CILCIANRQTS

We paid big bucks for a whale watching excursion on Maui and saw nothing, then came back to Kapalua and saw dozens of whales from shore! Go figure.

I was on Viking river this month, and they had Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve and Woodford double-oaked, so I was happy! None of them were on any list I saw before the cruise, so there is hope! 🥃

We also had no problems in 7018.

The challenge is that this topic is one where folks are asked not to share on CC. We prefer the advice of friends to strangers, and as old-style consumers, we much prefer a face-to-face interaction vs. an 800 number. We’re not chasing perks. And yes, it was meant to be helpful…

We cruise for two reasons: 1. Cultural experiences 2. Relaxation. For us, sea days are the definition of relaxation - a good book and a double Baileys on the rocks. We don’t need or want contrived activities designed merely to fill time. Different strokes…

Ask friends who travel.

And there are feedback opportunities on the final questionnaire that we just received.

And there are feedback cards on the CD’s desk.

There is an issue with guides who walk VERY quickly. Often it’s because of scheduling constraints, but sometimes it’s just their nature. Periodic stops to talk about local sites is very helpful, particularly given the demographic of Viking travelers. on current trip, nearly every included excursion has a leisurely walker group.

We’re noting a definite lowering of meal quality and selection on our current cruise. Yes, I know the galley is small, but more often than in the past we have to default to the 3 standard meals. Lots of chicken and fish, and not a lot of attention to detail on those. Just curious if our trip is an anomaly.

You can get an exemption letter from a medical professional that serves in the place of a YF vaccination card. But I appreciate your open mind…

If you’re old 😉, talk to your doc first before getting a YF shot. We went to a travel clinic before visiting Senegal and Brazil, and we’re advised the potential adverse reactions - while we would be at sea - were more dangerous to us than contracting YF. Many infectious disease departments have a travel clinic as a related offering.

You go to one of the buffet trough chains and ask, “Where are the king crab legs and shrimp?”

And still many people on here say “I can book my own cruises directly. Why would I need a travel agent?” You’ve just explained why.

You walk into your Living Room, settle onto the couch with a good book and say to your spouse, “Could I get a double Bailey’s on the rocks, please?”

Since you’re doing the Southern Crossing and it’s the tail end of hurricane season, I’d guess the high probability of rough seas is the reason.

You walk into your family dining room and ask “What’s on the menu this evening? I’m trying to decide where to eat.”

You’re walking downtown with a group of friends and one of them starts telling a very boring story. You turn to her and say, “We’re going to break off from the group now. We’ll make our own way back to the ship.”

You walk out of your home and are disappointed that you weren’t offered a bottle of water.

You walk into your local bar, order your favorite drink, and say “I have the drink package.” 🥃

You’re out shopping in your community and you say to your companions, “Let’s go back to the ship for lunch!”.

You sit down at your table for dinner and you introduce yourself to the other family members at the table.

You walk into the bathroom and are surprised that the floor isn’t heated and the mirror is fogged.

Always picking the TA with the biggest OBC is like always booking the service person with the lowest bid. The price may look good, but the outcome could be disastrous. Consider the big box TA’s - their primary goal is to earn their sales commission, not spend time servicing your needs. Our TA gives us minimal concessions, but we wouldn’t trade her for the world.

Echo that. Last time we tried to book onboard, the consultant tried to charge us rack rate, when we knew there were better deals in our Viking mailing. Now we don’t even bother.