What's up with having different dates for when excursions can be booked

[OnTheJourney]

49 minutes ago, jiminyC_fan said:

Disney never used to have the tiers.  I am at the top for their "Club" benefits but with their exclusive areas on the ship for concierge I will no longer sail with them.  They have truly gone back to the Titanic days.  I love that Viking treats all of us the same once we are on the ship.  I certainly do understand and accept Vikings way of booking tours.  We all know it ahead of time and if we don't agree to it then maybe Viking isn't a good match.

 

Gotta admit...I do like those tier perks though....we're diamond members of RCCL and it's just sort of cool to have access to the "diamond" and "concierge" lounges. Their system certainly works for them to entice people into more cruises..it's that 'only 2 more until the next level' mentality I suppose. 

Edited November 27, 2018 by gretschwhtfalcon

[Heidi13]

We are former "Elite" pax on the mainstream line that issues different coloured cards and treats the various groups of passengers of passengers differently.

 

On dumping the mainstream line, we researched Viking extensively and look forward to being treated like an adult, on a cruise that has no casino, no annoying photogs, no nickle & diming and lots of included perks, resulting in a virtually all-inclusive cruise.

 

Being in a DV, we are down the pecking order for booking shore excursions - personally not an issue for us. In my experience, the most pax that take ship excursions is usually about 50%, and at times, is less. Lots of independent options are available, so we have multiple options. I also note the higher priced cabins can book shore-ex earlier, but they also must pay for them earlier. I can book a private tour and pay at time service is rendered.

 

Also having read about Viking extensively, I recall that very few people in lower category cabins have been unable to get a tour to a desired location, whether it be a ship's tour or a private tour. 

[OnTheJourney]

I'm just thinking that for the cruise I'm doing...the northern lights....excursions might be a bit more important since many of the optional ones are so unique to the area. 

[Pushka]

5 minutes ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

I'm just thinking that for the cruise I'm doing...the northern lights....excursions might be a bit more important since many of the optional ones are so unique to the area. 

It’s the same with Alaska. Book private ones then you can’t be disappointed. Prices seem about the same. 

[Heidi13]

7 minutes ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

I'm just thinking that for the cruise I'm doing...the northern lights....excursions might be a bit more important since many of the optional ones are so unique to the area. 

With some research, you should find equitable or better excursions from local providers, than the optional excursions from the ship.

 

For our next cruise, which is still more than a year away, I have already researched all 55 ports and developed a list of points of interest and local tours of interest. Once the ship tours are released, we will review and select what we consider are the best for us.

 

Even if a ship tour was our preference, we have no issue opting for an alternative tour from a local company.

[Parsley Cruises]

11 hours ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

Just did a bit of research on all this.....using the Star as an example (I suppose the room breakdown on the Sky is similar or even the same maybe)...there are the following:

 

V - 42 rooms; DV - 266 (I'm DV2), PV - 116, PS - 32, ES - 14. 

 

So this means that approx. 300 rooms get to book roughly the same date (within 7 days difference for the V category), and then the other roughly 162 rooms get to book earlier.....77 days prior to departure for PV, 87 for PS, and 97 for ES.  All well and good...but IF I'm unable to get one of the excursions I want for this arctic trip...it'll probably be the first and last time I sail with Viking. As I mentioned earlier, I, along with everyone else, is already paying considerably more for this cruise than what some other lines charge, so somehow shift the perks for the higher cost rooms into some other amenities rather than penalize the lower classes by not being able to book excursions at the same starting date. It just feels a bit like the old "1st, 2nd, 3rd class" treatment from the days of White Star Line, etc. Could all wind up being a moot point. It's been my experience on cruises that many people wait till onboard to book anyway. It's just that this cruise is different than the run-of-the-mill Caribbean trip relative to offering some rather unique shore experiences. 

 

I have to really think this over. Unfortunately I already booked airfare or might have considered canceling this for now. 

Ok, so going a bit outside of this topic (sorry), firstly as a quite experienced cruiser someone may wear their heart on their sleeve for a particular excursion, and then afterwards reflect and wish they'd chosen a different one (or none at all and gone diy).  Just because an excursion is booked, it doesn't mean you are going to enjoy it.  Try and be philosophical; relax a bit - accept the unexpected, enjoy!

However, you mention you are doing an Arctic cruise - we've been to the north quite a bit, both cruising and flying.  I hope you are going to Iceland (it's completely awesome).  We're now very fond of Iceland, and can't get enough of it - hope your cruise includes Iceland, and truly hope (whatever excursions you select) that (depending on the time of year, obviously), you layer-up and enjoy!

[Parsley Cruises]

5 hours ago, Pushka said:

It’s the same with Alaska. Book private ones then you can’t be disappointed. Prices seem about the same. 

You simply can't guarantee seeing the lights.  However, dear old Nasa has always provided us with a very good guideline - check out their website, it's very helpful.

[Pushka]

14 minutes ago, Parsley Cruises said:

You simply can't guarantee seeing the lights.  However, dear old Nasa has always provided us with a very good guideline - check out their website, it's very helpful.

I’m in Alaska in May. Probably not going to see them this time 😉

[OnTheJourney]

Parsley....Iceland is not on the itinerary. This is a Norway cruise. BUT...Iceland is definitely on my list at some point!  

[OnTheJourney]

11 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

With some research, you should find equitable or better excursions from local providers, than the optional excursions from the ship.

 

For our next cruise, which is still more than a year away, I have already researched all 55 ports and developed a list of points of interest and local tours of interest. Once the ship tours are released, we will review and select what we consider are the best for us.

 

Even if a ship tour was our preference, we have no issue opting for an alternative tour from a local company.

 

Undoubtedly all true...but I'm always a bit more hesitant to go with excursions other than those offered by the ship. The less research I have to do in that regard...getting reviews of companies, etc....the better. I've done it and don't mind doing it, but I just feel more comfortable going with what the ship offers. I did use a local company, however, while we were in St. Petersburg - partly on the strength of the reviews and recommendations I got. 

 

Can't help but wonder though...and no offense intended whatsoever...but was one of the main objectives of your post to let me know that you're doing a cruise that has that many ports??   :)  I wish you well...for my part, I would never even dream of doing a cruise of that length. Often looked at and contemplated these 6-month world cruises and such (which I suspect you're probably doing?), but I really believe I'd be ready to jump overboard less than halfway through. 2-3 weeks on any ship is more than enough for me.  Now a car trip with just my wife and I might be a different story...still our all-time favorite way to travel!  

 

Thanks for your advice though...all points well taken and I appreciate your input. 

Edited November 27, 2018 by gretschwhtfalcon

[Parsley Cruises]

1 hour ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

Parsley....Iceland is not on the itinerary. This is a Norway cruise. BUT...Iceland is definitely on my list at some point!  

Ok, I expect you've maybe been to Norway before - if not, I've got a little feeling you are really going to enjoy it.  We've had quite a few cruises involving Norway, and love it to bits.  Hope you have a great time.

[Heidi13]

2 hours ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

 

Undoubtedly all true...but I'm always a bit more hesitant to go with excursions other than those offered by the ship. The less research I have to do in that regard...getting reviews of companies, etc....the better. I've done it and don't mind doing it, but I just feel more comfortable going with what the ship offers. I did use a local company, however, while we were in St. Petersburg - partly on the strength of the reviews and recommendations I got. 

 

Can't help but wonder though...and no offense intended whatsoever...but was one of the main objectives of your post to let me know that you're doing a cruise that has that many ports??   🙂  I wish you well...for my part, I would never even dream of doing a cruise of that length. Often looked at and contemplated these 6-month world cruises and such (which I suspect you're probably doing?), but I really believe I'd be ready to jump overboard less than halfway through. 2-3 weeks on any ship is more than enough for me.  Now a car trip with just my wife and I might be a different story...still our all-time favorite way to travel!  

 

Thanks for your advice though...all points well taken and I appreciate your input. 

No offense taken, only noting that the research exercise can be extensive, especially with Viking and port intensive itineraries. In developed countries, especially when reasonably close to the port, we prefer the generally smaller tour groups with private operators. 

 

In less developed countries and when a considerable distance from the port, we tend to stick with ship tours.

 

Enjoy the cruise and hope you get your tours.

[zitsky]

Can someone remind me where I can find the dates for when I can book excursions and dining?  This is my first time on Ocean.  I'm in a DV cabin.  (2x river cruiser).

 

I found the answer but it doesn't say when excursions are viewable (not bookable).

 

Found on Viking's site under "Help". 

 

EXCURSIONS

 

Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience. You have full access to browse all shore excursions and dining options from the moment you open your account. Booking opens for each based on your stateroom grade—see below. We will alert you when it is your time to book.

• Owner's Suite—107 days from sail date*
• Explorer Suites—97 days from sail date*
• Penthouse Jr. Suites—87 days from sail date*
• Penthouse Verandas—77 days from sail date*
• Deluxe Verandas—67 days from sail date*
• Verandas—60 days from sail date*

 

DINING

 

Your My Viking Journey account gives you all the tools necessary to tailor and personalize your complete cruise experience. You have full access to browse all shore excursions and dining options from the moment you open your account. Booking opens for each based on your stateroom grade—see below. We will alert you when it’s your time to book.

• Explorer Suites—90 days from sail date
• Penthouse Jr. Suites—80 days from sail date
• Penthouse Verandas—70 days from sail date
• Deluxe Verandas—60 days from sail date
• Verandas—No priority reservation

Edited January 7, 2019 by zitsky

[broker1217]

First of all---don't fret too much about the excursions. From all that I have read here (and based on my experience in DV) you will be able to book the excursions you want. Obviously, have your preferred excursions selected and try to book on the day you are allowed to book. If you don't get an excursion---then look into private excursions and utilize the Roll Call to book with others on your cruise. 

DH and I are not 'cruisers' and have only done VO. We liked it well enough to book another. But---we prefer to travel independently and are not into gambling or shows or shopping.

I understand that you feel that this is unfair and 'not the way other cruise lines do this'. But VO is not a mainline mass market cruise line. A huge part of the draw for most VO customers is the fact that it is NOT RCCL, Carnival, NCL, etc. It is specifically marketed to those who desire a small ship experience with like-minded travelers.

 

It is a different product and it has it's idiosyncrasies. For those of us who find it a good fit--those idiosyncrasies are what make it desirable. No casino, no kids, no upcharges for restaurants, free internet, no inside cabins, no photographers, etc.

 

We would all love to hear your feedback after your cruise!

[deec]

and those of us who like what Viking is offering continue to book cruises!!! nothing is perfect but we choose Viking because she offers: Great crew,  destination focused itineraries , outstanding cocktails, above average food, beautiful common areas, did I say outstanding crew???  NO KIDS, no casino (smoking diminished), resort casual dress,  friendly, well traveled, interesting fellow passengers, easy embarkation,  knowledgeable shore excursion staff....and on and on....If this is not for you....ok more room for those who choose what Viking is offering....

[just_dont]

lackcreativity....thanks for your thoughts and advice. I believe one possible advantage in my lowly DV2 category might be that the 10 days earlier booking (for the PV folks) falls 2 days after Christmas, and the 20 days earlier (for ES) is 8 days before Christmas. Likely, right around the busy Holiday season, I would imagine that not as many people will be jumping all over the excursions.

I do plan, though, to seize the moment right on January 6,

rather than trying to upgrade my category and then very likely would not wind up getting around to booking excursions before New Years anyway. 

Curious of OP's experience booking excursions yesterday....

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Heidi13]

The excursions should be viewable in MVJ about 120 days before departure.

[Parsley Cruises]

On ‎11‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 2:32 AM, gretschwhtfalcon said:

Based on one's accommodation level?  Really?  Somehow doesn't seem fair. 

Oh yes it is!!!  By opting for a more expensive accommodation people should (and rightly so) have at last some perks.

 

One perk though that is a bit 'quaint' - the availability of the suite before other grades ……. and then you get booked on a flight to the embarkation port which means that you arrive after that perk has vanished into thin air!

 

But, yes oh yes, those who opt for the more costly accommodation should be accorded every right (and people in cheaper cabins should stop whining about it) to book not only their excursions earlier and but also their alternative dining.

 

VO handle this beautifully.  IMHO - if people want those perks, simply delay making the cruise reservation and save up the funds until you they can afford the more costly accommodation.  Simples.  

[orchestrapal]

5 hours ago, Parsley Cruises said:

Oh yes it is!!!  By opting for a more expensive accommodation people should (and rightly so) have at last some perks.

 

One perk though that is a bit 'quaint' - the availability of the suite before other grades ……. and then you get booked on a flight to the embarkation port which means that you arrive after that perk has vanished into thin air!

 

But, yes oh yes, those who opt for the more costly accommodation should be accorded every right (and people in cheaper cabins should stop whining about it) to book not only their excursions earlier and but also their alternative dining.

 

VO handle this beautifully.  IMHO - if people want those perks, simply delay making the cruise reservation and save up the funds until you they can afford the more costly accommodation.  Simples.  

 

Well said!

First class of anything will get you more, you get what you pay for.👍

Edited January 8, 2019 by orchestrapal

[lackcreativity]

5 hours ago, Parsley Cruises said:

Oh yes it is!!!  By opting for a more expensive accommodation people should (and rightly so) have at last some perks.

 

One perk though that is a bit 'quaint' - the availability of the suite before other grades ……. and then you get booked on a flight to the embarkation port which means that you arrive after that perk has vanished into thin air!

 

But, yes oh yes, those who opt for the more costly accommodation should be accorded every right (and people in cheaper cabins should stop whining about it) to book not only their excursions earlier and but also their alternative dining.

 

VO handle this beautifully.  IMHO - if people want those perks, simply delay making the cruise reservation and save up the funds until you they can afford the more costly accommodation.  Simples.  

Not everyone in the less expensive cabins whines about the situation. I, for one, am grateful for the opportunity to book a great vacation at a lower price, and accept the hierarchy that comes with it. (Though I have been known to grumble about the 3:00 AM US east coast opening of excursion booking. For those of us who are still working, that is too late to stay up and too early to get up!)

 

Personally, I have no wish to pay the higher price for upper tiers of cabins, although we could do so. I prefer to be able to put the extra money towards the next vacation.

 

[Jim Avery]

I prefer Viking's way compared to many other lines.  Cunard, for example, have certain areas of the ship reserved only for the upper accommodations.  On Viking the entire ship is open to all.  

[OnTheJourney]

10 hours ago, just_dont said:

 

 

Curious of OP's experience booking excursions yesterday....

 

Jumped on the excursions right at 3 a.m. EST and so got everything I wanted. I still have some issues with how Viking handles all this, but am glad it worked out for me. On my roll call, several people wrote in also indicating that they were able to book all their excursions. 

 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2019 by gretschwhtfalcon

[OnTheJourney]

Jumped on the excursions right at 3 a.m. EST and so got everything I wanted. I still have some issues with how Viking handles all this, but am glad it worked out for me. On my roll call, several people wrote in also indicating that they were able to book all their excursions. 

 

Undoubtedly had I started with Viking early on when I began cruising, I wouldn't think anything of this, but having done all my cruises with lines that offer excursion booking to everyone at the same time, it's just a bit of a paradigm shift, as it were. 
 

Edited January 8, 2019 by gretschwhtfalcon

[Richard2]

42 minutes ago, gretschwhtfalcon said:

Jumped on the excursions right at 3 a.m. EST and so got everything I wanted. I still have some issues with how Viking handles all this, but am glad it worked out for me. On my roll call, several people wrote in also indicating that they were able to book all their excursions. 

 

Undoubtedly had I started with Viking early on when I began cruising, I wouldn't think anything of this, but having done all my cruises with lines that offer excursion booking to everyone at the same time, it's just a bit of a paradigm shift, as it were. 
 

What evidence do you have that you needed to do this at 3 am? I've been on 4 VO cruises, in PV cabins. I've never gone online to book excursions or restaurants before 7 am on the day bookings opened for me, and I've never been unable to get exactly what I wanted. It may (or may not) be the same for DV cabins, but perhaps you are basing the need to do this at 3 am on assumptions or anxiety rather than on how the system actually works out? I don't think it is a good idea to generalize on the basis of individual stories that get discussed on Cruise Critic. This kind of open forum attracts complaints. It is not a random sample. 

[Jim Avery]

I'm with you Richard.  Here's my take on the issue.  Viking offers earlier bookings as another "perk" for buying a bigger space.  Viking does not have special bars, decks, etc. or hordes of passengers waving their "prestige" cards as others do so they try to make earlier bookings something special.  Viking is responsible for some passengers sense of urgency about booking tours and dining. Totally a contrived "problem".  Like you, we did not get up early and booked all we wanted.  Everything.  And us in a lowly DV! 😎