lift All Coronavirus Restrictions In 10 Days Or Sooner (grapevine.is)

In addition, the need to pre-register to visit Iceland has been dropped (same as Norway).

https://visit.covid.is/registration/

18 minutes ago, longterm said:

We can only hope; we leave for Italy on Monday morning, so at this point, we have to:

 

1. Get PCR tests Saturday so we can enter Italy;

2. Get yet another test when we get to the airport in Rome;

3. Get PCR tests on March 3rd so we can get on the ship;

4. Get spit tests when we get on board the ship;

5 thru 18. Get daily spit tests while we're on board;

19. Get a test in Athens when we leave our post-extension hotel so that we can re-enter the US.

So we'll get 19 tests on this trip... 🙂

 

It'll sure be nice when this is no longer necessary, but having had a mild case of Covid, I'm more than willing to do whatever's necessary to help get to the end of this.

It looks like you are just missing out on some simplification ...

https://www.thelocal.it/20220222/latest-italy-to-ease-covid-rules-for-non-eu-arrivals-on-march-1st/

The wife and I fulfil the vax requirements and we both went down with Delta last fall (I tested great for antibodies just recently, my doc wanted me to test) - so I feel confident I will be cruising in relative safety ,,,, but I agree, I can put up with a few inconveniences so that fellow passengers will also feel confident and enjoy their experience. Enjoy Italy and safe travels!

Iceland is dropping all remaining restrictions on Friday 2/25/22. This includes all remaining border restrictions ...

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/iceland-lift-all-covid-19-restrictions-friday-media-reports-2022-02-23/

I will be using Icelandair to go Newark, NJ -> Keflavik (Iceland) -> Oslo in late June for the July 6 Bergen -> Reykjavik cruise. Look at what just got added to the Icelandair web-site.

https://www.icelandair.com/blog/iceland-is-open-faq/

From Friday, February 25, there are no longer any COVID-related border restrictions for travel to Iceland*. All visitors are welcome, with no requirement for a PCR test to board aircraft, or testing or quarantine upon arrival. There is no longer a requirement to present a certificate of vaccination or of prior COVID-19 infection.

(my emphasis)

Could this be the start of more testing relaxation from Viking? Right now, my only requirement for test (before my flight) until I reach the ship is that Viking requires one (Iceland and Norway have discarded their requirements). I recommend everyone keep a watchful eye on their MVJ accounts - things are moving more quickly, it seems.

2 minutes ago, Azulann said:

Please do not wear your bathrobe in pool area. In spa area fine , but not the main pool or infinity pool. I always wear a pair of shorts and t shirt, or a coverup that looks like a sleaveless short dress.

Lot of swimming  bottoms now look like shorts and with those sun guard  swim  shirt tops , they look really nice on men. 

 

Thanks - swim shirt top/swim shorts is great. From what I can tell, I have only one deck of stairs and no eateries between me and pool. Thanks everyone for info.

Is there a changing room/area on Deck 7 for the Main Pool? If not, what is dress protocol to get from your cabin to pool (wear a bath robe over swim wear?) - I know they have some protocols about walking around ship in certain apparel. Thanks.

More good news: Iceland appears to be dropping all border and domestic restrictions within the next week

From Iceland — COVID Roundup: Health Minister May Lift All Border Restrictions In Next Few Days (grapevine.is)

From Iceland — Health Minister May Lift All Coronavirus Restrictions In 10 Days Or Sooner (grapevine.is)

Another update just happened in my MVJ - effective 2/14/22 - 'Before You Go' -> 'Pre-Cruise Embarkation Requirements'. The PDF file has dropped from 4 to 2 pages with significant simplification. Looks like Viking is responding quickly to events.

https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-220214_PreCruiseRequirementO-Norway_US_CAN_UK_AU_NZ_REFORMAT.pdf

19 minutes ago, uktog said:

There is no excuse for that one! 
They are just getting themselves into knots here.  Other cruiselines seem to be managing better from our first hand experience 

Hey all - as someone, personally who will be heading to Norway (and Faroes and Iceland) this year, I came across this useful online tool.

https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions?affiliateId=icelandair

Background for perspective: Personally, I am flying to Keflavik on 6/30/22 with a 1.5 hour wait for a connecting flight to Oslo (arriving 7/1/22) - so I arrive a day before my actual Viking pre-extension starts. When I put my own data in, I get the following results(!):

• Travelers are allowed to transit through Iceland as long they provide the following documentation:

Declaration of exemption from travel restrictions due to transit;

Pre-registration form (my note - this is for Iceland, it is easy I have used it before).;

Flight information – air transit confirmation;

In case of transit via Iceland to another Schengen country, proof of permission to travel to the relevant state.

Travelers must fill out a pre-registration form before traveling. The form must be submitted a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Iceland (my note - see above).

• Travelers are allowed to enter Norway.
• Iceland - No proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results, vaccination, or recovery for transit.
• Norway - No proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results.

The above bullet points are backed up with up-to-date links to relevant government web-sites. As I am using Iceland as a transit point, it appears that I do not need a negative test to satisfy boarding Icelandair flights or to pass through Keflavik. I don't need a negative test to enter Norway (as per Norway government), nor do I need to test on arrival in Norway at Oslo airport (as per Norway government).

As I am travelling independently in Norway (1 day before I join the official Oslo pre-extension) I still have to arrange a test personally on 7/1 or 7/2 before joining extension (first Viking activity) --- only because Viking says so, is the way I understand it as of now. Also I still need a pre-departure test before flying out --- also only because Viking says so, is the way I understand it as of now.

Anyway - bottom line, I just wanted to show the link to this online tool and I how I used it as an example to help understand the changing protocols. Hope you find it helpful.

1 hour ago, uktog said:

I think people really will start to question their approach soon if they don’t ease back. We are now with a virus as transmissible as noro and probably on balance equally as damaging. So needs the same approach as noro not a raft of tests very expensive to the guest. 
Asking you to leave the ship if your positive - well there’s a question. Given Norways current approach I don’t read they will be demanding your disembarkation it’s a Viking thing

Just speculation - but Viking Ocean Cruises ships sail under (registered) the Norwegian flag so that may be a factor. Doesn't Viking defer protocols to the countries into which they sail? I think we will see updates soon: they have followed up on previous government announcements.

On 2/3/2022 at 11:11 AM, SailorPaulH said:

Hey all - it appears that Norway is dropping some of its Covid requirements:

 

I hope I am reading this right as the ever-changing rules cause enough confusion as it is ...

 

https://www.helsenorge.no/en/coronavirus/international-travels

 

"Anyone travelling to Norway must complete the registration form prior to travelling. This also applies to Norwegian citizens.

Unless you can document that you are fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19, you will need to present documentation of a negative test result for the coronavirus on a test taken prior to arriving in Norway.

You do not need to take a test at the border upon or after arrival any longer."

 

"Persons who cannot document that they have been fully vaccinated or have undergone COVID-19, must provide documentation of a negative test result for the coronavirus to entry." (This won't apply to Viking travelers as VOC has a vax + booster policy).

 

This may spur further relaxing updates from Viking (we can hope). Questions include:

1. Will the airline you are using still require a pre-flight test?

2. Will Viking still require a test before a pre-extension (e.g., I am travelling independently in late-June due to a deviation before my planned pre-extension, so will I still need a test once I arrive in Norway and meet up with the extension)?

 

Things are in flux, but we seem to be heading in the right direction!

 

Paul

 

 

Further updates from Norway as per Infection control measures will be repealed on Saturday 12 February - regjeringen.no

"The Government removed many of the corona measures on 1 February. These are some of the most important changes that apply from Saturday 12 February at 10:

• Requirements and recommendations to keep a distance of one meter are repealed.
• The requirement for the use of a face mask is repealed.
• Only adults who have symptoms are recommended to test themselves.
• Insulation requirements are repealed and replaced with a recommendation that infected adults stay at home for four days. This recommendation is assessed on an ongoing basis and is expected to be amended within a few weeks.
• Kindergarten children and school students are advised to stay at home when they are ill, but can go to kindergarten and school as long as they have been fever-free for 24 hours. Children and school students do not have to test themselves if they have symptoms.
• The remaining entry requirements for duty to register and negative test before arrival are revoked."