Key West Cancelled

[Hubby1]

• •  10
• June 27, 2017

• #1  

Posted just now

We have been had by Viking--the Viking Star can dock in Key West. A 2020 referendum prohibiting cruise ships was immediately overturned by the Florida State Legislature. In March there was a key west city attempt to limit cruise ships with over 1500 passengers. Nothing indicates this was ever put into effect. Either way the Viking Star is a less than 1000 passenger ship. SEE BELOW from a March 22 except from a Key West paper. Has anyone heard anything about the Port Fees and Taxes Viking is saving by skipping Colon an Key West? Looks like we have been had--because they can.

 

 

At a meeting last week, the Key West City Council read out its compromise measure which will be presented and finalized at the next meeting scheduled for April 5. At issue was the November 2020 referendum in which residents voted to limit the size of cruise ships based on passenger capacity, restrict the number of people coming ashore each day from cruise ships, and favor cruise ships with the best environmental records. While the residents voted overwhelmingly in support of the three restrictions, Florida’s legislature and governor overrode the limitations in a retroactive law passed last summer.

Key West has three piers, two of which are controlled by the city and a third that is leased in perpetuity to a private operator. Since the beginning of the action, opponents and lawyers have argued that the City Council had no legal authority to restrict operations at the private pier and could face lawsuits if it attempted to impose the restrictions. 

The new ordinance which is nearly completed restricts most cruise ships to the single privately operated Pier B facility. It imposes restrictions on the city-run downtown Mallory Square Pier as well as the outer Mole Pier, which is owned by the U.S. Navy. The city piers will only accept smaller cruise ships that accommodate less than 1,300 passengers and they will only be available when the privately-run Pier B is not in use. 

 

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[LadyL1]

We have also been informed of an extra sea day instead of Key West. This is for Feb ‘24!

Such a shame as we are firstly making a long air trip to board Viking Mars.

[ddogface]

We received notice from a Holland America cruise in December that Key West has been replaced with Bimini.  Viking is not the only cruise line with a problem with Key West

[OneSixtyToOne]

42 minutes ago, ddogface said:

We received notice from a Holland America cruise in December that Key West has been replaced with Bimini.  Viking is not the only cruise line with a problem with Key West

Carnival is also having issues:

“Carnival Cruise Line notifies guests that Key West is dropped on upcoming sailings in January and February 2022 and adjusts itineraries for three ships.”

https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-removes-key-west-for-upcoming-sailings/63874

Uncertainty is probably the issue with 2023.

Edited September 30, 2022 by OneSixtyToOne

[Mimiya11]

13 hours ago, Hubby1 said:

We have been had by Viking--the Viking Star can dock in Key West. A 2020 referendum prohibiting cruise ships was immediately overturned by the Florida State Legislature. In March there was a key west city attempt to limit cruise ships with over 1500 passengers. Nothing indicates this was ever put into effect. Either way the Viking Star is a less than 1000 passenger ship. SEE BELOW from a March 22 except from a Key West paper. Has anyone heard anything about the Port Fees and Taxes Viking is saving by skipping Colon an Key West? Looks like we have been had--because they can.

 

 

Just read the report you quoted.   You are absolutely right of course.    To date, we have received no emails regarding Colon being dropped from our itinerary and will not be happy if that happens. 

Will then need to decide if we cancel the cruise, contact Viking to demand? some money back, have a long cruise of mostly sea days or find another cruise.     

[BigBee51]

Wow, all this hub bub over Key West being dropped. Apparently, some think Viking's business model is to book an itinerary just to then deliberately skip ports to collect some port fees (which are not itemized separately in the cruise costs). Viking is not cancelling port stops because it wants to keep your money or just to irritate you and have you cancel your cruise.

 

As a Florida native, I am quite familiar with Key West. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon but it is a typical 'beach' tourist town with lots of bars and shops selling junk souvenirs manufactured in Asia countries.  It's a coral island with little or no sandy beaches (there is a small beach at the Waldorf and one man made beach on the other side of the island). 

[Camden lady]

20 hours ago, Mimiya11 said:

Thanks!   Our main reason for booking was to watch the approach so appreciate the heads up re getting up early.    

Cozumel, been there, done that.  Same with Jamaica, plus not at all interested in shopping so may just stay put that day. 

I already booked Cave Tubing through an outside vendor who comes highly rated on the Ports of Call boards.  Looks like such fun. 

Excited about Costa Rica (if even just for a day) But...most of all excited to try Viking for the first time. 

Thanks for your input.       

Don't try the "coastal tour" which I did several years ago in Costa Rica.  It basically consisted of a long bus ride to a banana plantation.  I know more about bananas than I ever cared to.   Very little coastal sightseeing.   Besides the banana tour we went to a local flea market which had trinkets and baskets for sale.  Totally a busted day.   

[Mimiya11]

21 minutes ago, Camden lady said:

Don't try the "coastal tour" which I did several years ago in Costa Rica.  It basically consisted of a long bus ride to a banana plantation.  I know more about bananas than I ever cared to.   Very little coastal sightseeing.   Besides the banana tour we went to a local flea market which had trinkets and baskets for sale.  Totally a busted day.   

Thanks.  Our plan is to take the Tortuguero Canal Tour and/or see the Rainforest.     

[Islandbc]

39 minutes ago, Camden lady said:

Don't try the "coastal tour" which I did several years ago in Costa Rica.  It basically consisted of a long bus ride to a banana plantation.  I know more about bananas than I ever cared to.   Very little coastal sightseeing.   Besides the banana tour we went to a local flea market which had trinkets and baskets for sale.  Totally a busted day.   

Is this the tour you are referring to: Puntarenas Panorama ?

[Camden lady]

49 minutes ago, Islandbc said:

Is this the tour you are referring to: Puntarenas Panorama ?

 

49 minutes ago, Islandbc said:

Is this the tour you are referring to: Puntarenas Panorama ?

Don't remember the exact name but it was described as a coastal tour (only briefly saw the coast through the trees, did see some monkeys and the tour guide kept having the bus driver stop and he was stealing flowers from people's yards) also said there was a brief stop at a Dole banana plantation (which turned out to be the majority of the tour).   Best part was how the donkeys bring the bananas in to the factory where they are graded and packaged.  Oh and you get to see several banana flowers.  I had thought we would be seeing several small coastal villages but we did not.

[WNcruiser]

On 9/29/2022 at 9:39 AM, Liz Masterson said:

I'd like to know why some cruises are getting $150pp onboard credit and others are not. 

 

 

I believe we got it (Oct 14th cruise) because of the very late notice. Personally I was happy to get the OBC as I have been to Key West before but I understand others disappointment. 

[Hubby1]

I too have been to Key West--but was looking forward and paid for going again. Bigbee, you forgot to mention the Truman and Hemingway historical aspects.

 

I am aware of Carnival and Holland America--which is owned by Carnival-- having issues but they use large larger cruise ships (2,000-3,000) passengers. The Viking Star is under 1,000 passengers.

 

Also , Viking could at least substitute another port (bimini and Nassau come to mind) but that would cost them additional $$ in port fees and taxes. Another Seaday means a greater profit (booz/spa) for Viking 

[Hubby1]

• •  12
• June 27, 2017

• #26  

Posted just now

I too have been to Key West--but was looking forward and paid for going again. Bigbee, you forgot to mention the Truman and Hemingway historical aspects.

 

I am aware of Carnival and Holland America--which is owned by Carnival-- having issues but they use large larger cruise ships (2,000-3,000) passengers. The Viking Star is under 1,000 passengers.

 

Also , Viking could at least substitute another port (bimini and Nassau come to mind) but that would cost them additional $$ in port fees and taxes. Another Seaday means a greater profit (booz/spa) for Viking 

[BigBee51]

I did say it was a lovely place to spend and afternoon. But seriously, you believe Viking is not substituting another port (bimini is about 150 nautical miles and nassau is roughly 400 nautical miles) to save port fees and taxes? Perhaps they are not adding a new port due to the ports not being available and/or the additional cost of fuel maybe the real driving factor versus plodding along to the next schedule port instead.

[Squawkman]

14 hours ago, Hubby1 said:

• •  12
• June 27, 2017

 

• #26  

Posted just now

I too have been to Key West--but was looking forward and paid for going again. Bigbee, you forgot to mention the Truman and Hemingway historical aspects.

 

I am aware of Carnival and Holland America--which is owned by Carnival-- having issues but they use large larger cruise ships (2,000-3,000) passengers. The Viking Star is under 1,000 passengers.

 

Also , Viking could at least substitute another port (bimini and Nassau come to mind) but that would cost them additional $$ in port fees and taxes. Another Seaday means a greater profit (booz/spa) for Viking 

You really are assuming a lot, aren’t you? What’s your experience operating cruise ships? Sorry about your missed port (happened to us a few times during different cruises), but Viking isn’t that petty to do r suggesting. And unlike the big 3, Viking IMHO is more customer focused as there are no shareholders.

[longterm]

Is Colon canceled too? 

[Iloveketo]

On 9/29/2022 at 2:38 PM, CDNPolar said:

 

Hello Markham from Mississauga.

 

Cozumel - We did the Ruins of San Gervasio - Informative and OK

Belize - We did the Cave Tubing - LOVED IT - Great experience

Roatan - We were supposed to do Kayaking and Snorkeling but was cancelled due to weather

Costa Rica - We did the Nature Walk and Ariel Tram - Good and informative

Colon - We did Panama City By Foot - Good and informative

Jamaica - We did Rose Hall and Shopping - Rose Hall was good but the shopping was just a tourist trap

 

I cannot get too excited about any of these EXCEPT the Cave Tubing.  I have been to many of these islands before and to me the excursions are all the same.

 

What I will say is the HIGHLIGHT of the trip is the partial crossing of the Panama Canal.  Absolutely worth getting up at 5am and being on the deck outside the Explorer Lounge to witness the approach.  Approaching in the dark is spectacular.  Get there 30-45 minutes before the expected arrival or you may not get a good railing spot.  Again - for me the highlight of this trip.

 

 

Thanks for your review! We are doing this in early January. I would love to do the Cave Tubing. Hope it isn’t SOLD OUT by the time I can book excursions! Fingers crossed!

[MikeyB]

I happen to be on the December 21st cruise that had included Key West for December 22nd.  We were notified of Key West being dropped on 9/27 with the "kind of" generous offer of $150pp OBC.

I cannot believe they won't be rolling out this offer to latter sailings. 

Makes no sense to treat our sailing differently.

And I will make Viking pay for this sea day.....I have the Silver Spirits package! 

No virtual explorers lounge drinking for me.

7 hours ago, longterm said:

Is Colon canceled too? 

We still have Colon "attached" to our sailing.

[FlyerTalker]

3 hours ago, MikeyB said:

We still have Colon "attached" to our sailing.

 

You REALLY don't want to have a separated Colon.  Hopefully it will stay attached.

 

😀

 

 

[Mimiya11]

12 hours ago, Iloveketo said:

Thanks for your review! We are doing this in early January. I would love to do the Cave Tubing. Hope it isn’t SOLD OUT by the time I can book excursions! Fingers crossed!

I booked a private excursion of Cave Tubing that I found on the ports of call boards.  

[Mimiya11]

17 hours ago, longterm said:

Is Colon canceled too? 

No 

[holech]

Celebrity Infinity docked at Key West today…and they’re 3 times the number of passengers as Viking Star. Go figure.

[vanrose]

11 hours ago, Mimiya11 said:

I booked a private excursion of Cave Tubing that I found on the ports of call boards.  

May I ask what private company you hired to  explore the caves with?

 

[Mimiya11]

11 hours ago, vanrose said:

May I ask what private company you hired to  explore the caves with?

 

Cavetubing.bz

[Hubby1]

On 9/28/2022 at 5:26 PM, CCWineLover said:

Sorry you are bitter and feel that way.  Perhaps time to go back to what you feel comfortable with (Celebrity and Oceania).  I'm only sorry that you didn't at least give Viking one chance.  The only consolation is that there will be one less customer to compete with for popular Viking cruises for those of us who do like Viking (and don't like casinos).

Your right, already have 35 planned on Oceana in 2023-24. All on Insignia--a sub 1000 customer ship.  Because of costs in changing arrangements I will be on the Viking Star Panama cruise--but doubt they can make-up for what they have taken away.