LIVE from "Iceland's Natural Beauty" -- All Sailings, 2021

[TayanaLorna]

4 hours ago, C-sea said:

Good Day,

We are boarding "Jupiter"  August 24th

Looking to make final decision about excursions we have currently booked.

We would love to take these tours in pre covid times but... 

If there is not socially distanced bus seats and people are not masked on buses, this will be problematic for us. 

 Please advice if you've had recent personal experience with any of these Viking sponsored excursions... particularly, if you felt more covid compromised by taking the tour.

Iceland on Horseback

Dynjandi Waterfalls

Northern Iceland"s Natural Treasures

Vok Baths

Beluga Whale Center & Bay by Boat (did you encounter Beluga whales in a natural environment, is there currently a boat portion to this tour?)

Thank you

First, I think people are being more compliant with mask wearing after the Covid positive cases on some cruise dates.  We can all forget sometimes so a polite "please wear your mask" reminder helps.

 

Dynjandi Waterfalls is all outside so other then the bus ride.  Your meal is a snack bag so you dont go to an inside dining room.

 

Northern Treasurers is amazing, don't miss it.  Again all outside walking at all the stops.  We had a very nice lunch at the Fosshotel Myvatn.

 

Vok Baths very nice and relaxing and a spectacular drive up and over the snow topped mountains that we were always looking up to from the water.  People spread out into the 3 pools and, other then in the locker room at times, it is not crowded.

 

I was more concerned being seated too close to others in The Restaurant then on the bus with masks.

[TayanaLorna]

5 hours ago, bardstowntraveller said:

We currently have scheduled the Seydisfjordor on foot and the Heimey on foot excursions and am wondering if we will miss much if we do these ports on our own. Can anyone provide feedback?

Seydisfjordur is totally doable yourself but then you miss the guides input.  We walked the town in the evening after our morning and afternoon optional excursions (Vok and Skalanes) but we had daylight until midnight.  Missed the Heimaey port.

[Crockett&Darla]

4 hours ago, C-sea said:

Good Day,

We are boarding "Jupiter"  August 24th

Looking to make final decision about excursions we have currently booked.

We would love to take these tours in pre covid times but... 

If there is not socially distanced bus seats and people are not masked on buses, this will be problematic for us. 

 Please advice if you've had recent personal experience with any of these Viking sponsored excursions... particularly, if you felt more covid compromised by taking the tour.

Iceland on Horseback

Dynjandi Waterfalls

Northern Iceland"s Natural Treasures

Vok Baths

Beluga Whale Center & Bay by Boat (did you encounter Beluga whales in a natural environment, is there currently a boat portion to this tour?)

Thank you

Iceland on Horseback- not quite what it looks like from the Viking stock photo....but nonetheless a nice trip thru volcanic fields on a predetermined path that the horses are accustomed to doing every day. On our trip you were in one of two groups based on skill level. Beginner or advanced. Very friendly staff. They are true Icelandic horses. Unique Icelandic experience. 

 

Northern Iceland's Natural Treasures- A very nice trip and opportunity to see several different things in one day. The Godafoss waterfall is really nice, you can cross over the bridge to the other side to get a better view. The Mývatn volcanic lake area is a nice stop with scenic views. The Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth is something wildly different to see, and again, another unique feature of Iceland. Steaming vents, the olfactory sensation of sulfur, boiling mud, no flora growing near the area. You won't forget it.

[patchicago]

49 minutes ago, Chilicatx said:

How are they handling solo travelers in the restaurants? Or in other places? 
I’m traveling solo on the august 28th sailing

When I signed up for the 8/3 Iceland sailing I contacted Viking and asked about shared tables in the dining rooms. I’ve traveled solo before and have asked to be seated at a shared table when I wanted company. I was told that because of social distancing I would not be able to dine with anyone I was not traveling with. So, I found a friend to travel with me. But in the weeks since my conversation with Viking I’ve seen photos of people dining at tables with folks that they just met. And I know they just met them because they introduced them as such. I’m not sure if they’ve changed their policy on designating tables as “shared” but I don’t think anyone’s going to stop you from joining somebody else’s table.

[minka34]

6 hours ago, bardstowntraveller said:

the Heimey on foot excursions and am wondering if we will miss much if we do these ports on our own.

You can definitely explore those ports on your own, and see the same sights, but in my opinion, the guides really added something to the tours in those ports.  We heard first hand account of the volcanic eruption in Heimaey, as our local guide was about 7 at the time and his family was evacuated.  I also thought that the background in Seydisfjordur was valuable; we were not taken into the blue church.  There is also time to explore on your own should you want to in addition to the included tours ... nothing to lose by doing the tours, in my opinion.

[TayanaLorna]

52 minutes ago, patchicago said:

When I signed up for the 8/3 Iceland sailing I contacted Viking and asked about shared tables in the dining rooms. I’ve traveled solo before and have asked to be seated at a shared table when I wanted company. I was told that because of social distancing I would not be able to dine with anyone I was not traveling with. So, I found a friend to travel with me. But in the weeks since my conversation with Viking I’ve seen photos of people dining at tables with folks that they just met. And I know they just met them because they introduced them as such. I’m not sure if they’ve changed their policy on designating tables as “shared” but I don’t think anyone’s going to stop you from joining somebody else’s table.

Our first evening in the Restaurant, there were 2 men in front of us and they were asked if that wanted to join a table.  They said yes and were escorted there.  We asked for a two person window table and got it.

[CCWineLover]

13 minutes ago, TayanaLorna said:

Our first evening in the Restaurant, there were 2 men in front of us and they were asked if that wanted to join a table.  They said yes and were escorted there.  We asked for a two person window table and got it.

We found Viking to be quite duplicitous in regards to masking and social distancing, almost like they don’t offend someone.  They are going to offend someone either way.  They talk about safety and then promote interactions.  Can’t have it both ways Viking.  Take a stand and stick with it.

[TayanaLorna]

8 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

We found Viking to be quite duplicitous in regards to masking and social distancing, almost like they don’t offend someone.  They are going to offend someone either way.  They talk about safety and then promote interactions.  Can’t have it both ways Viking.  Take a stand and stick with it.

I thought there was a bit of inconsistency.  Making us do Restaurant reservations and then not using them and packing the Restaurant during busy times.  Allowing only 8 people in the thermal suite...it's a huge space!  Yet still using the Star Theater for shows, lectures and excursion meeting places.  Removing some of the two forward facing Explorer Lounge chairs, yet still having the 4 person seating areas.  Go figure.  I also think the staff and guides could easily and politely remind us to wear a mask if they see us on the ship without one or if we return to the bus not wearing one.  Sometimes we do forget.  They remind us to wash our hands, use the sanitation stations at every turn and don't even let you into the WC in the morning without a temperature check.  Go figure.

[Seaharvest]

2 hours ago, TayanaLorna said:

First, I think people are being more compliant with mask wearing after the Covid positive cases on some cruise dates.  We can all forget sometimes so a polite "please wear your mask" reminder helps.

 

Dynjandi Waterfalls is all outside so other then the bus ride.  Your meal is a snack bag so you dont go to an inside dining room.

 

Northern Treasurers is amazing, don't miss it.  Again all outside walking at all the stops.  We had a very nice lunch at the Fosshotel Myvatn.

 

Vok Baths very nice and relaxing and a spectacular drive up and over the snow topped mountains that we were always looking up to from the water.  People spread out into the 3 pools and, other then in the locker room at times, it is not crowded.

 

I was more concerned being seated too close to others in The Restaurant then on the bus with masks.

I would just add re: Vok baths that the changing rooms were very crowded but I think if you got out of the pools a little early you could avoid the rush. I don’t know about the men’s room but the ladies room had nice, private showers. The big crush was around the lockers. Oh, and the lake water is really not that cold so do jump in then get back in the hot water. Wonderful!  And I agree the Northern Treasures and Dynjandi Falls are not to be missed.

[Dukefan]

40 minutes ago, TayanaLorna said:

I thought there was a bit of inconsistency.  Making us do Restaurant reservations and then not using them and packing the Restaurant during busy times.  Allowing only 8 people in the thermal suite...it's a huge space!  Yet still using the Star Theater for shows, lectures and excursion meeting places.  Removing some of the two forward facing Explorer Lounge chairs, yet still having the 4 person seating areas.  Go figure.  I also think the staff and guides could easily and politely remind us to wear a mask if they see us on the ship without one or if we return to the bus not wearing one.  Sometimes we do forget.  They remind us to wash our hands, use the sanitation stations at every turn and don't even let you into the WC in the morning without a temperature check.  Go figure.

When we sailed on the July 10th cruise, only 6 people at a time were allowed in the Thermal Suite so if it is 6 now they are opening it up a little.

 

[Liz55]

On 7/31/2021 at 8:52 AM, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

This is a screenshot I took from a webcam on the 26th (Monday).  I believe the vendor might be West Tours. Of course, there's no guarantee that the boat will be the same for all trips/dates.  I vaguely remember that someone reported there were a few seats outside, so if you're concerned about crowds, it may be possible to sit outside (in the back, I suppose?)  I'll try to remember to look at the webcam early Monday morning to see if I can get an idea of how many passengers it's taking that day.

There is room for about 20 people inside the boat and if I recall another 4 or 6 outside.  They only allow small groups to tour the island at a time. 

[Liz55]

9 hours ago, bardstowntraveller said:

We currently have scheduled the Seydisfjordor on foot and the Heimey on foot excursions and am wondering if we will miss much if we do these ports on our own. Can anyone provide feedback?

We had a fantastic guide in Seydisfjordur...would not have been the same if we had done it on our own. 
 

[Chilicatx]

Good, it sounds like I can meet new friends and dine with them. I was having visions of eating alone in my cabin every night. While I could certainly deal with that, it’s more fun to meet fellow travelers 

[patchicago]

5 minutes ago, Chilicatx said:

Good, it sounds like I can meet new friends and dine with them. I was having visions of eating alone in my cabin every night. While I could certainly deal with that, it’s more fun to meet fellow travelers 

Even if you don’t meet new friends go to the various dining rooms and grab a table. For the most part people are friendly and you will end up chatting with somebody at the next table. Or someone will approach you and ask to share your table. Plus some of those restaurants serve fantastic meals and you’ll have more options there than if you dine in your cabin. Nothing wrong with the room service menu but Manfredi’s! The Restaurant serves wonderful dishes as does the World Café. Have a great trip!

[NeilP57]

Live from Viking Sky following Golden Circle tour and dinner in World Cafe (seafood buffet). 
 

An excellent tour, well worth the $199 cost. We all have views about ShoreX pricing especially given this tours highlights did not charge any entrance fees, but whether they charge or not the sights seen were well worth the cost. 
 

Earlier comments in response to a previous question covered the 100% mask wearing on the coach and a logical arrangement for seating at the lunch stop.  
 

Dinner in the WC was a first for us having done 21 nights on VO previously it was a change to visit the WV for dinner. We really enjoyed the extra space and the opportunity to chose what we had for dinner by seeing the food first. Tonight was the seafood buffet and it was busy early on when we had a quick look following a post excursion tea and cake from mamsens, quickly followed by a post excursion beer and cocktail in the Explorers Lounge, literally without leaving our seat. 
 

After getting ready for dinner we watched the first 15 minutes of the ABBA show and this confirmed our long held view that this continues to be an area that Viking can improve on. However, so much else with Viking is so good that we are happy to accept that the entertainment product will not be as good as other cruise lines. 
 

We arrived at the WC 7:45 and there plenty of space and many attentive staff. Unlike the previous night in the MDR where we sat in the middle of a row 3 two top tables we had a four top table to ourselves in plenty of space with great views across the sea. 
 

Food and drink offering was excellent. There has been much discussion about the benefits of the silver service drinks package and we all drink different quantities so it may work for some and not others. I would just like to plug the drinks package, not from a quantum perspective, but from the opportunity to try a variety of wines that you would not normally chose. Tonight was a lovely oaked Chardonnay from California that went well with seafood buffet. 
 

Great views off the Starboard side as we pass the snow covered mountain  of the Snaelfelness peninsula on the west coast of Iceland. If you are yet to book, remember the best views on an clockwise tour are from the starboard side. 
 

Looking forward to our trip to Viigur Island tomorrow in full expectation of some wonderful puffin sightings. Followed by the afternoon included tour. 
 

Whilst the Vigur island tour  was showing as sold out previously, the sheet of excursions provided in the stateroom shows extra trips have been added and availability for booking whilst on board. So if you missed out on this trip to see the puffins do not despair. 
 

That’s enough for tonight. TTFN 

[NeilP57]

Sorry forgot to say that there are 682 on board at the moment. 

[BQEC]

Many thanks NeilP57

[azjoy]

9 hours ago, C-sea said:

Good Day,

We are boarding "Jupiter"  August 24th

Looking to make final decision about excursions we have currently booked.

We would love to take these tours in pre covid times but... 

If there is not socially distanced bus seats and people are not masked on buses, this will be problematic for us. 

 Please advice if you've had recent personal experience with any of these Viking sponsored excursions... particularly, if you felt more covid compromised by taking the tour.

Iceland on Horseback

Dynjandi Waterfalls

Northern Iceland"s Natural Treasures

Vok Baths

Beluga Whale Center & Bay by Boat (did you encounter Beluga whales in a natural environment, is there currently a boat portion to this tour?)

Thank you

On Dynjandi, we spent a good bit of time on the bus but the waterfalls were impressive.  This was the one place I could have used the netting to keep out the midges.

 

Beluga Whale Center - we were there on July 9 and there was no boat portion so Viking refunded part of the cost of the tour.  The aquarium is a short walk from the tender.  There was one tank with puffins (but there was so much condensation you could barely see them), one or two tanks with fish and the one big tank with the belugas.  The viewing window wasn't large but the belugas seemed to like humans or are fascinated by us so they kept swimming over.  One kept swimming by with a toy!  I loved watching them but the entire "excursion" was over in 30 minutes or less - and I was the last one to leave.  

 

I'd recommend doing this on your own but I got the impression they close the aquarium when the Viking excursions are there.  I heard them turn some people away at the door.       

[azjoy]

9 hours ago, C-sea said:

 

.       

Edited August 1, 2021 by azjoy
duplicate

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

3 hours ago, patchicago said:

Even if you don’t meet new friends go to the various dining rooms and grab a table. For the most part people are friendly and you will end up chatting with somebody at the next table. Or someone will approach you and ask to share your table. Plus some of those restaurants serve fantastic meals and you’ll have more options there than if you dine in your cabin. Nothing wrong with the room service menu but Manfredi’s! The Restaurant serves wonderful dishes as does the World Café. Have a great trip!

 

3 hours ago, NeilP57 said:

Live from Viking Sky following Golden Circle tour and dinner in World Cafe (seafood buffet). 
 

An excellent tour, well worth the $199 cost. We all have views about ShoreX pricing especially given this tours highlights did not charge any entrance fees, but whether they charge or not the sights seen were well worth the cost. 
 

Earlier comments in response to a previous question covered the 100% mask wearing on the coach and a logical arrangement for seating at the lunch stop.  
 

Dinner in the WC was a first for us having done 21 nights on VO previously it was a change to visit the WV for dinner. We really enjoyed the extra space and the opportunity to chose what we had for dinner by seeing the food first. Tonight was the seafood buffet and it was busy early on when we had a quick look following a post excursion tea and cake from mamsens, quickly followed by a post excursion beer and cocktail in the Explorers Lounge, literally without leaving our seat. 
 

After getting ready for dinner we watched the first 15 minutes of the ABBA show and this confirmed our long held view that this continues to be an area that Viking can improve on. However, so much else with Viking is so good that we are happy to accept that the entertainment product will not be as good as other cruise lines. 
 

We arrived at the WC 7:45 and there plenty of space and many attentive staff. Unlike the previous night in the MDR where we sat in the middle of a row 3 two top tables we had a four top table to ourselves in plenty of space with great views across the sea. 
 

Food and drink offering was excellent. There has been much discussion about the benefits of the silver service drinks package and we all drink different quantities so it may work for some and not others. I would just like to plug the drinks package, not from a quantum perspective, but from the opportunity to try a variety of wines that you would not normally chose. Tonight was a lovely oaked Chardonnay from California that went well with seafood buffet. 
 

Great views off the Starboard side as we pass the snow covered mountain  of the Snaelfelness peninsula on the west coast of Iceland. If you are yet to book, remember the best views on an clockwise tour are from the starboard side. 
 

Looking forward to our trip to Viigur Island tomorrow in full expectation of some wonderful puffin sightings. Followed by the afternoon included tour. 
 

Whilst the Vigur island tour  was showing as sold out previously, the sheet of excursions provided in the stateroom shows extra trips have been added and availability for booking whilst on board. So if you missed out on this trip to see the puffins do not despair. 
 

That’s enough for tonight. TTFN 

SO happy to hear more slots opened up on Vigur.  I desperately want to go but booked too late to get in.  And I heard one week's cruise had no new open slots, so nothing's guaranteed.  I'll hope for the best.  I'd be interested to hear if there were actually 30 people on the boat or more like 20.  

 

Howard absolutely loves World Cafe.  I love it for the views and the chance to eat outside, but the food's pretty good too.  Do they have the area outside open or is it too chilly in the evenings?

 

TTFN (I had to look that up!)

Ruth

[susanlik]

3 hours ago, Crockett&Darla said:

Mývatn

 

3 hours ago, NeilP57 said:

Live from Viking Sky following Golden Circle tour and dinner in World Cafe (seafood buffet). 
 

An excellent tour, well worth the $199 cost. We all have views about ShoreX pricing especially given this tours highlights did not charge any entrance fees, but whether they charge or not the sights seen were well worth the cost. 
 

Earlier comments in response to a previous question covered the 100% mask wearing on the coach and a logical arrangement for seating at the lunch stop.  
 

Dinner in the WC was a first for us having done 21 nights on VO previously it was a change to visit the WV for dinner. We really enjoyed the extra space and the opportunity to chose what we had for dinner by seeing the food first. Tonight was the seafood buffet and it was busy early on when we had a quick look following a post excursion tea and cake from mamsens, quickly followed by a post excursion beer and cocktail in the Explorers Lounge, literally without leaving our seat. 
 

After getting ready for dinner we watched the first 15 minutes of the ABBA show and this confirmed our long held view that this continues to be an area that Viking can improve on. However, so much else with Viking is so good that we are happy to accept that the entertainment product will not be as good as other cruise lines. 
 

We arrived at the WC 7:45 and there plenty of space and many attentive staff. Unlike the previous night in the MDR where we sat in the middle of a row 3 two top tables we had a four top table to ourselves in plenty of space with great views across the sea. 
 

Food and drink offering was excellent. There has been much discussion about the benefits of the silver service drinks package and we all drink different quantities so it may work for some and not others. I would just like to plug the drinks package, not from a quantum perspective, but from the opportunity to try a variety of wines that you would not normally chose. Tonight was a lovely oaked Chardonnay from California that went well with seafood buffet. 
 

Great views off the Starboard side as we pass the snow covered mountain  of the Snaelfelness peninsula on the west coast of Iceland. If you are yet to book, remember the best views on an clockwise tour are from the starboard side. 
 

Looking forward to our trip to Viigur Island tomorrow in full expectation of some wonderful puffin sightings. Followed by the afternoon included tour. 
 

Whilst the Vigur island tour  was showing as sold out previously, the sheet of excursions provided in the stateroom shows extra trips have been added and availability for booking whilst on board. So if you missed out on this trip to see the puffins do not despair. 
 

That’s enough for tonight. TTFN 

Can tou ask when they expect puffins to leave this year vigar iskand ...we will be there sept 3

[Peregrina651]

4 hours ago, NeilP57 said:

we watched the first 15 minutes of the ABBA show and this confirmed our long held view that this continues to be an area that Viking can improve on.

 

I'm fine with the laid back cabaret-style and I like the Abba show, but the cast currently on the Sky is not one of the better casts I have seen/heard on board.

[BarbRN]

On 7/31/2021 at 12:06 PM, jayray said:

Back to the question on PCR vs Antigen tests. Does anyone know whether or not Delta is accepting the antigen test prior to boarding for KEF?

 

Thanks...

I need to know

[KarNog]

We're celebrating our 35th anniversary with this cruise. Will Viking help us celebrate? Who/how do we notify?

[BarbRN]

1 minute ago, KarNog said:

We're celebrating our 35th anniversary with this cruise. Will Viking help us celebrate? Who/how do we notify?

Call them. Yes when we ticketed we told them 50 years.