Squawkman

Heidi - Thanks for the explanation - just one further question: do you have an idea how many cabins are included in a zone on Viking ships? We overheard someone complain about 20 cabins down the hall from us that they had to leave their cabin because of toilet issues.

No, it’s not always the passenger’s fault. In our case, there was just no flushing action when we returned to the cabin. No paper, etc. Totally different flush process.

I spoke with my inking agent and he said anyone who has completed a Viking cruise can call him and if they book within 14 days, they can get the $200pp SBC.

We just came home yesterday from the subsequent Med cruise on the Sea. We went to bed around 10:30 the second night and all of a sudden the toilet wouldn’t flush. I called the service desk. Less than 10 minutes after I called, I received a call back that it will be fixed immediately with no need to enter our cabin. It was. No further problems.

We did the Douro last November - it was our first post Covid cruise. This itinerary is not comparable to other Viking river cruises as Mikey points out. However, we loved it so much we are considering doing it again in 2024. Everything about Portugal and the cruise appealed to us - the excursions, the people, the simplicity. We had 85 passengers and got to talk with everyone. We booked it on the recommendation of our long time Viking agent who felt it was for us. Interestingly, wine is a big part of the culture - and neither of us drink wine. To each their own..,.

My experience is that reminders are issued a set number of days before embarkation regardless of when the final payment is due. If the reminder changes your mind, you can still get a refund up to 4 months before embarkation.

Maybe you should cancel the Nile. If you think Viking Ocean is boring, you’ll most likely be less impressed with a river cruise.

We did too 🙂

Hubby - I just read through all of your posts in this thread. I’ve concluded Viking is not for you as, for one, you’ll miss a casino on sea days. I wouldn’t want to lose $1,200+ either, so I can agree that you should go on this one - even though you have concluded that it will be your last. You have also concluded Viking is just out to take your money, bait and switch, etc., so I can see why you have also concluded it will be your last. I only have one question: You state here that you have taken 30+ cruises - yet less than 2 weeks ago, you stated you have taken 20+ cruises. How did you go on 10 cruises in less than 2 weeks?

Mikey - I tried to determine the discount for the Douro cruise - it came out exactly the same with or without the code. Go figure.

Just noticed on MVJ that excursions will now be available in November.

I plan to speak with my Viking rep next week. I’ll ask and report back here.

I’m referring to the welcome back offer - $200pp on any cruise booked within 14 days of disembarkation. Totally separate from and in addition to past level discounts.

Other than the 14 day period, this has not been the case with our Viking agent. We can call him and ALWAYS got $200pp SBC for both river and ocean. He called us the first time to years ago, but we’ve called him every other time since.

I totally agree with your reasoning. Over the years, we have had delays getting back on time with Viking excursions. But if you’re going back to a hotel, it’s not going to sail away and leave you in Spain 😊

Sorry - were on the Ve.

It varies. Excursions for a Rhine cruise we have booked for November we’re available for well over a year. We also have a cruise booked for the end of March (Tulips) and get the same message as you in MVJ.

Yes, unfortunately that’s the case.

You really are assuming a lot, aren’t you? What’s your experience operating cruise ships? Sorry about your missed port (happened to us a few times during different cruises), but Viking isn’t that petty to do r suggesting. And unlike the big 3, Viking IMHO is more customer focused as there are no shareholders.

Enjoy Bergen - hope you don’t get too much rain. We were Covid asymptomatic and quarantined there in April with no restrictions for 5 days to meet US reentry requirements. The visitor’s center in fishtown was very helpful.

We went with Viking, starting with 2 days in land in Lisbon. We did visit the university in Coimbra - highly recommend. Totally agree with Jazzbeau about Salamanca. Each river line may offer different excursions, but many are the same, so let us know which excursions you’re considering on AMA.

Yes - nothing is near where the ship docks, and often you’re dropped off at one port and picked up at another. Having said that, the included excursions were fantastic, and my wife and I agree it’s the best river cruise we’ve ever been on. You’ll see plenty of “local places”. We went last November - hope you get the same great weather we had.

I did this for my wife’s birthday in April and likewise had a cake and sparkling wine waiting for us. Great cake:

I have done this on MVJ and was able to change an inconvenient flight to a better one at no additional cost. If you’re traveling with others, I strongly suggest using Air+ and using it early as even though your TA may say the reservations are linked, they may not actually be the same.

If it’s any consolation, these vouchers should be available for use on existing bookings as well as new ones. Obviously, this would help only a small percentage of your cruise mates.