UK Only Viking Venus Cruise

[NeilP57]

Tonight Viking have emailed out to its registered UK customers the latest details of its proposed UK only cruises at the end of May and early June.

 

The full content of the email is as follows:

 

England's Scenic Shores  - we will be in touch soon

We are delighted that you are interested in our new itinerary England's Scenic Shores. We are presently working through the registrations and will get back to you very soon.  This new, seven-night journey explores some of Britain's loveliest places, in a way that only Viking can. From Cornwall's beautiful beaches and countryside, and Dorset's dramatic Jurassic coast, to the natural beauty of the Scilly Isles, this inspiring itinerary is complemented by Viking's shore excursions (one included in every port, plus optional excursions will be available to pre-book) and on-board enrichment programme. It is the most wonderful opportunity to explore with Viking. Stateroom prices: Veranda from £1,490 per person Deluxe Veranda from £1,590 per person Penthouse Veranda from £2,090 per person Penthouse Junior Suite from £2,590 per person Explorer Suite from £3,590 per person Owners Suite from £5,290 per person

 

 

No mention yet of whether vaccinations will be required. 

 

Pricing looks competitive.

[JM0115]

Thank you for sharing this. Seems a bit high for what it is but not too bad.

[NeilP57]

I have picked up from another post on this forum that the UK Viking office have indicated that there will only be 450 passengers on board, so less than half of normal capacity.

[Hockeyump]

They also confirmed vaccination not a mandatory requirement.

[NeilP57]

 

 

25 minutes ago, Hockeyump said:

They also confirmed vaccination not a mandatory requirement.

 

I read that as well but we will wait to see what they say in their next email.

 

Given the demographic of Viking's UK customer base, it is highly likely that a high % of pax will be vaccinated, even if they do not insist on it ahead of boarding.

 

Whilst we will make a final decision once they formally open for booking, it is highly likely that we will book onto this cruise. During the second part of last summer, importantly pre vaccine, we were happy to eat out in well spaced out and not over crowded pubs, cafes and restaurants. We were also happy to wear a mask whilst moving around inside such places and then remove them whilst seated and being served.

 

So whether a small number of passengers are vaccinated or not is just one of those factors outside of my control that I am probably happy to live with. 

[Medeba]

Whilst I would love the opportunity to sail on a brand new Viking ship, I think these cruises have huge potential for turning into 'Cruises to Nowhere' (local protests at dock gates, tabloid headlines, changes in government protocols). 

 

Our primary reason to cruise is to visit places and I'm not sure I'm ready to spend 8 days on a cruise ship without getting off, albeit on a ship with great food and service in beautiful surroundings.  I would also prefer that Viking mandates vaccinations but I'm sure their H&S protocols have passed our government's protocols for the resumption of cruising; just not sure that the public at large will agree especially as we're not due to be free from Covid restrictions until 21 June at the earliest.

[Haworth]

We are very much wait and see, the devil will be in the detail.

 

 

[NeilP57]

By the end of May, under the current UK Govt roadmap (obviously like life in general subject to change) I will be permitted to drive to Falmouth and stay and eat in a hotel and walk around that lovely Cornish town and perhaps visit the wonderful Pendennis Casle. 
 

Not sure it’s that different arriving on a floating hotel. Having said that I am not sure how Tresco in the Isles of Scilly will feel when 450 passengers get off. 

 

I am not aware that any hotels/pubs/restaurants plan to mandate that its customers have to be vaccinated before they enter. so it’s a difficult one for the cruise lines. As we have seen in the UK, P&O and Saga have said that vaccinations will be required, whereas Viking are currently remaining silent on the issue. Viking has the advantage of daily testing which as far as I can see is not part of the other lines’ protocols. 
 

In the end we all will have a choice whether we book or not. I agree also that I have no desire for a weeks cruise to nowhere but at least all the ports are in England so there is less chance of regional disruption. 
 

If it was scheduled to say travel to Scotland, I may not be so confident. 
 

It will be interesting to see how much demand there is, I suspect quite high but we will see. 

 

 

[ARDXXX]

After waiting on hold for an hour I managed to have a talk to Viking re this. I was interested until I was informed that there are no connections , flights or transfers available from anywhere in the Uk to Portsmouth, even to fly to Heathrow. and takrn to Portsmouth .We live over 400 miles away so no thankyou from me. Apparently there is a lot of interest if you can find your own way there, I expressed my disappointment, it seems a bit hurried.

[Janet&David]

If someone had asked me at the beginning of last year if I'd consider a cruise from Portsmouth to Liverpool and back I'd have said they were mad. 15 months later, and we've just booked on the second of these three cruises. While acknowledging all the concerns that people have raised in the posts above, we decided that the chance of a week's break in pleasant surroundings is worth it.

 

Lots of testing, mask wearing and other inconveniences. 4 very limited excursions (coach trip round Liverpool!) and not allowed onshore except on Viking excursions. And who knows what other onboard restrictions, but we're still desperate enough to give it a go.

 

It seems to be booking up fast, though. We got the last V1 cabin and there were only three V2 cabins left (although I suppose there may be some cabins on hold). We didn't really want to splash out on a more expensive cabin considering that the whole experience will be somewhat limited.

 

Reasonable cancellation policy although not quite as generous/flexible as the policy for the Viking Venus cruise this November that we booked a few months ago.

 

Anyway, looking forward to it. Hopefully no hiccups.

 

David

[Clay Clayton]

7 minutes ago, Janet&David said:

If someone had asked me at the beginning of last year if I'd consider a cruise from Portsmouth to Liverpool and back I'd have said they were mad. 15 months later, and we've just booked on the second of these three cruises. While acknowledging all the concerns that people have raised in the posts above, we decided that the chance of a week's break in pleasant surroundings is worth it.

 

Lots of testing, mask wearing and other inconveniences. 4 very limited excursions (coach trip round Liverpool!) and not allowed onshore except on Viking excursions. And who knows what other onboard restrictions, but we're still desperate enough to give it a go.

 

It seems to be booking up fast, though. We got the last V1 cabin and there were only three V2 cabins left (although I suppose there may be some cabins on hold). We didn't really want to splash out on a more expensive cabin considering that the whole experience will be somewhat limited.

 

Reasonable cancellation policy although not quite as generous/flexible as the policy for the Viking Venus cruise this November that we booked a few months ago.

 

Anyway, looking forward to it. Hopefully no hiccups.

 

David

Please plan on doing some sort of “live from aboard” thread.  There are lots of us anxious to hear about these first cruises. 

Thanks in advance!

[Janet&David]

2 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

Please plan on doing some sort of “live from aboard” thread.  There are lots of us anxious to hear about these first cruises. 

Thanks in advance!

Will do. Expect photos of us sitting in the Explorers' Lounge drinking cocktails through straws while wearing masks, and exercising extreme social distancing in the Snow Grotto! 😃

[CCWineLover]

48 minutes ago, Janet&David said:

Will do. Expect photos of us sitting in the Explorers' Lounge drinking cocktails through straws while wearing masks, and exercising extreme social distancing in the Snow Grotto! 😃

Excellent!  We will all be anxious to hear from you how things go, including meal service, theatre, and more.  I would imagine Viking will learn from you all and make the needed operational tweaks as they move forward.

[NeilP57]

By the time the Viking Rep called me mid afternoon all the V1 and V2 had gone. I took a hold on a DV5 and then discussed with my better half.

 

Whilst I was very happy to live with the restrictions presented and so well set out above by Janet&David above, she could not cope with the thought of walking around Liverpool following a lady with a red viking flag or being being barred from going off exploring the wonderful coastal paths in Cornwall or the Isle of Scilly. So with a heavy heart I have let the hold go and we will revert to our original plan of a two week trip to the Isle of Skye and other parts of the Scottish Highlands, where we will be allowed to roam free.

 

It may have been better if all the excursions could have been presented at the time of booking to remove the fear of a walking tour of Liverpool. "On your left is the Cavern Club, made famous by the Beatles".

 

I also look forward to a "live from aboard" thread, reminds me of the initial maiden voyage of the Viking Star back in 2015 when it was all so new to us all. 

 

I am sure with such a positive attitude Janet&David you will have a great time.

[Minnie29]

Any news on what numbers of cabins they had left? Still waiting for my call from them?

[kcpvwill]

2 hours ago, Minnie29 said:

Any news on what numbers of cabins they had left? Still waiting for my call from them?

We had a call the day after expressing interest.  Have you done that?  

[Jammy Bun]

Ah, I wondered why we'd not heard from them, as we've done a few Viking cruises. It must be because I've not expressed interest, in fact in the survey that I presume all Brits received I confirmed that I would only cruise once all passengers AND crew had been vaccinated.  I will no doubt be very envious when reports of the 3 Coastal cruises appear!  If they happen...

[Medeba]

16 hours ago, Janet&David said:

Will do. Expect photos of us sitting in the Explorers' Lounge drinking cocktails through straws while wearing masks, and exercising extreme social distancing in the Snow Grotto! 😃

I'm feeling very envious and I wish you a great cruise; I too look forward to seeing photos.  I would want to have had my booster jab in good time before these cruises and that is not a certainty.  As expressed earlier, I'm also concerned about the cruise ending up not stopping anywhere, which I wouldn't like, but perfectly understand the craving to get away on a cruise. Sigh!

[kcpvwill]

11 hours ago, Jammy Bun said:

Ah, I wondered why we'd not heard from them, as we've done a few Viking cruises. It must be because I've not expressed interest, in fact in the survey that I presume all Brits received I confirmed that I would only cruise once all passengers AND crew had been vaccinated.  I will no doubt be very envious when reports of the 3 Coastal cruises appear!  If they happen...

 

11 hours ago, Jammy Bun said:

Ah, I wondered why we'd not heard from them, as we've done a few Viking cruises. It must be because I've not expressed interest, in fact in the survey that I presume all Brits received I confirmed that I would only cruise once all passengers AND crew had been vaccinated.  I will no doubt be very envious when reports of the 3 Coastal cruises appear!  If 

[kcpvwill]

Got quote wrong, sorry.  We expressed interest to find out more even though our preference was passengers and crew all vaccinated.  We also have plans for large family holiday over the period which is likely to be cancelled as there are 20 of us but this is still ‘live’. We also have B2B Midnight Sun & British Isles this June so they have put us in an interest shown folder which we can activate if things change.  

[Minnie29]

Just booked our voyage today for one of the three British Isles cruises. Very excited. 
Viking were extremely helpful and informative and confirmed that there will only be 450 passengers on board. 
there will be mask wearing, social distancing, tests on embarkation and daily tests and Viking only excursions of course. 
This will be our first Viking ocean cruise and we would appreciate any comments from you regular Viking customers. We have booked a Penthouse veranda cabin on Deck 5

[NeilP57]

I am sure you will enjoy the the Viking experience. The are many good tips on various threads on how to make the most of the what is on offer. With it being below 50% capacity on what is one of the already spacious ships you will have plenty of space if that is what you want. 

 

I have just received an email from Viking setting out the excursions for this cruise  Whilst the inability to go off an explore on our own was the only reason we did not book, I have to be fair to Viking in that the range of excursions look appropriate for the circumstances. There is costal walks, vineyards, some privileged access to stately homes along with the some of the more traditional walking tours. Not sure which are 'included' and how much extra the other excursions will be. 

 

We have stayed in both the Penthouse Veranda and normal Veranda cabins and I am sure you will enjoy the extra space. Maybe worth trying to peep inside a normal Veranda cabin as once everything is packed away there is enough space for the two of us and the pennies saved come in handy for whatever extras you fancy. 

 

 

 

 

[TayanaLorna]

2 hours ago, Minnie29 said:

Just booked our voyage today for one of the three British Isles cruises. Very excited. 
Viking were extremely helpful and informative and confirmed that there will only be 450 passengers on board. 
there will be mask wearing, social distancing, tests on embarkation and daily tests and Viking only excursions of course. 
This will be our first Viking ocean cruise and we would appreciate any comments from you regular Viking customers. We have booked a Penthouse veranda cabin on Deck 5

You will love the Penthouse Veranda and the Viking ships are just beautiful.  They are bight and airy with floor to ceiling windows on many decks so even in inclement weather it still feels like you are inside.  Be sure to check the Viking Daily, your room TV or the numerous touch pad stations around the ship for on-board activities, special events and daily restaurant menus.  Enjoy.

[Cienfuegos]

The absence of charges for every little thing is quite enjoyable. It's a very adult experience, and free of nuisances like the photographers, formal nights, and signing a chit every time you turn  around.

[Minnie29]

This all sounds perfect and we are very much looking forward to experiencing Viking and their beautiful ship.

We had a look at all the cabins but the Penthouse verandah cabin seemed the perfect fit.

We are waiting to see what excursions are available but probably won't bother getting off the ship at Falmouth as we live in Cornwall and as a child spent many weekends at Falmouth and the South coast.

What are your opinions of the two specialist restaurants? They both sound fantastic!!