Ready to Sail!

Just now, Ready to Sail! said:

That would certainly be a ways to the Mile for those with any mobility issues. Might be easier to take a taxi from the pier to the top of the mile and go from there, especially if visiting the Castle. 

Should add we walked everywhere but had 3 full days. Our hotel was near the Castle and St. Giles. At 80 and 85, we went out for half days with rest time for a few hours back at hotel midday.🤪

7 minutes ago, uktog said:

Unfortunately it only takes the walk to Princes Street out. Due to congestion no drop offs are possible nearer I’m afraid. 

That would certainly be a ways to the Mile for those with any mobility issues. Might be easier to take a taxi from the pier to the top of the mile and go from there, especially if visiting the Castle. 

4 hours ago, uktog said:

And if you want to pay for a transfer at point the Edinburgh teams run from the disembarking at Newhaven to the New Town and further 

Does further mean closer to the Royal Mile?  It is a pretty good uphill walk from the Square to the Mile. We stayed just off the Mile and did walk down Colburn St. one day to New Town but other wise everything we did was based on or near the Mile. I would hope there is a drop off closer than the Square. 

2 hours ago, shipboy said:

I am Scottish and we only have 2 seasons in the year, winter and July 😁

Well it’s a lovely country with lovely people and we enjoyed it all, no matter the weather!

5 minutes ago, formernuke said:

Re: sticky toffee pudding 

I agree one of my favorites. 

Yes, they served it but it was just ok. We did have it on the pre-extension and it was great. 

We must have eaten it 6 of our 12 nights and definately some we liked better than others but none we didn't like!  Best was in St. Andrews at our hotel/pub restaurant.  If you are going to SA I will send you the name.  One of the highlights of the trip was walking the Old Course.  Also, hope you have a up close encounter with a cute Hairy Coo!  Looks like you are making the most of every port.  Great pictures.  Thanks for sharing.

2 hours ago, formernuke said:

Our luck continued today in Ullapool. Bright skies, calm seas and mild temps as we sailed in this morning. Tender port. Tender fakes only about 5 min and you are in the center of town (such as it is). Cute little town. We took the included walk about, that lasted a little over an hour. Ended with tea, coffee and biscuits at a local restaurant. Then  short walk around before back to the ship. A very light rain started just as we were queuing up for the tender. 

We have been following along as we just booked this cruise for 2025.  We returned a week ago from 12 days independent trip to Scotland and loved it.  You were very lucky today weather wise.  We were in the Highlands for 3 days including Isle of Skye and weather was a real mixed bag of showers and sun but strong winds, especially Skye.  Question: Have they served Sticky Toffee Pudding in either WC or Restaurant so far?  I'm addicted!  We look forward to the rest of your stops.  

On 4/25/2024 at 10:59 AM, TJ042018 said:

Hi all!

Has anyone had any experience with cabin 3043 on the Star? Any issues, noise, seasickness, maintenance, location etc? Any information regarding this cabin would be much appreciated.

 

We were in 3041 on the Star and loved it.  No noise at all.  Great as you can quicky go down one flight and be out on the promenade deck.  Go quicky up in the elevators to Explorers lounge and Mamsem's.  Our next cruise is in 3042.  

2 minutes ago, TayanaLorna said:

We had a DV6 3046 for the first time for an Adriatic cruise and loved the location.  We were near the laundry which I used often since we were traveling for 25 days.  But the best was knowing which way to turn for an elevator.   All we did is look for the Atrium seating area to go to aft elevators for disembarkation, Living Room or restaurants.  For the Spa or Explorers we went the other way.

We will be in 3042. Less foot traffic, open sitting area nice to just relax close to “home”. To us best DV deck. On our 1st cruise I accidentally put my cell phone in the washer 1st day leaving Athens. Staff got me a big bag of rice but didn’t work. Good my husband had one to get us through. Senior moment!!

1 hour ago, TayanaLorna said:

We were in 4030 once right by the elevators.  Did not hear elevators ding nor folks talking.  The only reason my DH did not like it was if people are waiting for elevator, they can see into your room when you open your door.  Didn't bother me.

I agree with your husband and that was my concern, not noise. 

23 hours ago, Ready to Sail! said:

We just switched our sailing for next February SA cruise.  There were very few cabins left on starboard which we wanted so not much choice.  We are in 5031.  We do like being near the elevators but usually choose a cabin a few doors away.  From the deckplan it looks like 5031 is directly across from the entry into the ellevators/stairs.  Probably not much we can do if we want to stay on starboard but just curious.  Otherwise, happy to move up and try a PV and a door instead of a slider as we have never had one, only sliders. My husband thinks I worry too much abouth trivial matters and he's right but what can I do? It's me!  Thanks for any input.

Well, we really appreciate all the input about this location. But, after a lot of thought decided to go back to a DV on deck 3. Couldn’t get a Starboard but will check often and one may open up. We just decided the PV category wasn’t worth the extra 5K+ to us. We loved being on Deck 3 on our 1st Viking cruise so have moved back to what is familiar and comfortable. We are just back from forward stairs so quick run down one flight and out onto the promenade. Thanks again. 

33 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

OK.  We did this cruise on Jupiter a few years ago.  We had a port room.  However, on entering the various ports, we would go topside (Explorer's Lounge or deck 8  )  and were able to see everything from there.  But yes, if you just wish to stay in your room, you might prefer one side over the other.   I personally think you'll be OK in 5031.  You are quick access up to the Explorer's Lounge.  Inside and outside it really was a great place to watch the beautiful scenery.  Expecially if you can get up early to see the Beagle Channel and the Chilean Fjords.

Enjoy!  This cruise was one of our favorites!!

I love being up early to look out with dawn on the horizon to see the twinkle of lights as we slowly approach a new destination. Going up to the Explorer’s a good idea. Thanks. 

48 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

What are your options on the port side?   I'm a bit confused as you said you are in 5031, which I don't believe is a slider.  It is across from the elevator which may/may not make a difference.  You say you'd "move up" and try a PV with a door - but isn't that what you have?   We've done 5028 on port side and been just fine (slider).  IMHO on the SA cruise it does not really matter if you are port or starboard.  When there is good viewing (Beagle Channel and more) you will likely be up on top looking anyways.  Much of the time the ships cruise too far from land to really see much.

Sorry, I guess my wording wasn't very clear.  Yes, my understanding is that this cabin has a door, not a slider.  We have never had a door so would like to try.  Choices (very few) on port side are all further forward.  There is only port side cabins left on all decks.  I like the land side to better see approach to the ports when its early in the moring.  No big deal really, and I'm sure location is find. (and yes, I know I can see on TV)  We were in 3041 last cruise which is really close to elevators and no noise issues. When I said we moved up I meant we did when we took 5031, from a DV on deck 3.  

We just switched our sailing for next February SA cruise.  There were very few cabins left on starboard which we wanted so not much choice.  We are in 5031.  We do like being near the elevators but usually choose a cabin a few doors away.  From the deckplan it looks like 5031 is directly across from the entry into the ellevators/stairs.  Probably not much we can do if we want to stay on starboard but just curious.  Otherwise, happy to move up and try a PV and a door instead of a slider as we have never had one, only sliders. My husband thinks I worry too much abouth trivial matters and he's right but what can I do? It's me!  Thanks for any input.

7 minutes ago, Ready to Sail! said:

The visual of you carrying a cooler into The Restaurant is priceless. I’m picturing it with a red lid.

 

 

 

 

 

Oops, accidentally posted twice this twice and couldn’t edit it out. Sorry. 

1 hour ago, ericosmith said:

I see question after question about included wines but not much of anything about beer.  Yes, I'm a beer snob without any desire for, or appreciation of, wine.  So my question...what are the included beers with lunch and dinner?  Off the menu or just the "beer of the day"?  Draft or bottles and cans?  If it's just the "beer of the day", can you upgrade for an upcharge?  Now, having asked all that, I've not seen any recent drink lists that include an IPA on the beer menu.  That alone might drive me back to Princess or Celebrity.  Can someone help ease my fears so I don't have to go beer shopping in town and haul my own cooler to dinner?

1 hour ago, ericosmith said:

I see question after question about included wines but not much of anything about beer.  Yes, I'm a beer snob without any desire for, or appreciation of, wine.  So my question...what are the included beers with lunch and dinner?  Off the menu or just the "beer of the day"?  Draft or bottles and cans?  If it's just the "beer of the day", can you upgrade for an upcharge?  Now, having asked all that, I've not seen any recent drink lists that include an IPA on the beer menu.  That alone might drive me back to Princess or Celebrity.  Can someone help ease my fears so I don't have to go beer shopping in town and haul my own cooler to dinner?

The visual of you hauling a cooler into The Restaurant is priceless. 

1 hour ago, carolinetodd said:

They have a lovely Norwegian IPA from Flåm called Ægir - no upcharge.

The visual of you carrying a cooler into The Restaurant is priceless. I’m picturing it with a red lid.

Thank you Mich.  I have made note of the company and if this is what we decide to do will certainly check with them.  We are still almost 10 months away from our sail date right now but final payment due soon.  We are just starting to think this trip through as far as pre and post days before we book our air, and of course all options before booking flights.  

Thank you for suggestion, and information.  

9 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

If you have not been to Iguazu Falls, I highly suggest you take the time and go.  It’s a short flight from BA through their domestic airport.  This really was a side trip of a lifetime.

When we did this trip (we have gone in both directions), Viking set up a hospitality center at one of the hotels in BA.  Those who had earlier flights went there, those with later flights got a tour.  
We flew AeroMexico to Seattle to Santiago through Mexico City the first time, Delta the second.  The Delta flight through ATL was a much longer day.  
For getting from Santiago to Valparaiso, we spent a few days in Santiago, then hired a private driver who took us to vineyards and wine tastings, we got a tour of Valparaiso, then dropped off at the ship.  In BA, we used the hospitality room to catch our domestic flight out of the airport (not EZE, it was a short cab ride) to Iguazu.  

We did think about the Falls but just looked at the Viking post cruise options which sounded awfully costly. We will at least consider doing on our own again.  I know our daughter regrets not going when she was in Peru  but chose  Machu Picchu as her highlight and no regrets there. Thanks for the airline info also.  We have actually been routed through Seattle on many international flights and to Alaska.  We will avoid Atlanta if at all possible.  Thank you for all the helpful information.  Seems like Viking doesn't have great options so will probably just do on our own even if just to the airport.  

12 hours ago, Harley57 said:

Ready to Sail - just FYI…I used google flights.com to search options.  It appears there are options on American, United and Delta from Sacramento to Buenos Aires and vice versa. As you noted the flights from EZE to the U.S. leave late in the evening.  Latam has a flight leaving at 3:55pm with stops in Santiago, Chile and LAX.  
 

We disembarked Viking Jupiter 10 days ago in Santiago Chile and faced the same situation with a 11:55pm flight.  We left the ship at 8:15am.  Everyone had to disembark by 9am.  We arranged for a private tour through Tours by Locals with a drop off at the airport by 5:30pm.  We booked a room at the Holiday Inn Santiago airport so we could nap and shower before the long flight home.  We were only at the hotel for 4 hours so while a bit expensive for only a few hours it did help to rest and freshen up.  There may be similar options for you in Buenos Aires.

 

Enjoy your trip.  

The hotel room option is a great suggestion.  I had read that Viking might take us to a hospitality room at at a hotel but that doesn't sound any better than being at the airport.  The other option I want to explore is leaving the ship the afternoon/evening before (of course on our own arranged shuttle)  I will need to talk to Viking about that. Actually my husband left a cruise a day early via helicopter in the Gulf of Alaska due to medical emergency with my FIL, but that's another story for another day and certainly not pre arranged!!! Thank you so much for the information about flights also.  I know there are plenty of options to explore. We have mileage program with Delta so try to use whenever possible. 

FlyerTalker. You're obviously an expert on this subject and I do appreciate your expertize (and I am not being facetious).  I may take a different approach but having booked our flights myself for as long as possible on the internet, I do understand how international travel usually does involve a alternative or partner airline.  Most of our international trips have.  I haven't gone back to look but am sure you are correct about BA and Delta. At this point in life my initial searches are prioritized by least number of airports, and shortest overall travel time.   Hubby and I have agreed over the last 10 years at least that if are to continue travel as long as we can  comfort and airport experiences have to be a priority over cost.  My initial question was related to Viking and options for either transfers or excursion on Debarkation day  which would avoid long day at the BA airport IF we should need to book a late day flight. Just curious, did you work in the travel industry, or just well versed? Again, I am not being snarky.(so easy to misread tones on these sites and I admit when I first read your responses I thought you were mansplaining to me🤣)

I'm back just to add some positive thoughts.  I looked at your schedule and think it's pretty good, crowd wise.   I only saw one mega ship-NCL Bliss.  I see you are all alone in Sitka and it is my favorite port. We have been twice, once via cruise and once on our own for 5 days.  Not a lot to do if you stay on land excursions but we really enjoyed the Totem Pole park. Just walking the main street and seeing the Russian church is interesting also. 

If you haven't done this trip before I really enjoy the Russian shops in both Juneau and Sitka. Both on the main streets.  They sell the Russian Lacquer Boxes and the Stacking Dolls.  If you are not familiar with the lacquer boxes there are 4 villages in Russian that make them, all painted by hand.  I have been fortunate enough to have collected one from each village .  2 I bought in Juneau, 1 in Sitka and 1 in St. Petersburg, Russia.  They are one my most treasured possessions.

Sorry, probably more information than you need or want but I get hyped about Alaska!!

I didn't take the time to look at the port for the given day but I can tell you this is getting to be a big problem for the Alaskan ports.  I am willing to bet that at least one or two of the other ships are large capacity. We have been on 3 inside passage cruises. '91, '03 and '18.  2 have been in early May to beat the crowds.  A bonus to that was they had much better weather than our first cruise that was in July.  So over a span of about 25 years we have seen more ships/bigger ships doing this itinerary.  We live on the west coast so a popular cruise from here but these mega ships are ruining it for travelers and residents of these small port towns.  It's a pet peeve of ours. In our opinion these ships are ruining the industry.  Look what they've done to ports like Dubronik, and Venice, just to name a couple.  We are so happy to see these ports starting to put limits on visitors per day.   Sorry, didn't mean to go off on a rant!!

Let me end this on a positive note. Of course you will be fine in Glacier Bay and it is spectacular. You will also be fine in Valdez as very few cruise lines go there, if any,  and Seward which is mostly a Embarkation/Debarkation port.  We were in Seward last June on our own and took a Glacier cruise. Viking was there overnight. We were in line with a couple from the ship and they said the cruise had been wonderful.  Not much to do in Seward so the Glacier trip is a highlight we saw lots of wildlife-otters, birds and a a couple of pods of orcas.  I would certainly recomment the glacier trip in either Seward or Valdez.  

We have done cruises in many parts of the world and the Inside Passage in still one of our favorites.  Have a great time!

I  don't book with Travelocity, I just use it as a research site along with a few others. Get an Idea of what is available and then go directly with the airlines.  Delta has a number of non stops to either Altanta or LA which would be our choice since we live in No. Ca. We fly from Sacramento, which will be necessary for either ATL or LAX  

                                                                                                                                                      Your idea of a few days in BA certainly would be worth considering but our cruise is overnight in BA so I think that will be enough for us, getting a day to see the sights on the day we dock.    We are senior-seniors!  who are at the point that 18 days will probably be pushing our endurance.                                                                                                                                                            We are trying to keep it as simple and stress free as possible. Also, I think what I said was the first time I looked on Delta there were no flights other than later in the day.  My main concern at this point is not sitting 10-12 hours at an airport so hoping Viking had some options/flexibility with their transfers.  I will keep looking and hope to come up with some earlier flights.  

I couple of you suggested I contact optional transfers at Viking which I will do today.  Thank you everyone.  

I probably wasn’t clear. What I meant is Viking isn’t offering this as far as I’ve seen.  I just haven’t researched independent sources yet but yes, know it is possible and we have done so ourselves. Just wanted to know our options with Viking first. Thank you, good to know it’s an option in BA. 

Yes, hanging out in an airport for 10-12 hours isn't an option for us. The time we were allowed to stay on,  the ship did not sail until the next day which is the case on this cruise so thought I would ask.  Actually spending that time in a meeting room or restaurant doesn't sound much better!