paquebot

A traveler on the very first leg in April, and with mixed reviews about our cruise experience, I find myself rooting full on for Viking Star. Status: "underway using engine" sure beats status: "limited manoeuvrability".

Bon voyage to all future cruisers. May it be smooth sailing from this point forward.

Paquebot

I have been on only one cruise with each of the two lines, the Regent Mariner from Alaska to Vancouver in 2008 and the first leg of the maiden from Istanbul to Venice on Viking Star. Given that Regent was well established at that time and that Viking Oceans is brand new, you need to keep that in mind. We booked directly each time. Regent delivered a complimentary bottle of champagne to our cabin and wished us a great trip. Viking did absolutely zero, except to leave a glossy book on the coffee table promoting their ocean ships..No welcome note.

Fellow guests were younger on Regent (perhaps the Alaskan destination), well-traveled, and eager to fully explore the ports on the itinerary. Of course, I was younger then, too!

Nonetheless, there is no comparison between the two, in my opinion. Regent's price point is higher and they delivered accordingly: creatively prepared, more luxury food and wine choices at meals, including the specialty restaurants. For example, each night in Compass Rose, they offered a fabulous cheese trolley and glasses of port. These were touches that made the cruise extra special.

Seamless service and comfort from top to bottom: cabin was thoroughly cleaned and tidied twice a day, room service was high end and reliable, the few shows we attended were very entertaining, port-related presentations were excellent and scheduled for the convenience of guests, restaurant and excursion personnel were at the top of their game. The ship sponsored port excursions (now included) were well organized, kept to schedule, and served to deepen appreciation of the ports of call. The Mariner is even smaller than Viking Star. Both ships are beautiful. We liked our deluxe Mariner room more than the deluxe veranda on Viking, but both were comfortable. It was a bit tight walking around the bed on Viking Star. The bathrooms on both were very good.

We docked or tendered in very close proximity to the ports in Alaska, and often too, on the first leg of Viking. We tendered a couple of times on each cruise. Embarkation and disembarkation was a breeze with Regent, not always the case with Viking, especially when trying to get off the ship in port. We booked private excursions both times and never were delayed in Alaska. Not the case with Viking. With Regent, we simply walked off and back on with no delay. You could always get something to eat were you hungry and we felt pampered the whole week onboard. On Mariner,

I took a complimentary yoga class and walked the promenade deck. It was too cold to swim in the pool in May.

Viking did offer free WiFi, a great benefit, but regrettably, they took no personal notice of us, even blowing off our anniversary in the main restaurant, with no apology nor explanation (after two phone calls, early on to the booking agent and on board to the maîtresse d'). Manfredi's kindly acknowledged it the next evening, after I expressed my great disappointment to their staff. We felt as though we got lost in the shuffle, had no track record as repeat guests. Regent communications were superlative, Viking poor, partly due to IT technical glitches that are perhaps now solved. But, Regent personnel went to the trouble to try and remember who we were. With Viking, we couldn't even get through to a restaurant, room service, the Explorers Desk, etc, as calls were not picked up at least two thirds of the time.

We enjoyed our trip but would hesitate to take Viking again.

Paquebot

I believe no one is bashing another CC poster for being grateful or happy. That seems a simplistic assessment of less than stellar comments made on this thread about aspects of the cruise experience. People are entitled to offer a five star review as much as others are allowed to voice their disappointment or frustration. What is unfortunate, in my opinion, and what some find offensive, are the churlish remarks by some on this thread, suggesting people they have never met are spoiled or unappreciative. Such personal attacks are patronizing and unproductive.

Those who have posted, such as id4Elizabeth, sitraveler, and Kathy9, were fellow CC buddies on the first leg of the maiden; and they, too, were grateful and happy, despite all the many glitches and lapses in service. They critiqued aspects of the cruise in hopes that Viking would remedy the problematic issues that arose for the benefit of future cruisers. For every misstep by Viking, they have also offered a positive. And all have expressed their hopes and confidence that future cruisers will sail on Viking, satisfied and content. I join them in wishing all currently on board or scheduled on a future sail a bon voyage.

Paquebot

Well said, Jersey Cruisers.

Pipedesign:

I found wonderful private guides for Venice, Pula, Kotor, Santorini, and Athens.

Luisella Romeo in Venice is fabulous, if you can get her. She is usually booked far in advance.

In Pula, we toured with Sini Slujcic of Istria Tours. His website is under Pula-City-Tours.com. He is an excellent guide, very accommodating, and was masterful in completely modifying our Montenegrin odyssey after it was truncated by more than two hours (because of unexpected delays disembarking the ship and additional problems with the tender.)

In Kotor, we used Milo Popovic of ToursbyMilo (Facebook page). He was fun, well-informed, enthusiastic, and eager to introduce us to his beautiful country. We were the other car in tandem with id4Elizabeth.

In Santorini, Kostas was the man. (Santorini-private-guide). He was exceptional. We included a visit to ancient Akrotiri, which came alive thanks to him. For those with mobility issues, note that some travelers on the Viking tour were challenged getting back to the cable car, even though their tour was classified as easy. Viking tours tender to the larger port (accessible to tour busses), while independent travelers tender to the old port, where you will find the cable car. Private guides all wait at the cable car exit, atop the hillside, in Fira.

In Athens, we took another private day tour with PK Tours, also wonderful. Our driver also arranged for a private guide at the Acropolis as part of the tour.

Dubrovnik on your own is easy to do and you can free yourself from the crowded Viking group tours that numbered well over forty people when we went.

The Bosphorous cruise, included by Viking in Istanbul, is easy. It also included a stop at Rustem Pasha Mosque, not difficult except for having to remove your shoes beforehand. The other tours I arranged there involved lots and lots of walking.

Hope this helps.

Paquebot

I had the pleasure of meeting id4elizabeth on the first leg of the maiden, from Istanbul to Venice. We shared many private excursions, along with other cruisers, during the nine day trip. She is a seasoned traveler, avid photographer, gracious, soft spoken, and fun company. Unlike some travelers who are boorish, demanding, and revel in making a scene, Elizabeth is discrete, tempered, and fair-minded.

I respect her for her honest assessment of her cruise experience and share many of her opinions. What some perceive as a rant I see as constructive criticism, and a legitimate reflection of growing frustration experienced over the course of fifty days. She apparently thought long and hard about what to say in her review, as she so states, and I think it is balanced and from the heart. Let's not disparage anyone for their opinions on this site, please.

I'd share a travel experience with her anytime.

Paquebot

All the misgivings and accolades I have voiced on CC about the first leg of the maiden (shakedown, rather), I also shared with Viking personnel upon my return. They contacted me, eager for feedback, one the booking agent, the other a pleasant woman, phoning me in response to the survey I completed onboard ship in which I agreed to be interviewed.

They sincerely apologized for lapses in communication and service and seemed genuinely interested in our total experience, both onboard and including port calls and excursions. They wanted details on the highs and lows, solliciting feedback so as to improve the experience for future cruisers. I think the woman was more effective, looking to problem solve, exhibiting none of the 'programmed' manner the booking agent found it difficult to shed. I do fault him for selling the cruise as a once-in-a-lifetime fantastic maiden voyage that would simply blow us away. If he had been up front about the potential downside of an inaugural sailing, we would likely have booked a later departure.

When you pay in full two years in advance, you hope for an honest accounting of the adventure that awaits so you can make an informed decision. This is my biggest disappointment of all, not any technical glitches, the one dismissive restaurant manager, or the delays. We did feel lost in the shuffle, and short on information, as the crew tried to its hardest to get things up to snuff. So, for those now on board or about to embark, I hope Viking has ironed out the wrinkles. With our vouchers in hand, perhaps we will give it another shot, but as Kathy9 has previously said, you can't make a second first impression.

Our 50 day maiden saga has been an adventure - some great times, some really frustrating times. But it is now officially over as we are off the Star. I will continue to answer questions and post the occasional comment as things come to me, but my regular posts will end. I would suggest that this thread come to an end as well and someone else start a thread for the new voyages that are now circling the Baltic. Otherwise this thread could go on forever! Bye everyone, especially to those kindred spirits who were with us for these crazy 50 days! God bless!

Elizabeth and Joe,

Hard to believe your 50-day odyssey has ended. Peter and I are glad we could share the first leg of the cruise with you both, with Kathy and Matt, with Robert and company, and with Marsha and Lou. Enjoy Stockholm. Good luck getting all the stuff you've accumulated since April 11th into your luggage for the return home.

I echo Kathy in saying that we hope to cross paths with you on another travel adventure. Thanks for the good company and the CC updates.

Safe travels.

Judy

There's also a bus that goes from the port (forgot the name) to the end of the island where there are the best sites on the island - with the blue domed roofs. Along those buildings is a walk (no cars) and you can walk and explore on your own if you are not wanting a tour. This is still my favorite island. Have fun. Joyce from CA

RE comments by Applecruise on April 22, including my thoughts on Santorini with Kostas: Try to book with Kostas. He was wonderful! I highly recommend him. Do not miss Akrotiri.

Paquebot

I read Carolyn's post with great interest and mixed reaction. I think passengers would give the ship itself five stars for design and comfort, and high scores to the worker bees who do all that they can to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. And, yes, I understand that there are some glitches to expect on an inaugural cruise.

However, am I the only one to have been in the dark about expectations onboard ship? The Viking booking agent waxed lyrically for two years about how we would be blown away, wowed, and so lucky to experience the magic of a maiden voyage.

Funny, he never used the term 'shakedown', never said to expect so many lapses in service or so many technical glitches, be it the disembarkation procedures or tender challenges, or TVs that never worked, phone calls to the Explorers desk, room service, or housekeeping that often went unanswered? And more.

How many of you knew what you were getting into? We are infrequent cruisers, so the letdown of this shakedown took us by surprise. What about you? Perhaps had we used a TA, he/she would have urged us to think long and hard before booking.

Maybe Viking personnel should focus their energy on improving the cruise experience for their guests aboard Viking Star, rather than use their resources to block a recent patron who made a critique not to their liking. They are nothing less than arrogant bullies.

My review is one of those deleted by Viling Oceans, not once, but twice. 'Fair and balanced', as they say. The same review is on Cruise Critic and Viking can do nothing about that.

Got a phone call yesterday to apologize for any shortcomings we had experienced on the first leg of the maiden (per my responses to the on board survey). Sent us vouchers for a future cruise. I'd have preferred they keep my post on their FB page.

Paquebot

The posting is still there, as well as mine (under Peter L. Smith). Look at the column on the left on the front page of Viking Oceans FB. Scroll down, past photos and videos, to a section called Post to Page.

So in an effort to try and make lemonade out of the bushel of lemons we were handed late this afternoon, at last there were a lot of very well dressed up diners in the Restaurant this evening!

 

As one of the "Univited" I have no plans on going into town for the grand speeches (then being unable to reboard the ship until 11:30 as it will have repositioned itself into the middle of the harbor). And what happens if it rains as it has been on and off all day? In our special letter it told us we didn't have to worry about the rain because they had reserved the VIP lounge in the Radisson Blu should we want to use that, but my guess is that we will be univited to that too. So -- more lemonade -- I think I'll enjoy the fireworks from my balcony and if it gets cold, just go inside my room. I'm sure I'll be able to hear the whole concert from under the covers of my bed; even with several pillows over my head, I shouldn't miss a beat.

 

And all those REAL VIPS were a nice decorative touch with their Norwegian costumes on. And now that they, and the Press Corps have left the ship and are enjoying the special dinner we were (un)invited to, the Internet is pretty fast again! Yippee! Maybe I can upload a picture to the kids....

I love you, Elizabeth.

xo Paquebot

Talk about insults—well, Viking just blew it—BIG TIME

After sending us a letter yesterday (May 16) stating “I am delighted to welcome you to Bergen for the christening of Viking Star”.”A special Christening Dinner will take place tomorrow evening at Greighallen at 18:00. Please plan to meet in the Living Room at 17:00 to disembark Viking Star and travel to Grieghallen”. “After dinner, you will be transported by bus to Bryggen” (the location of the christening). Well, after waiting 45 minutes with other guests we were informed that those of us that are the 50 day PAYING customers were UN invited to dinner. Only the friends of the owner and the big wigs who are on the ship for the christening were invited to dinner. We, the paying customers, could make our OWN way to the christening later if we so chose.

WHAT AN INSULT—to be UNinvited and then have to WALK OUT of the “holding pen” in front of all the other “real” invited guests.

This TOPS the cake—INSULT added to previous injuries.

Are you serious?? It's not the 50-day "guests" who are the crazies, it's the company. If so, this borders on demonic and Viking deserves to go bankrupt.

Paquebot

Roothy - I agree that one can choose to make lemonade, but there have been quite a few times, as "independent travellers" we were restrained from exiting the ship until all the early Viking ShoreEx people on Viking tours have disembarked. I have found a 'secret' way off the ship in these instances and will be glad to share once we end our cruise in Stockholm...don't want my secret method discovered and then blocked by Viking.

 

And sometimes there are just so many lemons around, unless you're prepared to drink gallons, lenonade gets old after a while.

Here are my reflections on our time aboard the Viking Star.

On board from Istanbul to Venice for the first leg of the 'maiden', there was no particular fanfare or sense that we were part of something special. Too bad, since the ship itself is beautiful. The technical glitches of a maiden were understandable, albeit annoying, such as non-working TVs, a cabin safe locked open for two days, plumbing issues, etc. We were often in the dark as to what was going on, as the Viking Daily provided limited info and no way to issue updates on any changes in schedule, anything on menu details, etc.

But, there is no excuse nor explanation for the poor communication and inconsistent service. We sought information, which proved to be a huge source of frustration, given the very spotty response, if any, at the Explorer Desk, Housekeeping, or Room Service. Or the fact that Viking totally dismissed our anniversary, despite alerting the rep through whom we booked, and also Ana, the maîtresse d' in the main restaurant three days prior. Or the unexpected and unnecessary delays disembarking for the many private excursions I had booked. Or the inconsistencies restocking the fridge, fulfilling a request for fresh fruit (4 day wait, really?), or the bizarre practice of providing one tiny bar of soap for the entire bathroom. Or change in format for restaurant seating with no clarification. Or running out of food at afternoon tea. Or changing the price of spa treatments, with no explanation, that were already booked. Or vapid port talks, which amounted to presenting tired snippets from the website in an attempt to fill unsold Viking tours.

Those who lament the poor communication, or worse yet, the deception in some cases, are spot on and not necessarily high maintenance. When Viking repeatedly tells me I'll be blown away, I look forward to stellar service and a little pampering, especially on a maiden voyage. Good thing we are independent travelers and happy to map out our own itinerary, so we chose not to rely on Viking for much of anything and had a great time on a lovely vessel. (Our trip was enhanced by three days in Istanbul beforehand and three days in Venice at the end.) It's unfortunate that the company's level of service doesn't match the charm or comfort of the Viking Star itself.

The shortcomings appear to come from the top, from corporate, and certainly not from most of the hardworking individuals who work onboard. Viking's lack of attentiveness, the sense that they will only go so far to ensure your comfort, leaves me a bit puzzled. How much does it cost to place a piece of chocolate on the pillow at night?

We took this optional tour today and thoroughly enjoyed it, but it was a lot of walking. We went first to Lucca and the bus dropped us off at the southern gate of the old city. Because the guide was worried about the church closing, we first walked to the northern edge. Saw that church which was lovely. Then we wandered back to the southern end to see the Cathedral which was very impressive. Then we walked back to the northern side to see the eliptical 'square' that was once a Roman amphitheater. Then we had free time for lunch but our guide said the cafes in this 'square' were not very good and where she directed us to go was back at the southern end. So lots of walking, but thankfully Lucca is a level town without steps. It's also a charming very picturesque town.

 

Back on the bus to go to Pisa. This tour included going into the Duomo and the Baptistry. Perhaps because my expectations were low, but Pisa exceeded them. Although it was crowded, it wasn't unbearably so. Long walks to and from the bus parking lots though, but again all level.

 

My pedometer registered a little over 7 1/2 miles.

Elizabeth, you must be positively svelte by now, with all that walking! I love Lucca. Hope you tried the gelato. BTW, when you stop in Monte Carlo, if you plan to head to Nice, and specifically to the Matisse Museum, the Chagall is in the same part of town, in Cimiez.

Paquebot

Elizabeth,

I don't know your plans for that port, but if you haven't been to Nice, it's a fabulous city with a wonderful market (on Cours Saleya) and fabulous museums. Just outside the center of town is also the Chagall Museum, a mind blowing little place with his huge Old Testament paintings.

And Eze, high in the foothills, is a little jewel. Monte Carlo is a bore, unless you like to gamble, fancy super luxury cars, pricey restaurants, and mega yachts in the harbor. A glimpse of the Grimaldi Palace and you've pretty much covered the place.

Eat at Manfredi's as often as possible!

Paquebot

I know you're probably tired of my unsweet tea woes, but just when you think the problem's solved....

 

Tonight in The Restaurant, I got a new waitress and told her unsweet iced tea. She disappeared, brought my husband's wine - I reminded her about the iced tea. As the Starter came I reminded her again. She came back a few minutes later and said they had called all the restaurants on board and the only thing available was sweetened peach iced tea in a can. She had obviously not gotten the memo!

 

So, I ordered hot tea. I spoke to the head waiter on the way out and he said "of course we have unsweet iced tea." He asked me who my wait staff person was, and of course I didn't know her name but told him my table number. Not that I want to get anyone in trouble, but all the wait staff at this point should know how to get unsweet iced tea.

 

I know this is a picky issue, but you'd think they'd have this one ironed out by now.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, the 3 scales that Viking bought in Venice work a little too well. I've gained 6 pounds since Istanbul. Yikes! :eek: Obviously the food onboard is good! I need to stay away from the high tea service in the afternoon in the Wintergarden - those scones with clotted cream and jam are a killer.

Oh, oh! Ask Viking to offer a spa menu, with kale smoothies and fresh juice coolers. Call room service service for the miso soup. Eat oatmeal. Does that help??!! Glad to hear you are not starving. xo Paquebot

We are at the Venice airport getting ready to fly back to NJ!

On to Asia on Azamara in November!

Kathy

Buon viaggio, cari amici!

Tanti baci, Judy and Peter (Paquebot)

I phoned Viking yesterday, having received no return phone call regarding the price increases on selected spa services. After speaking with two agents, they put me through to customer relations, the only ones who actually had an explanation.

Seems the service provider notified Viking of their intent to raise the prices they'd originally posted. The agent apologized for the lack of any heads up and said that Viking would honor the original price for any bookings made prior to the price change. He said they would make a note on the account, so be sure to check.

I think the Viking agents are doing the best they can with the roll out of Oceans. They acknowledge lots of hiccups, as this is new territory for all of them. Yet, they all remain very excited about the maiden, as am I. It's our first experience with Viking.

The ship is scheduled to dock in Venice around 6:00. Anyone want to hazard a guess as to the disembarkation schedule?

judy

 

if you want responses the roll call is the best place to post

Thanks, Lou and Marsha.

I did that, too, just to get the work out. Kathy and Matt are joining us!

Looking for two to four people to join my husband and me for a morning semi-private tour (approx, 3 hrs, to include a one hour boat tour) with wonderful Luisella Romeo on April 22nd. Anyone staying on in Venice who may be interested?

BTW, thanks, Judy, for the tip on the free walking tour. I found them and it sounds great.

Judy

Yup, they upped the prices on us, which I find exceedingly off-putting. And with no explanation,whatsoever. I spoke with a Viking agent on Sunday, who found the changes quite "odd". She consulted with a supervisor and assured me they would look into the matter and get back to me by tomorrow. Will keep everyone posted. I, for one, will cancel if they don't honor the original booking.

I wish there were a field in the calendar where I could attach my personal notes. I would then have details on any privately booked excursions incorporated into the format. Is there any way other than printing it separately?

Does anyone know anything about use of the sauna and snow grotto? Doesn't say whether reservations are necessary or if there is a fee. Also curious about any info on schedules for fitness/wellness classes, such as yoga.

Finally, does anyone know of a good walking tour, or two, of Venice? It can be unaccompanied or guided. We're there for three days, post cruise, while the rest of you sail on. Last visited when I was 20, poor in lira but rich in wanderlust.