JerseyMom

Before you purchase insurance from another source, make sure you can have your Viking insurance refunded.  When I needed to cancel my cruise a year prior to sailing and after I had paid in full, I was refunded for everything except for the $100 per person cancellation fee AND the cost of the Viking purchased insurance. 

3 hours ago, C-sea said:

Is there fresh squeezed orange juice available throughout the day and if so where may we find it?

Also fresh fruit smoothies? DH doesn't drink alcohol and we have the SSBP included.

 

I enjoy champagne but not sweet sparkling wine, I read it's not included. Does anyone know...  if you can pay the 1 dollar difference on the champagne per glass price of $16.  if you have the SSBP?

I have not sailed Viking yet (we sail in March) but I have read extensively and spent lots of time lurking here and reading all 46 pages of the tips for newbies that someone will post from time to time so take this with a grain of salt.  As I understand it, fresh orange juice is available from the bars but you pay $3.75 for a 6 oz. glass.  I also believe you can get fresh orange juice at the restaurant at breakfast and from room service at breakfast but you should specify "Fresh" orange juice on the card.  As for fruit smoothies, even if don't have them, per se, you can always order something like a daiquiri and ask them to leave out the alcohol.  I have also seen "smoothie of the day" listed in some of the Daily Viking newsletter.  I think these are available in the World Cafe?

Does anyone know if smoothies are an included item or if they would be included in the SSBP?  My husband really doesn't drink but between being able to get fresh-squeezed orange juice throughout the day (I believe it is included at breakfast time?) and his afternoon strawberry banana smoothie, Silver Spirits may be worth the price for us.

Thank you so much for doing these videos.  I have been looking forward to seeing post-Covid cruise videos - in particular how the new protocols have changed things.  I have watched the tour of the cabin and I am looking forward to watching the others over the next couple of days.

35 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

We paid for Air Plus for our TA. See my last post on this subject. I never actually spoke to them. I provided my preferred flights along with two alternatives for each leg to my Travel Agent. She dealt with Viking and next thing I knew we had our preferred flights-in economy.  I then used the AA app to move us into exit row seats (extra fee) and put us on the upgrade list. Which as I noted above cleared (so the exit row fees were refunded). We also paid the deviation fee to fly into San Juan a day early rather than have my DMIL have to set her alarm for 2 or 3 am to get to the airport for a 5:30 am flight.  While I don’t know that this early morning flight was the one they would have booked, I suspect it would have been since the later morning flights all arrived in San Juan well after 2 pm so I suspect Viking wouldn’t have booked those. This is the other reason to check potential flights from your airport.  It may help you decide given your personal comfort level on running at airports whether you’d rather arrive a day ahead. Paying the deviation fee ($50?) allowed us to arrive a day early so DMIL in addition to sleeping in on fly day also got to see a bit of San Juan before we sailed away. Additionally, this same fee covered us flying from Rome eight days after disembarkation in Barcelona.  Should be noted that if you deviate, you loose the included transfers. 

I would think (but don’t know) that Viking Air should be able to price this when you book just like they are happy to price business.  

Thanks, Clay.  I booked directly through Viking.  Either the agent was misinformed or I misunderstood him - I guess this is one good reason to use a travel agent.  We also have enough United frequent flier miles to outright purchase business class seats.

22 minutes ago, CharTrav said:

Look into the lower cost alternative of Economy Premier seats. Basically the old style business class seats (not lay flat) with the same amenities as business class. When you say transatlantic are you referring to the cruise or the flight?

Both.  It would be a transatlantic cruise out of San Juan and a flight back to the U.S. from Barcelona.  Don't you also need to go through Air Plus for the Economy Premier? 

I booked a 2022 transatlantic, when I booked I was told that I could not get Air Plus on a transatlantic.  Has anyone had any experience using Viking Air business class on a TA?  I really would like to get a guarantee for business class since I have a history of DVTs and I fly business if I have a flight longer than about 3-4 hours.  The Viking rep I spoke with suggested I just book the Viking Air economy and then as it gets closer call whatever department handles air to see if we could get upgraded. 

1 hour ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

I researched this pretty thoroughly.  You get what you pay for.  ES3 is smaller than others, with somewhat obstructed views, by bow extensions and wave guard for the forward ES3 - still very nice.  It appears that the ES2s (aft only) are larger than the aft ES3, but not 100% sure, as photos of ES2 cabins were hard to find.

 

The photos on the Viking site for the ESs are a hodgepodge of all ES cabins, they are NOT indicative of the particular ES level they are presented with.  This is a fail by Viking.

 

In general, if I were going to a very scenic area, I would get an ES1 if I could, as it has pano windows with no obstructions, and is more spacious.  Or, secondarily, an ES2.  But an ES3 would be better than a balcony cabin.  Big advantages are bedroom with a door and a dining table.

 

Now, for a transatlantic, I would opt for a Penthouse Junior suite in the middle of the ship, since the view would be much the same from any cabin,  and midships is better for motion in the ocean.  And get a cabin that will be on the south side of the ship during the crossing, to get sun.

Thanks, Ragnar!  If I were going with anyone other than my husband, I would definitely take your suggestion and go with the PJS.  Traveling with my husband we really need a separate living area and sleeping area with a door that can be closed since he is a night owl and I am a morning person.  I go to sleep hours before he does.  The size will probably be fine as long as I can close off the bedroom area. 

3 hours ago, aungrl said:

We had an ES3 in 2018 on the Sky, and it was just great.  I was treating my mother to a 7-day Mexican rivera itinerary for a special birthday, so we splurged for the ES3.  At the time, it was the only one available, but after discussing it with the TA, and reviewing the advantages of forward vs. aft - as well as the location above one of the dining areas - it seemed like a good choice.  And it turned out to be perfect.  There was never any noise from below at any time of the day or night, and the views from both the sitting room and the bedroom - and the balconies outside both - were amazing.  If you want to splurge on an ES suite, we had zero concerns and lots of pluses with the ES3.  

 

Some people prefer the smaller balcony/larger interior space of the forward ES cabins, and I know people who prefer forward to aft.  But you can find several threads here on CC where the downsides of the forward ES cabins are discussed - primarily excessive motion and needing to keep the blinds closed at night.

 

In any case, for the price difference, if I was looking to do an ES-level cabin in the future, I wouldn't hesitate on an ES3.  

Thanks, Aungrl!  Good to know, if I am not mistaken, I believe the Sky and Sea are sister ships so I hope it is reasonably quiet.

3 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

That is a good question.  Especially for a Transatlantic crossing.  I would think the forward suite veranda areas would be unpleasant due to wind on a crossing.  The ES3s are on 3 deck so noise might be an issue.  Someone who has enjoyed them will have to chip in here.

Thanks, Jim.  That was exactly my reasoning in choosing an aft.  I thought that perhaps I would be able to get more use out of the balcony on the aft.  As for noise, I am a pretty sound sleeper but DH is not so that could be an issue.

I have booked an aft ES3 for a transatlantic on the Viking Sea for March 2022 (hopefully COVID will be far in the rear view mirror by then).  I have noticed that the ES1 cabins are sold out but there are still ES2 and ES3 left.  As I understand it, the ES1 cabins are all forward cabins and are a bit larger on the interior.  The ES1s are also more convenient to the Explorer Lounge and pool deck.  On the other hand, the ES3 aft has a larger balcony, is more convenient to the dining rooms and theater and is $3,200 less expensive than the ES1 for my particular sailing.  My question is, why are the ES1s so much more in demand?

1 hour ago, Pomeranian said:

Hi jersey, is the food quality on the haven restaurant more superior than their mdr and buffet? And about the quality of food and service, are they on par with viking or other higher cruise brands such as regent or celebrity?

The food quality in the Haven restaurant is definitely better than the main dining rooms and buffet and at least as good if not better than the specialty restaurants and the service in Haven is outstanding. 

I have not tried Celebrity and Regent is out of my price range.  I have a Viking cruise booked but I have not sailed Viking yet so I can't compare the two products. 

2 hours ago, zalusky said:

So all the other specialty restaurants are included in that list then?

That was our experience on the Norwegian Escape a year ago.  One night my husband wanted prime rib and they sent down to Cagney's for it.  If they have to get your item from another restaurant, it does take a little longer.

Just wanted to mention with regard to the Haven's menu that never changes, they will bring you items not on the menu as long as it is on the ship.  One night on our recent trip my son noticed that the main dining room listed salmon as one of the evening's specials.  My husband wanted spaghetti.  Neither salmon nor spaghetti were on the menu at the Haven restaurant.  I convinced both of them to come with me to the Haven restaurant and both of them got the meals that they requested.  The chef just asked which sides my son wanted with his grilled salmon.  I was the only one who ordered off the Haven menu (lamb chops) and everyone was very happy with their meals.

27 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

Given you can cancel at anytime and get a voucher worth the value of your cruise, it would be worth my time to call Viking and ask.  If I said, I think I’ll just cancel then and rebook using the cruise voucher seems to me they ought to let you have this deal.  Of course you need to check and be sure that the new fare isn’t higher than what you’re booked into.

Thanks, Clay.  I will call and ask.  The price is the same but it changes my paid in full date to November 30 (right now it is December 31).

On 7/5/2020 at 11:05 PM, Selion said:

Is this promo only for past cruisers?  Looking to book Viking for the first time and it's not on their website anywhere.

I wondered the same thing.  I also am not seeing it.  I booked last month for March 2022 and was hoping to get this new promotion applied.

Hi Peachy - for what it's worth.  I was also given a December 31, 2020 final payment date for a Transatlantic Crossing in March  2022.  I don't know whether or not they have always done this.  I have also been used to other cruise lines with final payment due 120 days out.

On Deck 11 Port Side there is an observation room where you can see into the bridge.  There are also various instruments that are kinda cool to look at.  At night I think the room is either closed or shades are drawn so that light from inside the ship doesn't inhibit the ability of those on the bridge to see what is in front of the ship.

I look for 2 things:

1.  I look for specifically what the complaints are about  - I remember one review a few years ago where the reviewer called her cruise the "Cruise from Hell".  In the review I only found a complaint that on 2 occasions when the reviewer requested to have her salad dressing on the side, the waiter brought her salad with the dressing already on it.  If that was her only complaint, I think it was a bit much to call the cruise the "cruise from hell".

2.  You have to do a sanity check on the complaints - day before yesterday I read a review where the reviewer complained that they had the UBP but were charged tax and a 20% gratuity for each and every drink they ordered from a bar even after having paid the gratuity for the UDP.  If they only ordered drinks while in port then they would have paid tax but they would not have had an additional 20% gratuity on top of the 20% for the UBP. 

These two are examples of what usually causes me to dismiss anything the reviewer may have to say.  This is not to say that there are not legitimate complaints out there.  Reviews I have read for cruises during Christmas/New Year's week, Easter week and basically the month of March had led me to steer away from cruising during these times.  I try to do what I can to avoid situations that have led to bad experiences that others have experienced on a cruise.

I don't find it strange in the least whether or not you know you will need it.  I always like to know ahead of time just in case it is needed rather than wasting time trying to find it when needed.  Haven't ever needed to go to the medical center but it always makes me feel better knowing where it is (just in case).  I was also avidly following the posts on what to do if you get left behind at a port - I have no intention of missing departure (or even cutting it close) but I like to know what to do just in case.

I also pack large plastic bags for putting dirty clothes into. 

Ginger candy and ginger snaps.  Don't like taking Bonine and it does help settle the tummy.

1 hour ago, Turtles06 said:

Sailing away from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Manhattan will be on the port side, the Statue of Liberty on starboard. 

That's what I thought unless the ship was going backwards down the Hudson.  That's why I always book a Starboard side balcony so that we can see the Statue of Liberty from our balcony on the way out of NYC.

On 12/11/2018 at 12:41 PM, Largobay84 said:

Thanks all who responded to the visa question. I'll contact ncl direct for info but it does look as though visas can be issued on the ship.

Triple check that you can, indeed, get them through the ship.  See this story about a couple who were put off the ship in South Korea because they did not have the correct Visas - not NCL but still - https://www.thetravel.com/couple-kicked-off-cruise-stranded-south-korea/.

23 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Perfect timing for us ... thank you for sharing.  

 

First two uploaded pix (gift cards & calendar grids) are fine, the others aren't - not on a desktop nor in tablet/smartphone (Chrome browser) - might want to check & re-post (max of 30 minutes to fix it - or, just amend/re-post them ... 

I am on a desk top at the moment and I am seeing the same thing as mking8288.