Viking Jupiter Review

Too Much COVID Concerns to Enjoy the Cruise

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Jupiter
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BMWrdr
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Sep 2021

Chose this cruise because it had an inviting itinerary, with enough new ports to allow for self touring. Started in Reykjavik Iceland. The moment we checked in there was an intensity about COVID. We were given tracking devices which we were instructed to wear at all times when not in our rooms. They went out of their way to avoid calling them tracking devices. Once on board we were informed that we could not leave the ship unless on a ship shore excursion. In other words, we were incarcerated on the ship. I should add, the entire ships crew was similarly incarcerated. Then we were informed that our itinerary had been changed because of COVID. Are you seeing the problem? Next we found out that the number of crew far exceeded the number of passengers (there were only 260 of us and over 400 of them). It all seemed rather strange with so few people on board. Then we found out that only 10 people could be in the spa at the same time, and that reservations were required. One could reserve on the hour for 45 minutes to allow staff to disinfect the place between users. Then it was once per day temperature checks, spitting into a test tube daily, and a daily questionnaire to complete regarding COVID. Had I known of all theses requirements and limitations I would not have gone on this cruise. Viking never disclosed these requirements pre cruise. I complained once on board and was told this all was for my safety and that of the crew. At least the crew knew of these restrictions before boarding the ship. Sure, this was a Viking Ocean Cruise. Nice room, nice dining in The Restaurant and in the buffet. Manfreides was once again poor, and the Chefs Tabe, silly. But the staff service was top notch everywhere we went on board. My recommendation is that you avoid Viking until they get there act together regarding COVID. If everyone on board has been vaccinated, the restriction on self touring is stupid in my opinion. On ship tours we were in the middle of very crowded places after all, places on my own I would likely have avoided. We were on buses. Like I said, stupid.

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