Chilicatx

I’m aboard now and must say as a first time Viking cruiser (but cruiser on many other lines over 30 years from Princess to Regent) that I am very impressed by Viking so far. 
Perhaps I’ve found a match for my inner simple luxury loving knowledge nerd.

38 minutes ago, BarbRN said:

If you are familiar who do you sit with at meals or in the lounge

I have not previously sailed with Viking. I will sit alone or meet new friends. I’ve been on several cruises alone and have met some of my good friends that way. 

I rather doubt that. But my opinion of Viking is much higher now. 

I am happy to report that Viking came through and refunded my single supplement. 

I’d also like to emphasize that this “lower fare” only impacts solo travelers.

Perhaps they don’t value them?

I would consider writing off cancellation fees and rebooking however I had to pay in full at the time of booking and the waived single supplement was waived within 3 weeks of sailing. They have me in a no win situation.

I have more than 200 nights on ships. 160 on Regent Seven Seas alone. This is my first Viking trip. With the attitude they’ve exhibited, it might possibly be my only. This is a very shabby way of treating passengers regardless of if they’re first time or have 35 years of sailing.

My travel agent called. Nothing. No upgrade, no onboard credit, nothing. 

I’m on the Viking Sky as a solo traveler on the August 28 Iceland cruise. I booked it about 3 weeks ago and paid the single supplement (which is several thousand dollars). That’s fine, I’m used to it.

Now Viking has eliminated the supplement on the remaining Iceland cruises for most cabin categories. Great, right?

Nope, they will not adjust my fare. 
Is there anything I can do? Has anyone run into this before? Seems to be a pretty shabby way to treat a solo cruiser.

2 hours ago, AmazedByCruising said:

 

What's possibly rude about tipping (unless the amount is so low that it would insult)? Which countries?

In certain cultures (Japan is a prime example) tipping is considered rude because you are essentially bribing them to do the job that they are supposed to. Some cultures feel it makes them feel like servants. Others see no need for tipping because everyone is paid a decent wage.

Good, it sounds like I can meet new friends and dine with them. I was having visions of eating alone in my cabin every night. While I could certainly deal with that, it’s more fun to meet fellow travelers 

How are they handling solo travelers in the restaurants? Or in other places? 
I’m traveling solo on the august 28th sailing

Since the snorkeling excursions were just cancelled, most of the interesting mainland Belize excursions were already fully booked. I've been to several ruins in Belize previously so that doesn't particularly interest me anyway.

I believe the snorkeling excursions will be available eventually but not before April.

Now they've gone and cancelled the snorkeling and snuba excursions for Harvest Caye. Seems we are going to be held captive where we have to pay for food and beverages.

Might be a good "sea day".

I'm glad to hear they have almond milk.

As for Ginger Beer, they haven't had it in the past but I've requested it a few times (prior to sailing) and it's been provided to me in my suite. I just take it to my preferred bar and they keep it for me to make Moscow Mules.

I suppose you could use it at Harvest Caye since it's not part of Regent's "all inclusive" inclusions.

Treats for the staff are an awesome idea! I save up my turndown chocolates for the dancers. They love them.

I think the key difference is that other private islands are run entirely by the cruiseline that owns them. Harvest Caye is a bit different in that the concessions are run by locals from Belize and it's a source of income for them.

Still, Regent could certainly reimburse the locals for the food and drink used by passengers without charging the passengers (which contradicts the "all-inclusive" nature of Regent). They're already subsidizing the excursions. They just need to take it one step further and include food and beverages.

Charging for food and beverages at Harvest Caye is ridiculous for an all inclusive line such as Regent. I imagine people will either bring their own or simply return to the ship for food when not on an excursion.

I realize that while the Caye is owned by NCL it is run by Belize residents. Still vouchers or waiving charges to passengers for food and beverage purchases on Harvest Caye (while assuring the people of Belize receive compensation) is more in line with Regent's all inclusive nature.

My cruise in May stopped in Egypt for only one day. I opted for the tour that visited Karnak and the Luxor temples as well as the Luxor museums. They were all very worthwhile to see but realize: 1) it's a REALLY long day 2) it can be scorchingly hot 3) much depends on your guide.

If you can stay overnight, do it. People I spoke with who went to the valley of the kings were disappointed.