what empty nest?

We left the Sky the day you boarded! Have been on multiple Viking Ocean Cruises, being seated with unmet friends has never been an option in the Restaurant. We never had reservations for the Restaurant, were always seated immediately.

Things we have heard from several crew members on ( so far) two Ocean cruises: Viking provides free wifi for the crew. On other lines, these people far from home for MONTHS have to PAY to use the Internet. Also have heard on Ocean and River that Viking promotes from within. We had a great conversation with a waiter in the World Cafe, who said he started with Viking as an overnight dishwasher, and was not sure he'd be able to last out his first contract, much less sign another. But someone must have noticed how hard he worked without complaining, because he was offered a promotion for his next contract, and was excited about working his way up to Restaurant Manager in the fullness of time.

Our favorite River waiter was a Concierge the next time we encountered him!

And finally, we had $20 non refundable shipboard credit left at the very end of our Ocean cruise in January, and I asked if I could direct that money to the tip pool. Turns out ALL leftover non-refundable money left in passenger accts automatically goes to the tip pool.

So yes, Viking treats its people very well--and wow, does it show!

Great news: on the Sky in April, there was a step stool in the laundry room! Being 5'1, I could overhand the wet laundry into the dryer, but had to rely on the kindness of strangers to be sure I got it all out, since I couldn't see the inside bottom of the dryer. They really do pay attention to comments!

Hello all! First time cruisers here, going with my mother (aged 70 at time of cruise). We have not booked yet, but plan to book the Oct 18th Italian Sojourn on Viking Sun - sounds like we get a shiny new ship?!

 

We both come with our varieties of special needs. She wears at least one hearing aid. Are the QuietVox machines able to be used with hearing aids? She has a pair that have blue-tooth to connect directly to devices (so cool!!).

 

I also have a defibrillator / pacemaker, so I am unable to go through regular metal detectors. It sounds like there might be some of that when leaving / come back on the ship? What do I need to do in this case?

 

And we would love the cabin to be set up into two bed. Do we let them know when we arrive, during booking, during the steward introduction?

My husband has a defibrillator, we'll be on our third VO In May. Easier than the airport: get in the line, tell staff you have a defibrillator, they wand, he usually gets through before I do. We ever come back at the last minute, btw, and have never taken longer than 5 min to get through security on the ship!

FYI:since I learned on this board that after 3 cruises, custom air is free, I alerted our TA, who called Viking. They told her we only had 2 cruises. So she called later, got a different person, and was told the same thing. Turns out they were counting last year's B2B as one cruise! All straightened out now--just hoping to help someone else!

Two years ago on a South American cruise, I suddenly developed a migraine, hours before an expensive excursion. I saw the Dr who stamped something that got the cost of canceling removed from our bill, and our travel ins reimbursed me for the Dr visit. Money well spent!

Also on the UST, they told us that they will only transfer a patient/passenger to a hospital in port IF the care available is equal to or better than what can be provided on the ship.

I'm allergic to shellfish, too. Ultimately it's up to each chef if he wants to accommodate. Luckily on Norway trip, the chef was, and the concern they showed for me was AWESOME. Worth trying, for sure!

Our Med Oddyssey cruise ends in Barcelona the day yours starts--and it wasn't an inaugural cruise when we booked it. At least they will have done the itinerary the year before, so I am determinedly cheerful about avoiding some of the "shakedown cruise" woes posted here earlier this season!

Just back from b2b: Tulips and Windmills on the Magni followed by Rhine Getaway on Mani. Will answer anything, and perhaps when the laundry is done will be able to offer an original thought. This I remember: bicycles have right of way in Amsterdam, so keep your wits about you. And a great place to eat in Amsterdam is the food court atop the public library, which has good food at non-tourist prices that can be accompanied by beer, and a killer view from the outdoor terrace.

I always use the same local, human TA when traveling more than a quick direct flight away. She knows our preferences for EVERYTHING, and always has my my back. Plus she surprises us with flowers, wine and/or speciality dining. Have been delighted with river cruise help--she knows when it's smart to take Viking arrangements, and when we're better off not to!