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We did New Orleans to Memphis in November. We have cruised both river and ocean w Viking and have loved everyone of them. Mississippi left alot to be desired. The ports were all wonderful and such pleasant excursions with Vicksburg Battlefields being a treasure. The ship and staff on the other hand left ALOT to be desired. The new ship ( sailed 5 mo at this point) was filthy. Our cabin had hair in the drawers, a dirty bathrobe in the closet at check in. The Veranda Grill ran out  of silverware multiple mornings and the staff could care less. The dining room was very well run but that’s the only positive. If our rooms were serviced ( they missed 4 days where we had no service) it was between 3-5 pm. Maybe this is the American work ethic these days? We were so disappointed. The common areas while decorated beautifully were dirty, no glasses picked up, disgusting bathrooms. We did complain to Viking when we returned. Our suggestion was don't sail with full capacity if the staff cant handle the guests. The hardest working employee was “Joe” who ran the dining room. There just needed to be 3 of him.The entertainment that came in each evening were fantastic though,…..another plus! Maybe they have improved things the past 6 months….Anyone?

Thanks so much for letting me know. Cruise lines are you listening??

Thank you all so much for the insight. Honestly not the best news but something new to think about. The lecturers are a big part of the experience for us and am saddened that only Viking offers them regarding the “areas” sailed. I would think most of us older clients feel the way I do. Again. I really appreciate your insight.

Have yet to find “perfect” We love aspects of all the luxury cruise lines but each are lacking in one thing or another. We enjoy good food and entertainment including the casino but also love the speakers/historian onboard about the areas visited. Anyone else? We just returned from a wonderful Regent South America where the onboard speaker series was the history of Broadway Theatre. Ok…. But we are 18 days in South America far from Broadway. Viking has the historians onboard but are lacking in food qualities, no casino and mediocre entertainment. We really aren't hard to please but are looking to cruise 30+ days with someone to Asia and cant seem to find a good fit. We loved Crystal before the bankruptcy. 

We have been Regent cruisers since Crystal folded. Our last 2 trips were wonderful except for the lack of onboard historians, speakers, ect about the areas visited. Is this something Azamara is proficiently providing? I realize we get a good overview from the excursions offered but really enjoy the speakers provided on sea days and leading up to a port. Viking does a good job of this,  BUT….. they are lacking in other areas that we enjoy too. 
Food, entertainment, amenities.

Please advise?

Looking for a 5-6* cruise line that focuses on history of the areas visited with on board speakers and commentary. We have only found this on Viking but haven't found the right Asian itinerary. Just returned from a Regent South America cruise which we loved but were disappointed there were no speakers on board other than Broadway Musical thru the Ages

I need an email for Viking’s customer service. I cannot find anything other than phone numbers. Anyone?

Just got off the Viking Mississippi a few hours ago. Left New Orleans with no problem but only got as far as Vicksburg. Tried to get further but we’re turned around as river too shallow. We are now being bussed to Memphis. 4 hrs. Viking came together quickly so no one should miss their flights but it did play havoc with all the extensions. The ship on the other hand although new needs some serious work. The worst Viking experience we’ve ever had. 

You guys are all crazy…. But after reading all the back and forth I totally want to go on a cruise with all of you! Just bring on that minibar booze!

100% agree to the party size limitations in the dining room. We have 7 in our party. Only able to book 6 so one is left out. We never could get ANY specialty restaurants booked because we are in a DV and reservations were full even BEFORE it was our turn to book. Was able to get that ONE reservation for 6 in the main dining restaurant only. Very frustrated with Viking at this point and we don’t even leave until

August. 

We too were playing craps on the Splendor in Sept/Oct 2021. Sometimes were the only 2 players. They opened the table for us every night!

Not many playing craps but limits are 5.00/300.00. We’ve played nightly but the most we’ve had at the table is 4 people. They will allow more….. just no one is really playing. It’s been fun, but miss the crowd and the energy with more players.

As Kev6025 mentioned, we had an unexpected sea day on the Splendor due to weather. Our weather has been glorious so far in Edinburgh,The Orkneys,  Isle of Skye and Glasgow so we really cannot complain. Many kudos to Splendor staff who jumped in quickly to add cruise talks, activities, etc. It’s been a nice day where now at 5:00 pm the sun is shining. The food has been exquisite, the drinks are high quality and I cannot impress upon you how good the shows have been. Last night’s Bohemian themed show was awesome. All in all, those of you riding the fence should take the plunge and go… totally worth it! 

We are also booked on this same cruise in Sept 21. So hungry to travel again that I too am already in the planning stages for something a year away! Thanks for asking the questions.....

I have one more.... can’t seem to find the Roll Call for the Meet and Mingle. Am I too soon?

I totally agree Wishiweretraveling. We too had  a cruise booked next July on Crystal and I cancelled last week. I love the cruise line but wasn’t willling to gamble my deposit. Haven’t been refunded yet but hoping I’m ahead of the restructure should there be one. In the mean time..... focusing on our Splendor Trip Sept 21 along with my piddling little cruises in March 21, Oct 21 on Princess. NOT my cruise line but won’t turn down any girls only trips w/ friends! Hope you are well.   

I love excellent food also. I have just come to realize that although it’s good, it’s difficult to find food on a cruise “ to die for” We have found the food in Crystal is the best with Regent being too close to call it second. Viking is..... not good at all except on the River Cruises. Hands down though..... think about the Crystal Esprit which is their yacht. They are only serving 60 people as that is all that is on the ship with only 30 cabins. Every meal at dinner was truly a work of art. Beautiful presentation and excellent cuisine. Lunch and breakfast was standard but dinner amazingly consistent even for 11 days! My only negative....in my opinion was  the wine. It was decent but not enough of a variety even with the “extra charge” vintages. I wrote that as my only negative on their survey. 

Very very hot! Even Sept. would hate you to always have that impression. Go anytime rather than July, Aug, early Sept. only positive? The days are LONG!

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