Squawkman

Uh, you mean grammar?

Am I missing something? The only reference I see is to off season sailings.

No promo code needed, but this was emailed to me today - an expanded 10 day Rhine cruise that includes 2 more days and excursions than Rhine Getaway for the same reduced fare and air (cabins from $1,999 with $599 air + $25 deposit). It's offered off season for this winter 2023-4: https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/treasures-of-the-rhine/2024-amsterdam-basel/index.html#noscroll

On our Viking Med cruise last fall, we gave a cash tip to our room steward who told us it wasn’t necessary because his tips were included in the billed gratuities (we insisted he take the cash). On a Viking river cruise in 2017, i offered a tip to the cruise director as, in addition to great service, she helped in resolving a problem we had with a Viking excursion. She refused, saying her tip was included (we had paid gratuities included in this cruise) and did not take the cash. There is this buffet restaurant we go to that instituted a 10% service charge shared by bus persons a number of years back because they wanted to assure tips were distributed fairly - and they asked patrons not to leave cash tips on the table. Like many buffets, you pay up front - and you cannot decline the service charge. Based on Viking’s explanation and Jim Avery’s post, billed gratuities are shared but not delineated when they get paid - nor is the amount of pay changed by gratuities collected during sailings. Three things we don’t know: how Viking accounts for tips distributed to staff; is the amount ultimately distributed to staff is less if many cruisers request to have gratuities removed from their accounts; and if gratuities are included as a booking perk, does Viking add that amount to the gratuities account. Given the excellent service we have experienced during our 8 past Viking ocean and river cruises, we will continue to pay billed gratuities and also give cash tips when warranted. I won’t second guess Viking - but I do think gratuities should be included for all cruises - not just a perk for some.

I think you’re right - but I’ll try to remember to check when we do British Isles at the end of the month.

Sounds like you were on a Viking ocean ship or possibly a different river line. There is no self service laundry on any Viking river ships.

Andy - I’m shocked to hear that your experiences were so negative you are giving up on Viking. I’ve been working with the same Viking agent for over 5 years and forgo OBC from travel agents as I consider it sort of extra insurance. We’ve had several issues but always got satisfaction with him or referrals he made above him in LA. For example, when we were quarantined last year, he communicated with us every day. I realize it could be a long time - if ever - you return to Viking, but I am writing this for others reading this thread.

Ikear also asked for Far East ocean (#670). I didn’t see his/her initial question about the Grand European river cruise.

Four of us booked a private cab through Viator for a 5 hour tour of London (the Viking optional tour was cancelled). We are paying extra for pick up and drop off at the Greenwich pier as it adds an additional 2 hours. When picking the tour, we noticed some said gratuities were not included - others (including ours) don’t mention gratuities. Any thoughts on whether or not we should tip - and if so, how much? TIA

Thanks, Moonlion! We’re embarking 5/27 from Geeenwich and your info is very useful as we are arranging a private tour with another couple. We never used a tender port - nor have we ever done a private tour. Your info on the port has allayed our concerns. Thanks again!

Try FMA23

Are you sure about that? I’ve left things charging when I left the cabin with no card in the slot and they did get charged.

Outside of air issues where they have little or no control, Viking has always been transparent to me - and I have experienced canceled cruises, canceled ports, etc. I have been using the same Viking agent for several years who gets me answers for everything. PIF dates and voucher policy may differ for several reasons. Often the answers are in the T&C. Your conclusions are obviously not shared by everyone here.

I had 2 similar situations where I made changes and my Viking agent was able to keep the same booking number after calling a supervisor. I’m glad a fellow Jersey guy was able to get the discount without rebooking 😊

You made the deadline for CFAR. This policy changed 12/1/21. I took advantage a few times myself, but had you booked your cruise in December you would not have been able to do this.

👍👍👍

I received AES23 by email - but it only listed 2 of the 10 cruises shown here. Weird.

Actually, there’s a discount if you use ACH. Nothing is added to the listed price when using a credit card.

You will be asked if you want to use any credits you have.

This is mostly correct. I just did this (again) a week ago. You can book any cruise (river, ocean, expedition) and get $200pp SBC if you book within 14 days of disembarkation. As long as you have another cruise booked, you can request 6 months PIF. And definitely buy 4 vouchers which you can use on these 2 new cruises as well. The vouchers will be returned if you cancel, so think carefully how many you can use. They’re also transferable too and are condition-proof as long as they’re applied to a new booking.

I would bet the included 2 hour Acadia tour will still run with busing from Eastport.

Camden Lady. - thanks for your response!

We share the same opinion. Please let us know what you find out. Thanks 😊

We are booked for this cruise on the Star 10/10 - 10/24/23. We received an email that Viking is substituting Eastport, ME for Bar Harbor, ME. Did anyone who booked this itinerary for a different sailing also receive this email? Eastport is a 2.5 hour drive to Acadia where all excursions shown on the main website go. I’m assuming there will be some alternative excursions offered - which for us would be a good thing as we’ve been to Acadia. Anyone familiar with Eastport?

FWIW, I’ve had MVJ lockout problems today, and I had to re-enter all booking numbers (2 of them twice).