wp bob

Some comments on Polaris Jan 30 sailing - excellent service and activities except for some poor weather. 2 days washed out due to high winds and a medical emergency deviation but extra lectures and workshops added. Some of the landing sights were changed. The excursion times you prebook were all changed several times onboard. It was easy to add extras - we had 2 zodiacs and sop boat each day. Submarine was very popular and took precedent over all on schedule. We did not do it. There is no paper voyager daily except on request - all on the voyager app or on the tv. Fastest internet ever of any ship!!

Viking reps were everywhere at the airport, hotel, charter flights, etc. We were at the Hilton, got our room by 1p, good location for walking around and restaurants. When you are in Ushuaia, there is a little time to explore & shop there before you sail. We actually docked around 7pm on the last day so there was time then also to walk around.  Our charter did not leave until 2p for Buenos Aires. Viking took us to a nearby club as a hospitality lounge with snacks, wifi, luggage storage so we could see the town and shop - not much except nicknacks & tshirts.  Other departures went straight to the airport and had a meal provided in Buenos Aires airport instead. Plenty of empty seat on the charters each way.

Dress very casual in the day and evening unless you went to the 2 special restaurants - then slightly dressier. Entertainment was a classical duo, guitar duo, and a lecture at 8:30p every evening or a documentary film. also a crew variety show. the lecturers and expedition staff were all excellent

Drake passage was ok- some 10ft swells and high wind but doable. Lots of sightings of whales and penguins with chicks, seals, etc.

Food was excellent - lots of variety. large sushi station and crab and shrimp at night. Grill did hamburgers at lunch and steaks at night besides the regular buffet offerings and pizza, gelato, etc. Steak lunch grilled outdoors on deck one day. No problem adding a res for the restaurant or manfredi's on board. Several coffee, tea, hot chocolate stations around the ship. Several times the ship served hot cider, spiced wine, other complimentary alcohol drinks.

We were on deck 2 which was a great location, plenty of storage. Any location is good on this small ship.

On board Polaris. Excellent Wi-Fi service. Had to deviate today to king George island for med evac by plane for a passenger. Excursion choices are automatically rebooked to re accommodate as necessary as space allows. Weather low to mid 30’s, great food

do we submit sizes for expedition jackets (Antarctica) ahead of time or on board? I know pants and boots are done onboard.

we did not ask for or expect compensation and know Viking has the right to make substitutions.. We were pleased to receive 25% for the broken engine (which was very new and still under warranty). It was to Viking's advantage to keep everyone happy and leave with good feelings. The notice about credit was in our email the day we got home

more specifically the antarctic explorer itinerary

In March Auckland to Sydney we missed Napier (typhoon several weeks earlier trashed the town),Christchurch (broken freighter was unable to move from our dock) and Tasmania - broken ship engine and had to go slower to get to Melbourne. Lots of extra days at sea - we got onboard credit, free drinks one day, extra free tour in Melbourne and when we got home 25% of our cruise cost for future booking. Everyone was upset about Tasmania. Viking knew about Napier weeks before but said nothing until we boarded and we had to cancel our Viator booking there and also Christchurch. Our vendor knew and told us before the ship told us that ports were cancelled.

how has the internet been? do you need a phone plan or just use the ship internet

+very helpful. We are doing this late April 2024.

Has anyone been on a cruise where the Kitchen Table was offered? On 2 separate cruises it was not offered - No staff was one excuse. It should be advertised with an asterix as rarely offered instead of as a featured amenity location. No advance notice given that it would not be available.

friends on the same cruise, booked the same time and were not charged shipping when they ordered their medallions 2 weeks ago.  totally inconsistent

medallion app keeps trying to charge $10 shipping for free medallion even though i booked Oct 2022 under old plan which had free shipping in place. Cannot bypass this section

what do they charge now per day?

many thanks. we are also on emerald 13 Aug and depart tomorrow for London. we have tours with some of the same operators you used so god to hear it was all fine.

thanks for the update. we leave in 2 days for 13 Aug departure. London looks hot, the rest rainy.

some ships are doing Sabatini every other night alternating with Crown Grill due to staff shortages or closed if number of passengers are low.

I sent once by snail mail and then emailed after 2 weeks. It took about 2 weeks to show up on the summary page as credits.

sorry - meant to say platinum

1 hour ago, donswife said:

Those who were able to book without being charged,  was it before or after final payment?

it was before final payment but we are premier and can book earlier

it should show the $0 before you confirm the res if you have a free dinner as an amenity on your booking. I was able todo this for an Aug sailing coming up.

we are on the Emerald 13 Aug and just found your review.. Using Annette henry, Overlord and also Intl Friends so glad to learn more about their product!!

On 5/23/2022 at 2:52 PM, Izena said:

We bob.  When were you on the cruise you got covidand have you been vaccinated and boostered?

may 6-13 cruise Lower Miss and fully vac and boostered. have a mild case, wife also is positive now.

we wore masks most of the time anyway - the only ones other than staff. Husband got covid anyway the last day on Lower Miss. cruise

our recent cruise on Ruby Princess had shows at 7:30 and 9:30p. Game shows in Explorer lounge were at 8:15 or 8:30 and ended around 9:15 p in time to  catch the 2nd show

are advance discounted Heathrow express tickets booked for a specific departure time or are they "open" tickets on a specific date. I have read that the regular trains advance tickets are for a specific time and no value if you miss it.

is taking the train a good option