friendlyfifer

I’m glad you found that to be the case. I suppose we all have different views on what we expect from a CD. My favourite one was on the Viking Sky in March 2020. We were turned around mid-Atlantic because of Covid and had to return to the States. The CD, an Australian, was present everywhere on the ship, reassuring passengers and keeping ours and the crew’s spirits up.

You’ve hit the nail on the head! My perception was that she felt she was too good for the job. ‘Mingling with the masses’ for HC was just a step too far. Perhaps if she ditched the heels and the attitude that step could be taken. Apologies to all those who love HC.

I agree with your comments. Heather Clancy was our CD on the Venus last May. She was the most invisible CD we have ever had. She has an amazing voice but did not endear herself to passengers.

Gratuities are included with the cruise price here in the UK. That goes for all cruise lines. There must be some some reason why it is not the same in other countries.

Like the majority of passengers I love sailing with Viking and feel instantly at home when I board one of their ships. The crew provide excellent service and we disembark with heavy hearts. That said, I would like to see some changes on board: 1. Could we have a new menu in Manfredi’s please? By all means keep the top requested dishes but bring many new dishes to the table. 2. Star Theatre - I really don’t want to see the Beatles and ABBA shows again. I know it’s difficult with only four singers but Viking really do need to ring the changes. 3. How about hand wash rather than bars of soap? I assume all these partly used bars get thrown out at the end of a cruise. Topping up soap dispensers would be less wasteful. 4. Lastly, perhaps some different cakes at Mamsens. Does anyone else want to add to my list? I realise that many people will not want any changes and I apologise to them in advance.

Check-in in Edinburgh was extremely busy and took well over an hour. Security was busy but the queue was moving. The plane was about 30 minutes late in departing. At Schiphol we had to have our UK passports stamped even although we were transit passengers. There was an enormous queue but we were fast tracked through when the departure time of our next flight got closer. Viking were there to meet us in Stockholm and thankfully our luggage was there on the belt. Like many passengers on the Mars, we had Apple tags in our luggage so could see where it was. We had a lovely cruise, meeting new friends and well know crew members.

Sorry to take so long to respond. We are just off the Viking Mars. St Andrews was mobbed for the Open and in the middle of a heatwave. We had family staying for the entire week . They had tickets but we watched it on the television. Many Americans had not packed for hot weather so the shops were busy. Also some came via Heathrow but unfortunately their checked luggage didn’t travel with them. a great week and we now have to wait until 2030 to repeat it.

Crew members, Marcel, Angela and Liz have now left Viking Mars and are on leave for two months. They then join Neptune. Lovely people so I’m sure F&B standards will be up to scratch on the new ship.

I’ve been watching the luggage problem carefully. It seems to be resolved now. We fly Edinburgh/Amsterdam/Stockholm tomorrow morning so all fingers and toes are crossed. Hand luggage only would be difficult for a two week cruise.

We fly tomorrow via Schiphol to Stockholm. The baggage system problem seems to be resolved but it’s going to be a stressful journey.

Has anyone passed through Schiphol in the last few days? Was your transit easy or did you encounter long queues? Lastly, did your luggage arrive at your final destination? Thanks

Are you coming here to St Andrews for the 150th Open in a few weeks time?

Find out who the sommelier is early on in your cruise. Once you’ve met him/her you’ll find they seek you out at dinner and advise you on wine selection. They are very knowledgeable and keen to offer assistance.