Welcome Back Cruises 2021 - Malta & Adriatic Cruises and General Discussion

[MRGACRUZR]

3 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Please find below the notes I summarized from my calls with Viking regarding the Malta Welcome Back Cruises.  My Travel Agent reviewed it this morning and confirmed this to be true and is what their large travel agency is operating on and advising clients.   Whether you believe it or not, since one can likely find 2nd opinions, it is your risk to take.  We've chosen not to take the risk of denied boarding.

Again, 2 different Viking managers AND my travel agent confirm these Malta regulations.  Our agent even said that other cruise port countries are beginning to adopt this "total bubble concept" from home to cruise ship.

 

Maltese Government Regulations for U.S. Cruise Passengers

Malta does not allow U.S. residents to enter Malta.  Malta and Viking have put in place a special agreement to allow U.S. residents to cruise on Viking ships in and out of Malta – ONLY under the following restrictions.

 

Maltese Government Rules

-U.S. passengers MUST arrive by air on the day of boarding the Viking ship.  No exceptions.

-You must fly directly from your home airport to Valetta, Malta with no stopovers in ANY city (including the U.S. or Europe) along the way.

-U.S. passengers are not permitted to stay anywhere overnight in Malta before or after the cruise.

-Maltese government will seek proof that passengers arrived on the day of boarding only and with no stopovers.

-If passengers arrive early to Malta or had stopovers, they will be denied boarding by the Maltese Government and must return home to the U.S. immediately at their own expense.

 

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

-U.S. passengers must provide proof of vaccination ahead of time

-They must provide negative results to a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding their airline flight (not 72 hours ahead of arrival).  This can be a Rapid Test.

-Viking will provide daily saliva tests

-Viking will provide the COVID-19 test at end of the cruise

-All passengers must immediately be taken to the airport and leave on their flights

-No pre or post visiting to Malta is permitted

 

Air Transport to Malta from the U.S.- as part of the agreement with Malta

-U.S. Passengers may use Viking Air or make their own arrangements

-If passengers book their own air transport:

-You must arrive only on the date of cruise boarding and have no stopovers from your home city – or you will be denied boarding by Maltese Government

-You must proceed immediately upon arrival to the ship; no deviations; no hotels; no stops

-You must meet the COVID-19 entry requirements

-You must take all risk of flight delays or cancellations that might cause them to miss the ship

-If passengers use Viking Air:

               -There is no Viking Air Plus applicable

               -No deviations are allowed – passengers will go directly from airport to the ship

               -Viking will choose the airlines, airline flights, connections, and assign them -

no choice from passengers

               -Passengers will all be assigned Economy Seats – no “custom” class

               -The Viking Air flights cannot be booked as Biz Class or Premium Economy – only Economy

               -Viking will take requests for Biz Class & Premium Economy but cannot guarantee those requests

               -There will be 1 or more Charter Flights that Viking is working on that will carry airline passengers

 

 

 

This sounds like a lot of "speculation" and, unless there has been a change in the last week, we had Viking Air+ and business class reservations for Aug 13.... or at least we did until we decided to cancel until closer to the sailing dates to see how things pan out. Its interesting they have all these rules but we had VikingAir + and business class reservations. I even rechecked our invoice to make sure it wasn't too much cabernet.

 

I dont know anything about what's going to happen, especially after June 1, but, I dont think anyone else does either...YET. I'm still hoping to rebook, once anybody knows anything. 

Edited May 26, 2021 by MRGACRUZR

[CCWineLover]

32 minutes ago, MRGACRUZR said:

This sounds like a lot of "speculation" and, unless there has been a change in the last week, we had Viking Air+ and business class reservations for Aug 13.... or at least we did until we decided to cancel until closer to the sailing dates to see how things pan out. Its interesting they have all these rules but we had VikingAir + and business class reservations. I even rechecked our invoice to make sure it wasn't too much cabernet.

 

I dont know anything about what's going to happen, especially after June 1, but, I dont think anyone else does either...YET. I'm still hoping to rebook, once anybody knows anything. 

Yes, I mentioned to Viking that I had heard people who'd already booked Viking Air with Business Class and they indicated they were lucky to get in under the wire, whatever that means.  We'll just have to wait and see.   PS - Love Cabernet !!

I personally think that Viking (and Malta) didn't really think this thing through very well at all - and I would expect that as the summer goes on, things will get more solidified (hopefully!) and nailed down.

[cmaasfamily]

I recommend refering to https://www.visitmalta.com/en/covid-19 for latest information. Above conversation with Viking sounds like a somewhat mangled version of the Red List Country starting June 1st and Corridor Countries policy described there (which is all predicated on EU approval of the "Digital Green Certificate"). 

 

Interested in going, but not interested in tying up another dollar until this shakes out over the next few weeks. 

[LindaS272]

12 minutes ago, cmaasfamily said:

I recommend refering to https://www.visitmalta.com/en/covid-19 for latest information. Above conversation with Viking sounds like a somewhat mangled version of the Red List Country starting June 1st and Corridor Countries policy described there (which is all predicated on EU approval of the "Digital Green Certificate"). 

 

Interested in going, but not interested in tying up another dollar until this shakes out over the next few weeks. 

Actually the Red Country and corridor countries policy is what is happening now. The US is on the Red list by default, because it’s not on the Amber List of “corridor countries.” You can only arrive in Malta from a corridor country, and must have been there for at least 14 days, and present a negative PCR test from within 72 hours before arrival. And you can’t have transited through a Red country to arrive in Malta.

 

Then this:

As from 1st June, it is expected that evidence of full vaccination (last dose of the vaccine 14 days earlier or more) can be used instead of a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, subject that the Digital Green Certificate is approved and enacted by the European Union.

 

 

[MikeyB]

With all the doom and gloom talk on these Malta cruises I am very surprised Viking, (who normally monitors these boards) has not written anything. 

Hagen- A little reassurance would go a long way.

If there is one thing we can (maybe) agree on, it's that the Viking product is sold when your cruising on Viking.

For me, the booking process has always been the worse part of the Viking product.  It starts at the very beginning with a web-site that does not disclose the actual available rooms.

[Jchivers]

Just got a flight itinerary update for our return trip.  Before: Malta - Frankfurt - Washington DC - SFO, with the 2 layovers fairly brief.  Now: Malta - London - JFK - SFO, with a 10 hour layover at JFK.

 

This is not an improvement

[MikeyB]

I inquired with "Visit Malta".  Here is their reply.  I am very happy to bet $5 in the Viking casino that the EU will allow us poor Americans entry into Malta beginning June 1.

 

"Unfortunately the US is currently on the Red list. Thus, travel to Malta is only allowed for Maltese citizens or those who have a valid residence permit for Malta. As from 1st June, it is expected that evidence of full vaccination (last dose of the vaccine 14 days earlier or more) can be used, subject that the Digital Green Certificate is approved and enacted by the European Union. "

[toolworker]

1 hour ago, MikeyB said:

I inquired with "Visit Malta".  Here is their reply.  I am very happy to bet $5 in the Viking casino that the EU will allow us poor Americans entry into Malta beginning June 1.

 

"Unfortunately the US is currently on the Red list. Thus, travel to Malta is only allowed for Maltese citizens or those who have a valid residence permit for Malta. As from 1st June, it is expected that evidence of full vaccination (last dose of the vaccine 14 days earlier or more) can be used, subject that the Digital Green Certificate is approved and enacted by the European Union. "

If I were a betting man I'd take your bet.

 

This is dependent on the Digital Green Certificate, an authenticated proof of vaccination proposed for EU countries. U.S. citizens have nothing like that available, just paper certificates that are easily forged and can be bought online. (New York has one; I don't know if the EU will accept it.) 

[toolworker]

I wonder whether the prohibition on going ashore on our own is a Viking policy that might be relaxed as conditions in the destination countries improve, or if it's baked into the deal with the Maltese government and out of Viking's control.

[FLORIDA FLOUNDER]

21 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Please find below the notes I summarized from my calls with Viking regarding the Malta Welcome Back Cruises.  My Travel Agent reviewed it this morning and confirmed this to be true and is what their large travel agency is operating on and advising clients.   Whether you believe it or not, since one can likely find 2nd opinions, it is your risk to take.  We've chosen not to take the risk of denied boarding.

Again, 2 different Viking managers AND my travel agent confirm these Malta regulations.  Our agent even said that other cruise port countries are beginning to adopt this "total bubble concept" from home to cruise ship.

 

Maltese Government Regulations for U.S. Cruise Passengers

Malta does not allow U.S. residents to enter Malta.  Malta and Viking have put in place a special agreement to allow U.S. residents to cruise on Viking ships in and out of Malta – ONLY under the following restrictions.

 

Maltese Government Rules

-U.S. passengers MUST arrive by air on the day of boarding the Viking ship.  No exceptions.

-You must fly directly from your home airport to Valetta, Malta with no stopovers in ANY city (including the U.S. or Europe) along the way.

-U.S. passengers are not permitted to stay anywhere overnight in Malta before or after the cruise.

-Maltese government will seek proof that passengers arrived on the day of boarding only and with no stopovers.

-If passengers arrive early to Malta or had stopovers, they will be denied boarding by the Maltese Government and must return home to the U.S. immediately at their own expense.

 

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

-U.S. passengers must provide proof of vaccination ahead of time

-They must provide negative results to a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding their airline flight (not 72 hours ahead of arrival).  This can be a Rapid Test.

-Viking will provide daily saliva tests

-Viking will provide the COVID-19 test at end of the cruise

-All passengers must immediately be taken to the airport and leave on their flights

-No pre or post visiting to Malta is permitted

 

Air Transport to Malta from the U.S.- as part of the agreement with Malta

-U.S. Passengers may use Viking Air or make their own arrangements

-If passengers book their own air transport:

-You must arrive only on the date of cruise boarding and have no stopovers from your home city – or you will be denied boarding by Maltese Government

-You must proceed immediately upon arrival to the ship; no deviations; no hotels; no stops

-You must meet the COVID-19 entry requirements

-You must take all risk of flight delays or cancellations that might cause them to miss the ship

-If passengers use Viking Air:

               -There is no Viking Air Plus applicable

               -No deviations are allowed – passengers will go directly from airport to the ship

               -Viking will choose the airlines, airline flights, connections, and assign them -

no choice from passengers

               -Passengers will all be assigned Economy Seats – no “custom” class

               -The Viking Air flights cannot be booked as Biz Class or Premium Economy – only Economy

               -Viking will take requests for Biz Class & Premium Economy but cannot guarantee those requests

               -There will be 1 or more Charter Flights that Viking is working on that will carry airline passengers

 

 

 

 

U.S. passengers are not permitted to stay anywhere overnight in Malta before or after the cruise.

 

I just noticed that Viking has added a "post" trip with 2 nights in Malta on your own outside of the bubble.🤨

 

[CCWineLover]

3 hours ago, Jchivers said:

Just got a flight itinerary update for our return trip.  Before: Malta - Frankfurt - Washington DC - SFO, with the 2 layovers fairly brief.  Now: Malta - London - JFK - SFO, with a 10 hour layover at JFK.

 

This is not an improvement

Our Travel Agent inquired today on Viking Air Plus and Biz Class issue.  This may help explain why some early bookings were indeed successful in getting it.  And it may be back again.  I guess just keep checking around.  Also in the next months, things may improve and Malta may relax the USA requirements.  One never knows!  We will wait til maybe next year or later.

"Kent - checked with Viking, and they did indeed change some of their policies.  When the Malta cruise was first offered they did have air plus, but for new bookings, they are no longer offering it because flight options are so limited.  They said they may, or may not have business or premium economy, and will take this on a case by case basis.  "

[CCWineLover]

20 minutes ago, toolworker said:

I wonder whether the prohibition on going ashore on our own is a Viking policy that might be relaxed as conditions in the destination countries improve, or if it's baked into the deal with the Maltese government and out of Viking's control.

Viking people and our agent told me yesterday that it was not a Viking policy but a Maltese Government policy.   I have to believe Viking, like with Bermuda and Iceland, is very concerned, though, about getting an incident, and especially how that might affect future cruising - so may erring on the side of caution.

[LindaS272]

55 minutes ago, FLORIDA FLOUNDER said:

 

U.S. passengers are not permitted to stay anywhere overnight in Malta before or after the cruise.

 

I just noticed that Viking has added a "post" trip with 2 nights in Malta on your own outside of the bubble.🤨

 

Now THAT’S funny! I saw that add on a few days ago too. That, plus the upper level manager who told us the first TellUs agent was wrong about not being able to come in early, and the Maltese government’s pronouncement that they are going to be letting vaccinated tourists in and dropping testing requirements, plus Viking’s cancellation guarantee, is leading us to settle down, not get so “exercised”, and just sit tight. We aren’t sailing until Sept. 12. We can book MDR June 4, SRs July 4, and will watch for ShoreEx June 27 while we’re in Iceland on our land tour. We’d really like to cruise again!

[CCWineLover]

2 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

Now THAT’S funny! I saw that add on a few days ago too. That, plus the upper level manager who told us the first TellUs agent was wrong about not being able to come in early, and the Maltese government’s pronouncement that they are going to be letting vaccinated tourists in and dropping testing requirements, plus Viking’s cancellation guarantee, is leading us to settle down, not get so “exercised”, and just sit tight. We aren’t sailing until Sept. 12. We can book MDR June 4, SRs July 4, and will watch for ShoreEx June 27 while we’re in Iceland on our land tour. We’d really like to cruise again!

Yes interesting, Linda.  I also saw that this morning (the post-cruise by Viking).  Our concern however was getting to and on the ship, without be forced to go home.  It appears at the present that is the case for arriving to the ship.  I have to believe, as I've said before, that these Malta (not Viking) rules will be adjusted over the coming months.  and it will be easier to get to and enjoy Malta.

We have cancelled for now because for us the risk is too great.  However, if things do change in the next months, we would most certainly consider "re-booking" again under better conditions and when Viking and Malta get their act together for tourism better.

[MRGACRUZR]

1 minute ago, CCWineLover said:

Yes interesting, Linda.  I also saw that this morning (the post-cruise by Viking).  Our concern however was getting to and on the ship, without be forced to go home.  It appears at the present that is the case for arriving to the ship.  I have to believe, as I've said before, that these Malta (not Viking) rules will be adjusted over the coming months.  and it will be easier to get to and enjoy Malta.

We have cancelled for now because for us the risk is too great.  However, if things do change in the next months, we would most certainly consider "re-booking" again under better conditions and when Viking and Malta get their act together for tourism better.

I know Viking knows something, just like with the Bermuda Cruises, but why won't they share? Seems like a hell of an investment to set up these cruises, targeted at North Americans, and not have a "plan". If they are betting it will all come together, then why not make it really "risk free". Like I said before, I have no use for a one time use $20K voucher. I'm not worried about them selling out because most people want assurances before that type of a financial commitment.

 

I am positive that we will not be going if there is no business air. Too old and decrepit to fly the sardine can seats.

[MarkTapley]

19 hours ago, MikeyB said:

It starts at the very beginning with a web-site that does not disclose the actual available rooms.

Not sure what your experience has been.  But I booked our August 14th Iceland voyage completely on the Viking web-site on May 6th.  After hitting the red “Book Now” button, I chose the cabin category, then all the available rooms were shown on the deck plan and I chose the one I wanted.  YMMV.

[MikeyB]

Mark-

Thank you.  I stand corrected.  I did a false booking and I do see that Viking displays up to 5 cabins.  Certainly not all available.  I'm happy to admit I was wrong and I'm happy that you corrected me.

But I still have to say that human voice at the other end of the line when I call Viking has many times (not all) been less than satisfactory.  I say that having sailed with Viking about 10 times with 4 additional ocean cruises coming up this year.

I do love the ship board experience.

[CCWineLover]

36 minutes ago, MikeyB said:

Mark-

Thank you.  I stand corrected.  I did a false booking and I do see that Viking displays up to 5 cabins.  Certainly not all available.  I'm happy to admit I was wrong and I'm happy that you corrected me.

But I still have to say that human voice at the other end of the line when I call Viking has many times (not all) been less than satisfactory.  I say that having sailed with Viking about 10 times with 4 additional ocean cruises coming up this year.

I do love the ship board experience.

Not only that, Mikey and Mark - but when the web site presents you with the rooms available, it does only show 5, and usually those rooms are the ones that are "hardest to sell".  An example of this can be seen with the PV3 rooms.  We like them, but only if they aren't far forward.  Usually they always show the 5 rooms furthest forward, even if there are many other rooms more towards the middle of the ship in the same category.  So you have to be aware of that.  This has occurred for multiple categories for us, so we always work with our agent to get the room we want.

[CCWineLover]

1 hour ago, MRGACRUZR said:

I am positive that we will not be going if there is no business air. Too old and decrepit to fly the sardine can seats.

Same with us!   No business air means no go for us.  🙂

The glimmer of hope is that things may change and the airlines may start offering them in their contracts with Viking again.   Perhaps the airlines want to capture the travel surge and charge top dollar for the Biz seats (supply and demand) and not get committed into a lower price contract with Viking.

[MarkTapley]

1 hour ago, MikeyB said:

But I still have to say that human voice at the other end of the line when I call Viking has many times (not all) been less than satisfactory. 

MikeyB, yes I certainly agree!

[LindaS272]

Hello—Anyone there?

 

We’re on the Sept. 12 cruise, and since our MDRs are supposed to be available June 4, we’ll be doing final payment June 3 (kind of like to see what Malta announces on June 1, too, re: Covid restrictions/conditions).

 

All you folk on July and August cruises surely must have had bookings open, at least for dining reservations...? Can anyone comment on experiences so far?

 

Our air arrangements aren’t settled yet, but if conditions get too difficult vis-a-vis Covid regs/testing, we’re glad we have the Risk Free Guarantee.

[philw1776]

Sailing 9 Sept. Payment due 11 June. Flying Lufthansa Business air. Horrifically expensive.

[LindaS272]

17 minutes ago, philw1776 said:

Sailing 9 Sept. Payment due 11 June. Flying Lufthansa Business air. Horrifically expensive.

Let us know what you encounter with dining/ShoreEx reservations. Either no one else has signed up for the Malta cruises, or they are clueless about CC.

[MRGACRUZR]

24 minutes ago, philw1776 said:

Sailing 9 Sept. Payment due 11 June. Flying Lufthansa Business air. Horrifically expensive.

Prior to cancelling our Aug 13 cruise, our Business Air from ATL, through Viking Air +, was 4848 each, including a $300 discount and $50 for Air +.

[Jchivers]

14 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

Hello—Anyone there?

 

We’re on the Sept. 12 cruise, and since our MDRs are supposed to be available June 4, we’ll be doing final payment June 3 (kind of like to see what Malta announces on June 1, too, re: Covid restrictions/conditions).

 

All you folk on July and August cruises surely must have had bookings open, at least for dining reservations...? Can anyone comment on experiences so far?

 

Our air arrangements aren’t settled yet, but if conditions get too difficult vis-a-vis Covid regs/testing, we’re glad we have the Risk Free Guarantee.

Sailing July 24.  Dining and spa reservations are open; no shore excursions yet.