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We have been on about 10 Oceania cruises. We just love Oceania. due to Azamara having more stringent COVID protocols, we switched over to Azamara. Now we have done two Azamara cruises and havre a third booked this fall. Azamara is a very good fit for us. I find the time in ports much better. Azamara has a more friendly feel. The food however is just not as good as Oceania. Azama has good food but Oceania in my opinion has higher quality and more creative cuisine.

I think you should certainly give Azamara a try.

On 12/12/2022 at 6:46 PM, LUV2binMT said:

Any one know if Chefs Table is at regular tables or high ones.

Thanks.

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What time are the shows on Viking?

Our time just opened for dinning reservations. The only thing I could get was Chefs Table on day 14 at 8:30. This is a bit disappointing. Do The Chefs Table and Manifed’s allow walk ups/

Does anyone have advice for tours in Israel? My choices seem to be the included tours, the Viking tours at extra cost and Guided Tours Israel. We have never been to Israel and this may be our only time to visit so I want to see and experience as much as possible. I do not want just a bus ride with little or no inside visits.  Guided tours Israel does not have head sets and the tours can be up to 16 people. 

Does Viking Ocean use head sets for their tours like the river ships?

Can on board credit be used for future cruise deposits or future cruise payments? Is it ever refundable?

1 hour ago, njhorseman said:

Well...perhaps not. This is my understanding based on what I've read and been told:

 

Paxlovid is not an FDA approved drug, it is permitted to be prescribed under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).  Unlike FDA approved drugs, which physicians are allowed to prescribe "off label", an EUA technically only permits a drug to be prescribed in accordance with FDA permissions and instructions.  Paxlovid's EUA is solely for patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by means of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test . (At home positive tests are permitted for this purpose.)

This would seem to preclude prescribing Paxlovid for someone just in case  they might need it later.

My understanding is that some physicians are willing to turn a blind eye to that but others will not prescribe it to someone who has not been diagnosed with COVID.

You are correct!

This is very disappointing. I love Oceania but for now we will probably be going on Azamara.  I do worry about other passengers. Most are older and so vulnerable.

I would always ask how many people will be on the tour. I have been on some of their “small” tours with 28 other people!  In my opinion a private tour is a better value but that is not always possible.

When sail in about 80 days. When should I expect Viking to give me my air arrangements?

Thanks everyone for the information. I educated myself on what was available then called choice air. The prices were very close. Our cruise is in May and we will do economy. Those factors may play a part in the pricing.

Thanks for the report. Have you heard how full the ship will be next week?

Are guarantee cabins excluded for upgrade bidding?

We are in the process of booking the Quest for May 8. We will try to arrive in Rome on May 7. What do you think of Choice Air? We usually use Kayak as a comparison tool and book air on our own but Choice sounds good.

THANKS

I got an e mail today that our boarding time has changed. It was bumped up about 2 hours!!!! Good luck for us>

We arrive early in Ft.Lauderdale but our check in time in 2pm. What should we do? I hate to sit at the airport or sit on the sidewalk at the pier.

Does anyone know the docking location of Rotterdam in St. Thomas?

THANKS

Glacier Bay is a must in my opinion. Others cruise lines go there also.

Does Holland offer just a dinning package? We do not not want the have it all but would like about 3 specially dining nights.

This is very helpful! Please keep us posted.

Ours was 2-3 weeks. 

Several times in the past we have done an air deviation thru Oceania. You pay as fee and any extra for your choice of flights. This will give you some control of your flights. I am sorry but I do not know the current fees.

We are considering Azmara. Do most people book the Azmara excursions or do private? Does Azmara offer an excursion package?

There was a band playing at the pool during sail away. My info about next weeks capacity level came from a crew member who may or may not be correct. He also said transatlantic had about 1000 passengers booked. I don’t think there are any productions shows for this cruise.

I was told the ship will be 1/3 full next week. The shows seem to be rotating between a piano player, guitarist and comedian.  We went to Horizons last night to hear music before dinner. There were no passengers in the room! We went down to hear the string quartet. The audience consisted of 4 people!

The Marina lounge shows seem to be well attended.