Jammy Bun

Last year we were on Viking Venus over Christmas/New Year. Covid restrictions were in place, but there was a lively deck party on NYE, which spilled over into the Wintergarten. We'd walked through the deck area during the evening, but decided to stay away, apart from 5 minutes as they did the countdown. I cant remember anything particularly special about New Years Day, but we really didn't mix much, so things may have been happening!

If you're going to Lerwick, Shetland, I can recommend https://www.shetlandminibustours.co.uk/ and in Orkney we did a tour (shared with another couple), but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the company. We more often than not are happy to use the ship's included tours, but the advantage in these small islands (which we unfortunately will probably never get the chance to return to) is that we had most places to ourselves on the tours, as the guides could plan their itineraries to avoid the coaches.

We did a similar itinerary last year - 3 weeks Athens to Uk over Christmas and New Year - weather was mixed, but pretty calm and mild until we reached the Atlantic. We did tours in most ports, including NY Day, even though at that time strict Covid procedures were in place both on and off the ship. Nothing much was open on the days which were public holidays (NY Day), but since we weren't allowed to leave our guided tour group at all, it didn't affect our enjoyment. We were happy with ANYTHING at that time!

I was just about to write the same!!! Don't rely on the trains in England at the moment. We docked in Tilbury last January after a 3 week Viking cruise. We live in the north of England, but arranged for a local (to us) taxi firm to meet us and bring us home. He was waiting right outside the baggage hall doors, it was SO easy. I would recommend Addison Lee too. We've used them for a transfer from Greenwich into the city, and also on occasions when we visit family in central London. They've always been prompt and reliable, and have given us fixed prices most of the time. (though we haven't used them since the pandemic started) Have a great cruise. JB

You're right of course, but I would still like a change! Would Swedish Princess Cake be OK? I really love that (and macarons 😉)

Absolutely agree with you! Manfredis doesn't bother me too much, but Mamsens cakes yes there's too little choice... if you're only onboard for a week it would be OK, but we prefer 3-4 weeks if we have to fly. I'd like macarons to be one of the choices! We no longer go to Abba and Beatles shows - and I don't offerings like 'The Rat Pack' which also regularly appear on ships. Or 'Swinging Sixties' come to that, even though it's my era! The only musical performances that have held me spellbound have been those by Heather Clancy - a mixture of all sorts of music. But then again, she's the most talented of ladies. We felt we'd hit the jackpot when we got onboard last December and realised she was our cruise director.

Just to add to that, these are Paper notes, and the new banknotes are polymer, so it's very easy to tell the difference. Plus - £50 notes are rarely used - certainly some smaller shops would be wary of accepting them. I've never had a £50 note in my whole life... and I'm over 70 !

The tent was also used for disembarking passengers, so I guess will be 'manned' from the very early hours. I think you would need to check with Viking. We stayed in Greenwich for a couple of nights before our sailing from there, and I'm sure we checked out of our hotel during the morning and headed to the ship, but so much has happened since then that I can't remember exact procedures!

We were lucky with the weather! London isn’t always like this 😉

Yes, the terminal (when we were there, twice pre pandemic) was a tempoarary structure in the corner of the gardens facing the Cutty Sark. The above postcode SE10 9HT will certainly get you there, but every London cabbie will know where the Cutty Sark is! If you have time, go into the Cutty Sark, it has a really interesting history. I'm really envious of your trip. Leaving from Greenwich and sailing out along the Thames is fascinating. We had a retired Thames river pilot onboard until we reached the sea, he gave a super commentary along the way, explaining many of the things we passed, which we would simply have overlooked. Enjoy your cruise!

I'll second all of the above positivity! I live about an hour from Liverpool and have cruised a few times from there (on other cruise lines). It's so friendly and so easy. It's a very small terminal, your friends can stand just outside the single exit and will easily see you. It's a very short stroll to lots of the historic and cultural sites. Good shopping too - try the John Lewis department store if you're not from the UK, everything in there is good quality and excellent quality (Also nice toilets!) I wish Viking would start or end some cruises here in the North of England.

What a pity that you missed Lerwick - in my top 5 favourite ports of call (from over 30 cruises). But we were incredibly lucky with the weather. Hoping to do the Midnight Sun cruise again, maybe next year.

But 4 Cruise Directors? We've only done a sector of a World Cruise, but the CD was on for the whole trip, and I'd just presumed that would always be the case. Like it was 'Their' World cruise. Did it change the feel of what was happening, or would no-one really notice? Loving your continued daily updates!

That would certainly be my way of doing it, if we ever decide to desert Viking. I'd bring one plain black dress for the formal evenings.

Following with interest as we should have been on this cruise, but cancelled a couple of months ago due to the uncertainty of Covid protocols. Tarragona is a lovely place, but it's not Barcelona! Hope you enjoy your trip. JB

Seemed to me that he was trying to say that everyone shares the same dining experience as a positive, not a negative... in other words we ALL have a great choice and don't have to pay for speciality dining as on some other cruise lines. It's certainly something that appeals to me - once you're onboard, all are treated exactly the same, regardless of where or how large your stateroom is. (He often compares to Cunard, where there is a definite class divide.)

Prior to him becoming a YouTube influencer to pad out his retirement income, he and his partner cruised only on Cunard ships. I think he's pretty fair in his YouTube reviews generally, though I wish he would speak a little slower!

Yes, I was onboard Venus for 3 weeks over Christmas/New Year, so fully understand the procedures and issues. We watched people being taken off and transported by ambulance on several occasions, to quarantine hotels. I agree Viking is doing more than most and they're still our favourites! But still glad I don't have any further ocean cruises planned this year, and the one Viking river cruise we have booked for November/December is covered by the Risk Free guarantee which was in place when we booked, so we might be postponing that too if we're still not happy with Covid stuff. So sorry you've been affected. JB

But not quite immediately? Arlona's test sample was early in the morning, but they were able to mix throughout the day, went on a tour, and only told in the evening. Don't get me wrong, I no longer feel that close contacts should be isolated, but we all have to be aware that Covid will spread fairly easily unless extremely tight precautions are taken. I have fingers crossed that Arlona will be quarantined for only a few days, and that she can then enjoy the rest of the cruise. (And also glad that we postponed our June cruise! This was the one fear we had - spending most of our holiday in a quarantine hotel or cabin).

Thanks from me too, I've very much enjoyed following your posts. The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square seems to host mostly controversial/weird art. A Talking point, in contrast to the more traditional statues! https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/current-culture-projects/fourth-plinth-trafalgar-square/whats-fourth-plinth-now