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No, China is an exception to the rule. In general, on the other river cruises and on the ocean cruises, you are on a different bus each day with a different group of people and different guides. Guests are not broken into groups and there are no escorts permanently assigned to each group.

 

On the ocean cruises, the tour experience in each port is dependent on the visitor services available in each port. Viking contracts with local business in each port so that guides are, for the most part,experienced local guides who are familiar with the locality, etc.

 

Thank you very much - this makes way more sense!

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Can you please tell me if the included tours are similar to the Viking River Cruise tour experience? For instance, do you stay with the same tour guide and group each time the ship docks?

 

We've only sailed to China on Viking River Cruises and that's how they do it so I'm wondering how it works on the Viking Ocean.

 

Thank you

 

No--there is not a tour guide assigned to your group like on Viking River China. Each port will have a different guide--but we did see the same guide we had in Athens in Olympia (Olympus)--but she wasn't our guide. Guide were good to excellent.

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Take Viking because the staff can't help enough. If you have an issue they are quick, efficient and do their job with a smile.

Take it because even the service at the buffet is better than any other cruise ship.

Take it because you love English tea in the afternoon.

Take it because the included spa facilities are terrific.

 

 

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Because so many of the posters here were so persuasive, I checked out Viking's website. They have a 2 for 1 sale going on until March 31st, which is ideal for anyone wanting to travel solo.

 

Uh, Viking's 2 for 1 sale is ongoing, every month for years.

Unfortunately, I've read that Viking does not offer a good singles price. Please correct me if my hearsay is wrong.

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Peregrina, We will take Viking Homelands cruise in July - this is our first cruise with Viking. I love this post - if we were not already booked, we would probably do so because of your thoughts. I have followed threads for months, and you are a wonderful source of information.

 

I agree. Peregrina sounds a lot like us. I'll have to do some more research on the BYOB option as we've never done that before.

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Uh, Viking's 2 for 1 sale is ongoing, every month for years.

Unfortunately, I've read that Viking does not offer a good singles price. Please correct me if my hearsay is wrong.

 

From what I've been able to find right now, you can do the 2 for 1 as a single without penalty. So, for an 8-day cruise that is $1,900 per person, you'd only pay $1,900 as a single, which is a really good deal IMO.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't see anywhere where a single can't use that fare. Someone let me know if I am incorrect in my conclusion.

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From what I've been able to find right now, you can do the 2 for 1 as a single without penalty. So, for an 8-day cruise that is $1,900 per person, you'd only pay $1,900 as a single, which is a really good deal IMO.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't see anywhere where a single can't use that fare. Someone let me know if I am incorrect in my conclusion.

 

 

Quoting Viking's "General Restrictions" aka the fine print at the bottom of the "dates & pricing" page for any cruise:

 

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS

Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates.
Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract.

The only thing that this doesn't say is what the single supplement is.

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Here in the UK there is no 2 for 1 sale, and the single supplement is 100%.

 

Don't worry about it. It is not the discount you get but the price you actually pay for the cabin that counts and if you check out the UK site and the US site, you will see that, regardless of the marketing, we are all paying about the same price for the same cabins.

 

 

Every country has its own rules governing marketing of products and it has always been my guess that the 2-for-1 sleight of hand marketing that Viking uses in the US is not permitted in the UK. But, as I said, it is just a guess.

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Time to put all the "try it becauses" in one place. Please do continue to add to the list. I'm sure we have only scratched the surface:

Try it because you are tired of mindless entertainment.

Try it because you don't need a casino.

Try it because you are sick and tired of the nickel-and-diming.

Try it because you can live without other people's children.

Try it because you are more interested in the ports of call than in partying until dawn.

Try it because you are never asked to pose for photos.

Try it because you like cruising among friendly people.

Try it because you are invited to BYO wine, beer or other potables.

Try it because you don't have to hide in your room to drink your BYO.

Try it because there is no corkage fee in the dining rooms.

Try it because specialty dining is included.

Try it because there is no formal night.

Try it because there is no bang-bang music.

Try it because there are nooks and crannies everywhere to read, relax, and just be.

Try it because the tables in the cafe (buffet) are set with silverware and napkins and a beverage server comes to take your order as soon as you sit down.

Try it because room service will deliver delicious coffee and juice, even on debarkation day, within 10 minutes of your call.

Try it because the free spa area is unbelievable!

Take Viking because the staff can't help enough. If you have an issue they are quick, efficient and do their job with a smile.

Take it because even the service at the buffet is better than any other cruise ship.

Take it because you love English tea in the afternoon.

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Try it because there is no formal night.

Agree! Instead of racing back to your room to get ready for a formal evening, you can watch a sail away as the ship leaves port. You can listen to an enrichment lecture about the destinations.

 

Some people like huge hotels with many luxuries that add up in cost. Viking is about experiencing the world you are going to. Have only been on 2 river cruises but loved them.

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Don't worry about it. It is not the discount you get but the price you actually pay for the cabin that counts and if you check out the UK site and the US site, you will see that, regardless of the marketing, we are all paying about the same price for the same cabins.

 

 

Every country has its own rules governing marketing of products and it has always been my guess that the 2-for-1 sleight of hand marketing that Viking uses in the US is not permitted in the UK. But, as I said, it is just a guess.

 

Unfortunately, I am unable to make a comparison as every time I attempt to log on to the US website I am logged on to the UK one.

 

As for 2 for 1 offers, they are permitted in the UK.

As are book 1, 2nd person half price.

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Agree! Instead of racing back to your room to get ready for a formal evening, you can watch a sail away as the ship leaves port. You can listen to an enrichment lecture about the destinations

 

Surely that is only a problem on cruise lines that operate two sittings for dinner, and one is on the early sitting.

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...we should try Viking Ocean.

 

We are a couple that cruise often, mostly in the Caribbean and in suites. Our last two cruises (December and January) were on Oceania and Celebrity. One we found really boring but the food unbelievably good. The other offered excellent suite perks, much better entertainment, and the food was very good to pretty good to okay.

 

So for those who have cruised on Viking Ocean please convince us that we need to give this line a try. We are about to book so your input would be appreciated.

 

Thanks so much.:)

 

Katie

OK, I get that this was not exactly the reason for your post, but may I ask, which was which?

And would you mind defining "boring" as well as "excellent suite perks" and "much better entertainment?" This way, when I read others' opinions about Viking, I have some comparative points of reference.

Thanks!

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Unfortunately, I am unable to make a comparison as every time I attempt to log on to the US website I am logged on to the UK one.

.

 

I can get onto the UK site and this is what I find. I'm using the one week Iconic Cities of the Med for the comparison:

 

US 2- for -1 price; double it to get the brochure price Tips not included. Airfare goes up the further west you live.

 

DV4 is
$2599
plus optional airfare starting at $795

PV2 is $3199 plus optional airfare starting at $795

UK prices brochures price/current sale price. Prices
include
return air and tips (current suggested tipping rate is $15pp/day).

DV4 is £2390/£1890. At today's exchange rate: $3040
/$2404

 

PV2 is £2840/£2340. At today's exchange rate: $3612/$2976

At least on this cruise, before any travel agent discounts or return traveler rebates AND at today's exchange rates, UK prices are beating US prices.

 

 

 

It is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison but it does show that regardless of how the cruises are marketed, 2 for 1 or

£500 off, that we are paying about the same price per person to travel--at least on this cruise. (For my neighbors to the north and those down under, your mileage may vary).

 

 

 

As for 2 for 1 offers, they are permitted in the UK.

As are book 1, 2nd person half price

 

Good to know. I wasn't sure. Thank you.

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OK, I get that this was not exactly the reason for your post, but may I ask, which was which?

And would you mind defining "boring" as well as "excellent suite perks" and "much better entertainment?" This way, when I read others' opinions about Viking, I have some comparative points of reference.

Thanks!

 

We were in 2 similar suites on our cruises. Oceania's food was outstanding in their specialty restaurants, main dining was on par with other MDRS. On a 10 day cruise we did the specialties 8 times. The entertainment simply wasn't our taste, Elvis was as contemporary as it got and the choices were limited.

 

Our 10 day Celebrity cruise had a drink package, gratuities, internet and an OBC included. There was a private dining room for suites guest only, as well as a private suites club that did offer pre-dinner entertainment, afternoon tea, and service all day and evening. One could find many venues where music was playing throughout the night.

 

We've booked a cruise on Viking Ocean for Dec' 17 and very much looking forward to it.

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We were in 2 similar suites on our cruises. Oceania's food was outstanding in their specialty restaurants, main dining was on par with other MDRS. On a 10 day cruise we did the specialties 8 times. The entertainment simply wasn't our taste, Elvis was as contemporary as it got and the choices were limited.

 

Our 10 day Celebrity cruise had a drink package, gratuities, internet and an OBC included. There was a private dining room for suites guest only, as well as a private suites club that did offer pre-dinner entertainment, afternoon tea, and service all day and evening. One could find many venues where music was playing throughout the night.

 

We've booked a cruise on Viking Ocean for Dec' 17 and very much looking forward to it.

 

Congrats on booking your first Viking Cruise.

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Big thank you to everyone who contributes here

 

After weeks of reading and re-reading your posts, we're booked our first Viking Cruise - the Homelands Aug 2018

 

Now the planning begins. Keep posting please [emoji106] I'll still be reading

 

 

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Big thank you to everyone who contributes here

 

After weeks of reading and re-reading your posts, we're booked our first Viking Cruise - the Homelands Aug 2018

 

Now the planning begins. Keep posting please [emoji106] I'll still be reading

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

IMHO, don't just read but join in the conversation. Some of the best information comes when someone asks a question.

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IMHO, don't just read but join in the conversation. Some of the best information comes when someone asks a question.

 

Okay, I will ask questions. How would you describe evening entertainment? We have book a PH Veranda for a 7 night cruise. My assumption is that we get 2 specialty reservations per restaurant. Is that true on a 7 night cruise?

 

Thanks,

 

Katie

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Okay, I will ask questions. How would you describe evening entertainment? We have book a PH Veranda for a 7 night cruise. My assumption is that we get 2 specialty reservations per restaurant. Is that true on a 7 night cruise?

 

Thanks,

 

Katie

 

I think that I would use the terms "easy-listening" and "middle-of-the-road" to describe the entertainment--including the piano soloist, the "classical" trio and the guitarist.

 

 

 

As for the specialty restaurants, the number of advanced reservations that you may make for each is determined by your cabin category. Once you are on board, you may make additional reservations, limited only by availability and the head waiter's sense of fair play (wanting to make sure that everyone has a chance to try the specialty venues). The Chef's Table menu changes every three nights and the first night on board is not always the first night of a rotation. Menus for the CT are not available in advance. Manfredi's menu does no change but there are daily specials. Since the dining rooms are closed most of the day, there is a reservation desk for the specialty restaurants in the World Cafe (portside as you walk in)

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I think that I would use the terms "easy-listening" and "middle-of-the-road" to describe the entertainment--including the piano soloist, the "classical" trio and the guitarist.

 

 

 

As for the specialty restaurants, the number of advanced reservations that you may make for each is determined by your cabin category. Once you are on board, you may make additional reservations, limited only by availability and the head waiter's sense of fair play (wanting to make sure that everyone has a chance to try the specialty venues). The Chef's Table menu changes every three nights and the first night on board is not always the first night of a rotation. Menus for the CT are not available in advance. Manfredi's menu does no change but there are daily specials. Since the dining rooms are closed most of the day, there is a reservation desk for the specialty restaurants in the World Cafe (portside as you walk in)

 

Thanks, the music sounds great and I'll continue to assume we get 4 out of 7 nights in the specialty restaurants. Glad to hear we may be able to get more, something we were very happy with on Oceania.

 

Katie

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From what I've been able to find right now, you can do the 2 for 1 as a single without penalty. So, for an 8-day cruise that is $1,900 per person, you'd only pay $1,900 as a single, which is a really good deal IMO.

 

I could be wrong, but I don't see anywhere where a single can't use that fare. Someone let me know if I am incorrect in my conclusion.

 

I think it needs clarification. If the 8 day cruise sails $1,900 per person: are you quoting the brochure price as $1,900 or the 2 for one price as $1,900 per person? Judging from what I've seen, I assume the the brochure price would be $3,800 and the 2 for one price would be $1,900. If that is correct, I believe all prices are based on double occupancy. So if you are a single the cost would be $3,800 for the cabin. So there probably is no real discount since you have to pay as if the cabin has 2 people. I think this is the correct interpretation.

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Okay, I will ask questions. How would you describe evening entertainment?

 

Thanks,

 

Katie

 

The answer provided covered the live background music on the ship. As far as entertainment 'presentations' are concerned, IMO they are adequate with plenty of room for Viking to improve the potential as time goes on. They are not 'Cirque de Solie' or fully staged musicals and since they don't profess to be, that's fine and truth in advertising. I didn't sail with Viking until last year so I don't know how much growth has happened since the line started but there is so much more that could be done. Cruising, they have done before so I feel they excel in this aspect but this in house entertainment is not part of their river cruise business so there is definitely a learning curve that they are going through. They need to give more thought to concept, scheduling, production values and types of entertainment offered. They could do all of this with the current staffing they have but it all needs to be coordinated. It needs

to find a purpose. I saw recently where they are going to be bringing more entertainment on board for the World cruise and with many more sea days(definitely a nod to what has worked well for their river cruise line) I hope they will be able to meet this challenge and bring the entertainment area of cruising to meet the high quality of the rest of the experience.

 

PS: I do have entertainment and production experience in my background so my perception may be far different than yours.

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