May B

One thing is predictable. Anything could happen, but in the past, Viking has very politely maintained each special offer until the last calendar day of the month. Sometimes they get extended, sometimes not. Availability in each stateroom category is also very helpfully displayed.

Bon voyage! My first Viking was Octantis.

It never dawned on me to tell Viking it was our 55th anniversary. Coincidentally, it was embarkation day AND my 55th cruise overall! And our first dinner did not meet expectations. I thought, darn it! Mr B doesn’t give second chances for first impressions. Very luckily, this time he did! Great servers in The Restaurant and chefs were cooking for us perfectly. I hope we will be equally as happy in December. Sorry to hijack this thread!

OneSixtyToOne, my understanding is, you certainly had to ask them to edit your final payment date for your 2025, but it exactly follows their rules. You booked another cruise, making you eligible for the six month final on a later cruise.

When that letter arrives, it emphatically states the final payment date. Perhaps you are correct that a simple request will be met with a positive response. I used my Dec. 2024 booking to get a six month final for a July 2025 cruise but then we decided not to deposit that booking (that’s twice I’ve stupidly failed to make a $25 pp deposit) and the agent told me I’d be losing the benefit of the six month final, by not depositing that booking. For some dumb reason, I failed to comprehend what she meant! Probably b/c that seems sooo ridiculous. I think the joke’s on me.

One of my favorite quotes from my father! 🥰

Great point! Although I don’t recall getting that OBC when I made an onboard booking while on Jupiter last June.

I personally would wait, while keeping on eye on availability frequently. The $1000 offer you’re talking about requires full payment very early, iirc, while booking when you’re onboard should allow you a six month final payment date. But if paying in full, far in advance, doesn’t bother you, it’s probably smart to get the $1000. That $1000 offer probably won’t be the last one you get.

My cruise was 2016 or ‘17. I didn’t hear any rude words from the captain!

As, I believe, old C did as well. You're such positivity and charm. Do you find it difficult to carry on such a cheerful demeanor?

Steve also has many useful articles addressing various trip insurance questions, on the web site.

Mr B and I were fortunate to cruise out of Antwerp on one of our best ever cruises. We had also stopped there on a river cruise. Wonderful memories, both! When we departed on Symphony, in the middle of the night, I snuck out of our deck seven stateroom to go outside and view our turning around in the river. I can reconstruct the quiet, chilly, dark surroundings, as if it were yesterday. Actually, I just looked it up. Pushback was 5 am! Indeed, your city is outstanding.

This is on Ocean, correct?

How cute! Thx for the photo, Clay.

Definitely not correct, unless there has been a drastic change. It proves our point that not all res. agents are created equal. Excursions and products in the shops are what I used our OBC for in November and what I plan to use it for in June.

Oh no!

I second the motion.

Is that a plus or a minus? In 2014, I can’t think of any great wait-staff on Oceania, but that was almost ten years ago.

Oh, Adrian. Thank you for sharing Tonto with us. Good that you made it home to give him a proper good bye. Great description of your journey and the short comparison. Happy planning, and enjoy enjoy enjoy. —May B Muriel

I agree the lounge was frustratingly cold, but on my cruise in November, it was used by guests watching t.v. (sporting events), playing Scrabble, doing jigsaw puzzles. It’s a great place to stop before or after a show in Galaxy, as long as you’re not looking for bar service. Actually, it worked extremely well as the check-in area, on embarkation day.

Saving $1500 when you can’t decide can be helpful!

Bon voyage, Feta! Thx for taking us along.

Roy, you truly have put together many fabulous trips. While it’s sad that your travel days may be a thing of the past, it’s also true that you have designed many beautiful trips full of wonderful memories. I am so appreciativ3 of your willingness to share these memories with us.

Are you going to the lavender farm? And British tea at Butchart really appeals to me, too. We could rent a car and book separately, to save money. But a year later, I certainly won’t miss the extra dollars. I’m more into ease and avoiding hassles/worries.

It’s still true. Make both reservations, then email obgs@crystalcruises.com. it most likely would also work, to go to the maitre d on embarkation day. He’ll be holding court at Osteria d’Ovidio, but he handles all the specialty reservations. I wouldn’t wait until the evening of, and just show up.