Shhh, don't tell MrP but I just did it......

[Pushka]

I've just booked us on another trip to Alaska - for 2019! Yikes.

So, everyone seems to rave about Viking. Usually the River cruises but they've recently launched into Ocean cruises. I think they are an offshoot from Silverseas?

They are certainly more expensive than say Celebrity, and at 970 passengers, much smaller in passenger numbers. Consequently higher in price. So I've been googling trying to find details of the ship - Viking Spirit. Surprisingly blank. Doh, it's still being built so it will be a wonderful new ship. It's also coming to Australia in late 2018. All cabins are balconies and the cruise is a sell out in the basic balcony, 2 freakin years out!

Is this the start of another Trip Report? I will be celebrating my big birthday, but exactly 2 years late, in Valdez

 

[zig]

Sounds great, and hopefully you will enjoy it twice as much as the originally planned trip. Viking is building a solid reputation with its move into ocean cruising, and a new ship will be a lovely experience. Viking isn't part of Silversea which is Italian owned. Not surprised to hear it is sold out in the lead in category as most of the smaller ships sell out very quickly. Most of my cruises have been booked as soon as itineraies are released to ensure choice of cabin.
When do you plan to break the exciting news to MrP?

 

[Pushka]

Sounds great, and hopefully you will enjoy it twice as much as the originally planned trip. Viking is building a solid reputation with its move into ocean cruising, and a new ship will be a lovely experience. Viking isn't part of Silversea which is Italian owned. Not surprised to hear it is sold out in the lead in category as most of the smaller ships sell out very quickly. Most of my cruises have been booked as soon as itineraies are released to ensure choice of cabin.
When do you plan to break the exciting news to MrP?

Well, he's in Melbourne this week, and next week, and then NZ the week after. Might be a while

The Silverseas thought came from a booking page I was on that referenced it - but maybe Viking is starting to steal their market!

 

[tgh]

Congratulations
High probability that Viking Ocean will be our next marine transport conveyor.
Simplicity done well seems to be the message and they seem to be on message

 

[Pushka]

Congratulations
High probability that Viking Ocean will be our next marine transport conveyor.
Simplicity done well seems to be the message and they seem to be on message

We loved the simplicity of architecture and design on our recent Baltic cruise. I'm a no fuss, no pfaff kind of person. Well, deposit just paid so locked in now. On deck 4. Their inclusive price is a winner although not sure of the value of excursions for us. Tips, coffees etc, mini bar soft drink refill daily, wines etc with dinner plus $1000 OBC is pretty nice.

My brother and sister in law have completed a Viking River cruise and while I dont think they loved the itinerary they loved the ship and now will only book Viking. They are quite tight with their money but Viking is their weakness. They've just booked the "Land of the Midnight Sun" cruise for next June/July.

 

[QF WP]

Don't worry Pushka, your secret from MrP is safe with me (and this Community)

 

[QF WP]

But tell us when you have broken the news to him, so we know it's not a secret anymore

 

[Pushka]

But tell us when you have broken the news to him, so we know it's not a secret anymore

MrP has now been informed. No 1 son and his partner have been told that they are not allowed to do anything ‘significant’ in May/June 2019.

 

[QF WP]

What, like having grand-children, or putting themselves into A&E?

 

[Pushka]

What, like having grand-children, or putting themselves into A&E?

Definitely the former!

 

[QF WP]

So doing it well before or well after is okay . No pressure

 

[Pushka]

So doing it well before or well after is okay . No pressure

You got it!