duquephart

4 hours ago, Lagerta said:

Indeed it is upsetting news, but these measures should help us prevent the further spread of virus. And I think this might be a good idea re-scheduling a cruise to a later date especially in a view that most travel companies are offering very favourable prices, cancellation terms and discounts for cruises and tours this summer. Hopefully the global situation gets better soon and we can travel freely again.

If there's any cruise lines still in business.

We are booked in June. We have been told that if Viking cancels we will get all money committed (cruise, Viking air, excursions) refunded. We can also cancel ourselves for the same result up to 24 hours before flight departure. We hope things starighten out and that the the cruise happens as normal. If not we'd like to see an extension of the 125% FFC apply to us since, in any event, we want to experience the cruise and a little "bonus" would be welcome. If Viking goes belly up we are not covered (bankruptcy doesn't count) so we are gambling on solvency and 125% if the cruise goes south. The wisdom of this strategy is unknown to me.

56 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

I was looking last night on Marine Vessel Finder.

 

Viking Star is docked in Tilbury (Thames River)

Viking Sea is crossing the Atlantic (she had started her journey before Europe shut the doors)

Viking Sky is as stated above -- floating off of Ft. Lauderdale

Viking Sun just disembarked all pax in Dubai

Viking Orion is docked in Melbourne

Viking Jupiter is steaming toward the Caribbean

 

Evidence that Europe cruises are being cancelled?

48 minutes ago, phabric said:

We are doing Norwegian Fjords (4 Norway ports) and Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden) cruises.

 

Last time, I did these cruises, I exchanged a small amount $ into the different currencies.  Being so expensive we did not use any of the currencies and lost money on the exchange.

 

I plan to use credit card for any purchases since most countries use credit cards now.

 

We will be using the cruise lines excursions, which normally do not go near any ATM.

 

Is it better to use US$ or Euro for tips for these ports?

As put forth in my original post, I wonder about incidentals and pay toilets.

I'd like to hear some comments on the "strenuous" level of the Alla tours. We can do only so much walking at a time.

The ideal situation would be for Viking to waive payment until the ship sails.

Looking for free parking?

Our window to choose shore excursions for a mid June sail is fast approaching. The dilemma, of course, is whether to throw a bunch more money at a cruise that may not take place or risk loosing opportunities should things settle out. Thoughts?

How can a ship "look fun?"

4 hours ago, Cienfuegos said:

 

I agree with this observation, but sometimes conditions deteriorate or lenders panic.

 

For example, Carnival has now withdrawn most of its line of credit extending to 2024. Cash on hand, for which you pay loan interest or financing costs, is better than a promise of credit which could be withdrawn.  The stock plunged yesterday, and there's considerable concern the dividend will be slashed.

 

Viking's financial arrangements are not public knowledge.  However, it's likely their lenders will be asked for forbearance, as cash coming in the door will be severely restricted. I also see the 125% credit for future cruises as an expensive funding structure to keep that cash inside the firm. Considered another way, Viking is offering 25% interest on 6 month to 18 month cash.

They will have a work around on that 125% deal. Ever been to a car dealer?

100% of something is better than 125% of nothing.

12 hours ago, Rawmac said:

If you google "Rail.Ninja" for 10 June from Flam, the cost per person for the round trip is £65 which will be about 85 to 90 USD.    $239 would appear grossly excessive for a train journey of 13km there and 13km back lasting an hour or so.

The excursion includes the coach trip to get to/from the train.

2 hours ago, agnesd said:

Just curious do they stock any kind of wine?

Not besides the initial bottle of champaign (if you qualify). I read somewhere that a bottle of wine may substituted for the four little bottles of booze if requested. Doesn't hurt to ask.

5 hours ago, just_dont said:

You definitely should plan on spending at least some time in Bergen.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

We would be (see above). Maybe spending more time in Bergen is advisable. Thanks!

6 hours ago, VacationingCharlene said:

When you say you are thinking of doing both,I think you are referring to going to Stavanger AND Bergen.  IF you are going to both places I feel I would use Rodne in Stavanger and see the steep fjords and Pulpit Rock from below and the in Bergen go up the funicular if the weather is nice, walk around the town and farmers market etc.  IF you are going to both places I would NOT spend the money on BOTH Rodne excursions.  Bergen was terrific but I think Stavanger is even grander.  Have fun!!

Yes, we were thinking of doing both fjord cruises. Rodne out ot Stavanger seems a no-brainer. We thought we could do an AM included tour (Viking) in Bergen and a 2PM Rodne fjord cruise as well. We were wondering if that might be overkill but thought the additional fjord cruise would be worth it. We are rethinking that based on your comments. Cutting Bergen short for another fjord cruise might not be the best use of our time. Thanks for your comments!

We are thinking of doing both but maybe the one will suffice, allowing more time in Bergen. Thoughts?

4 hours ago, VacationingCharlene said:

We absolutely LOVED IT! 

Pulpit rock or the one out of Bergen?

1 hour ago, jiminyC_fan said:

I have a friend and her husband who both work for Viking.  They told me that Viking is an excellent company to work for.  They have worked for other companies that she doesn't claim to be great.   That's good enough for me!

There was a little drama on a river cruise we were on that resulted in at least one fewer face.

The Fjord cruise to pulpit rock on Viking seems to be very popular with cruisers here. The provider (Rodne) also has a fjord out of Bergen. Who has done that one and what are your comments?

The Fjord cruise to pulpit rock on Viking = $199. The same cruise booking through the provider (Rodne) = $65.

Question: Is Viking always this predatory in their markups?

Service staff turnover might tell a tale.

Sorry if this has been beaten to death already.

While doing the standard Baltic cruise (Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Norway) would it be advisable to carry a relatively small amount of local currency for incidentals? I'm particularly concerned about pay toilets. Any info appreciated. Thanks!

The fees should, at the very least, be prominently referred to via an asterist, or other device, to the advertised price. It's like the "convenience fee" that accompanies a ticket to a concert or sporting event. If you can't buy the ticket for the advertised price then the advertised price is a fraud.

1 hour ago, Squawkman said:

I let this go too far as I abhor people who can afford to live comfortably skimp on tipping. This is probably due to my personal experiences.

I thought it was a legit question and clearly stated that I do tip well (post #8). You accuse me of (skimp on tipping), where does that come from?

2 hours ago, jiminyC_fan said:

The minute duquephart called people "idiots" is the minute he/she lost all credibility here.  Name calling is quite juvenile.

I'm not the only one.