Viking Sun World Cruise ongoing review/comments

You will be charmed by Malta. No need to look on it as consolation prize!

Dear Jim:

Thank you for your fabulous reporting on Petra and Egypt. Nippy is correct about Malta. If you wish to visit very old ruins (4000-6000 years old) the Temple complex known as Mnajdra Temple and Hagar Qim are a 30 minute taxi ride from outside the wall at Valletta (only electric vehicles allowed inside the walls). Valletta is fabulous and well worth an entire day or two on its own. Enjoy this little Italian/British paradise.

Joel Barry

I am looking forward to extra time in Malta over a brief stop in Tunis. We have had our share of "drive by" ports. Malta sounds right up our alley and a welcome change from the tiring (but exciting) treks of the last week or so. But then there will be some that howl that Tunis was the purpose of their whole trip and they will demand a free cruise as compensation...;p

I am looking forward to extra time in Malta over a brief stop in Tunis. We have had our share of "drive by" ports. Malta sounds right up our alley and a welcome change from the tiring (but exciting) treks of the last week or so. But then there will be some that howl that Tunis was the purpose of their whole trip and they will demand a free cruise as compensation...;p

Jim,

Well, the 4 day Egypt Overnight is now in the books and it’s the only civilized way of seeking the sites . No long bus rides to the sites each day and Viking’s hotels/ food were top notch! We did them all , except Australia’s bush country. Everything and everyone

Involved did a Wonderful Job! and each should be “Thanked “ for their performance.

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Can't wait to hear of your next adventure ashore. A learning curve for Viking for sure as far as the tours. Ship and service sounds perfect just the bus tours need improvement from what I have read. I'm loving reading and seeing pictures of your adventures.

Eaches you really did it the right way. We had a fantastic day in Giza but yes, combined, our Egypt adventures involved a lot of seat time. Fortunately ours was by choice in a private car instead of the incessant bus rides and yes, Stretch, the only real issues we have with the entire cruise always come back to the bus excursions. Not sure how to move all these people (with varying levels of mobility and fitness) without them. Vans might help but you would need all the vans in a town to move 400/500 to the popular stops. :eek: Some we have discussed this with have mentioned some form of "fitness" test to qualify for spaces on the "fast" bus. Not sure, in our society, how you could tell someone they are too fat or too old to make the cut to the fast tour. I know Viking is trying to improve the experience and I will probably have some suggestions in a recap. For now, our solution is to make our own plans. We are viewing the Viking Sun as our very nice lodging and transportation between ports. We can take it from there. :cool:

Can't wait to hear of your next adventure ashore. A learning curve for Viking for sure as far as the tours. Ship and service sounds perfect just the bus tours need improvement from what I have read. I'm loving reading and seeing pictures of your adventures.

I just want to do a little follow up on tours . Viking has done a good to Great job with both their included and paid tours. You just have to remember that you can put lipstick on a pig but it’s still a pig . You also have to remember, many places we’ve visited aren’t set up for or have near by interesting places to visit, especially the commentary tours . There’s a limit to Everything!

Early on in their First World Cruise, Viking realized they had issues with their tours, they LISTENED AND THEY FIXED IT! .

THANK YOU !

Eaches, what was your 4 day itinerary? We don't have it in our books. Was Abu Simbel/Aswan part of it?

J.

Eaches, what was your 4 day itinerary? We don't have it in our books. Was Abu Simbel/Aswan part of it?

 

J.

I’ll send it to you after my haircut!

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Eaches you really did it the right way. We had a fantastic day in Giza but yes, combined, our Egypt adventures involved a lot of seat time. Fortunately ours was by choice in a private car instead of the incessant bus rides and yes, Stretch, the only real issues we have with the entire cruise always come back to the bus excursions. Not sure how to move all these people (with varying levels of mobility and fitness) without them. Vans might help but you would need all the vans in a town to move 400/500 to the popular stops. :eek: Some we have discussed this with have mentioned some form of "fitness" test to qualify for spaces on the "fast" bus. Not sure, in our society, how you could tell someone they are too fat or too old to make the cut to the fast tour. I know Viking is trying to improve the experience and I will probably have some suggestions in a recap. For now, our solution is to make our own plans. We are viewing the Viking Sun as our very nice lodging and transportation between ports. We can take it from there. :cool:

We stayed in Alexandria as there are only so many long bus rides that we can handle. Some years ago we spent a few weeks in Egypt and saw the Pyramids and Sphinx several times by day and night. They are certainly worth revisiting but only when the trip isn’t so long.

I like Jim’s idea of having a fast and “less fast” group but I guess it would be impractical to implement.

I agree with Eaches( does it rhyme with peaches?) that “The Big Viking in the Sky” is quite responsive to our feedback and things are tweaked and adjusted when possible.

For my wife and me, a cruise is best when we visit secondary sights, i.e. places that are pleasant and interesting and only worth a short stay.

The best thing about cruising is that you can go to bed in one place and wake up in another without packing and unpacking.

+1 Wagnerite. I do not enjoy going to ports where the main sight seeing place is not a secondary sight. You cannot really see places like Rome or Florence in a day or really even see any of the main attractions in these places well (luckily there are some interesting "secondary choices" near both of these ports. On a world cruise, it must be difficult to choose since it may be the one chance to see some of these things. The current world cruise's most recent ports are all worthy of more than a day so I hope all who took ship or private tours saw all they wanted. Land trips are best in these places but a private tour may be better if going for a day from a ship. We did a land trip to Egypt on a small group tour but some of the sites involved bus rides anyway.

I’ll send it to you after my haircut!

 

 

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Jim,

The 4 day 3 day overland tour was sent to us via e mail (I think) .

Day#1Travel Time from / to Safaga to Luxor and Karnak Temple Stayed at Sonesta Luxor- Guided tour of Luxor and diner at water’s edge on the Nile.

Day#2 We took the optional Ballon Flight@ 4am for a Dawn flight over/Near the Nile River . We then left the Hotel to the Valley of the King’s Then we went to Habu Temple, then off to Colossi of Memnon - then airport to fly Cairo- stayed at the Four Seasons.

Day#3 left 4 Seasons to Sakkara - left Sakkara to go to Memphis and lunch at Four Seasons. After Lunch we went to the Pyramids and Sphinx

Day#4 Left hotel and went to the Citadel after that we went to the Egyptian Museum , Lunch and then drive to Alexandria and arrived at 17:00 hours .

Only travel time was at the beginning and end of the tour . The airplane ride was a couple of hours but it was a very smooth trip overall . We had the GREATEST TOUR GUIDES and thank you for the extra security given to us !

Eaches you really did it the right way. We had a fantastic day in Giza but yes, combined, our Egypt adventures involved a lot of seat time. Fortunately ours was by choice in a private car instead of the incessant bus rides and yes, Stretch, the only real issues we have with the entire cruise always come back to the bus excursions. Not sure how to move all these people (with varying levels of mobility and fitness) without them. Vans might help but you would need all the vans in a town to move 400/500 to the popular stops. :eek: Some we have discussed this with have mentioned some form of "fitness" test to qualify for spaces on the "fast" bus. Not sure, in our society, how you could tell someone they are too fat or too old to make the cut to the fast tour. I know Viking is trying to improve the experience and I will probably have some suggestions in a recap. For now, our solution is to make our own plans. We are viewing the Viking Sun as our very nice lodging and transportation between ports. We can take it from there. :cool:

I agree it is best to make your own plans. I decided when I was a young traveller that organised bus trips weren't for me and I still feel the same way, as a senior.

Sitting here relaxing on a glorious day at sea in the Mediterranean is a perfect time to reflect on the Petra through Egypt "Grand Finale" of our trip. Both DW and I have wanted to visit Egypt since school days. I have to say our expectations were exceeded. All of these stops have involved a commitment of time and effort in order to appreciate them. Part of the enjoyment was going on our own with a company that has gone over the top to make it perfect for us. I have to say the day at Giza/Sakkara was easily the best yet.The only thing I can think of that would have made it better would have been for Viking to arrange to dock the ship a hundred miles or so closer. As luck would have it, we were the first off the ship after clearance and our guide ran up the sidewalk to meet us. Our guide from Luxor had emailed him our photos so he knew it was us. He was also very happy to see us early as he said the last people he picked up at this dock didn't get off the ship till 10am. There were two Memphis Tours vans in addition to our car and we promptly left the port with police escort. The security in Egypt is very tight and our guide gave us insight to some of it saying that the US government had made a deal with Egypt concerning American tourists. He was not privy to details but said American aid was contingent upon Egypt providing protection for any American visitors. From what we could see it works. Sometimes I felt we were the only unarmed people around. But back to the trip. We made the journey to Giza on the recently opened 6 lane expressway in around two hours. The first glimpses of the pyramids was amazing. Rising over the city. We only skirted Cairo on the expressway so did not have to play in their infamous traffic. Finally, we arrive and to be standing at the base of these structures is hard to describe. How many thousands of images have you seen of this place? The reality exceeds even the James Bond movie filmed here.;p We did not go into the pyramid due to the climb (bad knee) and the line. Instead, after suitable picture taking by our expert photographer guide, we were moved by our car to the Panorama area where all the pyramids are perfectly laid out for viewing. This is also the location to ride the camel. It has been quite some time since we rode a horse, much less camels but we jumped at the chance. Our camel boy (their term not mine) took the two of us out into the Sahara on Casanova and Michael Douglas.:cool: He led Lois's camel and mine was leashed to her saddle post so no danger of us prompting a runaway. We stopped at a dune overlook for viewing and photo ops. The view was stunning as it was situated in the dunes so you clearly see all the pyramids but the urban sprawl of Cairo was not seen. Like it must have been for centuries. Our camel jockey reminded me he does this for a living while I was trying to explain my iPhone. No worries, he took exceptionally well composed pictures which we have sent all over the place. The camel ride circled around to the smaller of the 3 Great Pyramids where our car was waiting to take us around to our other life long "must see", the Sphinx. What a thrill to actually be right there in front. While I think of it, another great service provided by our guide was to insulate us from the buzzing hordes of hawkers selling just about everything. If we wanted to see something we could but were not hassled by them when all we wanted to do was view the sights. A quick stop at a papyrus museum including a demo of how it is still made and off to lunch at a restaurant across from the Sphinx. Full glass wall views of the Sphinx and pyramids added to the tasty chicken lunch. After lunch we drove to the Stepped Pyramid in Sakkara. Interesting and the guide's insight taught us lots but after the morning it was a bit of anticlimax. Lois did buy two really pretty alabaster trays here so again, a successful mission. On the way back out of town we stopped briefly in an Egyptian cotton shop where I bought probably the best quality T-shirts of the trip. One I bought in India is a kiddie shirt after washing.:eek: A point of interest we drove by twice is the under construction massive new Egyptian Museum which is conveniently located adjacent to the Giza antiquities. When this is fully open it will be great to go from the outside structures to the cool inside museum full of all the treasures in the present Cairo museum. Our guide stated it is due to partially open at the end of this year. Our return trip to the port was very smooth and we were back onboard around 5:30pm. As the busses had not yet returned we capped off a perfect day with Lobster Thermidor in the main restaurant. We were the only table in the entire side occupied so had lots of service from waiters and bar staff. A great finish to a perfect day in Egypt. Well earned restful sea days then on to Malta where we have an overnight stop.:cool:

Hi Jim,

Really enjoying details of your trip. I think you will thoroughly enjoy Malta. Take a horse and buggy ride in the historic area. You can easily do everything on your own.

Our 1st Viking cruise is end of August for British Isles. Glad to hear about the bus tours. Not our favorite way to sight see and use only when it is a must.

Safe travels.

Contessa

Hi Contessa,

Thanks for the Malta info. Sounds great. I suspect you will love these beautiful ships. The excellent crew keeps them spotless. For sure get the beverage package if it is not already included. Will look forward to reading your posts as that cruise is one we might do some day. Staying on in England for a bit as my Mother is English and I have strategically located Cousins for free lodging. Also going for a visit to Mr and Mrs Ho-Hum right after disembarking May 5th.

All the best,

J & L

Sitting here relaxing on a glorious day at sea in the Mediterranean is a perfect time to reflect on the Petra through Egypt "Grand Finale" of our trip. Both DW and I have wanted to visit Egypt since school days. I have to say our expectations were exceeded. All of these stops have involved a commitment of time and effort in order to appreciate them. Part of the enjoyment was going on our own with a company that has gone over the top to make it perfect for us. I have to say the day at Giza/Sakkara was easily the best yet.The only thing I can think of that would have made it better would have been for Viking to arrange to dock the ship a hundred miles or so closer. As luck would have it, we were the first off the ship after clearance and our guide ran up the sidewalk to meet us. Our guide from Luxor had emailed him our photos so he knew it was us. He was also very happy to see us early as he said the last people he picked up at this dock didn't get off the ship till 10am. There were two Memphis Tours vans in addition to our car and we promptly left the port with police escort. The security in Egypt is very tight and our guide gave us insight to some of it saying that the US government had made a deal with Egypt concerning American tourists. He was not privy to details but said American aid was contingent upon Egypt providing protection for any American visitors. From what we could see it works. Sometimes I felt we were the only unarmed people around. But back to the trip. We made the journey to Giza on the recently opened 6 lane expressway in around two hours. The first glimpses of the pyramids was amazing. Rising over the city. We only skirted Cairo on the expressway so did not have to play in their infamous traffic. Finally, we arrive and to be standing at the base of these structures is hard to describe. How many thousands of images have you seen of this place? The reality exceeds even the James Bond movie filmed here.;p We did not go into the pyramid due to the climb (bad knee) and the line. Instead, after suitable picture taking by our expert photographer guide, we were moved by our car to the Panorama area where all the pyramids are perfectly laid out for viewing. This is also the location to ride the camel. It has been quite some time since we rode a horse, much less camels but we jumped at the chance. Our camel boy (their term not mine) took the two of us out into the Sahara on Casanova and Michael Douglas.:cool: He led Lois's camel and mine was leashed to her saddle post so no danger of us prompting a runaway. We stopped at a dune overlook for viewing and photo ops. The view was stunning as it was situated in the dunes so you clearly see all the pyramids but the urban sprawl of Cairo was not seen. Like it must have been for centuries. Our camel jockey reminded me he does this for a living while I was trying to explain my iPhone. No worries, he took exceptionally well composed pictures which we have sent all over the place. The camel ride circled around to the smaller of the 3 Great Pyramids where our car was waiting to take us around to our other life long "must see", the Sphinx. What a thrill to actually be right there in front. While I think of it, another great service provided by our guide was to insulate us from the buzzing hordes of hawkers selling just about everything. If we wanted to see something we could but were not hassled by them when all we wanted to do was view the sights. A quick stop at a papyrus museum including a demo of how it is still made and off to lunch at a restaurant across from the Sphinx. Full glass wall views of the Sphinx and pyramids added to the tasty chicken lunch. After lunch we drove to the Stepped Pyramid in Sakkara. Interesting and the guide's insight taught us lots but after the morning it was a bit of anticlimax. Lois did buy two really pretty alabaster trays here so again, a successful mission. On the way back out of town we stopped briefly in an Egyptian cotton shop where I bought probably the best quality T-shirts of the trip. One I bought in India is a kiddie shirt after washing.:eek: A point of interest we drove by twice is the under construction massive new Egyptian Museum which is conveniently located adjacent to the Giza antiquities. When this is fully open it will be great to go from the outside structures to the cool inside museum full of all the treasures in the present Cairo museum. Our guide stated it is due to partially open at the end of this year. Our return trip to the port was very smooth and we were back onboard around 5:30pm. As the busses had not yet returned we capped off a perfect day with Lobster Thermidor in the main restaurant. We were the only table in the entire side occupied so had lots of service from waiters and bar staff. A great finish to a perfect day in Egypt. Well earned restful sea days then on to Malta where we have an overnight stop.:cool:

Jim ,

Here are some of the photos from our Egypt adventure. I even included a picture of the Sphinx’s tail . That’s a good one for trivia!

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Jim,

Have truly enjoyed your postings! Glad you liked Petra -- it's fascinating. and hope you enjoy Malta. SD docked right below the town -- truly a bucket item event. Thoroughly enjoyed Valetta -- do go to the cathedral (it was under renovation when we were there) -- it is over the top!

I guess not much longer til you disembark? Will you really see the HHs? We are doing Silversea around British Isles in August and will be in London a couple of days, but don't think we will see the HHs :-(

Anyway, thanks for taking us along!

Vandrefalk

Jim,

 

Have truly enjoyed your postings! Glad you liked Petra -- it's fascinating. and hope you enjoy Malta. SD docked right below the town -- truly a bucket item event. Thoroughly enjoyed Valetta -- do go to the cathedral (it was under renovation when we were there) -- it is over the top!

 

 

 

I guess not much longer til you disembark? Will you really see the HHs? We are doing Silversea around British Isles in August and will be in London a couple of days, but don't think we will see the HHs :-(

 

 

 

Anyway, thanks for taking us along!

 

Vandrefalk

Jim ,

Here are some of the photos from Malta to include in your excellent writings

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Once again Eaches fine photos perfectly capture the feel of a city. That night shot of "our home" should be used by Viking PR. Malta and the town of Valletta were a most welcome return to Europe after the somewhat hectic and dirty places we have seen of late. A beautiful, clean city of nice surprises. As is our usual, we went ashore and spotted a nice young man with a clean cab and negotiated a tour around the island. A perfect weather day helped as there was not a cloud in the sky with temperatures topping in the mid 70s. A real surprise was the interior of the "Bomb Miracle" cathedral. Very beautiful. Something you might expect to find in Rome, Paris, or London, not a small island in the Med. There was even a replica of the WWII German bomb that pierced the dome of the cathedral when 300 worshipers were inside along with photos of the original event. Very fortunately the bomb did not explode hence the Miracle. We also toured an old fortress now high end flats as well as Queen Victoria's Garden in full bloom. After the drive about we were dropped at the Main Gate of the old town of Valletta. A great pedestrian only area had all the shops and restaurants one could want. As there were 3 ships in town :eek: it was quite crowded but we soon figured out that walking a block or two off the main drag put you into "locals land". We found a great pub (The Jubilee) for good local beer and the local specialty of stewed rabbit. Stuffed ourselves so much we only had a salad for dinner. We loved the fact that the Malta stop was extended to an overnight to replace the cancelled (for safety reasons) stop in Tunisia. I considered this change an upgrade... A number of our happy band went ashore for local dinners but as mentioned, we pigged out too much at lunch. The night time views of Malta were stunning as was sail away the next day. One of the best sail aways yet. Today we just docked in Cagliari, Sardinia. Heading out shortly for a Kitchen Table event with Chef Eric for shopping for a special dinner tonight. Had a blast when we did the same in Singapore so looking forward to it. More later.:cool:

Glad you enjoyed your time in Malta. Its a lovely island and full of interesting history. It really shouldn't be looked on as some sort of consolation prize for missed destinations.

Enjoy Sardinia. Its very different.

Sardinia was another drive by port. Ashore at 8:30, back on board by 1:30. Consensus of those spoken with is why not skip Algeria and spend an overnight in Sardinia? Who knows why? Still, we did the coffee/market/wine and snacks with the Chef. Big dinner with the Chef tonight.😎

Sardinia was another drive by port. Ashore at 8:30, back on board by 1:30. Consensus of those spoken with is why not skip Algeria and spend an overnight in Sardinia? Who knows why? Still, we did the coffee/market/wine and snacks with the Chef. Big dinner with the Chef tonight.[emoji41]

Jim,

You should have gone on the Argiolas Wine Tour . Great Time and I would recommend both the tour and their Wine .

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Jim,

 

You should have gone on the Argiolas Wine Tour . Great Time and I would recommend both the tour and their Wine . The owners picture is the gentleman in black and white photo! Great Operation and a very delightful tour guide from the winery! 1st class operation!

 

 

 

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Geez, had lots o wine with Chef Eric. Now have to plan for lots more at Kitchen Table dinner tonight.😱🍸🎉😎