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On 11/25/2022 at 5:21 PM, lola2013 said:

I have never sailed in Australia, but have twice sailed in a SV on the Edge.  Regardless of itinerary, I wouldn’t hesitate to book a SV again.

I agree - we usually love the SVs, but i am worried about them being too hot on this trip.  Thanks!

Thank you jelayne - question for you though - do you think any balcony would have been too hot?  Even in the shade?  What ship were you on?  Greatly appreciate the info!  

Hi everyone!  

My husband and i really like the sunset verandahs, but are thinking of changing.  We are considering the 11-day Australia Great Barrier Reef cruise.  Would you recommend a sunset verandah for that?  Port or starboard balcony if not?  The ship would be the Edge.  We don't care for the infinite verandahs, but could put up with it if needed.  The suites are just too expensive for us (we've done it once and would rather spend our money elsewhere), so don't want to do that. We would appreciate any tips for an Australian cruise!  

Thank you!

Agree.  I did the sunrise about 30 years ago and loved it.  My husband has not seen it.  Our ship (Celebrity) does not offer a sunrise excursion, that's why i was trying to set it up on my own.  Doesn't look like it is feasible.   

On 8/22/2022 at 2:22 PM, Haqdeluxe said:

Believe those are coffee w/cream pods. I recall when Nespresso released them there were three different flavors. With this I then suspect you work them just  like the other offerings. 

Here is the link to them: https://www.nespresso.com/es/en/barista-creations-cafe-con-leche

The pods in this link do not have cream in them.  They are coffees that go well with milk.  That's what they were created for - but they are just coffee.  Lighter perhaps?  My sister loves them because she always puts steamed milk in hers. 

17 hours ago, dogdoc2002 said:

If you're on POA, you'll be docked in Kahuli.

Nope - Celebrity.  

Question about Haleakala - if we take a tour, will they let us off the ship to catch the tour at 3am for sunrise?  We are doing an overnight, so two days in Maui.  We would try to do it technically day 2.  

Is the boat tendered in Lahaina?  It doesn't say that it is on our itinerary, but then several people on these boards state that it is a tendered port.  If that is the case, i doubt they would tender us in at 3am.  🤨

On the flip side - if we do a sunset tour and dinner, how late do they let us back on board?  Especially if it is a tendered port? 

I would appreciate any advice please!  

Thank you!!!

Sorry!  Thought of another question.  Online they have a "sample menu" of what is included in the SSP, but it does not list wine other than the "house" wines (and then does not say the brand).  Anyone know of a place to find this?  Trying to decide if the SSP is worth it for us or not.  We have a port intensive cruise, so may not have time to drink much other than mealtimes or after dinner.  Thanks!

Hi there!  Viking newbie here. 

I have looked on the Viking website, but can't seem to find the answer to a few questions - i am hoping you guys can help?

We are in a DV1 cabin.  Is our minibar included (free)?  Will it be replenished daily?  DH loves the Dewars, so if that is in ours, he will be happy.  

Someone also mentioned that if you are not a spirits drinker (me), you could get wine?  Is that true?  Is it the mini bottles?  

Thank you!!!

Wonderful!  Thank you Clay!

I just looked through the local directory in my town and then called one.  I explained the situation and she called Avalon to explain and get the booking transferred to her. 

I am a Viking Ocean newbie - will go on first trip with them in September.  Am i understanding that there are laundry facilities on board?  That would be fabulous!  Do they supply detergent or do we need to bring our own?  Thank you!

I had this issue a few years ago - Avalon will only talk to a travel agent if you booked through one.  I actually emailed the TA and told him he was fired, and then got a new travel agent to help me.  Good luck!  

Oh, didn't think to look there! Thank you!!

We have not sailed on Viking Ocean before, and are trying to book flights post cruise.  Will it be possible to get off the ship early in Amsterdam to get to the airport for an 11 am flight?  I know we have done it on a River cruise, but not sure with the ocean.  Thank you!

On 5/17/2022 at 6:41 PM, dtenel said:

We pore-paid gratuities when we booked.  Does that cover the cruise director and then the rest of the staff?  So then we will only have to bring cash to give anyone any extra?  I don't want to skimp out by thinking I had everything covered!

Yes - if you pre-pay your gratuities (which we always do - SO much easier!), it includes everyone on the boat.  The only time you would give extra is if they gave over-the-top service.  

On Avalon, we have had excellent service, but there have been a few that have gone out of their way.  For instance i had asked for a specific after dinner drink the first night of the cruise, but they didn't have it, so i had something else.  The next night i went to the lounge after dinner, and the bartender came over and told me that he had gone into town that day and gotten the items needed. He handed me my drink for free that night as an apology for not having it the night prior!  I was stunned.  Needless to say he definitely deserved, and received, extra on that cruise!

Thanks Cowboy 1971! Great review - such good info!  I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.

On 5/6/2022 at 9:04 PM, dtenel said:

We used Spoed last September coming home from Amsterdam!  Quick and easy!

Excellent!  Was it just the 40 Euro rapid antigen test that is resulted in 30 minutes?  

Or did you go for the more expensive PCR test?  

Thank you!!

Another question for you - just to be clear - they are NOT requiring passengers to wear masks at the self-serve stations for breakfast and lunch?  Thank you!

On 4/19/2022 at 12:30 PM, BAYA said:

Yes you must wear a mask during the lunch buffet time and breakfast buffet time until you are seated at your table. And yes Avalon required proof of our fully vaccinated status before they checked us in on the ship. We happen to be boosted but they didn’t require that I don’t believe.

A quick question for you - did they require you to use the N95 masks?  Or any mask?  Thank you!!

OH - forgot to mention we DO have the BINAX now tests that i ordered, but wanted a back-up in case the internet stinks at the hotel.  

Hi Everyone! 

We are 23 days to our cruise - yay!  The Panorama on 28 May, Basel to Amsterdam. 

However - trying to make sure we can get the correct COVID test in Amsterdam to be able to board a plane back to the US.  (staying extra after we disembark). 

Is the rapid antigen test valid for boarding a plane?  Everything i read uses different terminology it seems.  

The main place to test is called SPOED Test.  They have lots of centers around Amsterdam.  

The testing they offer is the Rapid Antigen Test at 40 Euros, or the PCR Economy at 80 Euros.  

Big difference in price, and also the first one is results in 30 minutes, the second results in 24 hours.  

I think we can do the rapid as long as it's an Antigen test , correct?  

Thoughts???

Great review so far!  Thanks so much for this! 

We have a group doing this same (i think) itinerary in the end of May, so i am loving that you are giving so much detail.  Please keep it coming!  

We will be on the Panorama.

Did any one who did the Heidelberg Castle trip let you know if they enjoyed it or not?  That is the only long day a few of us are doing, and i am hoping its worth it.  

One last request - how has the weather been?  Temperatures?  

Thanks again!  I hope the rest of the trip is wonderful for you!  

Hi everyone!  Question for you - How much time should we plan to get from the gate to baggage claim in ZRH?  Not sure how long customs is taking, and don't want to miss the van.  Thanks!

I have used them in other countries in Europe - very reliable, great prices and wonderful communication.  I have used their suggestions for the trip as well as asked for specific stops.  Always a wonderful trip with a good driver/guide.  I highly recommend them! 

I plan on using them again in Switzerland to go from Lucerne to Basel with a stop in Gruyeres.