Airlines and resorts are now receiving most of our our travel budget. The last time we cruised was exactly 4 years ago on the Mediterranean Odyssey itinerary. We had cruises booked for 2020 (cancelled by Viking) and 2021 (we cancelled). Our TA had difficulty getting Viking Air to book our requested business class flights. It wasn't until we threatened to cancel for a full refund (right up against the deadline) that Viking Air acquiesced. I don't enjoy the haggling and it really shouldn't be so difficult for the on ship and on shore services to compliment each other to produce truly memorable experiences for guests. Unfortunately it appears the onshore ops are every bit a challenging as before, but now there are reports from former Viking cheerleaders of slipping (sinking?) on ship standards.
Slipping standards seems to be an issue across many lines in the small ship cruise line class, whether premium or luxury.