lackcreativity

Flyer Talker,

Thanks for your input on my comments regarding Viking Air and our upcoming trip from Baltimore to France. Honestly, I was aware of much of what you said. In the past we would drive to Philadelphia or Washington to improve our flight options, but that became very tiresome in itself. I know well that for us there is only one preferred flight to Europe daily from BWI, and it is that British Airways flight to Heathrow. That was what I meant by our "usual" flight.

I know how much some people complain about LHR, but to us, it is familiar. I knew about the long layover, but had planned to check in to the adjacent hotel at the airport for a shower and maybe a nap. That might be less tiring that the three flight itinerary we were assigned by Viking. However, the upcharge of $500+ per person along with the cost of the hotel room was not acceptable for us.

We are not frequent flyers outside of one international trip a year and a couple of trips to Boston. To claim that air travel is in turmoil was an overstatement on my part. Supply and demand is certainly at play in the market now. It may be naive of me to expect to see prices from five years ago in the future! 

On 4/18/2024 at 3:54 PM, CDNPolar said:

 

We have always purchased Air Plus before.  This is the first time we have not and we are anticipating flights to be populated in about 60 days.  That is when we will be looking at all of this, so I am excited to see where this goes with other experience.

We have always purchased Viking Air, but for the first time I felt we did not get any value from it for our trip this June. For the itinerary I wanted, from our usual gateway on our usual British Airways through Heathrow, they wanted to charge us another $500 to $700 pp depending on when we called.

The flights they picked seemed ridiculous: outbound we fly from Baltimore to Detroit to Paris to Lyon, and the return leg is similar to our preferred route (Marseille to LHR to BWI). The only reason we accepted that is based on favorable timing. The trip to France will take place during daytime hours, departing at 10:50 AM. I will accept some inconvenience to avoid those overnight flights in coach! 

My overall point is that since Covid (I know, tired of hearing that) air travel just seems in turmoil. Even our routine trips from Baltimore to Boston are much more expensive than they used to be.

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!

13 minutes ago, mwike said:

I don't say this as a negative to VO as we've been very pleased with our past VO cruises and enjoyed our one river cruise (but didn't like it enough to do another).  Just don't agree with the logic above especially when used to provide insight to a VO vs Oceania cruise.

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!

12 hours ago, odblnt said:

It would have to be a very good itinerary that would woo me away from Viking.

 

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.

1 hour ago, Lemondrops said:

Thank you for this.  You make an excellent point regarding location.  The excursion we were unable to book was in Naples, so maybe we could book another vendor without too much worry. I hadn't even considered that.  Thank you for your response.

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.

1 hour ago, WanderingTravels said:

They recorded a non-cash "private derivatives loss" of $2B in 2023.  That is defined as "the non-cash loss (gain) on the remeasurement of the fair value of the derivatives associated with our Series A Preference Shares, Series B Preference Shares and Series C Preference Shares. Our Series A Preference Shares and Series B Preference Shares are no longer outstanding since the issuance of Series C Preference Shares in 2021. Our Series C Preference Shares will automatically convert to ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of this offering."

 

Without that non-cash loss the company would have reported a $1.1 billion EBITDA, impressive.

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!

10 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I think people who only do ship tours lack creativity 😀 In most cases ship tours are over packed, too many per guide and often the most generic. I sometimes do a ship tour but usually regret it while independently booked tours have mostly been top notch. Do research and don’t end up on a bus with 20 to 60 others. If for example I can be lazy and go to the let’s say the Acropolis with 50 people or in a van with 10 people. Same place but the experience is going to be different. It really is not inconvenient to find an independent tour that takes 12 or less. 

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?

15 hours ago, pinotlover said:

I believe we all have different degrees of risk aversion based upon on our physical limitations, abilities, and personal choices. Some people won’t cross a street unless mommy Oceania is there to hold their hand. They’ll pay ridiculous prices to stay in Oceania hotels and/or take all O land tours. Other people have different views and ack according. We sometimes take ship tours based on a number criteria. The obsessive fear that some have of missing the ship is rarely one of those. To each their own.

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. 

16 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Not disagreeing with you, but travel insurance is so personal to everyone.

 

We don't have pre-existing conditions to worry about, so this strategy works for us.

 

There is also a forum here on CC for insurance and these kinds of topics get discussed in depth.

 

CFAR, pre-existing conditions, single trip, annual plans, etc., etc.

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!

On 3/31/2024 at 5:28 AM, CDNPolar said:

 

Exactly

 

Aside from the loss of interest - if that is a key concern - there is no penalty to cancel until 120 days and less from the cruise.  So pay in full, and then if you can make a decision not to go in excess of 120 days, then you only lose $100 per person.  You don't even have to buy insurance until the 120 day mark.

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

14 minutes ago, sharkster77 said:

In the post that you quote, I see a figure of $900 pp (a comparison of 900 vs 1200 pp).  Where do you get the figure of $9,000 pp?

 

What am I missing?

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!

On 3/18/2024 at 7:25 PM, quiltsnh said:

Thank you everyone… it is much clearer now… 

I can understand your confusion. Viking shows "Italy, the Adriatic & Greece" as a 15 day cruise on the website, when it is actually the middle two parts of a four week cruise. We went all the way from Barcelona to Istanbul, but we did the first half one year and the second half the next. We really enjoyed both parts!

16 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Best advice: you need some time off from one another each day. You can't be joined at the hip all day long. State it clearly early on in the planning process.

Are you talking about my husband or our friends?😁

We will actually be on a Viking river cruise, but this thread is where I spend most of my time on Cruise Critic. I find this cohort of people to be the most helpful. At least we won't have to worry about coordinating dinner reservations!

I expect we will enjoy our Lyon & Provence cruise, since we did enjoy the first Viking river cruise we took. However, all our cruises since then have been ocean cruises, so that might take some adjustment. It shouldn't be too hard, since we accepted an offer made when the previously scheduled cruise was overbooked. They have moved us from our planned "aquarium class" cabin to the Explorer's Suite and our friends have the other one. Should be quite the experienced!

We will be travelling with friends on a Viking cruise this summer. We have often made friends on board, but this will be the first time we will be going with a couple we have known for many years. I anticipate the value of acknowledging up front that we don't have to do everything together, but any other advice? 

1 hour ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

We also passed at midnight

We passed in the wee hours, but my husband got up at the expected time and stood on our balcony for quite some time. Nothing! Come to find out they no longer light the cliff over night because it disturbs the monkeys' sleep. Oh well.

12 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Unless you are like us, when our Viking cruise had Casablanca cancelled, so we went to Gibraltar instead (on the Viking Sea).  We had a couple excursions.  And yes, the monkeys were amazing, and very forward.   Enjoyed Gibraltar very much - fantastic little place!

Since the new Malta & Morocco itinerary has yet to sail, I assume this was an alternate itinerary. With four sea days on this new 16 day cruise, I am already leery about port cancellations (especially Tunis and Algiers). Can you recall why Casablanca was canceled on your cruise? 

In spite of my initial enthusiasm regarding this new cruise, we have yet to book it. The mostly winter time frame and the price in comparison to similar cruises on another line have left me unable to make a decision. Still, it is our favored Viking and I love the overnight in Valetta. Not sure what we will eventually decide.

32 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

 

 

 

Peregrina,

We have been to Sagrada Familia three times and I never knew there are colorful tiles at the top of the spires. Given Gaudi's other work, I guess I should have thought to look harder!

Potential new Oceania cruiser here with a question about excursions. The lists of port excursions seem quite varied for most stops in my area of interest (the Mediterranean). Will the list of excursions for an actual booking usually match what you see beforehand? I want to have realistic expectations when making a decision on itinerary. 

20 hours ago, ORV said:

Any idea how many people are on these bus tours?

We traveled with Globus on our first trips to Europe in our fifties (now 70's), and we selected that company because our in-laws had traveled with them years before that. Globus has been doing this a long time, and they know what they are doing. I know that escorted bus tours are a major turn off for some people, but we enjoyed every one we took. As of our last one ten years ago, the group size was usually around 30/35. I don't remember the large coach busses ever being completely full.