Vineyard View

Which is also my hesitation there. If O changes this up, then that will impact pricing and decisions as they will be similar to several other lines. We have an upcoming trip on Seabourn (first time) that had a sale I couldn’t skip last summer. We will see how we feel about them for future cruises. O has an itinerary next April in the Med that I am strongly looking at on Vista. Not going to book anything until after this trip though.

One of my biggest issues with Viking as well. We also are not shore excursions except when the port truly does make the most sense….and it was never the included Viking excursion - unless we used it as transportation which only works with walking tours. Now their pricing has really taken a jump. Their “included” drinks package always needs the upgraded package for us, but that charge was reasonable compared to other lines.

Cruisemom - have you experienced the bell tower and if so is that worth it?

Perfect! Thank you so much cruisemom. You are always so helpful. Enjoy your upcoming cruise on Az. I will be interested in reading your impressions.

I am hoping to buy St Marks and Doges Palace tickets ahead of our visit in Venice. When I google this I keep getting tour groups, etc. I do not want a tour group, we just wish to tour independently. I would appreciate advice. Thank you

Thank you. I thought it might be something like this. The trick lies in knowing who these secret service agents are I guess!

I do not know what a silent sale is. Insider/past Oceania benefit? I do wonder how it is that Viking has apparently bumped their pay in full advance date out, yet again? I read that now it is 18 months, and yet they keep filling a lot of itineraries. Their prices have jumped dramatically in the past year. Their current ‘sales’ are only on 2023 sailings. A very good product, but I am not sure how that works so well for them. And…if you book in advance and there is a sale later, that sale price is not honored as it is on other lines. They have a Niche of loyal fans that I understand to a certain degree, as do other lines. On the other hand, I am trying to educate myself on how and when other cruise lines such as Oceania and Seabourn typically offer up their most attractive pricing. Is there a pattern with O or is it random? I am thinking 2024

Comparing Princess or general areas in any mass market ship to Oceania, Viking, etc is apples to oranges. On all levels. In my opinion. But we do not like all the kids, water toys, drinking games, amusement park type of atmosphere. That is how it felt to us. We don’t need big production shows. We travel to see places off the ship for the majority of port days, and then to enjoy good food, service, wine, and again, the less frenetic feel of large ships. When we first started sailing, we weren’t real crazy about all that either. I needed downtime and recharging my batteries with my career. I agree. One does need to pay more to sail on these lines. It just depends if the product differences are worth it to you….because there are big product differences. We were loyal to Viking for a number of years. Their itineraries are repeats of all those years for the most part so I now look at them, but also Oceania, Regent, and Seabourn. The right sales, as mentioned, can truly make a difference in price per day. I am keeping track of an itinerary on O next April in the Mediterranean that has ports we have not yet sailed to on Vista. I will watch the price until after our upcoming trip this month of Seabourn, but it is attractive. I would be interested to know from experienced O cruisers how often the sales are particularly attractive as this most recent one was.

Historically, their lectures have been a strong selling point and well reviewed. No idea about the itinerary this is referring to.

I’ve been watching a cruise 4/24. Pricing has not moved. Will keep doing so but wondering what timeframe seems to trigger discounts on Seabourn….if there is such a pattern. I think we will put a future cruise deposit during our trip later this month, and keep watching for a bit longer. 25% would certainly catch my attention! Actually, less than that would!

We stayed on the Amalfi Coast for 7 nights. We took the local Sita busses and ferries everywhere we went. Positano required a lot of steps to get into town from the highway. More so from one end of town than the other though. Either end required a number 0f steps, with one an extensive number. I would sure want to know a bit more if I were worried about this as Positano from the hwy is lovely, you really do need to get into the heart of the town to experience it. There are public ferries that transport people up and down the coast from Naples. Maybe it’s worth a look at seeing if that is an option to entering Positano from the coast rather than the upper highway if stairs are a serious concern. I don’t know current status on this idea but the ferries are a pretty cool way to explore the Amalfi Coast.

If you read most luxury/upscale lines boards, it’s pretty clear that there are changes that have occurred post C with most in one way or another…service, food, overall experiences prior to and afterwards. Sure, there are those who feel like the lines/brands haven’t skipped a beat….but on all the boards there are many who do not feel that way. johnthomas, you had a negative experience recently on Viking post C, and positive on O. Yet what I read says that you had negative on O pre C. So I think it’s maybe an example of the luck of the draw, unfortunately, as is with many brands at this point in time. We all make decisions based on our experiences, and often our most recent. Human nature. I think it’s really interesting to read multiple boards when trying to determine who one wants to book with in the future. Some are extremely loyal and will not consider other lines. Others will. No right nor wrong. I just find these boards invaluable and appreciate all opinions when trying to decide where to look in 2025. We are narrowed down to a few lines, and then absolutely the specific itineraries. The input on these boards is truly helpful…the negative and the positive.

At least pre Covid, I would totally disagree with you after several sailings. But that is okay. We do not have to.

Viking Cruises offers a lovely thermal spa, as well as sauna and ice room, hot tub, loungers free of charge in their spa area. We thoroughly enjoyed this benefit a few times.

Will let DH know about this! He’s pretty good. Me - not so much so! Thanks!

Thank you for sharing this. Our issue with our Anker (and many other options) is that they support more USB-A rather than multiple C, and we have greater need for USB C. ‘it sounds like if we have a couple two prong adaptors, both for our hotel prior to, and for Quest, we should be okay with charging both Cpap and Phones/etc that we have at home. It just will require more cables than I had hoped. I queried the hotel and they confirmed TypeF. Obviously that will vary based on where one is staying off ship.

I know that with all probability you are absolutely correct. I was just hoping. Ha! And trying not to take 5 cables with us!

We will not really need fast charging as we will mostly use it at night. I found a multi device use on one cable on Amazon that will charge 1 A, 2 C, and IWatch at one time. It is not fast charge, but I am going to test it out ahead to see how it does. The brand is Top-up. I am hoping I can attach that to the Anker charger, attached to the adapter, and eliminate bringing multiple cables. ‘ Does this make sense and has anyone done this?

Since we are sailing out of ‘Venice and need to take a bus to Fusima port, I wonder if there will be time protocols in place on when you can catch the bus.

Thank you very much. Would you recommend spending the full day there?

Thank you. This really answers my question. I did not locate and I appreciate this.

We have a full day in Crotone. It appears to be a fairly good port to DIY? Any feedback from those who have visited I would appreciate. Thank you

Thank you both for further information and suggestions. I am going to pop over to TA and see what I can stir up for transport

I believe that Seabourn will press clothes when we first arrive? Am I correct? Will they also steam DH suit jacket? ‘thank you

Most cruise lines will not be flexible after payment in full. I have read that sometimes others offer you OBC in similar situations. Many cruise lines, including non mass market, will work with you to some degree before payment in full - often in OBC. Viking does not do any of this. I have come to understand it doesn’t matter what one feels about this, as it has always been their policy and I seriously doubt that it will change. I will say though that on board is a much different experience than prior to. I think that is what keeps selling full ships.