What type of Viking cruise would you suggest for a first-timer (interested in trying Viking)?

[Baron Barracuda]

On 9/1/2023 at 1:49 PM, OnTheJourney said:

A friend of mine who cruises frequently has gotten increasingly interested in trying Viking based on several of my experiences. So now, as a first time venture, he booked an 8-day Mississippi cruise for '24. I'm just a bit concerned that this particular cruise experience might not be the best introduction to Viking? I'd hate to see him come away with a less than all-around positive feeling and then maybe not want to try another cruise.

 

My feeling would be that an ocean voyage would likely give a far better and more generalized feel for what Viking offers.  Anyone else agree? The Mississippi, I assume, is more of a unique experience and thus less representative of much of what Viking has been known for and can offer. While I've not done one, not sure I'd suggest an expedition cruise either for a first Viking trip. Reviews of some of the Mississippi trips would seem to support some of my assumptions.

 

I don't want to discourage him but I'm just wondering what sort of impact it will have. After my talking up Viking considerably over the years, it'd be unfortunate for him to complete this short river trip not feeling that it lived up to all I've mentioned (based on our 3 ocean voyages).

Other than Ocean vs River to make a recommendation it would help to know your friend's preferences:  sea days vs port days, discovering new places or revisiting familiar ones, longer itineraries vs shorter ones, summer sunshine or other cooler seasons. 

Edited September 2, 2023 by Baron Barracuda

[OnTheJourney]

23 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

sea days vs port days, discovering new places or revisiting familiar ones, longer itineraries vs shorter ones, summer sunshine or other cooler seasons. 

Actually I'd say no great preference of one over the other. Likes both sea and port days, trying new destinations, etc. As for itinerary length - generally a week to 2 weeks. I know Viking's 20-30+ day cruises would be too long. One thing that concerns me is that he's often said about enjoying some of the things that Viking doesn't have - time in the casino, the larger production shows, game-type shows and activities. Basically has cruised RCCL, X, and NCL. Nothing with smaller ship cruising, etc.

Edited September 2, 2023 by OnTheJourney

[KBs mum]

We did complete the onboard survey, but we also write to the relevent company when we get good service. 

Attempts to get the problems resolved when on board were unsuccessful, hence also writing to report them.

We don't bother with minor irritating things, they can happen anywhere, but actual dangerous circumstances, and not providing services as aranged/agreed in writing with Viking UK are not things we overlook. 

[KBs mum]

2 hours ago, MSEm said:

send praise & problems to tellus@vikingcruises.com.

the chat bot is just that A Bot, not a real person.

I am aware of what a chat bot is, hence a lot of the reason we ditched Viking as first choice. If they don't think customer emails are worth reading they are not worth their prices. 

Tellus doesn't allways work in the UK, our main email contact is a viking.uk one. 

Tellus usually assumes US laws/systems etc are the relevent ones, and is unaware of UK ones

[Mich3554]

1 hour ago, MSEm said:

I agree that completing the on Board survey is a very good way to praise excellent service.

At least 2 times I have been contacted by on board personnel about an items on the survey I completed on board.

THIS ^. Every time we had an issue, they contacted us if we wrote it on the survey.

[longterm]

On 9/1/2023 at 12:49 PM, OnTheJourney said:

My feeling would be that an ocean voyage would likely give a far better and more generalized feel for what Viking offers.  Anyone else agree? The Mississippi, I assume, is more of a unique experience and thus less representative of much of what Viking has been known for and can offer. While I've not done one, not sure I'd suggest an expedition cruise either for a first Viking trip. Reviews of some of the Mississippi trips would seem to support some of my assumptions.

Well... a few thoughts:

 

Our 1st Viking cruise was the Grand European river cruise, which we're repeating again in about a month; it's a great intro to Viking, and I highly recommend it, but it's definitely a totally different experience than an ocean cruise. So, while I think it's a great 1st Viking experience, I'm not sure I'd choose it as the first venture.

 

The Mississippi is an interesting part of the US, for sure; having grown up in Louisiana, I've crossed it at least a hundred times, not just down there but also at Memphis, in Minnesota, and also in St. Louis. I've been to all 50 states, but I don't think I would recommend a Mississippi River cruise--but that's just me.

 

A good 1st ocean experience, in my opinion, would be about 10-12 days; if they're beach people, the West Indies Explorer is a great trip, and offers lots of good time on some beautiful beaches--plus, it's not too far away for lots of Americans.

 

If they're REALLY doubtful about an ocean cruise, Viking used to offer a 5-day cruise in the Caribbean; it's not that expensive, would be a nice small taste of an ocean cruise. Again, if they're not beach people, it might not hold much interest.

 

Another great first cruise might be one of the legs in the Mediterranean--from Barcelona to Rome, or Rome to Venice, Venice to Athens, Athens to Istanbul--or they're really wanting to go for it--all of them, which is about a month long. 

[longterm]

23 hours ago, OnTheJourney said:

Of course, this is one of the potential issues with any river trip especially depending on river levels.

And as someone who lived in Nashville for 34 years, I don't find Memphis that appealing. If you're an Elvis fan (I'm not at all), Graceland might hold some charm (I found it tacky and a bit sad, myself), but other than that, I never found much in Memphis to draw my interest--except for Memphis barbecue, which is of course really excellent!

[longterm]

43 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

Actually I'd say no great preference of one over the other. Likes both sea and port days, trying new destinations, etc. As for itinerary length - generally a week to 2 weeks. I know Viking's 20-30+ day cruises would be too long. One thing that concerns me is that he's often said about enjoying some of the things that Viking doesn't have - time in the casino, the larger production shows, game-type shows and activities. Basically has cruised RCCL, X, and NCL. Nothing with smaller ship cruising, etc.

OH. Well, that's not Viking then, but that's why we like it. I worked in casinos for years, and grew to loathe them, and production shows--unless they're first-rate--leave me cold. So that's why we personally prefer Viking (plus the lack of kids onboard, and we love kids--just not on a ship).

 

I know lots of folks on here love transatlantic cruising, which we've not done; I would be willing to try that, but I personally wouldn't choose that as someone's first Viking experience, since a lot of what I value in Viking cruises is the ability to get a first peek at lots of ports, that I might want to revisit at greater length (Venice, Naples, and Sicily all did that for me).

[OneSixtyToOne]

1 hour ago, longterm said:

I know lots of folks on here love transatlantic cruising, which we've not done; I would be willing to try that, but I personally wouldn't choose that as someone's first Viking experience, since a lot of what I value in Viking cruises is the ability to get a first peek at lots of ports, that I might want to revisit at greater length (Venice, Naples, and Sicily all did that for me).

For a variety of port calls you really can’t top Trade Routes of the Middle Ages. 15 days, 10 tours, 7 countries.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/trade-routes-middle-ages/index.html

[longterm]

1 hour ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

For a variety of port calls you really can’t top Trade Routes of the Middle Ages. 15 days, 10 tours, 7 countries.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/multi-region/trade-routes-middle-ages/index.html

I hadn't ever looked at that cruise--looks really good. 🙂

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, longterm said:

since a lot of what I value in Viking cruises is the ability to get a first peek at lots of ports, that I might want to revisit at greater length (Venice, Naples, and Sicily all did that for me).

Agree completely!

 

4 hours ago, longterm said:

and we love kids--just not on a ship).

LOL...I hear you (and I was an elementary teacher...😁)

Edited September 3, 2023 by OnTheJourney

[OnTheJourney]

3 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

For a variety of port calls you really can’t top Trade Routes of the Middle Ages. 15 days, 10 tours, 7 countries.

That is indeed a great itinerary. Looked at it several times already. Quite a few ports on there we've not been to. I could easily spend more time in Barcelona, and would love to see Normandy. Never been to Portugal either. Bruges is lovely, and could spend more time in Bergen also. That's where our 2019 Northern Lights cruise started. Didn't have all that much time there since we had done the Oslo pre-extension. Now you got me excited about this one! Definitely goes on the list.

Edited September 3, 2023 by OnTheJourney

[SantaFe1]

OK, I’ve changed my mind.  I will do any cruise, to any place, any room category, on any line—well not on any line.  My dishwasher is backed up, I have 20 coming tomorrow, the plumber can’t get here until Tuesday, maybe. Just get me out of here!  (sorry for thread drift!)

Edited September 3, 2023 by SantaFe1

[May B]

8 hours ago, OnTheJourney said:

Actually I'd say no great preference of one over the other. Likes both sea and port days, trying new destinations, etc. As for itinerary length - generally a week to 2 weeks. I know Viking's 20-30+ day cruises would be too long. One thing that concerns me is that he's often said about enjoying some of the things that Viking doesn't have - time in the casino, the larger production shows, game-type shows and activities. Basically has cruised RCCL, X, and NCL. Nothing with smaller ship cruising, etc.

Let’s see if I understand this. You have a friend who enjoys cruising, especially with casino, production shows, game-type shows and activities. You think this friend will love Viking. Why? You think YOU know what’s good for him, better than HE does?

 

 

[Clay Clayton]

1 hour ago, SantaFe1 said:

OK, I’ve changed my mind.  I will do any cruise, to any place, any room category, on any line—well not on any line.  My dishwasher is backed up, I have 20 coming tomorrow, the plumber can’t get here until Tuesday, maybe. Just get me out of here!  (sorry for thread drift!)

Time to make reservations!   Good luck. 

[Peregrina651]

1 hour ago, SantaFe1 said:

OK, I’ve changed my mind.  I will do any cruise, to any place, any room category, on any line—well not on any line.  My dishwasher is backed up, I have 20 coming tomorrow, the plumber can’t get here until Tuesday, maybe. Just get me out of here!  (sorry for thread drift!)

 

 

Take-out and paper plates! Folks will understand!

[LindaS272]

1 hour ago, SantaFe1 said:

OK, I’ve changed my mind.  I will do any cruise, to any place, any room category, on any line—well not on any line.  My dishwasher is backed up, I have 20 coming tomorrow, the plumber can’t get here until Tuesday, maybe. Just get me out of here!  (sorry for thread drift!)

Gotcha, @SantaFe1! Our septic flooded this week when the dishwasher & clothes washer were going—water all over the kitchen floor (tile), dining room (wood)—couldn’t use any drains in the house—septic pumpers had two other emergencies & couldn't get to us for 24 hours. Set up a large bucket in the garage, used our neighbor’s vacant apartment, & the cleanest restrooms on the island at the Chevron in town. CC provided our entertainment & fantasies til the septic truck arrived next day to tear up our yard. 🫣😝🫠

 

[Peregrina651]

On 9/1/2023 at 1:49 PM, OnTheJourney said:

I'm just a bit concerned that this particular cruise experience might not be the best introduction to Viking?

 

I agree with you! You can slap the Viking name on the prow and the logo on the smokestack, but, for me, it is the employees who make the experience.

 

US laws make it very difficult for Viking to staff and crew the ship from its regular pool of employees, employees who have been with the company for many years and who are what make the Viking experience on board the ships. I really can't see the service on board being anything similar to what one finds in the rest of the fleet. Hence, your friends will be judging the entire fleet by this one outlier experience.

 

 

 

 

[SJD117]

11 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

We didn't see this crew member again, until near the end of the cruise when the attitude and service being provided while not as wonderful as some (looking at you Christian from Mexico), was certainly helpful and not surly as was the case initially. 

We didn’t encounter any surly staff on the Saturn cruise before yours. Far from it, actually — the crew members we met were uniformly pleasant and professional.

[Clay Clayton]

7 hours ago, SJD117 said:

We didn’t encounter any surly staff on the Saturn cruise before yours. Far from it, actually — the crew members we met were uniformly pleasant and professional.

It was just one.  We had great staff otherwise. 

[May B]

10 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

 

Take-out and paper plates! Folks will understand!

I agree. The important thing is the people.

 

Although I would prepare what I had planned, and gotten the best possible paper plates and plastic ware that I could find.

[May B]

10 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

Gotcha, @SantaFe1! Our septic flooded this week when the dishwasher & clothes washer were going—water all over the kitchen floor (tile), dining room (wood)—couldn’t use any drains in the house—septic pumpers had two other emergencies & couldn't get to us for 24 hours. Set up a large bucket in the garage, used our neighbor’s vacant apartment, & the cleanest restrooms on the island at the Chevron in town. CC provided our entertainment & fantasies til the septic truck arrived next day to tear up our yard. 🫣😝🫠

 

Oh nooooooo. That was unlucky, having both washers going. Good luck with the floors. 

[SantaFe1]

35 minutes ago, May B said:

I agree. The important thing is the people.

 

Although I would prepare what I had planned, and gotten the best possible paper plates and plastic ware that I could find.

Just did that.  A big pasta salad made in the biggest pot I have.  I bought nice plates and glasses yesterday, and a dishrack.  The pasta pot took up the whole dishrack.  Enchiladas next, and a big green salad.  Then my husband will grill the rest!  It’s 9 am and I’m ready for a glass of that wine I am chilling!

Edited September 3, 2023 by SantaFe1

[SantaFe1]

11 hours ago, LindaS272 said:

Gotcha, @SantaFe1! Our septic flooded this week when the dishwasher & clothes washer were going—water all over the kitchen floor (tile), dining room (wood)—couldn’t use any drains in the house—septic pumpers had two other emergencies & couldn't get to us for 24 hours. Set up a large bucket in the garage, used our neighbor’s vacant apartment, & the cleanest restrooms on the island at the Chevron in town. CC provided our entertainment & fantasies til the septic truck arrived next day to tear up our yard. 🫣😝🫠

 

Linda, this is a disaster.  You make me seem like a cry baby!

[LindaS272]

1 hour ago, SantaFe1 said:

Linda, this is a disaster.  You make me seem like a cry baby!

We were shaking for days because water just started exploding out of the downstairs toilet. We had had a big rainstorm the night before so that may have contributed to the drain field inundation.

 

Dave was washing dishes from hot water off the stove and then rinsing them with a hose in the garden. You got off lucky with only a dishwasher on the fritz and the ability to wash in a sink. But I think we both deserve a cruise in a PV after this! 😂😂😂😂