Ready to Sail!

Thanks for the replies. When I first researched flights I only looked on Delta as that is our preference but just went back and looked at Travelocity and they do have a number of early afternoon flights (even one with Delta) So, may not be an issue. I did ask about a day tour that would end at the Airport but was told that isn't an options. Did this from London but not with the cruise line. They took us from London to Stonehenge and then to the ship in Southampton. They also offered reverse with tour to end at the airport. Good deal. Peregrina-I have seen many posts from you over the years and it always catches my eye because you are in Boston. I grew up outside Boston but have been on the west coast for many years now. Whenever I see a reference to Massachusetts I am flooded with a wave of nostalgia for the 50's and 60's in rural New England.

This is just our 2nd Viking Cruise so don't have much experience with them. We haven't booked our air yet but I have researched and flights from Buenos Aires it looks like most options are late, many being around 10:00 pm. If we have transfers with Viking will they allow late Debarkations so as not to be spending hours at the airport? I ask because we had a late flight from a cruise in Tahita and were allowed to stay on board till late afternoon when they took us to the airport. Of course we had to vacate our cabin but we left our luggage in a lounge, and then could use on the facilities, have lunch ect. We are leaning towards booking our own air but purchasing Viking Transfers. Would appreciate input from any of you who have had experience with this issue. I should add I asked a few agents but they couldn't answer and suggested I talk to the air department but I can't do that unless we book with them.

Thanks for all the replies. As I said we haven't had a TA for over 20 years and at our age we don't have a lot of travel years left so we have decided no need to establish with one at this point. I really enjoy all that goes into doing myself and other than maybe missing out on some OBC I do like having control. Certainly pros and cons to both ways so guess we will just stay in our comfort zone. Thank you all. The different replies helped in making the decision.

I haven't used TA in over 25 years. Have been doing all our own bookings for cruises and independent travel and enjoy doing so. But, after reading some of the posts on this forum on the subject I am thinking maybe it might be a better way to go in the future. I do have a question or two about using a TA for our booked (just 3 weeks ago) and another cruise I want to book. We have only done 1 Viking cruise in the past and I did book directly with Viking. If I do turn over our recently booked cruise to a TA (and a furture booking) can I still use My Viking and book our own excursions OnLine when the time comes? We are in DV cabin so feel the need to book ASAP when allowed. Will my information in My Viking be kept up to date and accessible to me? Do most of you who use a TA use one local to you or are you confortable with some of the OnLine agencies? Thanks for any clarification you can give me.

Perfect Linda, thanks so much. I'll check it out.

I was hoping we wouldn't have to wander around looking for a shop but it is an option since we will have time with an overnight in port. Thanks.

We are booked on only our 2nd Viking Ocean cruise. I know we can bring our own liquor on board. Can we also buy a bottle in the on board shop? I can't remember but probably wasn't looking for it last cruise. We have been on about 15 cruises so we have been in many cruise port terminals and we honestly can't recall if they sell liquor in duty free shop. We don't want to bring with us but won't have a chance to buy before we reach our port of embarkation in Valparaiso, Chili, so wondering what our options are.

I really doubt it’s to avoid tipping. There are a few good reasons for keeping your bags with you other than being cheap.

We took both our small carry on bags and 24 inch bags on board with us on one of our NCL cruises. We were aware we could take our bags to one of the lounges and check them which we did. We walked around, had lunch for a couple of hours before our cabin was ready. Then we went and claimed our bags. Not sure if all sailings offer this as we only did on our last NCL cruise but will in the future if possible.

Webcam shows Getaway docked.

I’ll book my own. I’m assuming NCL uses Montreal. I’ve looked at flights from QC and choices don’t look great for getting back to the West Coast.

I am getting conflicting information from NCL. Just booked a cruise Boston to Quebec City for next fall so I have plenty of time but would like some input from those who have ended their cruise in Quebec City. Did you fly out from Quebec City or shuttle to Montreal to fly from there?

Were those on the Pride of America? I thought it normally traveled around the north end. I'll bet it was! We've seen some lava from land (as close as we felt it was safe to get) but seeing it drop into the ocean must be spectacular. Lucky You!

We love the Hilo side but weather can be different. I think it is too bad this cruise doesn't sail south between Hilo and Kona for a chance to see possible Lave flow. Maybe they do when there is enough eruption flowing into the ocean. So, I would say you probably lucked out with backup option. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for your thoughts. We have been to Maui numerous times and been to the Upcountry, Hana and stayed at different areas on the touristy side. I agreee Upcountry is wonderful, like a different world from the hustle bustle and traffic issues in the rest of the island. We will certainly think about doing it again, we just know we don't want to head over to the otherside. Our main reason for considering this cruise is the Napali Coast. We have been to Kauai several times and going again in October but doing a coast excursion hasn't worked out so cruise sounds like a good change from Condos and have better luck at cruising the coast. We are in Maui for 2 days so probably should find something, but probably through a ship board excursion.

Excellent advise. We haven't been to Maui in about 5 years and remember traffic everywhere being so bad we said we would probably never return for an extended stay. Sadly this is true of most of the islands these days, exept wonderful Molokai. Anyway, we will not want to bother renting a car even though the cruise is an overnight stay, remaining in the Kahului area will be just fine for us. I remember an aquarium in Maalaea. There is one in Kahului also, or am I mixed up? Well, I think you've given us plenty of ideas to keep as busy as we will want to be.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll print this out and save. Yes, I think docking in Kahalui is correct.

We've done whale excursion on Maui also. We would probably repeat that as we remember it being a really good trip. We usually do Condos in Hawaii but really don't enjoy Maui anymore and yet it probably is the best island for whale sightings. January, February are suppose to be peak months but March is still probably good also. Thanks so much for the input.

Thank you! That is the answer I needed. And full moon won't help, but night vision goggles will. So good to know also. I will book in the winter and enjoy the coast and also take my googles for whale watching on the balcony at midnight. Wonder if I can get snorkeling goggles with night vision? So much to think about now!!! Seriously, thanks again.

And I should add be sure to be up early for your arrival in Alesund. It's a beatiful port. Also, go up to the top of the hill in town for glorious views if weather allows.

I think once you visit some of the Norwegian ports you will be very happy with your alternative itinerary. It is one of the best cruises we have done. Hopefully they will cruise one of the Fjords for you.

So we should book when there's a full moon? Seriously, yes I realize that and that there are really no sea days except maybe the afternoon cruising the Napali Coast, but there are mornings and evenings arriving and departing ports also. Well, maybe I should have left the Humpbacks out of my question. So, have any of you that have done this cruise during the winter months had a problem with the ship needing to avoid the Napali Coast for weather reasons? The only reason to consider this cruise is that it is the only cruise that does the Napali Coast. And yes, we have been on many cruises and do know that weather can be a big factor no matter how large the ship. We do prefer Hawaii in winter (yes. so we can see the Humpbacks!) but maybe for this purpose should consider later spring. I really would appreciate others opinion on this.

Have any of you who have done this cruise during the months when the Humpback whales are around the islands tell me if you had sightings from the ship while sailing island to island? Also, if you sailed during these winter months did the ship ever have to skip the Napali Coast because of weather? We have been to different islands many times during the winter which is actually our favorite time to go since it is fun to sit on our lanai and watch for the whales spouting off shore. On the other hand we have been to Kauai twice during the early winter months and both times the sea was too rough for us to go out on a boat excursion to the Napali Coast. We are thinking the cruise might be a better choice to get this done and checked off my bucket list! Would appreciate any input. Am thinking of trying either next February or 2024. Thanks.

Certainly no set time depending on a number of factors. Every cruise we have been on has been a little different. We take our own bags on board also. You should be able to leave them in one of the lounges until they announce the cabins are ready, then grab and go get unpacked. Otherwise you can sometimes be waiting awhile until they are delivered, but again, that can fluxuate. I hate waiting for them as I also like to be unpacked before sail away.

I do like the lines with do it yourself laundry room but otherwise NCL still our favorite.