BrendaEDH

5 hours ago, 2cruisecats said:

Yes, we used First Light Travel. They focus on Australia, New Zealand and nearby Islands. Our contact was Danielle.  Fantastic to deal with. We will be using this company again when we head back to Australia/NZ. We liked that they listen to what you want and not just "here's the top 10 things you must do in ..." unlike the first company we tried for our upcoming Iceland trip.  Enjoy your time down under.  If you want anymore info, let me know .... Linda 

(Check out their FB page. Lots of reviews & pix.  We submitted a review in January for the NZ portion of our trip)

Thank you @2cruisecats!  I will definitely contact First Light Travel for help with pre-cruise week in NZ.  

6 hours ago, 2cruisecats said:

Yes, a self pre-cruise in Auckland is quite easy to do and a great way to get over that long flight.  Highly recommend it.  In November we did 3 weeks pre-cruise in NZ/AUstralia, starting with a few days in Auckland.  We stayed at the Britomart, a v short walk to where the cruise ships dock & the ferry terminal.  We wandered the city & discovered the Art Gallery -- a great place to visit on a rainy day.  Next day we "hiked" out to the War Memorial Museum.  Great exhibit on NZ history and the surrounding park is lovely.  The Museum is built on a dormant volcano.  Another day we booked a wine tour on Waiheke Island.  We took the ferry (about a 10 minute walk from our hotel) and were picked up on arrival by our guide -- 8 of us in a min-van.   We enjoyed the Island so much & plan to stay there for a few days when we head back to NZ in a few years. (Auckland seemed about a year behind us in Covid recovery. )  We then flew to Nelson on the South Island where we picked up a car for 2 weeks. We ended in Christchurch and flew to Sydney for a few days before starting our cruise. (Interesting note - everyday we were in Auckland we had rain at some point.  Coming back from a beautiful sunny day on Waiheke Island we sailed into the Auckland rain.  Crazy. Our time in NZ South Island was arranged with the help of a great NZ travel group.)

By chance do you remember the name of the NZ travel group? We are booked on the Aus/NZ cruise in Feb. 2025 and are just starting to plan our pre-cruise week in NZ and 10-12 days post cruise in Australia.  

I was on the same cruise as @whitbob, and so enjoyed the sail up the Thames!  A local pilot (retired), provided narration during the transit through the Thames Barriers.  Having a bright sunny day along with Pimm's cocktails in the Explorers Lounge added to the festive atmosphere.  We arrived at about 3pm and yes, there was a bit of a delay getting the ship moored, so all Greenwich walking tours started late.  It seemed there was an issue with not enough tenders (Thames Uber Boats) that afternoon. Regardless of the issues in Greenwich, it was a great cruise.  We also stayed in London for five days post-cruise. Enjoy! 

2 hours ago, janetcbl said:

Recommend: Vigeland (open 24 hours), Munch and National Museums ( both Art Museums, opened this year), walking on the roof of the Opera House (sunbath there if the weather is good), Viking Ship and Fram museums, Raadhuset, Aker Brugge (shopping, dining area). Lots to do in Oslo!

Agree with @janetcbl, there's lots to do and see in Oslo!  In addition to the list above, we also enjoyed the Nobel Peace Center and Oslo City Hall. The Viking Ship Museum is currently closed for renovations until 2025.  Enjoy!  

We also did the BIE this past summer and enjoyed a combination of Viking tours and private tours.  If you have time, I would recommend taking the train that runs between Oslo and Bergen, beautiful scenery.  As for tours, we did a private tour in Shetland (David Malcolm - Discover Shetland), a retired doctor and local historian!!  In Orkney we joined another couple and toured with See Orkney, great excursion and were able to see so much more than expected.  As for optional excursions, we also enjoyed the Ffestiniog Railway tour, long day, but as others have said, beautiful scenery.  This excursion tends to sellout first, but were able to get on the waitlist once on board and it seemed that Viking added an additional bus to accommodate the demand.  I would also recommend the Canterbury and Leeds Castle tour. We arrived at Leeds Castle just as they were opening the gates, so for the first hour it was more like a private tour!   

Thanks for the beautiful photo of the Viking Venus in Falmouth!  I'm looking forward to visiting Falmouth next year on the Viking Neptune.  

Thanks for all of the great tips for the SA Fjords cruise!  Any comments or suggestions for a Patagonia tour provider?

Add me to the list of folks interested in feedback on the South America & Chilean Fjords cruise.  Which direction might be better (Santiago to BA or BA to Santiago)?  

We were on the same cruise as @travelijkkk disembarking in Greenwich on September 13.  We were staying on for a few days in London and therefore knew we had to arrange our own transportation.  Upon disembarking at about 8:15am we found our bags with black tags, asked one of the Viking representatives about a taxi and was directed to proceed about two blocks (across uneven roads during busy commute time) to a cafe with taxi stand.  We may have just been lucky as there were two taxis available and off we went into London.  

I did not feel that we were "dumped" off at the dock by Viking, but have always traveled independently and therefore aware of the process.  Greenwich does not have a large cruise terminal, so not the normal disembarkation process or volume of cruise passengers for waiting taxis.  

@Moonlion - Lots of great excursions, so it was hard to decide for certain ports.  First, it all depends how much walking and/or length of excursion you would like.  Second, if tours appear sold out at booking time, once on board talk to guest services and get added to the waitlist.  This worked for us in Holyhead & Dover.

As for private tours, we originally booked one for Invergordon, but the port was cancelled a few weeks prior to sailing and were fortunate to receive a refund.  The other private tour was in Shetland, as we wanted a full day tour.

Edinburgh - we took the included tour and it was probably our least favorite.  The guide was fine, but the tour group was too large for a walking tour in and around Edinburgh Castle.  Regardless, well worth taking the tour for an overview of the city.  

We also took the included tour in Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool and Greenwich.  In all except Greenwich, we stayed in town and took the provided shuttle back to the ship.  In Belfast after the included tour did the Titanic Museum.  Interesting museum about more than just the Titanic.

Optional excursions:

We selected Orkney Wartime Legacy, as the Orkney Stone Age was sold out.  We thought about a private guide, but most required a non-refundable deposit.   The Orkney Wartime Legacy was small mini bus (24 passengers) tour. Wonderful guide who was a naval historian, but also provided some information about the Ring of Brodgar.  

Holyhead - Ffestiniog Railway Tour.  It was a long day, but well worth it!  Our guide kept us on time and even added an additional stop at Conwy Castle before returning to the ship.  Lunch included at Betws-y-Coed.

Dover - Canterbury Cathedral and LeedsCastle.  Another full day excursion, but well worth.  We went to Leeds Castle first with guided tour and then to Canterbury for DIY lunch and then tour with guide inside the Cathedral.  

Enjoy your cruise next year!

Hi Twitchly!

Thanks for your review!  We were on the previous BIE cruise disembarking in Greenwich on September 13.  We also had spectacular weather from Oslo to Bergen and the entire cruise, only used my raincoat one day in Orkney.  

The ship was at full capacity, but only seemed crowded during breakfast in the World Cafe on port days.  We tend to enjoy The Restaurant and Manfredi's for dinner and agree the menu selections included more spicy options! 😃

The lectures were better than I remembered from previous cruises, especially with the pertinent information provided around the passing and funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.  All so helpful, as we spent four days post-cruise in London.

We had a few changes to the itinerary with no stop at Invergordon and instead an overnight stop in Edinburgh (Roslyn) and missed Ullapool due to high winds.  The sail up the Thames was wonderful, especially with the added narration provided by a retired Thames pilot. 

We took a combination of included tours, optional tours and private tours.  I do wish Viking would provide more details in the excursion descriptions in MVJ, so passengers are not surprised at the amount of walking vs bus ride.  

39 minutes ago, sleepybobo said:

No disagreement with you at all.  I love the Viking ships.  I'm a big fan of the elegant Scandinavian decor.  I don't advocate for a wholesale change, especially the design of the ships.  But , perhaps some updates to the restaurant offerings? May be more local food in the menu? New shows?  

 

And yes.  I would love to see new Med itineraries.  But as you mentioned, trying to get everything back on track is challenging enough.  So new itineraries may be too much to ask for now.

 

And may be I have to be careful of what I wish for, the last time Viking tried something new (i.e. the planetarium), the result was...... 

 

 

I agree with many of these suggestions!  We so enjoy Viking and continue to sail on Viking, as it fits our style (no formal nights, no casinos, beautiful Scandi design).  However, I also would like to see more Med itineraries to some of the smaller ports (Ravenna, Sorrento, Sardinia, Palma de Mallorca, Portovenere, Syracuse, Taormina...), different levels of excursions ("active walkers" and "gentle walkers"), when applicable provide more walking tours and less bus tours and  included gratuities.  

10 minutes ago, icruisetoo said:

We took Uber from Westminster area (Conrad St. James) for 20 pounds. Maybe took about 30 or 40 minutes.

We are on Venus now and most folks seem healthy but I did notice a tray covered in red plastic outside the room 2 doors down from us. Also heard someone from that room with a bad cough. So I’m assuming the ship may let you stay in your room if sick.  Saw the captain and some officers eating in World Cafe and he chatted with us and gave a fist bump so  maybe a good sign.

Thanks for this info about Uber in London! The price seems very reasonable for that distance in London.  How was your stay at the Conrad St James?  We are staying there in mid-September after disembarking the Viking Mars.  Have a wonderful cruise. 

Thanks for your posting the currents news! We are boarding the Viking Mars in August and we’re hoping to change our dinner reservations and inquire about a few sold out excursions.

 
Happy travels to the newlyweds!

Thanks @2cruisecats. The lobster roll looks yummy!  We are headed back to Oslo in late August before our BIE cruise and will definitely try Norda Restaurant.  

I agree with @2cruisecats, Teatro Pizza in the Hotel Christiania Teatro is great! We stayed at the hotel in 2018 after our Homelands cruise and had dinner there twice.  We also at a wonderful (expensive) seafood dinner at Restaurant Fjord, a short walk from the Royal Palace and another nice dinner (expensive)  at Solsiden Restaurant, lovely setting on the water near the Oslo cruise terminal.  Enjoy your time in Oslo!  

28 minutes ago, Porcupine 52 said:

I don't want to stop any one from THINKING about getting a Virus shot or a booster,  no comparison to get the virus....  I woke up last night and my arm was hurting....scale of 1 to 10... maybe a 3 to 4.  Better this morning when I got moving around and a heating pad.  Much better this afternoon.  I think the odds of me getting the real Pfizer virus shot and booster shot very early has just gone up... I think I will head to Lost Wages next week!!

Agreed!  I know folks that contracted the virus last year and so pleased that there is a vaccine available this year! Thanks for participating in the Pfizer trials.  Hope you feel better soon...

@Porcupine 52 thanks for the update on your Pfizer booster trials!  I just received a letter that the Moderna booster trial will start here in Northern California in mid-August and it will also be a blinded trial again.  

2 hours ago, deec said:

I am worried about the timing of boosters and winter travel plans.  Maybe the cruise ship will have access to some doses.

My husband and I are participating in the Moderna Phase 3 blinded trials here in Northern California.  We started the trial in late July and received one jab then and a second jab 30 days later.  Blood work done every three months and weekly symptom updates done via the phone app.  We were unblinded in January and my husband had received the vaccine and I received the placebo, but I was able to receive the vaccine at that time.  We also recently inquired about the booster trial and they implied it may start sometime this summer.  

We have done the Bergen to Oslo train and would highly recommend the trip!   There will be plenty of taxis available at the Bergen cruise terminal (or have Viking rep call one for you) and depending on the time of day, it's about 10-15 minutes taxi ride to the train station.  Train tickets can be purchased 90 days in advance via the Norwegian train service .  We selected the comfort class for more leg room and luggage storage.  

We have stayed at the Hotel Christiania Teater.  As mentioned by @LindaS272, it's a great location across from a park, walking distance to many sites, funky breakfast buffet and great pizza restaurant at night.  The Nationaltheatrat train station is two blocks from the hotel and has direct service to the Oslo Airport.  

2 hours ago, BluebonnetTexan said:

Peregrina, I recall reading about a luggage service also. However, once we decided to do the Viking Flam railway tour, we decided taking the direct train from Bergen-Oslo didn’t warrant using that service. But it is definitely an option if you can reduce to basically an overnight bag and send your big bags ahead and spend a couple of days doing NiaN less encumbered. 

3 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere on these threads and roll calls of talk of a luggage service that will take of getting your luggage from Bergen to Oslo. Considering how many threads and rolls calls that covers, I wish it were more than just a vague recollection.

We did the Bergen to Oslo train on our own in August 2018 after our Viking Homelands cruise.  Tickets are available 90 days in advance thru https://www.vy.no/en.  We reserved Comfort Class tickets as it provided more leg room and space.  Seats can be selected at time of booking and sent via email or mobile download. We spent an extra day in Bergen and made the short walk from our hotel to the train station, but as others have stated, taxis were available from the ship directly to Bergen Station.  We did not pack light, but were able to lift (2 steps) our suitcases (45 lbs) onto the train.  There was plenty of luggage storage space in Comfort Class.  We considered using the Porter Service,  but thought it would be easier to lug our two suitcases and daypacks.  Pickup service early am and delivered to hotel by late evening and appears to be priced per item (300NOK/33USD).  

It's a spectacular train journey -- enjoy!
 

19 hours ago, BluebonnetTexan said:

Does anyone know if the "stateroom upgrade" for the Independence Day offer is within a category i.e. DV4 to DV3 or is it to the next category i.e. DV to PV? Or if book PV1 will they upgrade to PS? Seems like I read something about suites excluded when I got the initial email, but can't find it now. 

 

I just chatted with Viking and the agent stated that the "stateroom upgrade" for the JUL4 offer is within the same category.  I asked for further clarification, and he stated that the price quote was the same for all DV cabins, DV6 to DV1.  I did not inquire about the suites, as we usually book a DV cabin.

We have stayed in a DV6 cabin twice (3060 & 3069) and both were very quiet with no noise from the restaurant below or from the hallway.

 I've sailed in staterooms 4078 and 4067 and never heard any noise from the tenders.  However, on both cruises we had very smooth seas so this may have accounted for the lack of creaking or noise from the tenders.  We like being on a lower deck, mid-ship for lack of motion and easy access to the stairs/elevators.