WanderingBrit

Figuring that the current anniversary discounts represented more of a savings than the onboard incentives we could expect in 60 days when we next sail, and if not the $25 deposit might be easy to walk away from, I booked our next cruise. I notice in the contract that the cancellation fee is stipulated as $100 per passenger, but at this point Viking only has $25 from us - does anyone have any experience canceling when there's only a $25 deposit? I can't imagine Viking would expect us to pay an additional $75 at that point to cancel - I'd rather just let the "payment in full" date come and go and forfeit the booking. Kevin

It’s too early for anyone to be able to make reservations for anything. All dining is included in your cruise fare, but Manfredis and The Chef’s Table require reservations. Your cruise contract should tell you the date when you can make dining reservations, and when shore excursions are available to book.

I couldn't find a clear answer searching: this itinerary crosses 66N at a couple of ports of call, do they hold a "Blue Nose" ceremony (cheesy as it might sound), and if so, any experience around when? We're on the Reykjavik-Bergen sailing, and leaving Ísafjörður at 4:30 seems a likely opportunity. Cheers Kevin

I woke up early and was able to book at 3:30am Central Time on the date specified in the email I received from Viking, which was the day before what MVJ showed online. Be very clear: The "it's time" email from Viking stated 19th but MVJ showed 20th, and I booked dining at 03:30 Central on 19th. Kevin

It's you, I can guarantee that they did not disassemble the ship and rebuild it with slightly smaller cabins 😄

Sailor Services acts on the status match application very quickly in my experience - less than 3 hours yesterday. The confirmation email goes to some lengths to point out that DBE only applies during 2023, and the $100 bar tab bonus is "through 2024" - leaving rather open what the longer term benefits of Sea Rover will be. Kevin

Let me know if you're able to find an airline that never botches reservations, never cancels flights, answers the phone promptly and resolves issues quickly. I'm not convinced any exist.

Fine here too - "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you :-)"

My guess from something similar I did way back in 2008 is that it's a walking tour. Akureyri is a pretty town and very accessible from the harbour, though it's probably over a mile to the Botanical Gardens.

My experience is that if the airline site is willing to sell you the seat upgrade, you won't have any issues. I paid for Economy+ on a Viking Air arranged United flight before without any problems at all, other than I think I may have had to wait until Viking actually paid for the ticket, perhaps 45-60 days out. I would be surprised it Tripmate reimbursed these upgrade costs for two reasons: 1 - Travel Insurance notoriously is reluctant to reimburse even costs that are very clearly covered, and 2 - because these were travel costs you arranged outside of Viking - but I've no direct experience trying to make a claim.

I used the chat feature within MyVikingjourney two weeks ago, on a cruise we booked in August of 2021! They take payment and email you a transfer request form to complete, so they know which flight you need to reach, you send that back in and then it's added to your passenger contract. Very simple. Kevin

We paid $49 each to use the Viking transfer from Bergen port to airport at the end of our upcoming cruise - might be more expensive than alternatives but I wanted a simple solution.

Sail with us on Southeastern Carribean Isles sailing Feb 10th 2024 and I would be glad to invite you to join us for my Father's ashes burial at sea. I don't believe I've yet seen the ceremony documented? Kevin

I used ACH to pay, and avoided needing to enter payment details as I already had it on file.

It was 12:00 Noon US Pacific time for me last Friday, to the minute.

Our 77 day out reservations opened to the minute as Viking said they would, and we secured all the reservations (both included and upcharged) that we wanted.

I've used my Seattle Sombrero, by Outdoor Research, for years and it's great even in a steady downpour. I don't like the restriction in hearing and peripheral vision experienced with rain hoods, and this hat is the perfect answer. Kevin

Per Tom McAlpin, the 5th ship (as and when it is built) cannot be the same as 1-4 because of changing environmental regulations, and so will of necessity be at least somewhat different.

I'd suggest a slight alteration to the information provided: I changed my cabin online using Sailor Services chat, only took a couple of minutes. The free bar tab promotions only applies to sailings in 2023 booked before the end of February, so if you're looking at a 2024 itinerary the offer does not apply. Kevin

Yes, you can absolutely make monthly (or weekly, or daily) payments towards the balance of the fare, and we did just that also taking advantage of the eCheck discount. What you cannot do is change the date by which you must have entirely paid for the cruise, whether by installments or lump sum. Kevin

I've reached out to Sailor Services and formally requested approval to hold a Celebration of Life Ceremony - burying my father's ashes at sea. This is something that VV specifically welcomes in their FAQs, presumably providing we can meet the requirement that most cruise lines adopt of being 12 miles offshore. I was curious if anyone has held such a ceremony aboard one of the Ladies? Cheers Kevin

For those who'd really, really like to make a bucket list event out of The Tattoo, let me recommend The Royal Gallery, which offers the only covered seating in the venue. It's eye-wateringly expensive, but you'll be seated alongside visiting dignitaries and will enjoy a cocktail reception afterwards with senior Officers of some of the regiments participating.

I'll share my time lapse of sailing into Bermuda from aft facing ES, which was a lovely place to be 🙂