OneSixtyToOne

Here is a video of breakfast aboard a VRC

TellUs@vikingcruises.com

Just to follow up.... I received a call from Viking today. Rep was very nice and noted in their system when our anniversary is and said she will check daily until our departure to see if anything opens up. She kept on referring their "complimentary" pre-reservation system so that seems to be PR line they have been coached to use. I pointed out that "complimentary" and "guaranteed" have vastly different meanings. She went on to say there were no tables for two that day and I pointed out that MJV won't allow me to even look at any days at all and states "Dining reservations are not available at this time." I also mentioned the time discrepancy. She said she would ask IT about both these issues. Being in IT for 40 years I expect this to go absolutely nowhere. After reading about the experiences others have had, my gut tells me the decision was made to limit reservations to above the DV level. Given COVID uncertainties, possible crew shortages, etc. I think they would rather have fewer advanced reservations to avoid possible cancellations upon arrival. Has anyone in a DV been able to book an advanced dinner reservation in the last month?

Yes, but it’s typically already reflected in the price (regular price is striked out). Entering the EBD code doesn’t appear to change anything.

It’s a vanilla Early Booking Discount that they often use in their brochures when announcing the cruise schedules a year or two out.

Egypt cruises seem to sell out very far in advance. I don't recall seeing any promos except the EBD one.

DV1 We are trying a stern cabin the first time. Looking forward to the backward views.

Excursions opened exactly at the stated time (noon PST). I was able to book everything I wanted. A few sold out within the hour. We have another cruise booked and that one opens in the middle of this extension. I hope the hotel has good wi-fi and there is no problem booking from abroad.

I sent an email to TellUs... asking about the time issue and closed with the following statement. Awaiting their reply. We will be celebrating our wedding anniversary on this cruise and were very much looking forward to a table at Manfredi's to celebrate this special occasion. Not knowing if that is possible reflects badly on Viking and contradicts your DV category advertising: "1 guaranteed priority reservation at each alternative restaurant 60 days prior to departure" If you no longer intend to honor this "guarantee" of prior reservations, I suggest you update your website, advertising brochures, and other promotional materials where this is stated.

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Received a message today from Viking that dinner and spa reservations were now open for our upcoming cruise. I found this odd since it previously stated they opened at 8 PM my time. Instead it looks like it happened at 8 AM. Results: spa reservations available, no dinner reservations available. Guess I'll try at 8 PM and see if this is a glitch or SNAFU.

The credit card info registered on MVJ is for onboard use. You can register ACH (bank exchange) info for pre cruise excursions. When paying by credit card you will be asked for the information upon checkout.

What cruise are you on?

Russell is a tremendous storyteller. Some of his presentations are on Viking TV. In preparation for our Greece trip, I recently watched his presentation on Greek mythology. Since the collapse of FTX was in the news, I just rewatched his presentation on Tulip Mania, the first stock market bubble.

"War is God's way of teaching Americans geography" - Ambrose Bierce

Here is a Viking Ocean Cabin Guide blog including cabins to avoid

Free self-service laundry facilities are available on decks 3-6. Detergent is included. Each laundry also has an ironing board and iron.

Ghent is lovely and old Bruges is pedestrian friendly. You can spend days walking around. Staying right in Bruges would be my choice.

Have you ever been to Bruges?

In addition to “free air” some promotions offer level cabin pricing for the lowest category (eg. DV1-6 for the same price). Also the SSP might be included.

For dining reservations, MVJ allows you to link reservations but you must have the booking number and everyone’s cabin class must be eligible to book. For example a PV pax can’t link with a DV until the DV is eligible. It’s also pretty easy to accommodate everyone when onboard. For excursions you can work that out onboard with a Viking rep. If you have the same time slots you can request to be in the same group. Some slots may have multiple buses/guides and you are assigned groups.

Below is part of our extension. Is this the same Temple of Apollo? Day 4 - Delphi Today, visit Delphi, where an ancient oracle once influenced the fate of emperors and empires. Here, you will discover one of the most important museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Surrounded by the splendid beauty of Mt. Parnassus, you will marvel at the Temple of Apollo, the circular Tholos and more. After time to explore this magnificent site, stop in the picturesque mountain town of Arachova for lunch, then return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Room class determines the date when MVJ opens for booking time slots. The excursions will be available for viewing before your date so you can make a plan. If you are booking optional excursions, target first the ONE you really want and pay for it before moving on. Popular optional excursions may sell out quickly and it's possible it may sell out with the item in your cart before payment. Research the tours and make a plan to be as efficient as possible during the booking process. See my answer above about picking time slots. BTW only one cabin pax may be logged into MVJ to book excursions. The other will get a lock error if trying to book simultaneously.

You select the excursion time you want in MVJ before you board. The UI will have a drop down box with the available times. It will also show if you have any booking conflicts. Some time slots may fill up so it is highly recommended that you make your selections as soon as you are able. Each stateroom pax selects a time. They can be the same or if for some reason you want to go on different tours, you can schedule independently. When you board you will be given a packet with tickets for your selected excursions. BTW Although you may be able to change excursion times after you board, you really need to select everything in advance. This allows Viking to determine how many buses and tour guides are required.

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