Viking Pre trip to Easter Island

[Porcupine 52]

Another trip my wife made before she died was the Antarctic trip. My plan is to take my other daughter on this cruise.   One of the Pre-trip ( at least so far) is to Easter Island.  I was talking to my daughter about the Easter Island pre trip.  For you that have been to Easter Island is it a waste of time...really something to see... would never go back????  Would like some input.  Don't know I would ever have another chance to go.  This is a Feb 14, 2022 trip

[janetcbl]

I spent two weeks on Easter Island and could have stayed longer. The trip was run by another organization and centered around the Moai, history, culture etc. Our guide was a well respected scientist and former governor. We became part of the community; lining up for ice cream cones at 4:00pm, “talking” to vendors at the market, avoiding the horses that came clopping into town,  etc.....and I think we discussed everyone of the 887 (?) moai on the island. “The Complete Guide to Easter Island” by Shawn McLaughlin will tell you more than you need to know. Go, you won’t regret it.

 

[Heidi13]

We were fortunate to make it into Easter Island on our 2015 WC and it was an amazing day. Definitely worth a pre-trip.

[Peregrina651]

Never been and may never get there but the trip looks amazing. I was reading over the description and there is one comment in there that I don't understand and would want Viking to clarify before I were to book this or any other extension that said similar.

 

One thing that has me confused about this package is exactly what is included and who is responsible for what. It says the following is included and then in fine print it talks about the flights to/from Easter Island:

 

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 2 hotel nights in Santiago; 2 hotel nights in Hanga Roa (as shown or similar)
• 10 meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 2 dinners
• 3 guided tours: City Tour with visits to Tahai & Ahu Akivi; Ahus & Moais; Toki Project
• Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
• Flight from Santiago to Buenos Aires
• All transfers

*Return airfare from Santiago to Easter Island may be booked separately

 

So, how can they offer an extension to Easter Island that does not include the flights to Easter Island? Does this just mean that the flights are an additional fee or does it mean that guests have to book their own flights? What if someone skims over that little bit of info and fails to book the flight or if you can't get the flight? It just isn't clear what they are saying here and I would want things clarified before I booked it.

 

Sorry but this is just setting off alarm bells in my head -- and in fact it is sending me running off to check the extension we booked on our next cruise to make sure that the necessary flights are included.

[Porcupine 52]

That is a good question.  I will call them today and find out!

[Porcupine 52]

So I called Viking this morning and the Santiago to Easter Island air fare is included in the price.  Not sure I totally understood but it is booked different from the Viking Air reservation.?? No additional fee or you don't have to do any reservations.

 

Thanks for pointing that out Peregrina.  Would have hated to make the reservation and then find out we had to make our own reservations to Easter Island.

[OnTheJourney]

I'd love to go there! The pics always look so cool. 

[NanciEA]

We booked the Easter Island extension for prior to our January 2023 Antarctic cruise with Viking. When I asked the Viking agent some of the questions listed in this thread, he said some of the details were yet to be worked out as this is a new extension for Viking. As with most extensions there are limited spots for each cruise, so we booked it. Easter Island is on our bucket list and this seemed like a good time to make the trip.

[Peregrina651]

Fortunately, if you don't like how the logistics finalize, you can cancel the extension. There will be a deadline by which you have to cancel and you can get that information from Viking.

[Squawkman]

42 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

Fortunately, if you don't like how the logistics finalize, you can cancel the extension. There will be a deadline by which you have to cancel and you can get that information from Viking.

If in doubt, always book the extension early as you can change your mind before you pay for it, but may be closed out if you wait.

[Peregrina651]

Exactly!