hersheyhughes

Since this is our 1st cruise with Princess and having booked the Princess Plus, good to know how to navigate. When adding all the costs for grautities, drinks, specialty coffees, it seemed like a great deal. Looking forward to experiencing Princess. Will be on the Aug 28 Canada and New England itinerary. Thanks for all the tips! Kimberly & Phil

It may have to do with the Homelands itinerary. When we did Homelands way back when, Air Plus was not available. Getting in and out of Bergen is a challenge was the reason we were given from Viking. Was a wonderful trip back in 2016. Kimberky

Looks like Viking is experimenting with several aspects of their excursions. On our Eastern Seaboard cruise in July and August we had 2 optional excursions ($169 each for 6 hours) which included lunch. At the 1st restaurant we were advised we would be responsible for any beer and wine we drank. On the 2nd excursion we were advised on the bus if we had beer or wine we would be responsible. It was very surprising considering all of the other cruises and excursions we have taken with Viking. On our cruise in Nov of '21 bottles of wine were on the tables for us to enjoy. During that cruise we had 7 long optional tours and we were never asked to pay. I questioned the practice last month and was given the explanation it had to do with it being a foreign port and what their practices were. A pretty flimsy excuse, at best. Seems Viking is cutting corners where they can.

Just a note. Desalinated water dries my hair out completely. Bring a good leave in conditioner. Olaplex #3 was great Kimberly

You are absolutely right 2 days are just not enough time to see Madrid. And Micro So rolls is one of my all time favorite museums. The tile work alone is worth a visit.

When we did Barcelona to Athens in 2021 We did the Madrid extension and they picked us up and loaded our luggage on the bus, train and hotel. Great fun train ride on the high speed rail. If you stay at the same hotel we did, cannot recall the name, the Museo Sorolla is a easy 5 minute walk. The day we went it was free admission. A very beautiful artist home museum. We are planning a trip back to Madrid next spring along with the Basque country. Cannot wait.

Thanks for this insight. I knew about the 1st day of the cruise and day after. These little tips are so helpful. I just got back from the Eastern Seaboard this week and used so many tips I learned. The French and Italian cooking classes for example. So many people I met along the way asked how I knew about them. Thank you to all the contributors to Cruise Critic. Kimberly

cruisingthere'sa Thanks so much for your response and review.. Wow, this looks like this was your 1st post. I hope the disruption with services on the cruise were not too difficult. I am sad to hear you had issues before and after the cruise. It really takes away from the adventure. We will arrive in Montreal on Monday for the pre extension. Was there an attraction you saw that is not to be missed? We may try to catch the light and music concert at Notre-Dame Bascillica. Did you by chance hear anyone mention going on the Zodiak tour of Saguenay? We are booked for that optional excursion and I am hoping I can handle. Also, were you able to enjoy the spa area. One of my favorite things to do on sea days. Best wishes for your next cruise!

I loved your review. I am leaving for Montreal on Monday and was looking for reviews of this itinerary. It looks like you had a great cruise seeing the fall foliage and fascinating places. Weather will be much different for us in July and no foliage for us. Am wondering what your favorite port was. Also did you try any delicacies while cruising from Montreal to Halifax? I know it has been a while since your trip and hope you have had other wonderful trips with Viking. Kimberly

I am curious how you manage that.

Thanks! Good to know. I will definitely be taking mine. Hope you are having a wonderful cruise.

I am going from memory. I will be on the Neptune July 26. I will update then.

So, how was your cruise?

Be sure to check out the flip top on the desk. If I remember correctly it has a lighted mirror and has compartments for your skincare or makeup. Great place to get ready in the morning to watch sail ins. On my 1st 2 week Viking cruise I discovered it on the last day. One of my favorite areas in the cabin. Have a wonderful cruise. Kimberly

Thanks for sharing. I think I will give it a whirl. Cannot be much more than my normal stylist. Wish I was on a world cruise and had no choice. Hope you enjoy the rest of Your voyage. Kimmie

Thanks for responding. I hope you have enjoyed your voyage. I wish I only paid $15 for a cut. I need to re-examine. I will be sure to get my pedicure pre-cruise. Love following your adventures. Kimmie

Hope to everyone is enjoying their world tour. I will be in Neptune at the end of July and am wondering how the hair saloon experiences have been, mostly haircuts. I am a thinking of waiting and getting a cut on board. Something a little different. Wondering if this is a good idea or bad idea. Thanks banks for any input. Hope this topic has not already been discussed. Kimmie

Wow. This evening we were just talking about this, whether this show would still be playing for our cruise at the end of July. An Abba tribute band is playing at our Carolina Theater next week and we were debating getting tickets. I have to admit, I am a fan. Have seen the show several times while on board Viking. Some Big Country, REM would be awesome!

I am afraid if Viking does not act on this issue they will have more non paying "service dogs" than paying passengers on board. We leave from Montreal in July for a cruise around Canada to New York. We are thinking about booking a Panama Canal cruise. With all this discussion I am Leary of booking. Will see what transpires!

I love your photos! Amazing colors. I need better equipment. Going on the Montreal to NYC in July. Cannot wait after seeing your pics. Kimberly

On my upcoming cruise which included free air I paid for air plis. .After reading cc boards I found I could change my flights through MVJ. I cancelled air plus and was able to get a direct flight from NYC LaGuardia to Greensboro. Not many non stops to our airport. I also discovered I could change the airport setting from JFK to LaGuardia which allowed me the non stop. It cost me $72 pp which was less than the air plus fee. All in all a much better deal than paying the fee and then having to pay for specific flights. Thanks Viking! Kimberly

I just purchased a policy through Steve at The Insurance Store and they were very knowledgeable in helping me pick a policy. It was not a river cruise so I cannot speak to that subject. Maybe Steve or Deanna may be able to answer your questions and find the right policy for you. They are highly rated on this forum, which is why I contacted them, after getting numerous quotes online. Good luck!.

We were in Messina last November and loved Taormina. There was lots to see and The Greek Theatre was quite amazing. The tour we took also included Mt Etna, although when we went up the fog rolled in and we were not able to see much. Instead they took us down to a small church close to the ship and viewed it. All in all it was a great excursion. Kimberly

All I can say is I wish I was onboard! Kimberly