Viking River Cruise Disappoints
May 4th, 2016, 04:00 AM
#81
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If your roommate was not given a refund, why would you be charged extra for single occupancy? Her berth was already paid for. Were you told this was the case by Viking? If so, then I would agree you were treated unfairly.
This is a situation where travel insurance would come in handy. You can get a policy that will reimburse you if you cancel because your travelling companion cancels for certain listed reasons (usually serious illness or death of a family member). Yes, life happens, so insure yourself.
This is a situation where travel insurance would come in handy. You can get a policy that will reimburse you if you cancel because your travelling companion cancels for certain listed reasons (usually serious illness or death of a family member). Yes, life happens, so insure yourself.
May 7th, 2016, 09:28 AM
#83
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.....you never know what will happen in your life to cause a cancellation and VRC had no mercy or forgiveness for life happening. .......
Why should they. It is a business. Not their fault that you had to cancel. That is what travel insurance is for or did you expect them to give you a free insurance policy with your reservation. You chose not to insurance. It becomes your risk.
Why should they. It is a business. Not their fault that you had to cancel. That is what travel insurance is for or did you expect them to give you a free insurance policy with your reservation. You chose not to insurance. It becomes your risk.
May 10th, 2016, 12:47 PM
#84
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My wife and I were lucky enough to go on a VRC to the heart of Normandy near the end of march of 2016. This is the best vacation I have ever had for several reasons.
1. The incredible history of this Paris to Normandy world, including Monet, many castles and Notre Dame's. Once again, the history plus the beauty.
2. My wife and I were kind of used to the large ships of Costa cruise lines, and were extremely happy for the smaller venue, and age group. At 62 ish, we were some of the youngest on board, and it was so fun not to have mostly young people on board. Roughly the same attention by staff, to the plus side.
3. I have read quite a few of the reviews good, bad and neutral. For my 2 cents, this was the best organized, best excursions, best staff with 90 percent great attitudes. Very best activity director.
I always expect a certain amount of "life happens" stuff, and the people who slip in their jobs, etc.
As Abraham Lincoln once said.."I haven't met a man with no vices who had any virtue".
Viva La Difference goes a long way.
The whole of it was the best, in my opinion. There were medical emergencies being taken care of in the best possible way, there were accommodations being taken care of appropriately. All normal, or in the normal range. I always felt that VRC was there for me and would help. Even when leaving, the VRC guy was racing around doing every thing in his power to help four different groups leaving on four different flights. He got us in the target range knowing we would figure it out or were in decent hands with the airline help, and he raced off to help others who were needing it.
I am not sure if this is the correct place for me to submit this opinion but here it is.
Best to you all.
Don
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoxJ0I67fEQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHO_0dKwYoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXlNt7Idta8
1. The incredible history of this Paris to Normandy world, including Monet, many castles and Notre Dame's. Once again, the history plus the beauty.
2. My wife and I were kind of used to the large ships of Costa cruise lines, and were extremely happy for the smaller venue, and age group. At 62 ish, we were some of the youngest on board, and it was so fun not to have mostly young people on board. Roughly the same attention by staff, to the plus side.
3. I have read quite a few of the reviews good, bad and neutral. For my 2 cents, this was the best organized, best excursions, best staff with 90 percent great attitudes. Very best activity director.
I always expect a certain amount of "life happens" stuff, and the people who slip in their jobs, etc.
As Abraham Lincoln once said.."I haven't met a man with no vices who had any virtue".
Viva La Difference goes a long way.
The whole of it was the best, in my opinion. There were medical emergencies being taken care of in the best possible way, there were accommodations being taken care of appropriately. All normal, or in the normal range. I always felt that VRC was there for me and would help. Even when leaving, the VRC guy was racing around doing every thing in his power to help four different groups leaving on four different flights. He got us in the target range knowing we would figure it out or were in decent hands with the airline help, and he raced off to help others who were needing it.
I am not sure if this is the correct place for me to submit this opinion but here it is.
Best to you all.
Don
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoxJ0I67fEQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHO_0dKwYoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXlNt7Idta8
May 16th, 2016, 06:02 PM
#85
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Having taken many ocean cruise, I am surprised to hear so many disastrous and disappointed reviews of river cruises. I am going on my first river cruise this December, and am now rather wary. I have been mostly lucky, but even on the ocean cruises there are occasional glitches. We have either had to pass on ports or arrives hours late because of weather. On a big ship, there are always other things to do, and the very nature of large numbers allows the company to make up for these glitches, even it they are "acts of God". I imagine that dealing with fewer passengers and smaller ships does not allow the river boat companies to make accommodations as easily and still be profitable.
I could live with having to make last minute changes from boats to buses and trains if the river levels are too low, but would be extremely disappointed. A land tour can never be a river or ocean cruise. If I am required to be flexible, then the river boat companies, who seem to have a lot of experience with these problems, should have contingency plans. And since the food, accomodations, and manner of travel will be different, they should be prepared to refund a substantial amount of the more expensive boat travel that they are not providing and I am not receiving. There is no excuse for their not being prepared, especially in cases cited here, where they know weeks ahead of time of the conditions.
I could live with having to make last minute changes from boats to buses and trains if the river levels are too low, but would be extremely disappointed. A land tour can never be a river or ocean cruise. If I am required to be flexible, then the river boat companies, who seem to have a lot of experience with these problems, should have contingency plans. And since the food, accomodations, and manner of travel will be different, they should be prepared to refund a substantial amount of the more expensive boat travel that they are not providing and I am not receiving. There is no excuse for their not being prepared, especially in cases cited here, where they know weeks ahead of time of the conditions.
May 18th, 2016, 12:08 PM
#86
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Reading all those "horror" stories is what is keeping us away from River cruises. Yet I have met and know many people who enjoyed their River cruises.
Burta: As you put it quite nicely: "Land tour can never be a river or ocean cruise". However, I think the "boat travel" is cheaper by a long shot over the "land tour" as it costs the boat cruise company more money to bus people, provide meals on land and possibly hotels. I believe "land tours" are more expensive then they can do it all on their own boats.
In order to truly appreciate the European heartland, river cruises are inevitable, so I guess it is just a matter of time for us. The question I would like to ask, is there a time where the risk of river water level too high or too low is minimal?
Burta: As you put it quite nicely: "Land tour can never be a river or ocean cruise". However, I think the "boat travel" is cheaper by a long shot over the "land tour" as it costs the boat cruise company more money to bus people, provide meals on land and possibly hotels. I believe "land tours" are more expensive then they can do it all on their own boats.
In order to truly appreciate the European heartland, river cruises are inevitable, so I guess it is just a matter of time for us. The question I would like to ask, is there a time where the risk of river water level too high or too low is minimal?
May 20th, 2016, 12:06 PM
#88
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Apparently it takes 100 days once the weather warms up for the snow melt to hit the Danube. So if you keep track of the snowfall in Nov-Feb you might be able to determine far enough out whether or not the Danube will be to low or high. There are sites that tell you the height of the european rivers but if I remember correctly it is at that moment which does not good.
May 22nd, 2016, 01:15 PM
#89
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Here’s a link which discusses changing water levels in European Rivers and recommends the type of boat which is least affected.
http://jerryvandyke.com/european-riv.../water-levels/
I’ve never taking a river cruise , nor have I used the travel company which is promoting it’s cruises in the link. I just happened come across it and thought it could be useful information for anyone who is researching river cruises and is anxious to avoid a “cruise by coach”.
http://jerryvandyke.com/european-riv.../water-levels/
I’ve never taking a river cruise , nor have I used the travel company which is promoting it’s cruises in the link. I just happened come across it and thought it could be useful information for anyone who is researching river cruises and is anxious to avoid a “cruise by coach”.
Jul 1st, 2016, 09:38 AM
#92
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New to this forum but have been using Fodors for many years. Just returned from a Viking cruise (or shall I say bus tour)from Avignon to Lyon on June 22nd. I do understand that Mother Nature cannot be controlled however in this case Viking new before we boarded that the ship could not cruise due to high water and should have given us the option to postpone our cruise to a later date or refund our money. The ship never left Avignon so the only option was coach touring of some of the area but not all the cities on the itinerary. On the fourth day we were put on a coach to Lyon which was the final destination. Even after speaking with customer service and sending emails Viking is only offering a 15% off voucher towards a new cruise. This was our second cruise with them because in 2014 we took a Budapest to Amsterdam cruise and had something very similar happen. We used the credit voucher given to us for that cruise on this one. Won't make that mistake again!
Jul 2nd, 2016, 05:41 PM
#95
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With the frequency of these events, I doubt the river cruise companies could stay in business if they allowed everyone last minute cancellations. They would still have all their costs of boat, crew, staff, food, etc.
Jul 4th, 2016, 04:42 AM
#97
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Hello Sassafrass. I understand that too. However with that being said, I believe that because of the frequency of these events they need to compensate their guests with a better incentive than 15% off their next paid cruise.
Jul 13th, 2016, 07:30 PM
#98
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Friends, I joined this forum just so that I can confirm marianelas' July 1 comments regarding her experience with Viking's June 22-29, cruises between Avignon and Leon, France. My itinerary was was Lyon-Avignon. I've cruised on ocean-going ships and know that things happen. However, this was my first river cruise and one of the items on my "bucket list." I won't repeat marianelas observations, or add my other complaints, but wish to add that I sent a message to Viking about my experience and received a call from a customer service agent that sounded all of 20 years old. I don't know why she called, she only asked that I confirm the issues I raised in my message and she offered no resolution or remuneration. I have since received an email from the infamous Ms. Maldonado mentioned in one of the other posts above.
Here is the last line of text of her message:
"All of us at Viking want you to travel with us again, under less exceptional circumstances, and experience a Viking journey as it was designed. We hope to welcome you aboard in the near future."
Stephanie Maldonado
Senior Manager, Customer Relations
Viking Cruises, Inc.
Well marianelas I guess I can anticipate a 15% off voucher for a future river cruise! Oh, and by the way for those who've complained about nitpicking travelers who don't know how to "adjust" to situations. I've traveled well over one-million miles for business and pleasure over the last 15 years, and I can attest that my experience with Viking customer service is shockingly lackadaisical especially considering the prices they charge for these cruises. I don't mind telling you that I spent well over $11,000 for this cruise including air travel and insurance -- at these prices cruisers have a right to expect a far more sympathetic response from this company.
Here is the last line of text of her message:
"All of us at Viking want you to travel with us again, under less exceptional circumstances, and experience a Viking journey as it was designed. We hope to welcome you aboard in the near future."
Stephanie Maldonado
Senior Manager, Customer Relations
Viking Cruises, Inc.
Well marianelas I guess I can anticipate a 15% off voucher for a future river cruise! Oh, and by the way for those who've complained about nitpicking travelers who don't know how to "adjust" to situations. I've traveled well over one-million miles for business and pleasure over the last 15 years, and I can attest that my experience with Viking customer service is shockingly lackadaisical especially considering the prices they charge for these cruises. I don't mind telling you that I spent well over $11,000 for this cruise including air travel and insurance -- at these prices cruisers have a right to expect a far more sympathetic response from this company.
