Mrs Miggins

Yes but of course but SeaDream is "Yachting not Cruising". We have docked in San Basilio with Azamara but sadly not this year only 600 or so passengers but not the 100 that SeaDream have. My main point is that many Cruise Lines still state Venice as a port, and even Azamara have said they will be back in Venice proper this year, but I am sure that is dependent on the local Authority who have made last minute changes this year even for Viking.

Love the spell check. Fusina/Margherita has a festive cocktail sound, nothing like the actual industrial port of Marghera.

Sorry my comment should have been directed to Sockysunshine post 13 who says in future they will take a different cruise line. I know the current situation having docked in Ravenna in April instead of Fusina/Margherita. Some people obviously do not understand the decisions are made by the local authorities in Venice and not by the individual cruise lines.

Which cruise line do you think docks in Venice ?

We were on a back to back and Venice (or as it turned out Ravenna) was our final port. In fact we were given a FCC along with all those who had believed we would dock in the industrial port of Venice. We had a couple of months notice I think but not sure.

In April we were due to dock in Marghera/Fusina on Quest. We ended up in Ravenna, despite Marghera being listed by Cruisemapper, and Azamara used Ravenna for the rest of the 2022 season. Cruisemapper are again listing Azamara for Marghera in May. It is also listing Viking who used a combination of Marghera and Chioggia through 2022. Despite this Viking have confirmed to their passengers that they will continue to use Chioggia for the 2023 season. I hope you do get to dock in Marghera, whilst it is nothing like the wonderful San Basilio dock, at least you are closer to Venice. On the upside, Ravenna is lovely, and friends who ended up in Chioggia enjoyed that too despite the hour and a half transfer by boat that they had on Viking.

Been reviewing my photos. In 2018 St Tropez - (Monte Carlo New years Day) the party was in the Atrium. Quite crowded with lots of people sitting on the stairs and the four piece band from Torshaven set up next to the grand piano with a couple of singers. The screen at the top of the stairs showing NYE around the world. In 2019 - Rome, there was a party around the pool as well. That year we had fallen amongst thieves (English saying) from Florida. We certainly had had far more to drink that night so perhaps thats why I had forgotten that bit. Notice quite a few jackets and sparkle - On New Year's Day there was a spectacular Brunch laid out around the pool.

Have done 2 New Year's Eve on Viking in the Med. Both times the party was in the Atrium. Fairly low key compared with other reports on this thread. Very enjoyable, People did dress up a little thank goodness so that it did look special. Most people in bed by 12.30.

I was lucky as one change is allowed on onboard bookings so I have got the additional OBC. However I have lost the Essential Package ($300 shore excursions, one unlimited wi fi and premium beverage package) Really surprised that they allowed this especially as our cabin category is sold out. Thanks for the heads up ! Cruise Critic can be really helpful (if occasionally extremely annoying).

I booked onboard in April for a June 23 14 day cruise. Is it worth me trying ? Is the $1000 dollars in addition to the onboard booking benefits. I did read the T & Cs so I know Azamara may not agree to give me this extra OBC. Whilst I love my TA I am not always sure she will 'push' for extra from Azamara. We have not yet booked flights and I see the current offering is not great with an indirect flight from LHR to Barcelona and an indirect flight home from Bordeaux. Is it worth trying for direct flights with Azamara, which might make it a "new' booking.

This exchange may categorise the different vibe I noticed onboard. Advertising needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. Research is the key to find out what actually is included. A few onboard hadn’t done any apparently and had little idea about any of the ports, local customs, or what to expect onboard plus a certain feeling of entitlement which is unattractive.

I have some sympathy with Viking here as a flight deviation must lead to passengers in diverse locations. Presumably any transfer to the ship might have to be an essentially private one by taxi. Cost wise not at all the same as collecting and transporting a large group by bus from an airport. However I do agree that the wording is misleading. In regard to other ‘included’ items in comparison to Azamara (I know we both love them) I appreciate the free wi fi, the speciality restaurants at no extra cost, the lovely spa area, afternoon tea service plus sometimes better shuttle services for example Piraeus to Central Athens. I would mention I have booked another Azamara cruise but not another Viking. The vibe onboard Our last Viking cruise was certainly different to our previous ones. I have been reading the thread on that subject with interest. My recent Scenic river cruise was certainly the All Inclusive winner. Pick up from home, transfers across Paris for our rail journey , premium drinks including champagne, fantastic included shore excursions plus a lovely mix of passengers.

MORE FEATURES, SERVICES AND EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: Return flights from London and selected regional airports One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water Port taxes & fees Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase Visits to UNESCO Sites Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances Access to The Nordic Spa & state-of-the-art fitness center Self-service launderettes Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge 24-hour room service Onboard gratuities ALL STATEROOMS INCLUDE: King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer Premium Freyja toiletries Direct-dial satellite phone and cell service Security safe 110/220 volt outlets Ample USB ports Cultural Curriculum® Meals including regional specialties Most al fresco dining at sea Walking track & sports deck 24-hour Guest Services Welcome Cocktails & Farewell Reception Curated library Viking Service Guarantee

Although to be fair sometimes they throw in the SS package - happened on half of our cruises.

It's almost true in the UK as fares include flights, transfers, gratuities, wine etc with meals etc plus some shore excursions. However it does not include alcohol all day, which is the normal "all inclusive" offering for holidays sold in the UK.

I am rather surprised that, taking into account the large amount of Viking advertising that is shown on TV in the UK, the percentage of UK cruisers is so low. My friend on a recent Homelands Cruise also remarked on the very low number onboard - I think there were 8.

It is certainly true that Viking is not that lively in the evening compared with our other favourites Azamara and Scenic river. This may have something to do with the demographic as all but 35 on our recent cruise were from North America. Many were first time visitors to the ports so were up very early to go on shore excursions. In addition they tended to eat earlier than those from the UK possibly go to the show then go to bed. On our Azamara cruise it was about 50% from the UK so probably they had visited the ports before and dined later. On Scenic there are is a mixed crowd with many from Australia and New Zealand and they are certainly very lively. Many of those we talked to on Viking had never set foot in Torshaven (we went every night - the band was great). In addition they also had never used the wonderful spa facilities.

Of course they go well with Jeans, although never with Jeans when walking the bogs and moors. They would also look wonderful when you are dressed properly for any of the venues on Viking. Did the Butler's shoe shine service perform properly ?

I am lucky enough to be OK but Mike would have some difficulty - he has used a step in a hotel in the past. Both of our upgrade CC's had the shower so I really have no experience of the bath/shower combo.

Just wondering if a portable long step by the side of the bath would help those who have some difficulty getting in and out of the bath for a shower ?

This is from someone who asked whether the Shoe Shine Service on Viking could be trusted to clean their "shell cordovan longwing Bluchers". Just joshing ! However I do have a long memory.

I think for 16 nights it might be worth putting in a low bid for the CC. We were successful in April and loved the extra benefits. I think it was definitely worth it so much so that we have actually booked a CC for our next cruise. We normally choose an Ocean View 05 but it was a lovely experience. Of course I understand the issue with the bath but we were lucky enough to get a shower on both of our weeks and perhaps a swap onboard might be possible ?

I recall many years ago Azamara promoting visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Colossus of Rhodes. It was destroyed during an earthquake in 226 BC.

Bob Burns ! My friends north of the border would not be happy. I think Rabbie is approved but not Bob or even Rob. I am from the south of England so should not really comment on this delicate subject.

The pollution issue was the main reason why the proposed cruise ship terminal in Greenwich did not go forward. Because it was in a heavily populated area the local air quality is already compromised and the developer apparently could not meet the very high cost of supplying onshore power. In addition there was very vocal local opposition.