Squawkman

While I agree with your conclusion, it should be noted that even “seasoned” Viking agents often need supervisor approval, hence being put on hold. We only use the same Viking agent - have been 7+ years. When we inquire about changes, we might be told no problem, he’ll need approval or no way.

The only condition is that vouchers have to be applied when booking a new cruise. If you cancel the booking, the vouchers are returned back to you. They are completely transferable as well. So if you plan on booking any additional Viking cruises in the future, I suggest buying them. We also have several future cruises booked - each one had vouchers applied. The only mistake we’ve made was not buying enough on our last river cruise.

As of last April: each person on river cruise may purchase up to six $200 vouchers for $100 each. Only one voucher per person per NEW BOOKING (ocean, river or expedition) may be used. There have been reports here on Cruise Critic that this program has been discontinued effective 2024, but when we were on a VO cruise this past January, the sales agent assured us the program was still available for river cruises.

Port talks also give you any last minute details about each excursion. Case in point: we had booked an optional evening boat ride, but were told that the port location of the boat was changed and would require walking a mile+ each way in the heat. We went to guest services to see if we can cancel since the excursion was initially rated easy and we didn’t think we could handle that much walking at the end of the day. Although the rule is 48 hours, they understood our issue and gave us a refund. Duquephart - there are separate sales presentations that answer questions about the different Viking offerings. Don’t confuse these with port talks.

Viking

We have done 2 river cruises post covid - Rhine in 2022 and Tulips in 2023. Both had a gentle group for most included and optional excursions which accommodated those who used canes and rollators. The tour guides used elevators where possible, and avoided a few stops to cut back the amount of walking. My wife used a cane for both cruises and had no issues whatsoever. It sounds like this should work for your mother.

This promo covers all cruises- yours was for selected cruises

This part of the conditions language is pretty standard for promo offers. Never stopped me from getting 6 months PIF when requested. Also was able to combine with welcome back promo when I booked within 14 days of embarkation.

Interesting promotion. What’s not mentioned is since you need an existing booking to qualify, you can request PIF in 6 months on any new booking. Special Future Guest Promotion Dear Valued Future Guest, Thank you for choosing Viking for your upcoming voyage. Before you leave home, we are pleased to present a unique opportunity to our valued Past Guests. If you secured an upcoming booking with us prior to March 1, 2024, we are extending an exclusive offer of added savings and benefits on additional new reservations. This Special Future Guest Promotion includes: Additional savings of up to $1,000 per couple off published fares. You can save $1,000 per couple for itineraries 15 days or longer, or $500 per couple for itineraries up to 14 days. Past Guest Discount: As a valued Past Guest, you can also take advantage of your Past Guest Discount of up to $400 per couple. $25 Deposit: With a deposit of only $25, you can easily book an additional future voyage today To take advantage of this offer, simply call us at 1-855-764-9542 or contact your Travel Advisor and ask for offer code FV324. Thank you for putting your trust in Viking. We look forward to exploring more of the world in comfort with you.

We always start by asking if this is their first Viking cruise. That will set a tone that usually carries through the meal.

You stated the distribution of tips to staff is a fantasy - and your reason is others here challenge Viking’s policy as stated on their website. So the challengers are right and Viking is wrong. Yeah.

Viking’s web site states: This charge will be shared among the onboard staff who helped support and provide your cruise experience, including the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. So Viking is lying? And our room steward on one of our cruises told us tipping her was not necessary as she receives tips from the gratuities pool. What’s your source for calling shared tips a fantasy?

What about the deck hands that help you on and off tenders? They’re not deserving? Not to mention the hard working staff you don’t necessarily interface with. I’m with those that think gratuities should just be included and cruisers can go above and beyond if they choose. If you like “service charge”, you can call it that.

Wrong. Most folks are not in PV or above.

You can get anything you see there in the minibar. Just ask your room steward. May take a day or two.

Next time you have lunch or dinner in the WC, look for orange amongst the cans of Coke and Sprite. Also have seen iced tea in cans there.

In addition, there should be orange soda as well - usually Fanta. I haven’t seen Sprite Zero at my last 2 cruises which is disappointing as it was the only soda both sugar and caffeine free.

And don’t forget the fresh made onion rings 😊

FWIW Blue Lagoon extension is not being offered for the 7/27/24 Iceland’s Natural Beauty cruise.

OP could get the 6 month PIF now if requested when booking. I also wouldn’t preclude a bigger discount if waiting. If this were me, I would call my Viking agent (same guy I’ve been using for years) on February 29 and ask for a 72 hour hold. Then see what is offered for March and decide from there.

Always hot and humid and can rain at any time.

Not in the US.

Totally agree - and I always use Viking air. In addition, you can check with guest services as they have access to the latest air info.

If I recall, they did away with the wishlist before covid.

Pretty sure he did as the next day the cabin we originally booked was shown as available on Price and Build. Regardless, all worked well for both of us.