Travel Diary: Viking Ocean Cruise, Bermuda 2021

A 2021 cruise experience, from a seasoned traveler
Carri Loken, AAA Travel Advisor

Getting Ready for our Cruise

COVID-19 Screening Steps Before and Upon Arrival

As a seasoned traveler, I was excited to get back to exploring by experiencing the Viking Bermuda trip. Before the trip, Viking had several requirements to be able to travel and board the ship. First off, all Viking guests must be fully vaccinated which can be demonstrated through the VeriFLY app. You are also required to complete a health screening, and a negative COVID test is strongly recommended but not required. But to enter Bermuda, a negative COVID PCR test is required within 4 days of arrival along with application approval of a Bermuda Travel Authorization ($75).

Another COVID PCR test was taken upon arrival at the Bermuda airport and negative test results were required from each passenger before they would allow Viking to set sail. They actually did not get the airport COVID test results for some of the other guests in time, so we had to spend an additional night in port. You were required to wear a wristband to prove you had your airport test when you boarded the ship.

Health & Safety Onboard the Cruise Ship

Regular Health Screenings

If you think that’s thorough, the COVID protocols on the ship and for the excursions were no different! There was a daily health screening questionnaire to complete in our room or on the Viking app and a daily COVID saliva test to complete by 10:00 am for pickup by our Room Steward. There was also a daily facial recognition temperature screening at both restaurants on board. We were required to sanitize, and in some cases also wash our hands before entering the restaurants and theater and the staff would watch us to confirm.

Enhanced Service, Cleaning and Health Amenities

There were no self-serve buffets, the staff served us everything, but it was well organized and service overall was wonderful. Masks were required at all time onboard outside of our cabin, except by the pool and while eating or drinking. Viking provided us with a 5 pack of masks, pocket size sanitizers and sani-wipes for each guest in our stateroom and replenished them as needed.

There were self-service hand sanitizer stations all over the ship, and there was ALWAYS a crew member cleaning. The minute you got up from one of the card tables or public seating areas, a crew member would be right there to wipe everything down or there was a container of bleach wipes for you to do it yourself. They also had a contract tracing device on our lanyards that we were required to wear at all times on the ship, on excursions and ashore.

Safety During Shore Excursions

For the excursions, you were required to sanitize to board the excursion buses, harbor cruise boat, to enter local shops, restaurants, etc. And masks were required onboard the excursion bus, trolley, and at any of our excursion stops (aquarium, museum, caves, shops, etc.). Overall I would say that the majority of guests followed the covid rules, but there were a few that felt entitled to do otherwise at times, I did witness the staff reminding people to please wear their mask properly more than once.

We learned that all Viking ships have been fully staffed this entire time during COVID AND they get full benefits. We also learned that we had only had 430 guests onboard our ship the Viking Orion. A “full ship” is typically made up of 440 crew members and 930 guests, so we actually had more crew than guests!

Peace of Mind: Fun at Sea

While the safety measures may sound like a lot, it also provided an environment where we were able to feel safe and also have a ton of FUN!

Highlights of Our Trip

Three High Teas hosted in the Wintergarden with a variety of tasty finger sandwiches and sweets each day. The Teas were accompanied by different live music each day including piano, guitar, and violin.

Dining at The Restaurant, Chef’s Table (Asian Panorama menu), Pool Grill, World Café and Room Service. There were plenty of selections and everything was delicious, especially the sushi offerings in the World Café.

Attending four lectures:

  • Parts I, II and III about the history of Bermuda by Dr. John Freedman http://scholaratsea.com/
  • “The Bermuda Triangle-Fact & Fiction”, by Dr. John Freedman
  • “Aviation: A Flight in Real Time”, by Viking Resident Astronomer Lou Thieblemont (which included a flight simulation around Bermuda from the cockpit of a Boeing 757!)

Participating in four excursions:

  • Crystal Caves & Tucker’s Town Drive
  • Famous Homes & Hideaway Cruise
  • Dockyard by Trolley Train
  • Bermuda’s Mysterious Triangle and Marine Life

Two shows in the Star Theatre:

  • Variety Performance
  • ABBA Tribute
  • Guitarist Michael in the Explorer’s Lounge

Time for Rest & Relaxation

Along with the highlights, we had plenty of time to simply relax. We had some fun playing Backgammon, Solitaire, and Memory, and I started a new book that I got to enjoy by the pool and on cushioned lounge chairs near the pool deck.

Getting Ready to Return Home

For the return home, since Viking tested us daily, they were able to provide a printout of our negative COVID test for the return flight, which was very convenient. We had to present that at the ticket counter and sign a declaration about providing a negative COVID test that the airline kept on file.

It was such an incredible experience. All of the Viking staff, tour guides and drivers were wonderful. The ships look EXACTLY like they do in the photos, ours was well appointed and lovely! We truly had an excellent time and would go back in a heartbeat.