Fieldofdreams

Anyone see any Black Friday Specials for Viking?

It is, late Feb. cruise, with 20% or more penalty. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Wanted to provide general feedback for forum readers. Just called Viking directly and my agent to see if we could take advantage of this promo. Asked if we could move from a DV4 to PV1 given the PV1 is currently at the same price as what we booked the DV4. The promotion also included free air which we were not asking for. The answer from Viking was the promotion is only for new bookings. The conversation with my TA, who has been in the business for 42 years said that Viking has become increasingly less flexible with regard to any changes once the cruise is booked. As he said, Viking likes to have their money early, sell at a higher market price and not make any changes to the reservation once booked. To me it is both a learning experience and a shame that Viking from this perspective leaves the consumer with a slightly sour taste even before the cruise starts. I am certain the trip will still be enjoyable however I know I will still think about the difference of $5,500, especially since we have already booked a second Viking cruise in September 2023. This seems to be supportive of much of what I have read on the Viking forum. Hope this helps others in some measure.

Thanks so much for the info.

Thank you - when traveling with another couple can you make a reservation for tours and specialty restaurants in MJV for all 4 in the group or would each couple have to make their reservation and hope that the same times are available?

Thanks - also interested in same, are times selected when making initial reservation before cruise or once onboard?

Thanks CCWinelover for weighing in, good info. Don

Thanks Mich3554 for sharing. Don

Thanks Bob , very helpful. Don

Thanks Clay

Very interesting, thanks for the info.

Does it matter if one books an additional cruise(s) when first boarding a ship or at the end of the cruise? Generally speaking what types of discounts or promotions are offered when booking onboard? Any additional thoughts, suggestions, recommendations are welcomed.

Hi Kathy - I wanted to thank you for weighing in with this information. Don

Hello OneSixtytoONe - Not sure if my earlier question went through so I will post again. What was the name of the travel company you went through for the Great Ocean Road? Thanks again

Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to provide a wonderful insight into Melbourne. Some of what you mentioned could not be known except from a local. Really enjoyed finding out about graffiti art (I am a fan, taking photos all around the world), searoad ferry, and take the Geelong. If we can find an excursion for The Great Ocean Road that works with port schedule I believe that would be our first choice and just make a day of it taking in lunch somewhere along the way. Problem is, I cannot find a company that wants to pick us up at the port. Checked with shoreexcursions.com but their time schedule does not work. Any suggestions from folks on CC would be graciously accepted. Aussie lost in space, thanks again for sharing such detailed information. Don

Kathy - Thank you Don

katlew and Heidi13 - Heidi since you have been on at least part of this itinerary and katlew since you will be going in December/January timeframe, I would be interested in knowing which shore excursions you have done that you enjoyed or katlew which you are planning on doing for each of the following ports: We are arriving Sydney Feb 19th. Staying at the Marriott Harbor. Taking in Sydney on our own: Opera House, The Rocks, Royal Botanical Garden Walk, Ferry over to Manly for dinner and walking around (any and all suggestions appreciated) Ports of Call: WED FEB 22, 2023 Sydney, Australia 06:00 PMTHU FEB 23, 2023 Sail The Gippsland CoastFRI FEB 24, 2023 Melbourne, Australia 08:00 AM 11:00 PMSAT FEB 25, 2023 Scenic Sailing: Bass StraitSUN FEB 26, 2023 Tasmania (Hobart), Australia 07:00 AM 04:00 PMMON FEB 27, 2023 Sail The Tasman SeaTUE FEB 28, 2023 Scenic Sailing: Foveaux StraitWED MAR 01, 2023 Dunedin, New Zealand 09:00 AM 06:00 PMTHU MAR 02, 2023 Christchurch, New Zealand 08:00 AM 06:00 PMFRI MAR 03, 2023 Wellington, New Zealand 08:00 AM 06:00 PMSAT MAR 04, 2023 Napier, New Zealand 08:00 AM 02:00 PMSUN MAR 05, 2023 Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand 08:30 AM 06:00 PMMON MAR 06, 2023 Auckland, New Zealand 07:00 AMTUE MAR 07, 2023 Disembark In Auckland

Thank you, and good to know regarding docking in Napier

katlew and Heidi13 - If you had a choice between Hawkes Bay and the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony which would you lean toward. From what I have been reading Hawkes Bay is really about the wineries. We would be inclined toward scenery/history, would like to hear your opinions. Thanks

katlew - Thank you for responding, very helpful!

Heidi13 - Thanks so much, exactly what I was looking for!

We will be on our first Viking cruise to Austrailia/NewZealand in February followed by another Viking cruise to Italy, the Adriatic and Mediterranean in September. The optional excursions that you pay for have been posted but not with pricing, that should come sometime in December. We wanted to get a general sense of what Viking prices their optional excursions at. We know that an 8-10 excursion will obviously be more than a 3-4 one but wondering what the range might be. $250-$350 pp for 8-10 hours and $150-$200 for 3-4 ?? Based on your past experience if you would not mind sharing what you have found. Thanks so much.

Hi Heidi13 - Agree with you, checked on the port arrival/departure and as of today, ship is arriving in Maghera but as we all know, this can change at any time. Thank for your input.

Thanks millybess for the follow up information. Very helpful!

Hi Millbess - Hope this helps, from Cruisemapper . Viking Jupiter docking in Maghera 3rd and 4th of October 2023 3 October, 2023 Tuesday Viking Jupiter 4 October, 2023 Wednesday Viking Jupiter