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Disappointed With Viking. We just sailed France’s Finest, with the 2nd week being Lyon to Provence. I’ve never complained about Viking before, however, I am now. The water level on the Rhone was very high: I fully understand that this is not within Viking’s control. As an example, the Steam Train Ride departed in the rain when we encountered a rock landslide such that we had to back up to return to the station. No complaints here on that - the situation was explained. @My complaint is that the Viking Staff managed and communicated the high water situation poorly. Despite heavy rain early in the cruise there was no forwarning that itinerary changes could be possible. Days 5, 6 & 7 were so severely impacted such that the boat couldn’t cruise. We received little information, and that information often changed. On 3 separate occasions all passengers had to do a mandatory evacuation of the ship onto buses. 2 of these occurred in one day and 2 required all to be off the boat by 7:30 am yet the buses did not start moving until much later. During one evacuation we were told all passengers had to go to a wine tasting yet when we disembarked there was another option available - we were not told this. Plans changed but we were not informed with accurate information in a timely manner. The last evacuation was extended until mid evening. Unsure why. Elderly passengers struggled to keep up. On return of the last evacuation the coach dropped all passengers off in the evening a good 20 minutes away from the ship and everyone had to walk back to the boat! That’s right - we were not dropped off back at the boat. The kicker? The evening before disembarcation there was no word by any staff. No ‘thank you for sailing with us’. No ‘safe travels’. No ‘We apologise for your inconvenience’. Nothing. We will be speaking with customer service upon our return home.

We are doing a back to back beginning in Sept with the cruise change port being in Monaco. We’ve heard differing information - can you disembark in Monaco and then reboard? We’d like to explore while there. Thanks in advance!

We’ve sailed on Viking River cruises before - we’ll be doing our first Viking Ocean. I know the date that we can book excursions….. does anyone know what time of day these open up? We’re in the US in CST. Thanks in advance!

I also really appreciate your work and diligence on doing this! I hope to meet you someday!

We were on Onward April 4 for the Spain Intensive. We ate at both the French and Italian Chef’s Table. A $25 tip was charged for each. Both meals were fantastic!

Cabin: 7000 Veranda Plus Ship: Onward, April 2023 Noise: No issue whatsoever Balcony: This cabin is at the very bow of the ship - beautiful views, immediately under the bridge. It had a deep space forward for a rectangular table and plenty of leg room. Book again?: Definitely! It was a great value - we don’t get motion sick but honestly didn’t feel any increased motion compared to locations at any other part of the ship. It had a shower with the curtains but it all worked out quite well. Bed was super comfy!

Thanks so much. We’re on Onward in April for the Spain intensive. Is there a choice of an Italian and French table? How many people does each event accommodate? Did you have a hard time getting a reservation? We plan on signing up first thing when we board.

A question about the Chef’s Table… is there a usual time that the meals start? We’re just trying to think in advance of when to select specialty dining based on our shore excursions.

Hi! I just posted on the Azamara Newbie site. Yes, I saw the sale and contacted our travel agent. She maintained the same booking and cabin assignment. But…. got us an extra $500 OBC and a very substantial monetary amount off our cruise price. Gives new meaning to Thanksgiving! Good luck!

FYI fellow cruisers. I read on some previous posts about Azamara’s Black Friday sale. I contacted our travel agent - she maintained our same booking and room, but got an extra $500 OBC and significant money off our already booked cruise. Hope this helps someone! Happy cruising!