CEV426

Dear Viking Representative...

Can you confirm whether the Antares is owned and staffed by Viking?    I would expect everything to be the same as on other Viking vessels except for perhaps the decor.   And there is no Silver Spirits package available on the Egypt ships?

After numerous calls and emails with Viking regarding this exact topic, this is what a kind rep emailed back to me. Most reps didn't really know for sure, but this one set the bar a little higher and really followed up with an in depth reply.

Our sailing is Aug 11th (just a few days away) and we booked a private Berlin tour with Tours By Locals. I am going to verify this information once on board and therefore update our guide of any changes, but here is the reply I rec'd:

"Good morning Mrs. .......

I have some additional information regarding the Berlin Your Way excursion. I was mistaken, this tour does include an orientation tour around Berlin before the on your own portion. This normally lasts for about an hour to an hour and a half. You can speak with the tour leader to be able to skip this portion and have the full time in Berlin on your own. The train will drop off at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Europlatz) station, and the orientation tour will drop off at the Gendarmenmarkt. I believe you would meet with the group back at this location before being taken to back to the train station at the end of the day. We do not have exact times, but you will arrive in Berlin at approximately 11:30 AM and will depart from Berlin at approximately 5:00 PM. Total travel time is approximately 3.25-3.5 hours each way.

I hope this helps you with planning your day in Berlin. Please let me know if you have any other questions."

I'm not sure if other cruise companies have forums, but I know some land tour companies do so that travelers can meet online before a particular tour date.

As far as FB...

I don't think that the negative comments can be deleted. Only the OP has the ability to edit/delete a post. I follow a given retailers FB board and I ( as well as others) have personally used it as a vehicle to voice a complaint or two over the years. It is monitored by the company and my personal issue was taken to a private message and rectified.

In these days of social media, we consumers have a voice.

I just thought that if Viking or other cruise companies had their own roll calls/forums, etc it would let other passengers get to communicate. There are many that do not know the first thing about Cruise Critic or are intimidated to try to learn.

Yes, I knew about the boards being monitored by Viking. I agree that it is usually over important issues when they chine in

I wish Viking would add community forums to their site. It would be a great place to share cruise-specific topics not to mention a convenient venue for Viking to eavesdrop, but do that now here on CC. ;)So, hopefully they do listen to valid concerns.

Hi - I have gone to norled to book our trip to Pulpit Rock while we are in Stavanger, but I am having a hard time figuring out which schedule or boat to take, and while I sent an email, no one has responded to this. Can anyone recommend which schedule or boat to take? Or if I need to do something different to get this information? Many thanks!

We are on the Aug 11th VH sailing on the Star. We we booked the 12 noon Rodne Pulpit Rock cruise on our own. It was roughly $60 pp. Much much cheaper than with Viking. I just followed prompts online and rec'd a .pdf and printed voucher. We chose this sailing time since we were getting into Stavanger at 10am and if we were late arriving it would give us some buffer time. We didn't want the 2pm since it would cut it a little close to make it for departure. This will also allow us to do the latest afternoon included walking tour with Viking.

 

I am wondering about this as well. This excursion (Flam Railway) is sold out for my cruise and my 60 day window doesn't open up until June 11th! For any other port I would have been able to manage with outside companies but not this one! What are the chances that more spaces will open up? Should I at least trying to book something else with another company ahead of time or wait until onboard and hope there is enough interest for 4 more seats to open? :')

Where is the rolling eyes emoji when I need? So many are overreacting and assuming facts not in evidence. It’s just an option, people, and since it’s not even mentioned on their website they are probably just experimenting to see how it’s received.

 

We will gladly be 2 of those not dining at Manfredi’s. We ate there once on our ocean cruise, and while it was nice, we liked the Restaurant better. I’m sure we are not alone.

 

It’s not the full Manfredi’s menu that they serve on the Ocean cruises anyway. It looks to be a pretty set menu with maybe 1 or 2 choices.

 

Seating 16 probably means 4 tables of 4. There are more tables than 4 at the Aquavit Terrace, if people want it, they will probably continue to serve other meals there, weather permitting. I’m quite sure they will respond to what people want, it’s what they do. When you are onboard, they rarely say, “no,” and they do their best to keep everyone happy. At least that has been our experience.

 

The kitchen is right there under that area of the lounge and buffet, I’m sure they will manage to do what they have to do. Viking is very good at that.

 

Seriously, relax, they’re just trying to offer choices and expand the experience. They are probably hearing from people who have done both and enjoyed the Manfredi’s experience and food.

 

And what you pay for are 3 meals a day, not any specific dining experience.

 

I give them props for continuing to evolve and respond to customer input and comments.

 

 

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There are 3 tables of 4 and 2 tables for 2. The rest of the tables are outdoors. It’s a set menu, no choices. You know what the menu is before reserving. I liked it as a change of pace, but I’m not one of the normal aquavit diners that may miss it.

There is no room for the normal aquavit Buffett and the manfredi’s set up.

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Cindy,

Was the Aquavit Terrace still available for dining at lunchtime?

Yes, Aquavit was available at lunchtime.

Does this Manfredi's dining option mean that the Aquavit Terrace is no longer available as a more low-key dinner option?

Yes, it appears that is the case. Perhaps Viking is just trying this out to see how passengers like it. I liked it a lot. I never utilized the Aquavit Terrace for dinner.

I liked them. My only problem was that I forgot to bring my shower "pouf" for the gel. The washcloth just didn't foam it enough for me....and in 11 countries....and 3 weeks....there was not one "pouf" to be found! I guess "poufs" are not a European thing!:D:D:D:D:D:D

I don't particularly love the Freya products, but they're good enough so I don't have to pack my own other than shampoo since I need sulfite/sodium chloride free. The shower gel is clear and very thin and watery. The conditioner is fair, and the body lotion was good... not greasy which is usually an issue with me.

You've cruised on VR a few times but never before reported any issue with portion sizes at dinner. You've made quite a thing of it in this post: are portions really 'miniscule' this year? .

My initial post mentioned nothing about portions. I was merely mentioning Viking's new dinner dining venue. I was replying to a request from "etravel" who asked me for information on the food, etc.

The portion sizes are no smaller than on previous cruises, but I was comparing the normal menu (newly formatted) to Manfredi's. The Manfredi's menu portions were also small, but there were 6 courses so there was a little more food without being too much.

I suppose size is subjective but there were many "viking/river cruise virgins" who were making mention of the small dinner portion sizes. For example, the Caesar salad portion could fit in the palm of my hand. For some, the portions may be fine. I don't eat dessert nor fill up on bread so I was hungry later in the evening. I also mentioned that there is always more available for the asking.

I totally understand why the portions are so small. I was not complaining but stating a fact to someone seeking information.

There is ample opportunity to fill up at the breakfast and lunch buffets. All the food is very good.

I would imagine that Manfredi's is on all the longships. Ours was the first cruise of the season. We did enjoy our cruise. You can't go wrong with Viking. They deliver a nice product.

Manfredi's was a nice change from the minuscule dinner portions. I am not a finicky eater, but I am a discerning eater. I will eat just about anything, but it's more than just "filling the tank" for me. The food is very good but the dinner portions are very small. I ordered a second meal for my DH one night as his piece of meat was half the size of the other on the table. No problem. They willingly obliged.

At lunch there is a salad bar and a pasta of the day prepared for you. The pastas are always good. You can also order off of the menu for breakfast and lunch.

For dinner, Viking changed it up a bit.

There is the "Always available" selections...Salmon, chicken, steak, Creme Brulee is what I remember.

What's new is a suggested regional menu each night: Appetizer, entree, dessert.

And maybe on or 2 other entrees with one being a vegetarian dish.

Since the portions are so small, we also often order the vegetarian option as well and split is as a side dish. There was an Asian noodle and a truffle risotto that I can recall and they were both delicious.

The do a nice job of accommodating gluten free diet as well,

We're just back from our Viking Danube cruise. There is a new dinner dining venue. Viking has taken their ocean dining venue, Manfredi's and adapted it to fit in the Aquavit terrace/cafe area. It's a fixed 6 course menu: Antipasto, salad, soup (pasta fagioli), spaghetti carbonara, a lite chicken parm and tiramisu they were able to adapt the entire menu to suit the gluten-free person in our party. Must make reservations. Only 16 people per night, fixed time, fixed menu. It was all delicious. One couple ate there every night. I highly recommend.

No surcharge.

How does everyone transport their clothes to and from the laundry area? I have a nice folding tote to bring dirty laundry, but I don't want to put it back in same bag when clean. (not as much for sanitary reasons but for folding and keeping wrinkles to a minimum)

Should I bring hangers to laundry. Are there enough hangers? (are there EVER enough hangers?) Should I bring some disposable dry cleaner hangers?

I am about to leave for my 4th VRC so I can say I've seen it all.

Most people are smart casual. Slacks and a nice top and cardigan/blazer and a scarf will take you anywhere.

Men usually had khakis and a collared shirt/or polo shirt. Occasionally I saw a sport coat.

My DH wore either black dress pants, very dark dressy denim jeans or black denim with a collared shirt and occasionally a light weight pullover argyle sweater.

My attire was a little dressier than some since I work in scrubs so I never get a change to wear some of my things. My Viking "uniform" was a pair of black skinny ankle pants with dressy flats or heels...And a snazzy top and jewelry. I also did wear dark demin jeggings with dressed up top and shoes and in cooler weather leggings and a tunic or long top/cardigan.

See Chico's Brigitte ankle pants: They stretch, they're very comfortable, flattering and don't wrinkle. They come in ankle and capri length in many colors. Worth every penny.

https://www.chicos.com/store/product/so+slimming+brigitte+ankle+pants/570219809?color=3675&catId=search

The demographics vary on each cruise and therefore the personal style will vary. Anything remotely respectable is fine.

Jean are not uncommon.

We hired Karin H. via Tours By Locals

 

guide_19180-88@toursbylocals.com

+49 170 1822205

I am currently in the process of hiring Karin H. from tours by locals....

It's a coincidence that I also see her recommend here. Good to know. :p

I am not 'coat' person per se as I am normally get by with very little in winter just hoping in and out of the car. We just went to Quebec, Canada over Christmas week and it was -12F. Cold like I never experienced, but I was prepared.

I also didn't want to speed too much as I wasn't going to use it much, I got a mid thigh coat from BJs for $49. It's an Ellen Tracey brand and comes with it's own packing bag. For the extreme Canadian temps, I had several layers on, but for Scandinavia in summer it should be fine.

I am also trying to plan our Viking's Homeland day in Berlin. I just want to use the included train ride to Berlin and meet up with a private guide there. I am gathering that upon leaving the train, the group get on a bus for an orientation tour of the city for about and hour and drop off near Hilton.

Is it unreasonable to not get on the bus and have a guide meet at the train station? Would we be missing a lot on the bus tour?

I also read somewhere here that the return trip to Warnemunde is from a different train station. Is this true? The arrival train station is Ostbanhof?

Is the afternoon meeting point neat the Hilton also and then bus to train.

I am usually quite adept in planning the logistics of independent touring, but I am not getting very far with questioning Viking about particulars such as times. :o

I am researching the same situation. We will be on the Viking Star this summer and the 'Included" excursion for the Warnemunde port IS the train to Berlin. I hear it leaves between 6 and 630 am. I was planning on hiring a guide for a group of 4-8 and have them meet us at the train station and proceed by foot or public transport from there and finish up mid afternoon in time to catch the afternoon train back.

Does anyone see a logistic problem with this?

Thank you for a great review! I definitely picked up some tips!

Thank you for the insight.

I factored in the distance and the car rental does seem to be the only way to go, but the night parking fee at hotel is a pain. I'll look for alternative spots. We decided not to return car in the city. They will return back to the airport and catch an Uber to pier for $12-15. A lot better than an extra $50 for one way rental. They are now staying 3 nights so the car will allow them to really see a lot. Got a great deal from Hawaii Discount Car Rentals.

We are sending our DD and fiance on a special birthday cruise. They will be in Oahu for 2 nights pre-cruise in early Sept. Based on my only brief trip to Oahu in 2008 (won a 4 day trip to the Pro Bowl), they should see Pearl Harbor, climb Diamond Head, see Hanuama Bay, and maybe Pāpalaua Falls if time permits.

I don't see any other way than to rent car. They will be staying in a condo at the Ilikai (Hawaii-50) next to the marina (Gilligan's Island).

If they pick up car at HNL, what should they do with the car on embarkation day?

I see that there is an Enterprise location near the pier where they may be able to walk (0.5 mi) or get an Uber.

I see various posts about shuttles, but none seem to pertain this situation.

Any suggestions?

We are also just using Viking's Berlin on your own merely for the transportation. I am currently exploring our options for hiring a private guide to meet us at the train station and then a 5 hr walking and public transport tour of the highlights. There are 4 in our party, but another couple (that we met on the roll call thread) plan on joining us thereby reducing the cost pp.

I am considering

https://www.toursbylocals.com/?s=AW_18A_001a_tours%20by%20locals%20com&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLLmss_y1wIVmIuzCh1wHQ-EEAAYASAAEgJ4GfD_BwE

https://tourguides.viator.com/

http://berlinwalks.de/public/

Our longest time on board the bus was on the Paris/Normandy cruise. It was a 2 hr ride from the ship to the Normandy beaches. That's when I saw someone use the bathroom. Typically, you're not on the bus that long.