Northumbrialass

Back again. Following the cruise and it looks like things are going well. I see you we able to dock and not tender in Monaco. Were there shuttles th first day in Barcelona? It seems you docked at the main cruise port in Marseilles and then I assume, shuttled to the pod port area. Is the French Bistro menu going to be available at the chef's table during the cruise? I read when it was introduced that it was going to be available on the last 2 ships but that was a year ago and I know how things are are adjusting as Viking grows. It fits into my cabin mate's restrictions is why I was wondering.. Meet and mingle after Marseilles port visit? Anything else of interest? Let me hear when you have time. Thanks

I hope the following helps.

Day 1. Arrived in Barcelona on Thursday 8 March. The Barcelona port authorities offered a shuttle bus from the cruise terminal (Moll Adossat Terminal B) to the World Trade Centre near Las Ramblas. Service started at 7.30am, the last bus returning 11.30pm. It ran every 10 to 15 mins. The cost was 3Euros one way and 4Euros return. These details were printed in the Viking Daily. There are also taxis available at the port.

Day 2. Friday, a full day in city. Viking did offer a complimentary shuttle bus to town centre starting at 9.00am last one returning at 3.45pm. I don't know how often but I guess maybe every 30 minutes.

Day 3 Marseille we docked at the main terminal at approx. 8am. The shuttle buses were offered from the pier to Virage Vaudoyer in the Old Port of Marseille. Starting 9.00am last one returning 5.00pm. Again every 30 minutes.

Day 4 Monaco, yes we docked, no need for a tender.

Day 5 Livorno, for Florence & Pisa. Shuttle bus was offered from 7.30am with last one returning 7.00pm. This was operated by local company and details were in Viking Daily regarding tickets, however if was complimentary.

Day 6 Civitavecchia for Rome. Shuttle bus from pier to main drop off points Varco Vespucci and Varco Fortezza, every 15 mins. Last bus returning 10.00pm

Day 7 Naples. No mention of shuttle bus being offered in the Viking Daily.

Day 8 Sea day

Day 9 Corfu. Shuttle bus was offered. First bus 9.00am last one returning 5.00pm.

Day 10 Split. No bus was offered and the ship docks near town centre.

Day 11 Dubrovnik. First bus 8.00am last one returning from Old Town 1.30pm.

Day 12 Venice. Shuttle boat Service. From the ship to Cornnoldi Pier, along the Riva degli Schiavoni on the Venice water front. This drop off is about 10 mins walk to St Marks Square.

We had rain and windy weather so the Captain took the decision to swap days 10 and 11 around. Visiting Split first then sailing south to Dubrovnik then on to Venice. We docked about 3 hours later in Venice again because of the weather. These little changes didn't really spoil the cruise for us, however because we docked late in Venice because of the weather a few of the day time tours were retimed or cancelled. I know that all the evening gondola ride were cancelled. Shame, but we have no control over the weather.

I think the Meet & Mingle was indeed on day 3, Marseille.

Regarding the Chef's Table Restaurant menus. We dined there 3 times there, it's our favourite restaurant. The food and the service is very good. The menus we tried were the Carnival, The Scandi and the Gastromonies Through Time. All three menus were lovely. There was an Chinese and another menu but can't remember the description.

I hope this helps with planning your holidays.

I've just returned from the Mediterranean Odyssey on board the Star. I noticed on the second day the Assistance Cruise Director held a solo travellers meet & greet get together at 7.00pm in the Explorer's Lounge. This was advertised in the Viking Daily which is delivered to your stateroom the evening before or you can pick one up from the guest services desk. Viking also organise Meet & Mingle for guests who sign up to attend these here on Cruise Critic. I've been to two, one on the Homelands on board the Sea and the second on the Star. Both were good fun, meeting other guests who use CC and also some of the staff. There are drinks and canapes on offer. The invitation to attend the Meet & Mingle is placed in your stateroom upon arrival, giving the time and place. Do sign up for the M&M and enjoy.

We have just returned home from our Mediterranean Odyssey cruise, it was a great holiday despite the weather, it rained when we were in Monaco. We docked right in Monte Carol, no tenders were used. We took the included tour which was very good despite the awful weather.

Remember to bring their local coins with you ! We had to use the local facilities during our time in Dubrovnik and had only Euro’s and I was out of luck . If you wanted to make a few bucks get a bunch of their coins and sit outside of the Men’s room .You can play “What’s your price “

 

 

 

 

 

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I also saw this sign, we didn't have any Kuna currency or a 1 Euro coin so ended up at a bar, buying a beer and a coffee and using the loo. Now back home the credit card payment has arrived it cost us about £13.00. However bar was on the main street through the old town and it was nice spot to people watch. Dubrovnik is a lovely easy place to walk around. We didn't have time to walk the walls, we were told by our guide there were about 800 steps in total around the walls. How true this is I don't know. Please be careful if it has been raining the pavement could be very slippery. The streets are hundreds of years old and millions of people over the centuries have walked these street therefore the stone has little or no grip in the wet.

Ok, I’m a single malt scotch drinker. As I read the sample drink menu from Vikings web site under “enhance your trip “ they list Glenfiddich and Aberlour 10 yr as single malt scotch.

Are these examples, or, the only available single malt scotch whiskey on the ship? In other words, if we buy the beverage package, can I ask for a Highland Park, or Glenmorangie, and assuming it’s under $15/ drink, have it included?

There seem to be some very conflicting opinions (reference the 🍷 discussion). I’d rather bring my own scotch and forego the package if I’m limited to two choices. If there are more choices someone will know and kindly tell me here with some examples if possible.

I’d rather not carry on a case of assorted liquor as the package is very reasonable.

Hi Wildcat68, we will be starting our cruise this coming Thursday on the Star, Mediterranean Odyssey and we have the Silver Drinks Package, I'll post as soon as I can what selection of single malts they have. I too hope they have a good selection.

It was early May but it really got warm towards lunchtime......but more than the temperature being a factor, it got busier and busier on the wall itself as the morning went on. We were pleased we did it early. Looks like we were lucky with the weather as we didn’t have any rain on the trip.

We will in Dubrovnik from 08.00 until 21.00, 13 hours on Saturday 17th March, so weather will probably not be too hot, however if it rains a guess the walls could be very slippery, therefore I'll be wearing my walking shoes. It's good to know that Viking are offering a shuttle bus service. I found the shuttle buses very useful when we had our Baltic cruise in 2016.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll use Euros and CC. I would love to walk the walls at Dubrovnik.

We are due to visit Dubrovnik and Split in March and are wondering if local shops and cafés will accept the Euro or do they only accept the Kuna?

I booked our Med Odyssey cruise in January 2017 and paid 25% deposit. The balance was paid at the beginning of December 2017, and our holiday is this March. I've read a few times on these boards that Americans seem to pay most if not all the cost of the cruise months in advance. Doesn't seem fair to me.

Hi, I've posted all the shore excursions that we have been offered on the roll call. I hope this helps with planning your holiday.

Carolyn

Thanks for your updates about Viking Sea. I'm due to sail next month and I'm wondering if the public address system has been changed? I read on CC that guests were having trouble hearing announcements on the Star when they were in their staterooms, they had to open the room door to hear. I've got hearing problems so I might miss any announcements if they are not announced in the staterooms.

Thanks, S

I'm in my late 40s and will be taking a cruise later this Summer. I may be one of the younger ones on the cruise.