First time ocean cruisers

Wobin · ‎03-18-2010

My husband and I (seasoned travelers in our 60s) have booked our first ocean cruise. We chose Viking for its smaller ships and comfort, we have been on one of their river cruises, their Scandinavian itinerary stops in Gothenberg where we can visit a friend, there are no days at sea and because this cruise does not go to Russia.

We will travel next summer and were surprised that the cheapest cabins were already booked. What else might surprise us? As first-time cruisers we are interested in advice that seasoned cruisers might have.

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@Wobin Have done one Viking River Cruise in Russia and loved it. They are a good company.

I have done around five ocean cruises. I am sure a lot of posters will stop by and give their advice. Mine is pretty standard for ocean cruises.....layer your clothing. I am always cold on those cruises. Seems like they keep it at refrigerator temperature! ha!

I also go for the early seating at dinner, unless I have a balcony and order in. I like to watch the live shows on the ships, so getting an early seating works best for me. Plus, I don't sleep well if I eat late at night.

I also suggest booking any activities before boarding the ship, if you can. Things seem to sell out fast if you wait until you are onboard the ship. Same goes for if you want to visit the spa. Book early.

I wish you a fantastic time while cruising. So much fun...exciting. And you only have to unpack once!

Be sure to get back to us with a report of your trip.

gizmogal · ‎05-09-2014

Pay close attention at the initial life boat drill and know exactly where you’re supposed to be in the case of an emergency (and how to get there). Be familiar with locations of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers or alternate routes to various decks. Be aware of the ship’s general layout.

Sea travel is very safe, but a ship is an isolated, floating habitat. Outside help is not showing up! Being mentally prepared during the first day gives you peace of mind the whole trip. Cruises are enormous fun, comfortable and great opportunities to make friends. You’re in for a great time on your first cruise. Viking line is particulately gracious and all staff are well trained. Food is fabulous on board. Learn to take very brief showers. Hot water is not unlimited!

Bon voyage!

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

@Wobin

I am confused by your statement, "there are no days at sea...."

How is your trip an ocean cruise?

Anyhow, what World Traveler stated pretty much sums it up! ENJOY!!!!

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Alter Ego · ‎03-12-2010

If you want to be overwhelmed, this is Cruise Critic’s Viking Forum

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@Alter Ego wrote:
If you want to be overwhelmed, this is Cruise Critic’s Viking Forum

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875

@Alter Ego That's an understatement! LOL!!! I don't think I would even try wading through all that information. WOW!

Alter Ego · ‎03-12-2010

@World Traveler wrote:
@Alter Ego wrote:
If you want to be overwhelmed, this is Cruise Critic’s Viking Forum

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=875
@Alter Ego That's an understatement! LOL!!! I don't think I would even try wading through all that information. WOW!

Depending on the format, there should be a link that will allow you to sort by a particular ship (on my phone, it’s at the bottom, but I think it’s on the side on a desktop.) May be nice to see trip reports and/or photos of the particular ship.

I’ve never been on Viking’s forum, spending time on Royal’s and NCL’s, with the occasional look at the port of calls.

Wobin · ‎03-18-2010

I am confused by your statement, "there are no days at sea...."

How is your trip an ocean cruise?

Anyhow, what World Traveler stated pretty much sums it up! ENJOY!!!!

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Ms iMac, this ship visits a port everyday and doesn't spend a full day at sea.

Wobin · ‎03-18-2010

Yes Cruise Critic does seem overwhelming but I will venture there sometime.

Things that appeal about the Viking cruise was the length (less than 2 weeks), spending 2 nights in 3 major ports (Oslo, Bergen and Copenhagen), relaxed atmosphere (no formal nights, calm nordic decorating), no children and the variety of excursions. We can book excursions a few months out so will be researching whether we want any of the optionals.

And before anyone gets on me about not wanting to cruise with children, Mr. Wonderful and I like children (I worked with children for 40 years) and spent our last vacay with our nephew's young family. This is a different sort of vacay.

Tyak · ‎01-26-2013

@Wobin wrote:
I am confused by your statement, "there are no days at sea...."
How is your trip an ocean cruise?

Anyhow, what World Traveler stated pretty much sums it up! ENJOY!!!!
"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Ms iMac, this ship visits a port everyday and doesn't spend a full day at sea.

Count me as another one confused as to how you can navigate an ocean and not have any sea days. Last cruise we took had 5 sea days between San Diego and Honolulu.