Heads up regarding Bodo: While sailing on the Viking Star in Norway January 2020, 20 Viking guests booked this boat trip to visit Salstrumen because the Viking-offered excursions to Salstrumen were sold out. We each paid 1750 NOK or $190 US dollars per person (roughly $400/couple). Due to sea conditions the Viking Star captain had to skip the Bodo port and stay at Sea. (This followed the Hurtigruten event that occurred 1 week prior while trying to dock in Bodo; google the horrific video Jan.21, 2020), as well as the high sea disaster on Viking Sea in March 2019 (you can also google that) enroute to Bodo.
Due to the missed port January 30, 2020, all 20 guests lost the full $200 excursion and this tour company kept the entire $4000. I understand they need to pay the staff who planned on guiding our boats but they could have reimbursed 50% since they did not waste boat fuel or mileage on the boat. Additionally, I’m sure they were able to rebook some regular tourists on land to fill or now vacant spaces. It was not a decision to “skip” the excursion, it was a safety decision made by the captain for his 907 souls onboard the Viking Star.
I’m sure this tour company does great tours but I would just keep weather in mind before booking this as a cruise guest. There is always a risk of a port cancellation based on unforeseen weather conditions. At least Viking cruise will reimburse the guests who booked directly from them and missed the excursion. It’s a lesson learned for us and we will continue to communicate this message for future guests to consider. Company was Nordland Adventures - Nordland Turselskap.
The Saltstraumen "Maelstrom" near Bodo, Norway
in Hurtigruten
Posted
Heads up regarding Bodo: While sailing on the Viking Star in Norway January 2020, 20 Viking guests booked this boat trip to visit Salstrumen because the Viking-offered excursions to Salstrumen were sold out. We each paid 1750 NOK or $190 US dollars per person (roughly $400/couple). Due to sea conditions the Viking Star captain had to skip the Bodo port and stay at Sea. (This followed the Hurtigruten event that occurred 1 week prior while trying to dock in Bodo; google the horrific video Jan.21, 2020), as well as the high sea disaster on Viking Sea in March 2019 (you can also google that) enroute to Bodo.
Due to the missed port January 30, 2020, all 20 guests lost the full $200 excursion and this tour company kept the entire $4000. I understand they need to pay the staff who planned on guiding our boats but they could have reimbursed 50% since they did not waste boat fuel or mileage on the boat. Additionally, I’m sure they were able to rebook some regular tourists on land to fill or now vacant spaces. It was not a decision to “skip” the excursion, it was a safety decision made by the captain for his 907 souls onboard the Viking Star.
I’m sure this tour company does great tours but I would just keep weather in mind before booking this as a cruise guest. There is always a risk of a port cancellation based on unforeseen weather conditions. At least Viking cruise will reimburse the guests who booked directly from them and missed the excursion. It’s a lesson learned for us and we will continue to communicate this message for future guests to consider. Company was Nordland Adventures - Nordland Turselskap.