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I got the same impression! That Viking was implying that the OP was lying or exaggerating. I think that is offensive. And there was obviously more than one dog on the cruise originally discussed. I won’t blame Viking for the individual representative this time. But someone who speaks for Viking should have the correct information and not disparage people without the facts. I can take my business elsewhere, as can many others. And if we continue to see dogs sitting in chairs, I’m gone…

That answers my question perfectly. Hmmm, so when Silversea say no pets, maybe if you ask about service animals they allow them. If the law requires ships to take service animals with little documentation, according to Chief who I believe said you can’t ask people about their disability, then the ship probably can’t restrict animals on board to a specific number?

Btw we have five dogs and a cat in our family so I’m not immune to the charms of animals.

I’ve done a bit of quick research. Appears that Silversea does not allow animals, service or otherwise. And many of the requirements by other lines go against what one poster said were illegal. Perhaps because they are vessels registered under a foreign flag, they are not required under our laws to allow animals. So cruising is a choice, while flying somewhere may be a necessity. It seems rational that some things would not be subject to the laws, otherwise how can Silversea discriminate against people wanting to bring their animals. Maybe Heidi 13, who always has excellent information, can assist on this question.

I understand that it was conjecture about the departure from US ports mainly but it seems reasonable. So if anyone know if the rules are different for overseas please respond. Thank very much.

As mentioned previously, is this only for ship departing from US. I know from family members taking pets to live in Europe it is complicated to get permission to enter. So people flying to Europe to depart on a cruise, must they nowadays get permission or can they say they must take the animal. What do people with genuine service animals do flying overseas?

If people don’t have to show proof that animals are trained service animal, conceivably everyone who wants to bring their pet is allowed. No proof required. Ok, so that’s upsetting. I understand that people have disabilities but most people with severe diabetes manage to live without a service animal ( personal experience). And cruise anyway. This is a sticky wicket. 😬

Wow! Hopefully that will get Vikings attention. Really excellently presented. 🙏 thank you.

I hope everyone who reads this will write to Viking so that Viking knows this won’t go away.

I emailed a few days ago when this began! I got a call pretty soon after. I’m guessing that so many people are emailing now ( hopefully) that they want to get to the bottom of the reason the dogs got permission and then address it with a change in policy. I was told that esa were not allowed though, and I told the caller to look on this website and she could see the photos. Following is the email I sent. I’m shocked to hear that dogs will be allowed on your cruises. If this is the case, I’ll opt to do land tours from now on. Service dogs are one thing, but the emotional support scam that many people use to get a free trip for their pet, is an insult to those of us who hire petsitters to care for our pets when we travel. And dogs in the restaurant! Someone will get sick and sue the line for allowing animals in an eating area. Please change your policy re “ emotional support “ animals or you will lose a lot more clients than you gain.

I agree 100%. People want to have it both ways. Heidi13 always has the extremely helpful comments. I imagine the people who rebooked from 2020 got the choice of 100% refund or 125% credit, so weren’t they already ahead? Please explain. And cruises, like any other form of travel, have their ups and downs. My airline experiences in the past year have been dreadful. I’ve been on 6 Viking cruises now, and I wouldn’t go on another, besides Tauck which I only go on if solo. I highly doubt that another cruise line would do better in theses specific circumstances. Grass is always greener, eh?

Good point😊

To give more information, we chose Viking because of the smaller size and lectures as entertainment rather than the sort larger ships apparently offer. The OP mentioned Crystal and Oceania so I expect those are superior to Viking in their estimation. Does Celebrity have smaller ships as they mentioned that as well? Thanks again.

Just curious about the dissatisfaction with dining. I’m not a foodie, so I was very happy with the dining. What cruise lines do you suggest for the excellent food and wine you are used to? I’ve only gone on three ocean cruises and all Viking, so I’m interested in what the other lines you are used to traveling will offer. I’m open to trying other lines and would love to know what y’all prefer. I was a wine specialist in my working life, so I missed the Pinot Noir on my last trip, but it didn’t bother me too much. I have taken one Tauck river cruise and booked for another. They did have better wine, but the food was similar to my non foodie palate. Thanks for any input and for the review.

Yes that’s a good point.

More good advice. Thanks

That is good to know. Our onboard consultant told us that wasn’t true but I honestly trust people more who have actually traveled in those staterooms. Thanks much. I think I’ll continue to stay on a higher deck. So far once on deck 6 and twice on 4. All the comments about Meclizine are encouraging. I’ve had success with it but never tried in rough seas. Usually I need it in moderately choppy seas. Maybe it’s time to be a bit more adventurous in my cruise choices. Thanks again to all.

Thanks for all the input! We ended up deciding on a different cruise so have a different room choice. I love that people give information about specific rooms. On this past cruise we were in 4062 Viking Sky. I really like being midship because of intermittent seasickness. I wonder if anyone with that affliction has traveled far forward or aft. Just curious if it was bad and if Dramamine helped. Thanks.

We booked 3057 but some people say it’s noisy. We go to bed early so thinking of shifting to over the restaurant. Like 3060 or around that. Is that as noisy?? Thanks much.

Pushka, good on ya! I totally see the wisdom in being prepared. Last summer I used up all my lidocaine patches and needed more. Guess what? Unavailable in Europe, at least according to one of the pharmacists I asked. Some things we take for granted aren’t available elsewhere, or not easily accessible. So bringing your pharmacy is a good thing imho.

Love this response! Hear hear!!

Loved this topic. Everyone has his or own view and way of enjoying travel, and of course there’s no wrong or right way. For me, research and anticipation are a big part of travel. That being said, travel is never perfect, and when things don’t go to plan, I try to go with it rather than complaining endlessly. I’ve seen some posts with people complaining about the littlest, unforeseen things. Get over it. There are reasons to complain and reasons to just get on with it and enjoy what you can. I agree with the posters who spoke of the younger days when we had to write letters for reservations etc. But when you got to your destination, you just had to accept what happened to a great extent. As I college student in Europe, I hitchhiked. Now that was really unpredictable. Plan or not, but when you get there, enjoy without worrying about minor things. I’ve recently discovered cruising at my late 60s and am 🥰 with it. And this forum has been wonderfully informative and enjoyable. Keep posting y’all.

Some people hate to follow rules, unfortunately. What’s the big deal to leave your jeans and t shirt at home? I agree that basic travel pants or khakis/ chinos work best. I bring one pair of dressy black pants and several tops and scarves. It’s nice to make dinner a special occasion.

We are on this cruise in February so super excited that you are posting! Really wonderfully written and interesting. Sounds like a great trip so far and cannot wait to hear more as the cruise goes on. Thanks so very much for doing this.