wave18

Thanks to all of you for the feedback!

Ha anyone stayed in a forward Explorer suite on the Viking Sky? If so, was there noise from the Bridge located above #5000 or #5001 or other passengers above #4000 or 4001?

Traveling with an elderly man who was in Havana over 50 years ago with the military. Has anyone been on the excursion to Havana offered as a 12 hour trip from where the ship is docked in Cienfegos?   Is there any chance to rest along the way or to return early? The overnight stay in Havana is not of interest but the 12 hour tour may be way too demanding for an 87 year old.

Please advise.

Thank you all for confirming that the art of conversation with "strangers" can result in an enjoyable dinner experience.

On some ships, we have been able to request being matched up with random dinner partners. Is that possible on the Encore? If so, has anyone had good(or bad) experiences?

We will be transferring via private vehicle with car/driver from our hotel in Nice to the cruise ship port in Monaco and thought about stopping to see the Prince's car collection. Is that feasible or logistically difficult given its location and timing. I thought we could leave Nice mid-morning, stop at the car collection and still arrive at the ship in time for lunch.

Any advice?

Thanks to all for great advice...Hyatt Regency in Nice is it. Also, are there any car aficionados who have visited the Prince's car collection in Monte Carlo on the way to the ship.

In September, we are sailing from Monte Carlo to Barcelona on Encore. Flying into Nice but no hotel space in Monte Carlo. Considering staying in Nice one night due to convenience to attractions but requires lengthy transport to port in Monte Carlo.... versus staying in Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap Ferret(recommended by Seabourn) which appears to be too far from Nice for walking around and still requires needing transport to Monte Carlo port.

Advice???

I've never been to New England so decided to go "all out" to celebrate 50th anniversary in late August/early September on ACL's new ship, American Constitution. Has anyone been in an Owner's Suite, AAM or AAL? Is 11 days too long or do ports/excursions maintain interest?

Previous trips on barges, river cruises and small ships in Europe and Caribbean.

Advice always welcome.

Wave18

After reviewing the excursions, I also signed up for the St. Kitts scenic rail trip. Sounds interesting and may be a great way to see the island without riding around in a bus.

Hi Cool Cruiser,

I just signed in on the Roll Call. It would be nice to meet a small group onboard. So far, we are only signed up for the champagne/lobster cruise in St. John's, Antigua.

Judy

Of course...Basseterre, St. Kitts....Castries, St. Lucia.....St. Johns, Antigua....Gustavia, St. Barts...Nassau, Bahamas

Prior to cruising, for over 30 years, we used to visit various islands and enjoy active land and watersports. We are now traveling in the "slow lane" as we are celebrating our 50th on the Ecplorer.. On this cruise, we are looking forward to warmth, sunshine and the usual great food on the Explorer as it sails in the Eastern Caribbean on Jan. 30th. We would like to rent a car to see any attractions unique to a specific island. The ship tours by bus are not appealing but there may be some hidden gem that is worth exploring with a local guide/car. Any suggestions?

For the mid-January sailing through the Panama Canal, will a blue blazer/tie be adequate for all of the evenings? Very hot weather anticipated.

On August 9th, we returned from a week aboard the Viking Forseti as it cruised through the Bordeaux region. In spite of the ship's lovely interiors, interesting excursions, pleasant passengers, and ambitious menus, there was one over-riding problem that will prevent us from ever booking on that ship again. I don't know how the other long-ships are structured, but on the Forseti, directly over the third deck containing our two-room suite was the observation deck. This deck is a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. However, the deck contains a "walking path" which circles its perimeter. Throughout the week, other passengers on the third deck and myself had to deal with the noise of loud footsteps and even the occasional jogger(heavier footsteps) which echoed directly down into our stateroom. There were supposed to be restrictions as to hours and type of activity on the track but it was irrelevant because the sound was constantly transmitted throughout the day.

The issue was reported numerous times to the ships personnel and, while they were sympathetic, there was obviously no way to alleviate an issue resulting from inadequate sound insulation between the observation deck and third floor staterooms. It was ironic because the rest of the ship had wonderful soundproofing and we were never aware of noise other than from the top deck.

Please be forewarned that, if you choose to pay extra for a stateroom or suite on the third floor, you will no doubt experience the same problem. :(

I

Please excuse the self-indulgence but, given that there is no room service, is it possible to have morning coffee brought to room....or will one of us have to get dressed and go to the dining room to bring back coffee the only option.

We're sailing in two weeks and looking forward to this new itinerary.

Thanks.

In June, we are also going on our first Seabourn cruise to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Final payment due on 3/7/12 and would love to have a coupon if it would give us an OBC. Anyone willing to give us one? If so, please contact radtj@msn.com. Thanks so much.