Live from the Viking Jupiter October 18 Barcelona to Buenos Aires

[mariners]

Yesterday, we had an amazing sunrise on our way to Casablanca. 

[mariners]

We were a bit delayed in the ship being cleared once we reached Casablanca so the tours left a little bit late.  For those who are on tours next year, or anyone else who is interested, I am including a photo of the program.  

[mariners]

One had to show the passport to enter the cruise terminal.  It was not passport control where the passport was stamped.  For those passengers who had difficulty with the walk to the terminal, there was a shuttle bus.

 

We took the El Jadida tour.  I heard mixed reviews.  It’s a 6 hour tour, but it’s a one and one half hour bus ride each way.  You get to see the countryside, but it is from a major highway so we didn’t view smaller towns, or, IMO, get much of a feel for rural Morocco.  
 

Our tour guide gave a running commentary on the history, and culture from different perspectives of the country for much of the ride.  Some passengers really enjoyed his informative views on the country.  Some passengers would have preferred that he talked more about what we were seeing out the window, and to only talk about life today rather than include the historical perspective.  Some passengers had difficulty understanding his speech, and I think that might be because understanding different accents can become more difficult as one ages and loses hearing acuity.  So, although we were all on the same tour, we would not give the same reviews.  We really enjoyed the tour and thought the guide was excellent. 

 

As for the tour itself, El Jadida is a tourist town in summer, and is in a lovely location on the seashore.  We had a tour guide who led the tour and an assistant tour guide who stayed at the rear of the group to ensure that nobody was left behind.  
 

We walked a short way through some streets, and then stopped at a restaurant for lunch.  The choices were chicken, meatball or salami and cheese sandwiches.  Moroccan spices were used in flavouring the chicken sandwiches.  Everyone at our table chose the chicken (great choice),but I can’t comment on the other choices as I never asked anyone else about a different choice.  When we sat down, we were provided a small appetizer of three olives, and some roasted eggplant. Next came the sandwiches and they were served with French fries.  Dessert was three or four items of traditional baking.  We also had unsweetened traditional mint tea.  IMO, delicious.

 

After lunch, it was time to walk a couple of streets to the fort.  The tour is all outside, and we got to walk the walls.  These walls are wide so my fear of heights had no impact and our guide provided us excellent information about what we were seeing throughout the tour.  Once we had completed the tour of the fort, it was time to get back on the bus to return to Casablanca.  We then stopped and had about 30 minutes to shop, walk around, grab a drink, or wait on the bus.  
 

it was a short distance to the port, and one had a choice of walking back to the ship or taking the shuttle bus.

 

i am going to try to post some photos.

Edited October 23 by mariners

[mariners]

[mariners]

[mariners]

[mariners]

The smokestacks to the hammam beside the fort.  

[Famsw]

We took the included tour of Casablanca. It was mostly by bus but a couple of stops for a few photo  opportunities with short walks. We had a good guide. After our walk to the bus area we drove by Ricks Cafe, saw miles of pretty beaches and unique beach clubs, stopped at the large Mosque (outside only), saw various government buildings and other churches, villas, walked to see the Kings Royal Palace (walls and doors only) and the UN Square for some "directed shopping". The traffic was challenging and like other large cities (outside the US) road lines are only a suggestion with motorbikes and walkers everywhere all at once. For us we can say we saw Casablanca and checked that city off our list.

[mariners]

Famsw, we have spoken with a couple of other people who went on the included tour, and they had very similar feelings.  I hope that Rabat will be back on for an excursion next fall.  We, too, have crossed Casablanca off our list.

[mariners]

SJD117, I have only spoken to a couple of people who went on the VO Alhambra tour.  Although they enjoyed the tour, the consensus was that they wished the had taken a private tour.  It was more “general” than what they had expected.  However, the consensus was also that the lunch was fabulous so they felt they got their money’s worth taking the tour.

[SJD117]

5 minutes ago, mariners said:

SJD117, I have only spoken to a couple of people who went on the VO Alhambra tour.  Although they enjoyed the tour, the consensus was that they wished the had taken a private tour.  It was more “general” than what they had expected.  However, the consensus was also that the lunch was fabulous so they felt they got their money’s worth taking the tour.

The lunch would actually be a bit of a problem for us. My understanding is that it’s at the end of the tour, in mid-afternoon. Due to blood sugar issues in our family, we need to eat earlier than that. The included Malaga tour would allow an earlier meal.

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 03:22 PM by SJD117

[CCWineLover]

22 minutes ago, SJD117 said:

The lunch would actually be a bit of a problem for us. My understanding is that it’s at the end of the tour, in mid-afternoon. Due to blood sugar issues in our family, we need to eat earlier than that. The included Malaga tour would allow an earlier meal.

 

 

Dave - yes that would be a problem.  We did this tour last May on Trade Routes cruise.  We had an excellent guide and didn't think it was "too general".  Different opinions.  We loved it.

The lunch was indeed spectacular, but for certain, it was served at the end since it is a short bus ride from the Alhambra on the way back.  Lunch was roughly 2:30 or 3:00 I believe, checking my photo timestamps.  There were indeed those who had brought snacks and had them on our walking parts outdoors around noonish.  Although you'd have had to snack on the run (or walk) as the day was quite filled.  

I'm not sure how they would do the Alhambra tour any other way, however.  Which sadly is unfortunate for those that cannot eat late.  I do think if you were on your own you could stop halfway through and grab a bit at the little eat place in the Alhambra grounds.  We did see some tour people grabbing some take and go as we had a bathroom stop there.

[JF - retired RRT]

26 minutes ago, SJD117 said:

The lunch would actually be a bit of a problem for us. My understanding is that it’s at the end of the tour, in mid-afternoon. Due to blood sugar issues in our family, we need to eat earlier than that. The included Malaga tour would allow an earlier meal.

 

 

We always carry breakfast or protein bars (just in case) when we go on tour or excursion.

[SJD117]

1 minute ago, JF - retired RRT said:

We always carry breakfast or protein bars (just in case) when we go on tour or excursion.

Not sufficient in our case.

[mariners]

SJD117, I don’t know your specifics, but I had a family member who has Type 1 diabetes where levels were difficult to stabilize.  Even the meal we had at lunch on our tour would have been an issue.  Perhaps someone who takes tours in specific locations that include a meal can provide information about whether the ship can prepare something acceptable for you to eat.  There are quite a few countries that do not allow food taken ashore so the timing of your excursions, even if the excursion itself is only a few hours, might be an issue.  
 

CCWineLover, the “general” comments were because the passengers thought they were going to enter different areas.  As I wasn’t on the tour, all I can do is relate what they told me.  I had hoped someone would give a firsthand account, but I think people are too busy enjoying a fabulous cruise.  I’m not a nightlife person most of the time so it’s easier for me to post.  😄

[FetaCheese]

11 hours ago, mariners said:

One had to show the passport to enter the cruise terminal.  It was not passport control where the passport was stamped.  For those passengers who had difficulty with the walk to the terminal, there was a shuttle bus.

 

We took the El Jadida tour.  I heard mixed reviews.  It’s a 6 hour tour, but it’s a one and one half hour bus ride each way.  You get to see the countryside, but it is from a major highway so we didn’t view smaller towns, or, IMO, get much of a feel for rural Morocco.  
 

Our tour guide gave a running commentary on the history, and culture from different perspectives of the country for much of the ride.  Some passengers really enjoyed his informative views on the country.  Some passengers would have preferred that he talked more about what we were seeing out the window, and to only talk about life today rather than include the historical perspective.  Some passengers had difficulty understanding his speech, and I think that might be because understanding different accents can become more difficult as one ages and loses hearing acuity.  So, although we were all on the same tour, we would not give the same reviews.  We really enjoyed the tour and thought the guide was excellent. 

 

As for the tour itself, El Jadida is a tourist town in summer, and is in a lovely location on the seashore.  We had a tour guide who led the tour and an assistant tour guide who stayed at the rear of the group to ensure that nobody was left behind.  
 

We walked a short way through some streets, and then stopped at a restaurant for lunch.  The choices were chicken, meatball or salami and cheese sandwiches.  Moroccan spices were used in flavouring the chicken sandwiches.  Everyone at our table chose the chicken (great choice),but I can’t comment on the other choices as I never asked anyone else about a different choice.  When we sat down, we were provided a small appetizer of three olives, and some roasted eggplant. Next came the sandwiches and they were served with French fries.  Dessert was three or four items of traditional baking.  We also had unsweetened traditional mint tea.  IMO, delicious.

 

After lunch, it was time to walk a couple of streets to the fort.  The tour is all outside, and we got to walk the walls.  These walls are wide so my fear of heights had no impact and our guide provided us excellent information about what we were seeing throughout the tour.  Once we had completed the tour of the fort, it was time to get back on the bus to return to Casablanca.  We then stopped and had about 30 minutes to shop, walk around, grab a drink, or wait on the bus.  
 

it was a short distance to the port, and one had a choice of walking back to the ship or taking the shuttle bus.

 

i am going to try to post some photos.

@mariners

Thank you for taking your valuable vacation time to post this Live From.

 

Was on a V cruise Dec 2022 where we had a port call in Casablanca.  Our included tour was similar to yours.  V must have heard the comments from pax re: no port shuttle for us, since they had provided one for you.  I remember it was a gritty industrial port, with about a half mile walk to terminal in hot sun.

 

Because you said you had an assistant guide with you, we also had another guy with us on tour.  I asked what his purpose was.  Driver said he was a bus mechanic, in case bus broke down.  Coach was very new, so I did not believe that.  My thought: he was a security guy accompanying a bus full of Americans.  

 

We were also directed to a "Government Store" for shopping at end of tour, just off the main square.  All V tours stopped at same store.  Guides were all waiting at a cafe close by for group to finish, and perhaps something more.  Call me skeptical.

 

 Same In Kusadasi, also stopped at a "Government Store" for silk demo, and rug purchases.

 

Happy to know you are enjoying the cruise and tours.  While we liked the tour and guide, agree with many here, no desire to return to Casablanca.

[mariners]

FetaCheese, we must have docked in the same area as your cruise.  The shuttle bus was a great option.  
 

We have had assistant guides who have been security, and, in some ways, this assistant guide did provide additional security.  When some young boys were heckling the group on arrival at the port, the assistant guide quickly sent them on their way.  I was close by so saw him do this, but the boys reminded me of rowdy 11 or 12 year olds rather than threatening 11 or 12 year olds.  
 

Because our group had individuals who walked at different speeds, it was positive to have someone ensure that nobody was left behind.  Both guides made frequent head counts, and we did not leave sites until both had agreed on the count.

 

We did, similar to you, get taken to a specific shop where it’s been my experience previously that the guide gets a percentage of the sales.  The prices were set and the exchange given less than what one could get elsewhere.  We only had a short time to shop so there were no high pressure sales.  Usually, we skip the shopping, but I had some specific spices that I wanted to buy.  The store had a good selection (whether the spices are good or not is a different question) and it was the only spot I could buy them unless I chose to wander on my own.  That was not a choice I was going to make at the end of the day on the last tour to return.  There is no duty free at the port.

 

It’s something that those passengers who are on next year’s cruises might want to consider if shopping is important to them.

[mariners]

Last night, we turned the clocks back another hour. The temperature is definitely getting warmer outside, and the sea remains quite calm.  It’s another wonderful sea day.  

[janetcbl]

8 hours ago, mariners said:

FetaCheese, we must have docked in the same area as your cruise.  The shuttle bus was a great option.  
 

We have had assistant guides who have been security, and, in some ways, this assistant guide did provide additional security.  When some young boys were heckling the group on arrival at the port, the assistant guide quickly sent them on their way.  I was close by so saw him do this, but the boys reminded me of rowdy 11 or 12 year olds rather than threatening 11 or 12 year olds.  
 

Because our group had individuals who walked at different speeds, it was positive to have someone ensure that nobody was left behind.  Both guides made frequent head counts, and we did not leave sites until both had agreed on the count.

 

We did, similar to you, get taken to a specific shop where it’s been my experience previously that the guide gets a percentage of the sales.  The prices were set and the exchange given less than what one could get elsewhere.  We only had a short time to shop so there were no high pressure sales.  Usually, we skip the shopping, but I had some specific spices that I wanted to buy.  The store had a good selection (whether the spices are good or not is a different question) and it was the only spot I could buy them unless I chose to wander on my own.  That was not a choice I was going to make at the end of the day on the last tour to return.  There is no duty free at the port.

 

It’s something that those passengers who are on next year’s cruises might want to consider if shopping is important to them.

I was a guide many years ago, and yes, some stores wanted to give the guide a “kickback”. I always refused and would stand by the checkout to be sure my travelers got the fair price. Some places were not willing to do that, and when that happened, I used the money to buy the biggest chocolate bars I could find and passed them out on the bus while traveling. This was many years ago; I don’t know how it works today.

 

 

[mariners]

janetcbl, I can only imagine how difficult it is/was to be a guide.  Congratulations on finding a way to make it work for you.

 

When I go to different countries by ship, it’s my choice whether I get off the ship.  If I do get off the ship, it’s up to me to follow the “rules and customs” of that country without necessarily embracing them, and that includes mandatory shopping/bathroom stops.  I know there are other passengers who disagree with me, but I’m also sure we would disagree on other things, too.

 

Thanks for posting.

[mariners]

There are lots of groups playing games and creating crafts onboard.  Other than cruises with Bridge playing groups onboard, I’ve never seen so many people participate.  There are also many passengers who are content to read, and spend quiet time in the various locations around the ship.  I have yet to hear anyone complain of being bored.

 

Last night, they offered surf and turf for dinner in the pool grill area.  There were also specialties in the Restaurant, and the World Cafe.  There’s definitely no shortage of food onboard.  
 

Forget what I previously said about dress code.  It’s basically come as you are, and I will make no further comment.  
 

Tonight, we are going to The Chef’s Table for the first time since boarding.  The clocks will go back another hour.  Tomorrow is Mindelo, Cape Verde.  Unless something unusual or “Breaking News” happens, I won’t be posting until after our Cape Verde included tour.  
 

It’s another great day at sea and both the weather and ocean conditions are great!

[May B]

2 hours ago, mariners said:

There are lots of groups playing games and creating crafts onboard.  Other than cruises with Bridge playing groups onboard, I’ve never seen so many people participate.  There are also many passengers who are content to read, and spend quiet time in the various locations around the ship.  I have yet to hear anyone complain of being bored.

 

Last night, they offered surf and turf for dinner in the pool grill area.  There were also specialties in the Restaurant, and the World Cafe.  There’s definitely no shortage of food onboard.  
 

Forget what I previously said about dress code.  It’s basically come as you are, and I will make no further comment.  
 

Tonight, we are going to The Chef’s Table for the first time since boarding.  The clocks will go back another hour.  Tomorrow is Mindelo, Cape Verde.  Unless something unusual or “Breaking News” happens, I won’t be posting until after our Cape Verde included tour.  
 

It’s another great day at sea and both the weather and ocean conditions are great!

I’m enjoying your live report, mariners!

 

I hadn’t seen a prior comment about dress code.

 

[May B]

On 10/18/2024 at 6:52 PM, SJD117 said:

Have a great trip! As I wrote on roll call, we had to cancel this cruise yesterday at the very last minute -- just two hours before we were supposed to leave for SeaTac airport and our flight to Barcelona. But such is life. At least we can travel with you vicariously if not actually! 

So sorry to hear about your last minute need to cancel. 

[_alan_]

On 10/20/2024 at 2:25 AM, mariners said:

This morning, we awoke to a gorgeous sunrise that lit up the sky.  I hope to post a photo of that later but it appears that I’ve used up my allotment of internet or there’s too many people now using it at the same time. 
 

We have a bridge tour this afternoon. This evening we have our VO hosted CC M & M.  We have choices such as card games, an Astronomy lecture, crafting (bring your own), baggo, History lecture, trivia, guest choir practice, tea, Motorsport lecture, rum tasting, a guest entertainer Samantha Jay, and more.  
 

Life onboard is wonderful.  

 

 

I didn't think they were doing CC M&M's anymore?   Are you in the owner's suite?   When we once got the owner's suite and they offered a bridge tour, my wife negotiated an engineering tour underneath instead.   They couldn't show us everything, but it was pretty cool.  

[_alan_]

On 10/23/2024 at 11:16 AM, mariners said:

SJD117, I have only spoken to a couple of people who went on the VO Alhambra tour.  Although they enjoyed the tour, the consensus was that they wished the had taken a private tour.  It was more “general” than what they had expected.  However, the consensus was also that the lunch was fabulous so they felt they got their money’s worth taking the tour.

 

We tried arranging for a private tour for Alhambra, but it was going to be cost prohibitive.  Well, actually we were combining guided tours in Barcelona to the Park Guell and Montserrat Monastery, transport from Hotel to Embarkation, private day tour in Sevilla, and private tour of the Alhambra.   Total was going to be 5866 Euros without travel insurance.  

 

For anyone who had done the Alhambra tour, a lot is made of the walking climb up.   Can anyone post any specifics on how long of an uphill walk it is and what kind of footing?  Like is it loose gravel, or what?

 

I keep thinking some enterprising soul could get a golf cart and run people up and back.