HUNKY

I was on Saturn, July 2023 in cabin 3056 across from the laundry. I could hear the door closing along with our neighbors door, of course. It was not bothersome and certainly not loud enough to wake me up.

WHAT? A washable sport coat! I work for a steakhouse and need to wear a suit jacket or sport coat. Have you gentlemen had any experience with greasy food spills on these jackets? As in, do they wash up nicely? I apologize for the thread drift.

I truly believe that Manfredi's is not an incredible, five-star experience due to not charging extra for dining there. Corporate/HQ/Torstein gives them a set budget and Manfredi's CAN NOT spend more than what they are given. Even though it may be "nickel & diming" I'd much rather pay out of pocket and have an over-the-top, hands-down spectacular dining event.

Gail - I would ask here on CC if others could post or send you directly the shore excursion pdf from last year's cruises. Maybe check your roll call?

Embarked Saturn in Iceland summer of 2023. I imagine you could go explore the city instead of waiting at Harpa. Your transfer bus from the airport will have a Viking rep, be sure to let them know you will not be waiting at the concert hall, nor using the bus to the port. That way Viking will not be looking for you!

SantaFe1 - Did you choose the seats together in the middle or back to back by the windows?

Viking Ocean is a bit different than other cruise lines in that they do not open shore excursion bookings until 100 to 147 days before embarkation, for cruises after June 1, 2024. For cruises departing before June 2024 bookings open between 60 and 107 days before the sail date.

I was on Saturn, deck 3, DV6, cabin 3056. It was nice to be on a deck where we passed through the atrium on our way to the elevators, instead of a plain passageway. If your cruise starts after June 1, 2024, the date for booking shore excursions is opening forty days earlier. For a DV5 that would be 107 days before sailing, instead of 67 days.

For all cabin categories shorex reservations have moved up forty days, for those cruises embarking as of June 1, 2024.

Disclaimer - I've only been on one Viking Ocean cruise, Iceland & Norway. Looking over my notes the difference between moderate and demanding seems to be that the demanding tours involve REQUIRED walking/hiking and/or traversing over VERY uneven terrain, for lengthy periods. In addition, these were often tours involving kayaking, RIB boats, or the like. You could not leave the group. The moderate tours had breaks between walks and often places to sit for a moment. There were instances where you could go off by yourself, and meet the tour later.

dd - we waited about two hours. We arrived at the Hall at about 8 AM and left just after 10 AM. Yes, we were all together regardless of class on multiple buses.

dd - Viking will take you somewhere to wait if they are not ready to board the ship. Usually a hotel or maybe a conference center. This is for those with Viking transfers. Cabin class does not matter. We waited in the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik for instance. They set up tables & chairs and provided a breakfast buffet.

I'm looking forward to virtually cruising with everyone! Where was Viking Sky cruising before the Ft. Lauderdale start? Could you have started in London?

travel4b - could the weather have been a factor? Seems that temps in the high 80's and low 90's with very high humidity would be a factor in what people chose to wear during the canal crossing. I just women would stop using their LV Neverfull tote bags as purses!

We went swimming with the pigs through Royal and found that Pearl Island was worn down. We found two loungers in a sandy area up against a rock sea wall. One was in good shape, and the other's backrest was broken. The island was quite crowded and the beach for swimming was very small. The staff was friendly, but the walkways, buildings, and restrooms needed a good overhaul. We paid $128 each using a Black Friday sale. Even so a poor value. The pigs were fun!

Did swimming with the pigs on December 23rd. Most of the pigs are on the beach, some do wade into the water. They go after the snacks provided by the Pearl Island crew.

VNB2003 - was the rib eye listed on the menu as being "Prime"? As in the US grade known as Prime.

So far so good! Embarkation was quick and painless. Onboard in under ten minutes! A quick hello to our muster station and we headed to lunch in the dining room (concierge perk). Short ribs were excellent as was the butternut squash soup. A can of Coca-Cola is $5.08 with tax and tip. (still in port) Fajar our cabin attendant just stopped by explaining a few details. Rust is visible, but the ship is headed to dry dock in April 2024.

The balcony on the Regal Princess class ships are quite small. We board Equinox in about an hour (December 19, 2023). It probably will not be perfect, but our balcony cabin WAS cheap. My expectations are not too high, so they should be easily met. Even on our Viking Ocean cruise there was room for improvement.

I would imagine you could print them out at home before you leave. Have you checked your account online?

There will be six ships, with upwards of 20,000 passengers, in port while we are at Cozumel. We plan to stay on board and enjoy our 750 million dollar ship!

We were in 3056 on Saturn this summer. I could hear Torshvan if I listened without the TV on, or normal conversation. What you will hear is the door to the laundry room. However, being across the hall sure made it easy to do laundry!

Gottagocit - Unfortunately there is no steakhouse like Crown Grill on Viking, and Viking's pizza is not as good as Alfredo's. The buffet, World Cafe is very good as is the main dining Restaurant. These were better than Princess'. My other half was disappointed with Manfredi's on Viking, but I thought it was quite good. Since Viking does not charge extra for their specialty restaurants, that could be a case for not providing the best quality every time. I would prefer a boost in quality tied to a reasonable upcharge.

I was looking at Deluxe Private Boats They have a 36' Fjord open boat, which includes two crew, lunch and beverages. Holds up to ten guests. They are located at the Marina Fonatur, about a mile from the International Pier - but you will want to take a cab.

I've not been on Celebrity for years. Do they still have sushi on the buffet at dinner every night? It was fun to stop by before dinner and have a few pieces.