Clay Clayton

Some folks enjoy the World Cafe more than The Restaurant. We like them both and enjoy the option of eating al fresco provided in the Cafe but there are some dishes that are so good in The Restaurant that we will rearrange alternative venue reservations to be sure we don’t miss them. I’ve posted a list of our favorite dishes aboard at the end of this post. A couple of things that aren’t obvious at the WC. They will happily heat those cold crab claws and give you melted butter if you ask. Usually, some of The Restaurant’s dishes are also available in WC especially appetizers. There will be some example dishes displayed on the counter, you just ask for these and they make them for you “à la minute.” Be sure and check both sides of the WC-often offerings are different on each side. Don’t forget to check out on the Aquavit Terrace if it’s a “special” night-they are usually preparing something tasty there. Favorite Viking Dishes Breakfast: Grilled lamb chops-The Restaurant Raisin Pistachio Bun-The Living Room Waffle-Mamsen’s Potatoes Lyonaise-The World Cafe Lunch: Seared tuna-Pool Grill (we have a salad made at the World Cafe while tuna is being prepared and then have the tuna on top) Hamburger with Onion Rings-Pool Grill Open Faced Sandwiches-Mamsen’s Porcetta on the buffet Afternoon Tea: Scones with clotted cream-The Winter Garden Pre-dinner: Cold seafood and sushi-The World Cafe (then enjoy it at the Aquavit Terrace) Dinner: Chilean (NOT seared Mediterranean) Sea Bass -The Restaurant Cold Pea Soup-The Restaurant Lotus Menu - The Chef’s Table Whole Split Lobster-The Restaurant not offered all the time Steak Florentine-Manfredi’s Indian Ryazan broth - tomato soup (vegetarian) Desserts: Gelato-The World Cafe, try the sugar free flavors of ice cream and cookies-some we like better than full sugar ones And had oatmeal cookie ice cream fir the first time on Sky in Iceland So So good! Cold Pea Soup-The Restaurant (seriously-it’s that good)

All Viking’s ocean ships are all but identical right down to the carpet, furniture, and upholstery. They have generally done a good job of keeping the older ships in good shape. We noticed on Sky last July that the stateroom upholstery was being to look a little worn (but no where near as bad as our sofa at home after covid caused overuse😂). A week or two ago, someone on the World Cruise extension to Bergen blogged that the carpet was being changed out in the World Cafe. It appeared from the photographs that the replacement was the same as the original. I can’t speak to the safety standards but I’m sure Andy will be along shortly and assure us that all ships have to maintain the same ones.

Gary has stated he does not accept free cruises-though I do believe in a recent video he stated that he had received a complimentary upgrade on whichever line the review was about.

Thanks for the review. It appears that some of the service issues which plagued Orion on her trips to Alaska May have been overcome. Did you have any instances of poor or slow service?

Maybe find another opera fan on your roll call and share a taxi/car service?

Sorry for not having all the info. Friend on board just sent this picture of Jupiter as seen from Star. So it is docked much further away. Maybe post the question on the Jupiter’s rollcall?

Don’t know about Jupiter but chatting with a friend on Star on the extension of the World Cruise and they are docked an 8 minute walk from City Hall so no shuttle needed.

Generally speaking I find that Gary does a good job of fairly reviewing and providing information to his viewers about the wide variety of cruises available. He has a number of videos that speak highly of Viking, especially when he compares them to more luxury lines. I watched the video (which this podcast seems to be the audio of) a week or two ago and while I did disagree with some of his findings, I didn’t have the visceral reaction that many here have had. Perhaps having the visual with the audio makes a difference? In any case, I know Mike and I have stated that having Viking available to deal with the details of a trip is a real positive for many. We have said that if his elderly Mom wanted to do a cruise alone with one of her girlfriends that Viking is one of the few we would be comfortable her taking. Once she gets on a plane, she would only have to look for Viking’s red signs until they dropped her back at the airport. For those of us more seasoned travelers, having the ability to take a look at their included offerings is a plus, though we sometimes go off on our own. Just like everything in life, I think it is good to hear varying opinions and then reach one owns conclusions. Gary is one of the influencers I respect because unlike many he pays for his own cruises as opposed to taking free trips. ( He does apparently make sufficient income from advertising to support a lot of cruising - color me jealous!😂) But for everyone one of his videos we watch, we watch three or four from other bloggers, YouTubers, etc.

Glad I could help with the gin. 😂 Have you asked your room steward for a mattress topper? Other folks who like soft beds have reported that makes the bed more comfortable. For me, the mattresses are already softer than what we have at home 😊 Enjoy your cruise!

FWIW, on our Iceland cruise last year, we were unable to get DMIL’s vaccine card loaded into Verifly. When we boarded in Reykjavik, DH and I just had to show our passports and get our temp taken. She had to present her card and have it photocopied. A short and minor annoyance but finding it again after thinking she was finished it with at Icelandic immigration, added unnecessary stress prior to getting aboard.

Also you can do a search for bar menus under my name. I posted them from all venues during our Iceland cruise last July. Aquavit probably has the most complete offerings.

For those of us in the US, the referral for sure and the early booking discount if it was being offered online or via an email promotion.

If you haven’t already, this thread provides lots of information: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2416372-tips-for-new-viking-ocean-cruisers/page/62/#comment-62141739

There was a TV documentary about the building of one of Viking’s ships that we watched before sailing on any of them. The “drama” was whether the propellers would be cast perfectly so as to keep vibration to a minimum. I’ve searched Google to see what it was titled and where to watch but haven’t been successful😢 It’s not “Mighty Ships”. Maybe someone else will remember.

Booking it!

I would be looking for a new agent for your next Viking cruise.

My Daddy always said you get what you pay for so I’m a little concerned about the low fares on Pullmantur. We are looking at Monarch’s eastbound Spring 2020 transatlantic and the price for a Jr Suite (balcony) all in including drinks package and gratuities is slightly over $1000 per person. That’s about what we paid on Norwegian Star last fall for a westbound TA in an inside at a group rate! From reading the few reviews and info available here on CC and on YouTube it appears Pullmantur is comparable to other mainstream lines but just on older ships. Most reviewers seem to think it’s a good value. Was my Daddy wrong?