Britcnm

2 hours ago, carma7007 said:

I get that part. I actually have to take a Covid test every day for work due to my workplace rules (regardless of vaccination status) , so that does not bother me in the slightest. 

My question was about the testing kits and the televisits, if you can buy one box and it is good for multiple people, or if each person must purchase their own test kit in order to have the televisit. 

 

The Canadian rules are still a mess, so I think it will be a nice quiet ship evening on the balcony. 

We have used the Abbott test from the Optus store with the embed visit several times when we were in the uk…very easy. 

13 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

I just tell them I sent it via Fax Zero and they know what to check. My credit is usually posted within an hour of faxing it to them. If not, I call and they apply it right away.

Could someone please post a link to the request form. I lost the link and now I can only find one for 2016.

On 8/1/2021 at 10:16 AM, JM0115 said:

For those that have been on the Bermuda cruise, if you have an afternoon flight home from Bermuda and air transfer by Viking, can you stay on the ship in the morning of disembarkation? When did they make you leave the ship?

We got off at 1220. We ate...had mimosas  while we played backgammon on the awesome tables in the living room. Waiter service...snacks,,, all very comfortable and efficient 

On 7/30/2021 at 3:50 PM, Azulann said:

Yes,  I had my first  swizzle at the pool bar. Aaron is a great bartender.  It was  interesting rum drink. 

 I prefer golden margaritas, mojitos

  my new hot weather drink: Caipirinha! they make it with crushed ice in low glass. It was the most refreshing drink 

 Loved them also at the Aquavit bar  during  a hot afternoon by the infinity pool. 

Cheers!

Yes Aaron was awesome. He introduced me to Aquavit and my favorite drink became the Viking Royal. Everyone was just so incredibly friendly 

8 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Thanks for the brilliant reports.

Safe travels Patti. We are in Newark reading to head out 

1 hour ago, Azulann said:

Last day at Dockyards , we sail away at 6 pm . No excursions for us today. Taking the free little trolly up to clock tower and crafts shops . The trolley runs only when a ship in docked . Shops opened from 10 to 6. 
Last night attended the cabaret show with Michael Antony , the youngest assist cruise director in the Viking family of ships. He was amazing . High energy , great voice  and very entertaining. All the Star Theater show are at 9:15 pm . They are also live streamed on your tv in your stateroom. This is a great feature. I must say wearing a mask during the performance at the end of my day was sweaty. 
We listen to the talks we missed from the previous days in the morning as we are getting ready for our day. 
Of course my sister is at the gym at 6:00am every morning!! For the last two days she has it all to herself . The other passenger has faded away from working out at 6 am .

 

I repeat as others have said,  the crew is amazing , service impeccable. With less passengers they have time for a chat if you want. Many have been with Viking for number of years. They are loyal to Viking  cruise lines They tell me about their families and ask about mine.A nice bonus with the ship at less than 450. 

 

We are awaiting our travel authorization.....

3 hours ago, Azulann said:

Captain just announced that we will not sail away till dawn around 6;15. He is waiting for guests  who were delayed from getting here yesterday.! Hope those from Detroit cancelled  flight are some of those who will

board tonight !

Glad Viking is doing everything they can to help guest get to Bermuda for their cruise , in spite of air  BTA obstacles. 
 

I am interested to see how all that worked with the travel authorization and COVID testing times

15 hours ago, Azulann said:

"Bermuda has been paradise but one had to go through hell to get there."  -Mark Twain

 

So excited to be  cruising again ,  getting on plane  for the first time in 14 months, to reach my destination.

This is my second Viking cruise, having had sailed many times on Celebrity ships. I always go in at least a day early  to home port and stay a day later after any cruise. 

I rarely use  the cruise line air.

 But this time , I am using Viking Air. Having been bumped from a Delta flight back in May a number of us  were rerouted on United  to EWR a day early, being put up at the Marriott and flying to Bermuda from EWR on July13.

Morning coffee in hand, my  United flight from MSP  to EWR today is delayed .Got a nice text from United on my phone.

 So now I can finish my whole pot of coffee. I am of Danish heritage, and my Bestamor told me that coffee is our life blood.

I  agree.

 

I invite any  of our  roll call cruisers, a real chatty  and creative bunch, to add to this trip report. 

Hope to  have pictures of our cruise days on ship and on land. 

 

 Rechecking  all my documents :  COVID vaccination card, Pre Covid test  lab report, BTA green form signed with bar code, 

 I have made two copies of each for the entry  into Bermuda. 

Have my iPhone for pictures and my new MacAir , two books, two copies of the New Yorker , and red licorice in my carry on.

Am checking one  25 in bag., 

Cheers! 

Patti

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful trip. Looking forward to your reports

Here’ s a novel thought to those of you complaining about what’s going on.. if you aren’t comfortable, don’t go. We all have a choice! 

This page has the six steps for immunized travelers https://www.gov.bm/are-you-immunised

seems like they are trying to make the process clearer for all to understand

Just saw this updated  if arriving after June 20th... https://www.gov.bm/applying-bermuda-travel-authorisation

4 hours ago, Pronsias OhAodha said:

Just checked MVJ and noted that the 2 spa reservations I made weeks ago have disappeared. They were there yesterday. Of course, no available spa appointments now.

The online chat helper responded that they are having web issues, but that in any event "you will have to confirm all spa reservations at the spa desk once you are on board." Hmmm. 

Anyone else have this issue?

Mine disappeared today. Chat said they have no record of it

6 minutes ago, MRGACRUZR said:

Eating and drinking...no

Pool....no

Bars....no

Elevators have capacity limits of 2 or four from same family.

 

Pool has capacity limit of 4 but I've seen as many as six. Remember there are very few people on this cruise...just over or under 400.

 

Spa has a limit of 6 and requires a reservation.

Thank you.....that sounds better... my husband is ready to pull the plug LOL. Thanks for responding. I jus saw you on the other board...sorry for putting it two places.

9 minutes ago, MRGACRUZR said:

I've not seen any relaxing of the rules. Apparently there must be isolated situations. When trying to Guage the seriousness of the violation, try to take into account that ALL onboard are fully vaccinated and on our 5th PCR test in a week, with no incidents. 

So do you have to wear masks all the time? Sitting by the pool? In the bars? 

From the board of the the people who got on Viking Venus in Portsmouth today 

8 hours ago, B_A_H said:

There's nothing to say it can't go to 3 or 4 days in the future.  It was 5 when I booked then went to 3 then to 4 and is now back to 5.  All from official sources at the time. 

 

Like many here I've had a half dozen trips I booked canceled.  Out of all the non-U.S. port cruises announced booking one of Viking's Bermuda sailing struck me as the best chance to actually go somewhere.  Never once did I think it was going to be easy breezy. I'm as frustrated as the rest of you with the changing policies and unknowns but I can't say they were unexpected.  

 

Quite a few of you are heavy repeat Viking cruisers (I'm a virgin).  I think you placed too much trust in their ability to control the uncontrollable.  They like us are flying by the seat of their pants reacting to what's presented in the moment.  

 

For those stressing ask yourselves this - is it worth it?  Being trailblazers (first Americans at sea) comes with risks.  Risk of not getting tested in time, risk of not getting a Bermuda Travel Authorization in time, risk of a Covid situation on the ship, risk of testing positive after you've arrived in Bermuda, et. al.  Those risks have always been there and aren't going away.  If having those risks over your head is going to ruin your vacation perhaps you should sit the first round out and book further in to the future. 

 

I still think the stress is it worth it and that the vast majority of us are going to be able to jump through the flaming hoops.  Seeing the ship in Hamilton with its flags out just added hope and encouragement for me.

 

Deep breaths. 😉 

 

 

It will be worth it!

Just now, Azulann said:

This happen to me for the July 13  flight of Delta 584 Atl to BDA. It was overbooked by 20 people. It is not the biggest plane only holds 135 folks. 

Anyway, Viking Air resolution team rebooked me on United flights  going a day early to EWR , being put up in Marriot hotel at ariport  and fly the next day direct to Berumda. I love the times of these  United flight rather that the Delta ones. In fact, I wll be in Bermuda  30 minutes before my sister who did not get bumped. The plane was overbooked by Delta. It was not cancelled. I have friend who is flight attendant for Delta and she  look up this flight  and the overbooking. 

I am meeting others who wwere bumped too and other Viking cruises for a drink in the eveing of July 12. I am fine with going on vacation a day early, and Viking paying for my hotel room.

Cheers

 

 

Yes that’s exactly what they are doing for us. it ended up working out better for us too.. hope there are no More changes.

3 hours ago, Britcnm said:

Delta just cancelled the direct flight to Bermuda on July 20 and our TA is now working with Viking air for our reroute. Appears they will fly us to Newark the day before and pay our hotel overnight

To be clear ... one Viking rep told our TA cancelled. When we got on with them again they told us bumped....our first experience with VA. We will enjoy the cruise credit etc we got for our inconvenience lol

17 minutes ago, bafinegan said:

Ah bumped is different then cancelling an entire flight.  Delta has been over booking.  Some one else on one of the Bermuda cruises had this happen to them too.  ANd yea, it was Delta.

 

The first Viking rep told us cancelled....the second said bumped

43 minutes ago, ohiojohn said:

Can you be more specific.  Which flight ATL to Bermuda?  
Are you sure Delta cancelled the flight or is the flight full to accommodate you..

We are on the cruise before you on Jan 13, and we need the return to Atl on Jan 20.

I checked the Delta site and MVJ and we still are booked on the return flight on Jan 20. 

July 20th 584 Atlanta to Bermuda. Delta bumped us, so we now they are flying us to Newark the night before and we will fly direct to Bermuda from there

40 minutes ago, ohiojohn said:

Can you be more specific.  Which flight ATL to Bermuda?  
Are you sure Delta cancelled the flight or is the flight full to accommodate you..

We are on the cruise before you on Jan 13, and we need the return to Atl on Jan 20.

I checked the Delta site and MVJ and we still are booked on the return flight on Jan 20. 

3 minutes ago, What was that? said:

Thanks! Are you located in a big metro area, or an out of the way place like Reno, NV?

12 minutes ago, bafinegan said:

Just checked and our return flight on Juy 20 on Delta is still there, but we are flying to JFK then on to Atlanta.

Several of us got bumped from 584 on June 20th out of Atlanta. 

Delta just cancelled the direct flight to Bermuda on July 20 and our TA is now working with Viking air for our reroute. Appears they will fly us to Newark the day before and pay our hotel overnight

15 hours ago, aussie1944 said:

Actually the "Trophy Wife" married to the American!!! LOL!!  Hope this Viking cruise is as much fun as the one we did from San Juan to Barcelona with you and Mike.

Arlene & Ralph

Now that is funny

2 hours ago, Azulann said:

Brticnm, 

Yes, that sailing sold me on Viking.  That cruise had its bumps too. Trying to get reservations in PR after the hurricane. for pre cruise stay. Lots of places were closed for the season because of damage. 

 Wish I could see your picture and  remember your name. evryone was so friendly and lots of good conversations and humor.

So you are  doing the Bermuda Escape too!!!!

Fond memories of those 6 sea days in a row , and celebrating Easter on the top deck with a service conducted by the Episcopal woman priest! 

 

 

Yes we go on July 20 with Arlene and Ralph. I was the red haired Brit married to the American lol

1 hour ago, Azulann said:

Gramfrog, 

It sounds like a better fit for your group.

 I remember you on the our first sailing on the Viking Sea, Puerto Rico to Barcelona Transatlantic.That was such a great cruise and a fab roll call, with two meet and greets!

 You gave me your card... I should have called you to book my Bermuda cruise. But I did this all in 24 hrs, once I got the email from Viking. The July 13 saling was the only week my sister could go. She is still teaching summer school.

 My former  roommate Louise is on the Iceland cruise  July 3 withher husband and friends of ours.   They  is really excited in spite of the bumps in the road since they booked. 

Enjoy your new cruise in late August. maybe we will nmeet again on a Viking ship.

 

Patti

Azulann We met you on the transatlantic cruise.