Chico Mima

We also did the Grand European trip in May of 2013. Lucky timing for us on that one. The river flooded about a week after we got home. Had a great time and was so excited about Viking that we jumped on the VO announcement about the Baltic cruise. Bad timing for this one.....we were on the July 25th cruise or should I say half-cruise. You never know what is going to happen. No matter how much planning, timing, etc., etc., it is all a crap shoot. So, I guess if you want to travel, then go and enjoy and keep your fingers crossed that all goes well. This won't keep me from exploring the world. As far as using the vouchers, we are definitely using them, but waiting for the 2017 trips. Already have vacations planned for next year. Just hope they get announced before August 2016. I still think Viking has a good product and would love to get back on the Star. Such a beautiful ship.

I stand corrected. Fran, you were right. No notification, no explanation, just an extra 15% refund to our credit card at the end of August. I'm certainly not complaining, but throughly am confused. Must be a mistake or someone is more confused than I.

We went on to Bergen and did not receive an extra 15%. Do you know that as a fact? We were given a credit back to the credit card on file of 50% of the cabin price within a week of our arrival home. We were satisfied with that. Maybe some wheels are sqeakier than others. But, I agree that those of you that were sent home should have a bigger refund than those of us that went on to Bergen.

We were on the August 25th, ill-fated cruise, and booked privately with TJ Travel. We were a party of 8. Four of the group members were friends and were looking for 2 other couples to join them using the CC forum. We wanted a small group rather than being on a bus with 40 other people. I can't say enough about TJ Travel. They are terrific. It was a whirlwind tour for 2 days but enjoyed every minute of it. One member of the group booked everything for us all. Price-wise it turned out cheaper p/p booking through TJ Travel. They also give another 5% discount when you mention CC or Trip Advisor. They have a 2 day tour that includes the major sites. They will even customize for you if there is something you want to do that is not listed on the 2 day package. One meal was included. The second day was on us. The company takes care of the "blanket" visas, so no need to purchase one.

We did too. A nice little surprise.

We received a voucher, via email pdf format, for a set amount, actually 2, one for me and one for my husband. The amount is for 50% of the cruise cabin value that we purchased for this trip. So whatever cabin you paid for, the voucher will be for half of that amount. It is not 50% off any cruise. You will have one year from the issue date of the voucher to book a cruise. You don't have to sail within that year, just book it. Also, if the company continues to offer 2 for 1 pricing, that will stand as is, then you will use your vouchers against that pricing. Also if you have any other discounts (i.e. referral program or past cruiser) those will also come onto play. This seems fair to me. Although we were extremely disappointed, as was everyone else that we didn't get to finish the cruise, I absolutely loved the ship. We will definitely plan another cruise with VO, just not sure where we will fit it in. Most likely sometime in 2017. Hope this clears up the confusion about the vouchers.

We got home Wednesday. We were part of the Bergen group and the post Iceland group. There was a partial credit to our cc posted on 8/10 and full credit posted on 8/5 for the paid shore excursions. I sent an email yesterday to the one posted by Viking (TellUs@vikingcruises.com) stating that we were shorted a refund according to my calculations. Also asked about the vouchers for the discount on a future trip. I got a response from Valerie today stating there was a second deposit made in the correct amount to the cc and I also received two vouchers (one for me and one for my DH) in the amount totaling 50% of the cost of our cruise price. I checked my cc and sure enough the credit was there dated 8/10, so I missed it somehow. I think how they are doing the future cruise discount is based on the price you paid for this cruise and giving you a 50% discount based on that value. At least that is how it penciled out for us. I don't think it will be a discount on any cruise you choose, just a voucher with a set amount. There is an expiration date for a year out from the date of issue. So as I see it, you will have one year to use the voucher on a future cruise which could be in 2016 or 2017, not one year to take a cruise. This is just my opinion and I will definitely clarify with Viking.

Thank you to all you maiden voyagers who have taken the time out of your busy days to "report" back home to those of us anxiously awaiting our turn. I have tuned in daily and have been surprised at some of the comments. So, thank you to Vineyard View and amyr for being a voice of reason. I have no doubt Viking will respond to complaints and will work out some of the mis steps. They have too much riding on this not to be successful in this venue. So for us later cruisers, we do appreciate all of the input you have given. It wil definitely make a difference for future voyages. We are also on the July 25th cruise out of Stockholm. Really looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the Northern Baltic ports. Also, did anyone purchase a drink package? If so, has it been worth it? We found on the river cruises it wasn't necessary. Happy sailing. Don't forget how lucky you are to be experiencing all of this, good and bad. Life is an adventure.