librarylady19

Going to be in St. Maarten on Reflection in February. This sounds like a good spot but most importantly - is there access to clean rs[est rooms there?

Wouldn’t pay too much attention to what’s on the written menu as what is actually offered depends on what they can stock. DH was very disappointed in “selection” on Apex last January as it was quite limited. This was chalked up to supply chain issues but we have noticed inconsistency in beer offerings before Covid too. 

21 hours ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

We will be doing this itinerary on Reflection in a few weeks. Looking forward to your review!

Same here. 2/5 sailing!

8 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Correct it’s just below the bridge and I was told its used by crew only primarily for R&R

Oh dear, I thought that was on deck 7, which is why I picked the deck 9 OV cabin. Oh well, too late to switch now as all those cabins are gone….

1 hour ago, Wineaux007 said:

Hey, looking forward to cruising with you again.  TRASH anyone?  LOL  We're taking Adventure over and on 7 Nov flying to BCN to board Constellation back to Tampa. 

 

I've always wanted to do the Christmas Markets, but Maureen says it's too cold.  I keep telling her there's never bad weather, only bad clothes.  😉

Highly recommend Christmas on the Rhine w/ Viking. Weather is certainly not too cold - 30's when we were there in late November (similar to MW). It's magical....we booked again for '24 since Viking changed the itinerary to include some new towns!

I've searched here, googled and Youtubed but couldn't find the answer:

What is in the forward area (bow) on Deck 10 on Edge class ships? Is it part of the bridge (deck 11) or crew area?

We are in a forward OV deck 9 on Apex TA so I'm trying to determine what is above us. TIA.

On 12/12/2022 at 8:05 AM, barbeyg said:

We had breakfast at Eden a couple of days. Intended to return, but there is a great breakfast at Luminae as well, plus we had the Elite breakfast at the Grand Bistro too.  We really needed a second week to try everything we wanted to.  
 

The breakfast at Eden is great. I had a wonderful breakfast sandwich, Ken had steel cut oats one day, and the breakfast sandwich the second time. We shared a fruit plate with that. 

That’s why we “had” to book a TA on Apex after a 5 night cruise. Definitely not enough time! Agree about Eden, nice lunches too. 

On 12/15/2022 at 11:40 AM, gordylad said:

For that money we could tour numerous countries in Europe stay at top hotels and still have cash left.....

Depends on your preferences really. Yes, you could go to multiple countries but you then have to worry about transportation, food, entertainment yourselves whereas it’s built in (for the most part) to the cruise fare and easily available. Not everyone is willing or able to navigate foreign languages,, transport. etc. So glad we have choices! DH prefers land trips while I like cruising (with a short land trip pre-cruise). Guess what we do more of 😀😀

On 12/15/2022 at 3:15 AM, ONECRUISER said:

Scary yet I Booked a couple Holland America Cruises if dont find all I can on Royal. Was bored one nite at 2am playing online. Couldn't beat the Rates with Free upgrades scored, really cheap and was only $25 Down each over Black Friday. So no great loss and Finals not Due for yr or 2

I’m trying HAL for first time in April and Virgin for TA in 24. It doesn’t pay to stick to one line anymore - got to chase the best prices and itineraries and you just can’t get that with one line IMO, especially with the cuts in services/food and loyalty perks. If you are bored with one lines itineraries, try another……

4 hours ago, Lillibet16 said:

Just booked the newly released November Transatlantic from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale. Now I just have to ask my husband if he wants to do it lol!

Sounds familiar!

On 11/15/2022 at 2:10 PM, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

Thank you!!!

 

After a lot of thought and contemplation, I decided to switch to the one that stops at Bruges! It embarks on my birthday!! I'm thinking I'll pre- or post-cruise a hop to Paris for the first time too!!

Great choice. Bruges is my favorite place in the world. Was there for 5th time last week and it’s as charming as ever! let me know if you need any beer or chocolate recommendations!

On 11/15/2022 at 2:10 PM, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

Thank you!!!

 

After a lot of thought and contemplation, I decided to switch to the one that stops at Bruges! It embarks on my birthday!! I'm thinking I'll pre- or post-cruise a hop to Paris for the first time too!!

Great choice. Bruges is my favorite place in the world. Was there for 5th time last week and it’s as charming as ever! let me know if you need any beer or chocolate recommendations!

28 minutes ago, barbeyg said:

Heads up, if booking this early, check back for a few days after booking. I booked yesterday, and saved $274 on each of our cruises today.  Called and got the adjustment on both.  Prices can fluctuate up or down in the days after release. 🙂

Got an email today about Black Friday sales (C&A) and repriced my Anthem cruise - $374 less than yesterday!

4 hours ago, little britain said:

The British public are bored of Anthem.
Many are jumping  ship to brand new p&o or brand new MSC which beat an 8 year old Anthem with 8 year old shows … 

I was happy to book it LB. Always love to cruise out of my homeland and pricing was good on 9/1/24 sailing.  Got a J4 for only $400 more than we paid for. Med cruise on Vision this summer (Very disappointing experience w/ ship in poor shape and food so-so). Some new ports for us too. 

Just checked a UK site (where it is already Nov. 16th after all) but I'm guessing they have to release the sailings simultaneously with U.S. and most people aren't staying up waiting for cruise releases.

47 minutes ago, FoggyEthan said:

I sailed with Viking for the first time last year to Iceland. I have never received any communications from them since, either paper mailings or emails. I contacted Viking and they said they've added me to their promo emails, but I've never received one. I'm not sure why. I have no upcoming sailings booked. I was booked on an Expedition cruise, but they canceled it many months ago.

 

I'll keep an eye on this, but I'm eyeing some trips in 2024, so perhaps they're not going to get the big deals. Also -- yes I know how this sounds -- we only fly business when crossing an ocean. It seems like most of the special offers are "free airfare" which presumably means coach class. Does this imply that many of the offers will have limited value to us?

 

Also, do travel agents or websites tend to have better benefits than booking through Viking directly? I don't tend to use a travel agent, since I am a bit of a travel control freak 8-), and I like handling all the details myself. But I find the Viking US agents to not be acting in my interest. They seem to be desperately trying to get a commission and lock me down. So I'm open to alternatives. 😎

 

Thanks for advice!

You can get OBC from a travel agent, which definitely offsets cost of silver spirits and tips. One thing about Viking, you can still call them directly if you are working with a TA, unlike other lines. 

4 minutes ago, librarylady19 said:

One of my favorite moments from Killing Eve; seems appropriate here😀😏Sorry for the double post….

https://tenor.com/63A9.gif

3 hours ago, little britain said:

Loved the Copenhagen itineraries this year and such an easy port to disembark from. Shame. 

I’m going to wait and try HAL (Fjords 4/2023) and then book them for ‘24 if we like them!

12 hours ago, NBliving said:

Hope you feel better soon! Enjoying your review!

Definitely - feel better soon - it is no fun. After a bout of seasickness which caused me to miss 2 meals 😮 I take bonine every day, regardless of weather conditions!

You can also get bloody Mary’s and mimosas at the Elite Breakfast!

On 11/5/2022 at 6:58 AM, Ourusualbeach said:

It can vary.  Sometimes yes and sometimes no.  Personally I would not buy the NCC of you were planning on them specifically for that as you have to pick a sailing within 60 days in order to get the OBC

I like to buy them because when I happen upon a bargain cruise I already have my deposit paid for and it gives me a reason to book another cruise😏

6 minutes ago, cltnccruisers said:

May I ask what class you are flying?  We just booked our return from Barcelona on Delta.

Not the OP but just want to say that my worst international flight experience was last year on Delta JFK to BCN. Everyone seems to rave about Delta but I was NOT impressed. Flight late, food literally inedible and a truly rude crew. Will avoid JFK for sure & stick w/my home aiport O'Hare in future. I always prefer the international airlines (KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Swiss, etc.) over domestic airlines.

4 hours ago, little britain said:

Not a fan of Apex tbh… tried her twice. That’s enough! 

Sounds like someone else we know😀 DH & I love Apex and have booked next November's TA!