Included excursion issue

[millybess]

14 minutes ago, NewSalty said:

There's an entire thread dedicated to this topic:

 

 

 

I know that.  I'm talking to the OP.  Thanks though.  🙂

[NewSalty]

2 hours ago, millybess said:

I know that.  I'm talking to the OP.  Thanks though.  🙂

Sorry, I wasn't speaking directly to your post, just putting a general comment up for anyone following this thread...

[millybess]

2 minutes ago, NewSalty said:

Sorry, I wasn't speaking directly to your post, just putting a general comment up for anyone following this thread...

No problem.  Thanks.  🙂

[JerryInIL]

Do other cruise lines also discriminate by cabin category in selecting excursions?

[CurlerRob]

10 hours ago, JerryInIL said:

Do other cruise lines also discriminate by cabin category in selecting excursions?

 

I have not experienced any others that do this. However, every cruise line I've sailed provides some form of "discrimination" for cabin category. Examples are private lounges for upper level cabins, private restaurants for same, the whole "ship within a ship" offerings, etc.

 

Different approaches by various companies in recognizing those who choose to pay more. 🍺🥌

[bookbabe]

18 hours ago, JerryInIL said:

Do other cruise lines also discriminate by cabin category in selecting excursions?

On pretty much all cruise lines you get what you pay for.  Pay more, get more.

[wine-wine-wine]

6 hours ago, bookbabe said:

On pretty much all cruise lines you get what you pay for.  Pay more, get more.

But once onboard Viking there is no difference at all. We are all treated equally well. This in itself is a perk. 

[bookbabe]

41 minutes ago, wine-wine-wine said:

But once onboard Viking there is no difference at all. We are all treated equally well. This in itself is a perk. 

For the most part, yes that’s true onboard Viking, at least outside your cabin.  But pre-cruise and inside the cabin once onboard, those who have paid more get more perks.  If people want the perk of booking shore excursions and dining earlier, they need to pay extra or choose a cruise line that handles perks differently.  Those areas are where Viking has decided to add the extra perks for higher paying guests.  Other cruise lines have additional perks onboard instead of in those areas, some have a combination of perk types.  It’s all still a case of you get what you pay for on your chosen line.

 

And it isn’t like the different booking timelines and other perks are a secret.  They are very upfront in the descriptions of the cabin types as to what that cabin type includes.  

[bison2013]

On 9/24/2023 at 11:26 AM, JerryInIL said:

Do other cruise lines also discriminate by cabin category in selecting excursions?

of course they do- that is what 'preferred access' or 'priority access' or 'exclusive access' refers to...

I think the better phrase is 'incentivize by cabin category' as there is no status/loyalty levels with Viking that I am aware of.

[millybess]

4 minutes ago, bison2013 said:

of course they do- that is what 'preferred access' or 'priority access' or 'exclusive access' refers to...

I think the better phrase is 'incentivize by cabin category' as there is no status/loyalty levels with Viking that I am aware of.

That is correct, there are no "loyalty" levels or exclusive dining access, etc. that you would find on other lines.  If you have cruised with Viking before, you are automatically part of the "Explorer's Society" which entitles you to a small discount on future cruises. 

[CCWineLover]

On 9/24/2023 at 12:26 PM, JerryInIL said:

Do other cruise lines also discriminate by cabin category in selecting excursions?

If you wish to use the inflammatory word “discrimination “…..   yes all cruise lines, airlines, and hotels use a form of that word.  Basically the more you pay them, the more you get.  They are not socialist companies and are in it for a profit. 

Edited September 25, 2023 by CCWineLover

[AbbyFoggy]

Interesting update.

 

A couple weeks ago another departure for this "special" included excursion showed up.  So I cancelled my reservation and booked both of us on this excursion.

 

Then today I get the following email.  It looks like Viking is certainly having growing pains as it relates to these "special" included excursion.  Obviously we are at -0- loss, but Viking did look a bit incompetent during the entire booking process for this excursion.   

 

Due to a system error, you were able to book the optional shore excursion Snuba Adventure at Pigeon Island as an included tour. Please be advised this error is being corrected. However, your excursion selection has been protected and will remain at no cost to you.

[millybess]

42 minutes ago, AbbyFoggy said:

Interesting update.

 

A couple weeks ago another departure for this "special" included excursion showed up.  So I cancelled my reservation and booked both of us on this excursion.

 

Then today I get the following email.  It looks like Viking is certainly having growing pains as it relates to these "special" included excursion.  Obviously we are at -0- loss, but Viking did look a bit incompetent during the entire booking process for this excursion.   

 

Due to a system error, you were able to book the optional shore excursion Snuba Adventure at Pigeon Island as an included tour. Please be advised this error is being corrected. However, your excursion selection has been protected and will remain at no cost to you.

That is very odd.

 

The same SNUBA excursion has been offered as included on our cruise and it sold out yesterday. As soon as it sold out, it then showed as $142 per person, but still sold out. It has always been shown as included, not optional, since the day the shore excursions were posted. 

[rmalbers]

FWIW: It seems like there is a lot of excitement about the SNUBA at Pigeon Island (which isn't an island, anymore).  If it takes place around/near the only dock at Pigeon (point) do more research and check reviews out because I'm not sure you are going to see much.  Anyway, if you've snorkeled on reefs you will probably be disappointed.   If you are doing it just to be in the water and experience SNUBA you will be fine.