Top Things Right and Wrong on board the star

[howiefrommd]

We were recently on the Star (21 days starting in Istanbul and disembarked in Barcelona). There is no doubt that the communication is poor (many times nonexistent), and I certainly cannot argue with many of the critiques on the board. I will say I think the rank-and-file workers tried hard. I think management is a total failure, both onboard and here in the States. For anyone who has communicated with the Sherman Oaks (US based office) it should no be a surprise that communication is poor and follow through even rarer. The truly amazing thing is how management continually articulates that Viking Oceans is a 5 star product. In honesty, I have never traveled on a 5 star line, I would say the highest ranked line (and I understand it is not a 5 star line) we have been on is Oceania, which was quite nice. If Viking Oceans is a 5 star line, I am close to becoming the next Pope.

[TERRIER1]

The truly amazing thing is how management continually articulates that Viking Oceans is a 5 star product. In honesty, I have never traveled on a 5 star line, I would say the highest ranked line (and I understand it is not a 5 star line) we have been on is Oceania, which was quite nice. If Viking Oceans is a 5 star line, I am close to becoming the next Pope.

 

 

LOL. I heard from Viking 3 times since I booked in July 2013. Twice when they sent me a coin (which I need like a hole in the head) and once this week in an email informing me to sign up for My Viking Journey. Every time I called or emailed with a question I received inaccurate information.

[id4elizabeth]

I totally agree with everything CrusinSubMan said. Even about Torshaven. Old broads like me are long gone to bed, so they'd be wiser to use the space to entertain the 40 something crowd.

 

I'm going to wait to post additional comments about the Shore Excursions until cruise is over. I still need at least minimal cooperation from these folks over the next 2 weeks.

[id4elizabeth]

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.

[jiminyC_fan]

Please people, you have got to remember that it is an inaugural sailing. There will be kinks to work out for a few cruises. You should have realized that going in especially since this is their first ocean cruise ship. I have been on a Maiden Voyage and I didn't expect perfection. Those that complained were miserable. Those of us that understood and expected there to be problems enjoyed our cruise. Please be open minded for awhile.

[roothy123]

Please people, you have got to remember that it is an inaugural sailing. There will be kinks to work out for a few cruises. You should have realized that going in especially since this is their first ocean cruise ship. I have been on a Maiden Voyage and I didn't expect perfection. Those that complained were miserable. Those of us that understood and expected there to be problems enjoyed our cruise. Please be open minded for awhile.

 

There's no use beating a dead horse with this point, jiminyC. I and others tried it earlier!

 

I'll just say a couple things and then shut up:

 

I haven't read the Viking brochure for a long time now, but I don't think Viking Oceans is marketing themselves as a five star line. However, I get brochures from other cruise lines, and they're all trying very hard to make me feel that I'm missing out on the absolutely most flawless and memorable cruise experience of a lifetime. Perhaps I am, but for the price they're charging, or for the size of their ships, or for the large number of sea days I would be paying for, or the alcohol, excursions, splashy shows, casino and other stuff I would be paying for but not using, I have chosen to rule them out. Besides, we don't like to dress up....

 

Anyway, from what I've heard I think Viking is offering a very good product for the money I paid so long ago. I'm looking forward to a squeaky-clean, small ship, modern furnishings, lesser-known ports, port-intensive itineraries, chance to take an excursion without paying $100 for it, new experience of infinity pool and cool-looking (and feeling!) spa open to all, excellent food, great place to eat outside, no nickel and diming, no ship photographer, casino, splashy shows and other stuff I could care less about, and a veranda stateroom at a reasonable price. On a small ship passing through a whole bunch of waterways for the first time, I'm prepared for some surprises, and I'm prepared to find some changes from my current line of choice (NOT a five star one but not Carnival either - the one most suited to ME). Guess I'm just a weirdo...but at least I'm a flexible, happy one!

Edited May 14, 2015 by roothy123

[kathy9]

people have paid good money for these cruises....maybe Viking should offer some sort of six month "shake down rate" and we would all be happy to make lemonade all day long.

Kathy

Edited May 14, 2015 by kathy9

[TERRIER1]

people have paid good money for these cruises....maybe Viking should offer some sort of six month "shake down rate" and we would all be happy to make lemonade all day long.

Kathy

 

Couldn't agree more. The cruise was not inexpensive and the issues continue after a month at sea.

[jiminyC_fan]

kathy9, as in all cruise lines, not just Viking, an inaugural year has issues. To expect perfection right off from the starting gate is an unreal expectation. These people that are complaining paid the asking price knowing that their could be issues and were williing to gamble.

 

I think it's important to make note that there are happy people onboard. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2206525

[filbert-kc]

Roothy123: how many Viking Oceans cruises have you been on so far?

 

JiminyC: Some people see manure, and think 'fertilizer.' Some just step in it while admiring the view of the meadow. But the fact that they didn't see it doesn't mean it wasn't there.

[kathy9]

kathy9, as in all cruise lines, not just Viking, an inaugural year has issues. To expect perfection right off from the starting gate is an unreal expectation. These people that are complaining paid the asking price knowing that their could be issues and were williing to gamble.

 

When I wrote my observations while on board and my review of The Star ...

it was what happened to us while on our sailing. I did not expect a maiden voyage to be prefect and hopefully Viking is reading these boards, reviews (people write some more please), the daily and end of cruise questionnaires/surveys.

 

Go experience The Star for yourself and then you can write what you want about it......

[Pugwash123]

"Cabin design – The Penthouse Junior Suite is the best-designed cabin I’ve had in my 500 nights of cruising. I’ve been in much larger suites, but the entire cabin (and bathroom) “works” great now that a floor lamp was installed on a separate switch."

 

Really pleased to read the comment regarding the Penthouse Junior Suite as, after much agonising over the additional cost, I decided to book one instead of the Penthouse Veranda.

 

Pugwash123 :)

[algaes]

It's a shakedown issue when Viking arranges for the pier shuttle to Rouen to run only to 7pm when there are nearly 3 hours of daylight left. It's a Viking service issue when the pier personnel let the shuttle bus driver sitting at the pier at 6:48pm blow off passengers who want a 5 minute ride into town. He literally sat there with engine running until 7pm and then drove away.

 

After nine hours of a bus tour to Paris, all we wanted was the one way lift into town to see the Cathedral, the historic buildings and the Joan of Arc memorial. We were willing to adapt to the maiden voyage issue but were severely disappointed at the poor service issue.

[pukekolive]

I wonder if the movie choices are to fit in with their 'target audience'of over 55 - I for one at 61 years old wouldn't watch the titles you have advised - I have seen most of them once for their novelty value but they aren't my cup of tea - they probably think we are at the 'Cocoon' rest home stage of our lives, good movie though that was.

Edited May 15, 2015 by pukekolive

[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?

Edited May 15, 2015 by paquebot

[lahlah57]

I agree an inaugural voyage having problems but when a person books according to what "they" touted and the delivery is less than that.....I am concerned!

To be understanding of the shortcomings of the said inaugural voyage is ridiculous when everything is a shortcoming to the voyager who layed down the $$$.

Did they put in the fine print of their finely beautifully detailed booklets and brochures that their ships....itineraries....management and amenities may not be as it is depicted so proceed with caution!? :eek: Nothing short of a fairytale.

Even something as simple as bottled water......REALLY?!

There have been some folks here on this forum that went in optimistically and were very forgiving as they proceeded into their voyage but as they continued on you could sense that all was not right and even the simplest of issues were not being corrected.

These people that are on these forums are seasoned and deserve better.

I have read the reviews and a 3 star grading is not good but an "okay" at best. Viking touts themselves as a 5 star luxury cruiseline but as of yet they miss the mark.

I would never trust the planned press info because of the fact that Viking orchestrated that at the cost of their paying passengers.

Please someone who has travelled within this last month tell me I may be delusional but those of you who have not been on a voyage as of yet leave your optimism at the starboard side of the ship.

[howiefrommd]

Albeit I am not a mental health professional, you are not delusional. I was on for the first 21 days and to use the word bizarre would be an understatement. There certainly were hiccups (for lack of a better word) that should/would be expected on an inaugural cruise. What I find so bizarre was the lack of management, their pure ineffectiveness and the lack of communication. People do not want to hear bad news, but when there is something going on (or not going on/working) they need to be informed. This was evident throughout the ship, the restaurant, excursions, IT, front desk (or actually lack of a front desk, I forgot what they called it) etc.

[LadyVol1]

HowieMD - I'm sure you spent plenty of time in line at the Explorers' Desk. How could you forget its name?!? LOL

 

We miss you two!!

[howiefrommd]

LOL Thanks. I see by reading the boards things are just moving along at the usual Viking glacial pace. Wait till you try to contact them after the cruise, I think pigs will fly before you get an answer, return email or telephone call. But if you want to book another cruise, don't worry, they are there for you.

[Bigred84]

As you can see from the number of post I am new to this board but I see why this board is called cruise critic. I don't believe there has been more than a couple of positive post on here about the cruise. I am sure there were many problems but when you read the comments on face book they are by far more positive than on here. My cruise was one of those cancelled in 2016 and I have had absolutely no problems with the communications. By the post on here I didn't think I would ever here from them, but when I E-mail them I get a response either that day or the next so I guess I am just lucky. I am really sorry that this has been such a rotten experience but I guess none of you will be sailing with Viking again so I should have no trouble getting my cruise booked for 2017.

[TERRIER1]

As you can see from the number of post I am new to this board but I see why this board is called cruise critic. I don't believe there has been more than a couple of positive post on here about the cruise. I am sure there were many problems but when you read the comments on face book they are by far more positive than on here. My cruise was one of those cancelled in 2016 and I have had absolutely no problems with the communications. By the post on here I didn't think I would ever here from them, but when I E-mail them I get a response either that day or the next so I guess I am just lucky. I am really sorry that this has been such a rotten experience but I guess none of you will be sailing with Viking again so I should have no trouble getting my cruise booked for 2017.

 

Comments are facebook are not from folks who have already sailed other than travel writers. Also, there are post that have been deleted.

[lahlah57]

Bigred84......facebook.....REALLY?! The travel press can be bought by Viking with the cost of that good wine they keep in the case and rarely serve. They are employed by Viking with a visit or short cruise payed by the fellow paying passengers.

Professional reviews vs.a true cruisers review.......well.....what do you think?

[filbert-kc]

When reading media reports, one should always remember what Michael Crichton dubbed the "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect." The few times I've ever been quoted in a press report, I have found the effect to be quite real.

 

(Do a web search on "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect" if you are not familiar with the term.)

 

The continuing efforts by those who are not on this ship to try to convince those of us who are that we are imagining the things which are happening to us or blowing them out of proportion, or are just whining and impossible to satisfy, are laughable, as well as mind-bogglingly condescending.

 

Yes, there were start-up issues . . . new ship and new organization. Were some start-up hiccups expected? Absolutely.

 

But the issues were far, far, far worse than what one might have encountered with a new ship of an existing cruise line. The issues arose (and persist) precisely because it's a new organization, of people who've never done this kind of thing together before, combined with a ship that (quite possibly) tried to do too much too fast with new, untested IT technology to streamline its operations.

 

People who are booked on this ship in the next 6 months to 1 year deserve to know what problems are being experienced during this start-up phase. If some don't want to read about those problems, then (with all due respect) they probably shouldn't be reading a web site named "Cruise Critic."

 

Are there fewer problems now than during the disastrous first week out of Istanbul? Absolutely, there are fewer problems. The crew on-board is working (frantically, most of the time) to fix the problems while at the same time trying to keep the passengers as happy as they can.

 

But they (the crew) are still hamstrung by technology and organizational issues which, quite frankly, should have been worked out before Viking ever allowed a paying passenger to set foot on board Viking Star. The crew has basically been put in a near-impossible position by the company's management, and they're making it work, more or less.

 

Services on the ship will, I think, continue to improve, but even now, thirty-five days or so into its revenue service, service issues still exist.

 

Don't Viking Oceans customers boarding the ship in the next few months have the right to know what issues they might encounter when they board, if for no other reason than to adjust expectations appropriately (even with the knowledge that Viking will continue to work on improving things on-board)?

 

One of those writers who has been on board could probably write a really interesting book about the trials and tribulations surrounding the launch of Viking Oceans and the struggles of Viking Star to stand up for revenue service.

 

I sincerely hope that book, when written, has a happy ending.

[TERRIER1]

When reading media reports, one should always remember what Michael Crichton dubbed the "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect." The few times I've ever been quoted in a press report, I have found the effect to be quite real.

 

(Do a web search on "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect" if you are not familiar with the term.)

 

The continuing efforts by those who are not on this ship to try to convince those of us who are that we are imagining the things which are happening to us or blowing them out of proportion, or are just whining and impossible to satisfy, are laughable, as well as mind-bogglingly condescending.

 

Yes, there were start-up issues . . . new ship and new organization. Were some start-up hiccups expected? Absolutely.

 

But the issues were far, far, far worse than what one might have encountered with a new ship of an existing cruise line. The issues arose (and persist) precisely because it's a new organization, of people who've never done this kind of thing together before, combined with a ship that (quite possibly) tried to do too much too fast with new, untested IT technology to streamline its operations.

 

People who are booked on this ship in the next 6 months to 1 year deserve to know what problems are being experienced during this start-up phase. If some don't want to read about those problems, then (with all due respect) they probably shouldn't be reading a web site named "Cruise Critic."

 

Are there fewer problems now than during the disastrous first week out of Istanbul? Absolutely, there are fewer problems. The crew on-board is working (frantically, most of the time) to fix the problems while at the same time trying to keep the passengers as happy as they can.

 

But they (the crew) are still hamstrung by technology and organizational issues which, quite frankly, should have been worked out before Viking ever allowed a paying passenger to set foot on board Viking Star. The crew has basically been put in a near-impossible position by the company's management, and they're making it work, more or less.

 

Services on the ship will, I think, continue to improve, but even now, thirty-five days or so into its revenue service, service issues still exist.

 

Don't Viking Oceans customers boarding the ship in the next few months have the right to know what issues they might encounter when they board, if for no other reason than to adjust expectations appropriately (even with the knowledge that Viking will continue to work on improving things on-board)?

 

One of those writers who has been on board could probably write a really interesting book about the trials and tribulations surrounding the launch of Viking Oceans and the struggles of Viking Star to stand up for revenue service.

 

I sincerely hope that book, when written, has a happy ending.

 

Excellently said. I board in July and with my experience to date with Viking Oceans on shore I would have cancelled the cruise had I not already had plane tickets etc.

[Pugwash123]

When reading media reports, one should always remember what Michael Crichton dubbed the "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect." The few times I've ever been quoted in a press report, I have found the effect to be quite real.

 

(Do a web search on "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect" if you are not familiar with the term.)

 

The continuing efforts by those who are not on this ship to try to convince those of us who are that we are imagining the things which are happening to us or blowing them out of proportion, or are just whining and impossible to satisfy, are laughable, as well as mind-bogglingly condescending.

 

Having booked Viking star for August 2016 I have been taking a keen interest in the experiences posted by the passengers on the Star’s maiden voyage. Unlike many of the posters who have booked to cruise with Viking we have no previous experience of them whatsoever, having taken all our river cruises with other companies. Our only reason for booking with Viking is that we have become disillusioned with the cruising experience offered by our usual cruise line and stumbled across Viking Oceans while looking for alternatives. Having read the posts from those who are sailing or have sailed on Viking Star I can honestly say that had I been on the maiden voyage I personally would not have been a very happy bunny. Despite the many reported problems on the maiden voyage I do not regret booking with Viking as I have every confidence that they will get everything sorted out as quickly as possible and deliver the cruising experience promised on their website and in their brochure. If however I am still reading poor reviews this time next year, which I hope I won’t, then I will be an extremely concerned future passenger.

 

Pugwash123