May B

Our first Viking was on Octantis in the Great Lakes. We loved it! There were two bars, with the duo playing in one or the other before dinner. Lovely ambiance. Aft of the World Cafe, we’d take some of the shrimp/crab legs/sushi from the WC, to go with a drink. Bon voyage to you.

I’m only 77 y.o., but I’ve never heard of, nor been subjected to, powdered o.j. When I googled, I found it, by mail order. I also found Tang, which of course isn’t juice. I don’t know what “long life with bits” refers to, either. Do you mean bits of pulp?

Be sure to specify fresh-squeezed o.j., if that’s your preference. Sometimes it takes a few minutes extra for them to get it, but it’s so worth it, to me.

If it were I, I’d arrive at 1 pm, have a nice lunch, as you already are planning, then go to the location for the maitre d (it’ll be listed in Reflections) and reconfirm the specialty restaurant reservations you have already made. Then go to the library and get magic show tickets. Then go to the computer lounge, if your stateroom isn’t available, and get your devices into the Crystal app. Then wander the ship, or go to the pool deck and have a drink and chill out! If you like looking at menus, this will be a good time to do that! Have a blast!

I was not sure about that part. Maybe it was just the casino area that was gutted? I think the shops stayed the same, except for the new one between the ex-casino space and the deck six exit area.

I predict that the procedure for Beefbar will not match the procedure for Tastes. What signature dish from Tastes do we think they’re keeping at Beefbar?

I had forgotten you had to drive yourself home! Wow, you really needed that good night’s sleep. Well done on your part, trying to keep your fellow travelers safe.

Terry, I was thinking you’re on Serenity, which always had the serving area flat across the inside wall. It’s Symphony that has it in the middle of the room. I could be wrong. Heck, I hope to live to be wrong many more times in my lifetime. As I understand it, the wallpaper, the light sconces, and the table ware are new.

Feel better soon! I hope you weren’t too uncomfortable on the flight home. Are you now the proud possessor of a Lightning or a Buc or a Ray mask?

On another cruise line, we took the (included tour) train into Berlin, dedicated train just for our group (of many hundreds, but it was handled beautifully). Then a bus ride with guide pointing out sites, then c. three hours on our own. We followed a Rick Steves walking tour and included a lunch stop. After the train ride back to the ship, about half the crew welcomed us back! They were lined up as we got to the half way point as we walked over to the ship. Wonderful experience! We’d do it all over again but see different sites on our own. A few people skipped the bus tour and just made sure they knew where to meet the bus for the return to the train.

I think they may not be available to book until Monday.

Wait! I got here too late to edit. I should have said, I for one don’t … many may have been a mild exaggeration. 🙃

Actually, our second Viking was an ocean, on the Jupiter last June. Very enjoyable! Mr B, who says you only have one chance to make a first impression, actually gave them a second chance, thank goodness. We have the triple M booked for Dec. 1st of this year. I have my eye on a river, but it would be in 2025 and we can’t decide what date to do. What a life! Very fortunate to be able to do all that we do.

Many of us don’t give a Flying Spaghetti Monster re other cruise lines. I’m sure we all know how to comparison shop, should it interest us. Thank you very much and have a nice day.

The Mississippi had its own unique challenges. I hope they’ve been sorted out. We found it easier to get a second Manfredi’s reservation than a third Restaurant reservation on Octantis. I think it was the first summer they were in the Great Lakes. Thoroughly enjoyable experience (our first Viking). It was clear from your post that you understand what’s on offer on the expedition ships.

Inform them what, exactly? You already know you’ll hear as soon as Crystal nails it down. This note didn't add anything to that knowledge.

You may find it just as easy and satisfying to pay as you go, for you. Nothing is outrageously priced. I suppose you might even surprise yourself and like the included wine at lunch or dinner … but I wouldn’t count on it.

When traveling with another couple, I get the other couple on speakerphone and we look, and book, together, each doing our own. Then follow instructions above to be sure you are on the same bus, in post #5. As soon as you get together on embarkation day, compare tour tickets, to be sure you are booked at same times.

I agree, we can never say this too often, when the topic of dinners is discussed. Before our Octantis in summer of 2022, I don’t think I had eaten more than one dinner at a buffet on a cruise ship, and that was b/c we wanted to go out to Tivoli Gardens after dinner. On Octantis, we dined twice in Manfredi’s, I think only twice in The Restaurant, and the other four at the World Cafe. After I got over the hurdle, I found, as do many Viking cruisers, that I could have a fine dinner at the World Cafe, and not feel deprived of good service. We also on occasion get some cold seafood at the WC to go with our own private happy hour. Best location is by the pool! Second best, aft outside. I would also be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much we enjoyed the fish at The Restaurant. Mr. B had halibut three times, snapper once and Chilean sea bass once. I had Dover sole and many other wonderful things. We were extremely happy with our food, and the service, on the ship. Except the first night’s wait staff at The Restaurant. We avoided them, very easily, after that. Luckily the team we got on the second night was outstanding!

Don’t forget to check out the pool grill for lunch. Burgers made to order are great but also a wonderful ahi tuna grilled to order. And two versions of hot dogs. IYKYK. Also a salad bar similar to what’s offered at the World Cafe. Bon voyage, jondfk!

Here’s one recent live thread.

Call for pricing and availability. That’s the only way I know. White night is an evening activity, in the Crystal Cove, actually in place of the evening activity. Cruisers sometimes post menus, which of course are subject to change, although not very often. Cruisers have also posted photos and even video clips from white night. I’ll find a thread to post you a great link.

Carol, thank you for replying! From 2015 when we first heard Jay, you lived in Naples, and perhaps even longer than that. Enjoy the kitties when you get home!

Wow, Dwight. I’m sure you don’t need us to say, be careful! Thank you for the public venues report!

Perhaps looks can be deceiving. But I guess now I know who it is, without looking.