lackcreativity

I do not know what Viking means by "All Inclusive". I don't believe I have seen them use that description previously. Oddly enough, it appears right next to your post on the page here in Cruise Critic! To be honest, in my limited research on other cruise lines, I think "All Inclusive" often translates to "everything included except for (fill in the blank)".

In my mind, Paris deserves much more than just a part of a day. If you think it is likely that you will have a chance to visit on another trip when a longer stay is possible, then select one of the other options. I really like Honfleur, and would look forward to visiting Rouen or Giverny. Obviously, for some Normandy would be their choice. However, if you think that your chances of seeing Paris are more a "now or never" situation, then I would say go for it! Use google maps to locate the drop off point at Place de la Concorde, and plan what you would like to see. You are basically right along the Seine, so Sainte-Chapelle is about a 30 minute walk, Musee d'Orsay is right across the Siene, and if well planned the Louvre is available for a mini tour. In the opposite direction, it is a 30 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower. It might not be possible to manage the lines to go to the top of the tower, but it is an imposing sight even from the ground. In one block on the Boulavard Sainte Germain, we found a cheese shop, a wine shop, and a bakery, along with the butcher and the fish monger, and fruit stand. Maybe you would want to go shopping and have a picnic in one of the several parks nearby. Or just find an appealing cafe and have lunch. If you do decide to go to Paris, be forewarned that traffic in route may well diminish your planned 4 hours of free time, so set modest expectations You certainly cannot do it all, but you can do a few special things. Enjoy whatever you do!

I do understand the use of Viking River to make assumptions about Viking Ocean. In my opinion, if you like Viking River you will love VO. Of course, that is not universally true, but most often I would bet. We have only sailed Viking, but are considering Oceania in search of a new itinerary. Before sailing, all you have to evaluate is pictures and videos and comments online. Based on those factors, Oceania seems to have a different feel. I expect we will like Oceania, and loving it would be a bonus!

That is my sentiment exactly, but unfortunately it seems that we may have reached that point. In our case, the problem is self-inflicted. We don't like cold weather, and we aren't beach fans. The Mediterranean is where my heart lies, and Viking's cruises there are now quite repetitive for us. Oceania has a number of appealing itineraries there, but so far, I haven't been ready to make the switch.

What an odd coincidence, that my random example was the port in question! Years ago, during our land tour days, a case of food poisoning disrupted our travel. To rejoin the group, we had to take the train from Venice to Naples. That was an adventure, but we managed, even though we had to transport all our luggage. Oh, and be wary of random people (pickpockets!) offering to help you with your luggage. But that's another story. For a shore excursion, seek advice about what you should have with you in the very unlikely event of a missed connection (passport? prescriptions?). Have fun!

You did not mention which excursion in which port you missed booking. To some extent that makes a difference. For instance, if you missed out on an excursion in Naples, and your next stop is in Rome, then booking an outside tour is less of a risk. Taking the train from Naples to Rome is a cinch in comparison to the African island story that was recently in the news. If you book an outside excursion that offers a liberal refund policy for a cancellation, then if a Viking spot opens you can book it and cancel the other. Also, there are certain excursions that may not have the option of last minute openings. The Alhambra in Spain is very strict in giving each cruise ship just a limited number of tickets, and each ticket has the passenger's name linked to the ticket. Even if someone can't use their ticket, it can't be transferred. ( To be honest, I haven't experienced this first hand, but have read it here repeatedly.)

In Kotor, Montenegro we docked right across from the entrance gate to the Old Town. We could walk off the ship into Rhodes, Greece, Cartagena in Spain, Split in Croatia, Sibenik in Croatia, Copenhagen in Denmark, Bergen in Norway, and Zadar in Croatia. Sometimes Viking docks right in the heart of Barcelona, though we have never done so. I can't confirm whether bigger ships can do that as well, or if Viking is always able to get those spots, but it is great when it happens! We also love the Mediterranean, but are looking for some variety in ports. We have visited most every port there that Viking visits and keep hoping for some new additions.

I am so glad this thread resurfaced, as we are taking this cruise in June. I am really looking forward to it, especially since we are traveling with friends to celebrate their 45 wedding anniversary. It was supposed to be for their 40th, but then Covid and other things intervened. For the first (and likely only) time, we will be enjoying the luxury version of Viking travel. Our cruise from last year was overbooked, so we accepted a very generous offer to Move Over to a future sailing. One of the perks was an upgrade to the Explorer's Suite for both couples! Future cruises will be back in our budget-luxury category, so this one should be extra special.

Even with my degree in mathematics and my handful of accounting classes, I must admit the first paragraph was a head scratcher. Fortunately, I think I got the last line!

My experience with ship's excursions have all been with Viking. I am visiting here in consideration of trying an Oceania cruise. Maybe Oceania excursions are different. On Viking, I have never even seen a bus that holds 60 people, much less been on one. Generally, groups are 30 to 35. And the Acropolis is still the Acropolis. After the group tour, we often wander on our own and return by shuttle. Generally, people on the tours are sociable. We have made friends that way. If I am happy with my cruise experience, if it saves me the time and effort of independently booking when I still go to work every day, then shouldn't we both be satisfied?

While you profess "To each their own.", I think that you are pretty harsh in your comment about the choices others make. Some people may make those choices because of "obsessive fear", and yet they are still adventurous enough to travel to new places and do so in a way that is comfortable to them. We most often use ship's tours and ship's arrangements for pre/post stays. In our case, it is more for convenience or perhaps even laziness if you wish. In our early seventies, we are both still working, and prefer to let someone else handle all the details. That suits us.

So true, and the need to be clear on one's own requirements is essential. As difficult as it may be to go through all the fine print, that may be what keeps one from posting here after the fact looking for advice/sympathy/outrage when something goes wrong. That's one of the reasons I keep returning here year after year, trying to keep from being the next sad story on Cruise Critic because I didn't know something I should have known!

Be careful with this strategy if you need coverage for pre-existing conditions. Those circumstances may be different.

I think the claim was $900 per person per day compared to $1200 per person per day for a 30 day cruise, so $300 more for each of 30 days. That's $9,000 then double for two people.

As a regular occupant of the Veranda cabins, four things usually keep me satisfied during the booking process. First, I have enough experience now to reassure me that things have generally worked pretty well during previous cruises. Second, I know that if we miss out on something really important there are private tours to consider. Third, Viking often adds extra buses and people often drop out so Sold Outs may open again. Finally, lots of times there is a second choice of a different excursion that is appealing too. I guess I am just easy to please. It does make thing easier in the long run!