CDR2001

Call the Viking agent that booked your cruise, info is on your invoice. Or get help from the Chat on MVJ. If you used a TA, let them handle the questions. In any case, seek an answer from Viking. Maybe email Tellus@vikingcruises.com. ,the next level of customer service agents.

I checked my cruise, embarkation is May1. The old excursions booking date is still listed. I checked the cabin descriptions for several ships, and excursion booking date changes only apply to cruises beginning on or after June1,2024. Good news for some, no change for me!

I’m pretty sure that this is a question for Viking Air. I’ve always dealt with Viking AirPlus for flight deviations in the past. 877 523 0580 I book my own flights if the price is right instead of using VA.

We did Empires of Mediterranean a few months ago, with extra days in Athens. Yes, many of the ruins tours are demanding in that they require hiking uphill for the full experience. However, views from below are good and the guide did most of the talking before climbing up. Here’s a view from top of Mycenaean ruins. Note the buses below.

I’ve not seen table tennis on Star or Saturn. Here’s a video from Viking. https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/content/oceans-360/start.html

I have used the same Viking agent for 7 years. I simply email her and get a return call within the hour. She said emails pop up even when she is helping a guest so she sees my message. And yes, she has access to all available cabins, and gives great advice regarding cabin location. The random agents I’ve reached by calling or chat sometimes give basic info, and sometimes it’s inconsistent.

We’ve boarded 3 different cruises at 3 different times, between 11 and 1pm. We’ve had very short lines and after the safety briefing, head to lunch at the World Cafe. Our cabin ( DV) has been ready early every time. Yes, Viking is very efficient.

“ Also - what is Viking Chat?” When you go to the Viking website, a Chat bot usually pops up, similar to most other websites. Sometimes I don’t see the Chat if it is outside of business hours. I request a previous cruise list, and explain that I know the excursions for MY cruise might be different with times and prices. Only once have I chatted with an agent that didn’t know how to send the PDF. I suppose a phone call would work too, but I prefer the chat as I have a record of the conversation. (Screen shot)

I think it was around $170 last July.

I think once items are prepaid, the OBC will not be retroactively used. We always pay for gratuities onboard so any non refundable credit is used by the end of the cruise. Your OBC might be refundable, but I don’t know how you’d know unless the TA can verify it. Brother had non refundable OBC, and at the last day he had to buy gift shop items to use it or lose it!

To 17pandd, Since you talked to Viking, I would at least email Tellus@viking.com and tell them your story. Be as specific as possible, and request that they review your call if possible. (Hello, this is Viking on a recorded line…that’s what I hear often.) I’d request some compensation, and request a change in policy to handle the many medications that must be onboard every ship. If you get a call back, ask for a follow-up email if they promise compensation. I usually use the chat function or tellus for important questions, as I have a written record of the conversation, Sorry for your troubles, and hope someone at Viking makes some changes as it appears medication storage is not standard on the various ships. For those reading this, if I had medication needing refrigeration I would email the ship itself, the address is usually in the final documents.

I have Viking Air flights booked for next April since it was substantially less than booking independently. I am attaching part of the email Viking sent with our air itinerary. I don’t recall getting detailed information like this with previous Viking Air flights. They are stating what has been repeated often on these forums, as in above post. Changes to Your Flight Schedule Airline schedules for your flights will likely undergo multiple changes from the time of booking to your travel date. These changes are made by the airlines as they adjust their services, routes, and aircraft assignments. We will carefully monitor and review all schedule changes to ensure they are consistent with your voyage. In some instances, it may be necessary to re- book your flights with another airline. You will be promptly notified of any such changes via email. If you wish to change your flight routing, dates, seat assignments, or class of service, you can do so on MyVikingJourney.com. Until the ticketing process is complete, you will only need to pay the fare difference. However, once the ticketing is finalized, any modifications will necessitate a consultation with an Air Specialist-a service of Air Plus. Please be aware that a non-refundable service fee ranging from $100 to $150 per guest will apply for the Air Plus service. Additionally, a minimum change fee of $350 per person will be charged, along with any applicable fare increase. It's important to note that these fees extend to name changes as well. Ticketing may be completed any time after the package is paid in full. Seat Assignments Any changes, including minor schedule changes or flight number updates, can lead to the airline making adjustments to the aircraft type or seating configuration, which may result in unassigned seats. Therefore, we advise you to thoroughly review your flight details following any updates. If you have purchased seats in preferred locations or with extra legroom directly from the airline, it's possible that this information may not be relayed to Viking. In such cases, you will need to directly coordinate with the airline to address any changes that may arise. Business Class and Premium Economy When traveling internationally, the benefits of Business Class and Premium Economy may not apply to connecting flights within North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. However, if available, we will make efforts to provide an upgraded experience even on these connecting flights. It's important to be aware that the service amenities and availability of upgraded aircraft cabins may vary. The pricing remains the same when traveling in economy or upgraded cabins on these connecting flights. To ensure the best flight options, we recommend selecting Premium Economy or Business Class at the time you book your voyage. If you wish to upgrade to Business Class or Premium Economy flights, you can do so on MyVikingJourney.com starting from 5 months prior to your travel date. For guests who have upgraded their Viking booked flights directly with the airline, it is necessary to coordinate with the airline directly to reconfirm the upgrades in the event of airline or Viking schedule changes. Flight Customization You may customize your flights within 5 months prior to travel with no service fee, on MyVikingJourney.com. For a non-refundable service fee of $100- $150 per guest you may customize your flights from 310 days to 65 days prior to travel over the phone with a Viking Air Specialist. Customizing your flights online or with Air Plus will often result in a fare increase, in addition to the air add-on price included with your cruise package. For Air Plus services, a voyage deposit and completion of the Guest Information form is required. All customization is subject to availability of Viking-exclusive inventory. Baggage and Airline Policies Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; click here www.vrc.com/luggage to learn more about airline luggage allowances, carry-on or luggage restrictions, prohibited items and locking your bags. We recommend contacting the airline directly via their website or phone at least 72 hours prior to your departure to reconfirm seat assignments, current policies and check in time.

Don’t worry about fancy clothes! We wear technical outdoor gear for excursions, and dress for the weather. I usually change into a sweater or tunic with black pants for dinners everywhere. I might add a nice scarf for Manfredi’s, but otherwise stay casual. No ties or jackets for hubby! I think you will find a middle age and up demographic on the active ocean cruises, as that’s what we’ve seen.

We did the Krka NP excursion from Zadar in October. We were in the park about 3 hours, and yes there is a lot of walking. Mostly it was walking on boardwalks where you see multiple small falls along the river. Climbing for closer views was optional. When we got to the main falls area, we stayed about 40 minutes I think… lots of time for photos, snacks and restroom break. ( bring euros for RR). The walk back to the bus area involved a steep climb up many stairs. I’m not sure if there was a longer less steep option. We loved this excursion as we’re photographers and nature lovers! The falconry was not an option for our cruise.

Another tip, I’ve had luck getting an excursion with the chat agent. She was able to see seats that hadn’t been posted on MVJ at the time, so do ask the agent to check, or call and ask. As stated, constant checking is your only option until you are onboard.

If you paid for air plus, you and your TA can call to discuss flight options, and Viking will reserve it now. BTW, you’re not a pain, that’s what Air Plus is for! I usually research flights I like prior to the discussion, and I’ve always found acceptable flights in the Viking contract. Now, ticketing those flights is another story. Viking will ticket the flight around 75 days out, but you can request early ticketing. After ticketing, seat upgrades may be options. Call air plus for details. And…. If you decide to book your own flights, all Viking Air fees can be refunded in our experience.

In my experience, there is no fee for early ticketing. Viking will try to postpone ticketing but if you like your flights, call Viking air and request it as soon as they allow it…around 100 days out if I remember. They will stress that if YOU want to change the flight after ticketed, there will be a change fee. I don’t think Viking has ever changed our flights, but the airlines have….from minor time changes to major airport changes. 🙄 Once ticketed, I deal directly with the airline for seat changes or upgrade purchases, and flight corrections if needed. I use Viking Air when it is a better deal than booking ourselves, about half the time.

Regarding Viking Ocean food…it certainly is subjective. Hubby is a meat and potatoes guy, and his complaint about Viking dining is it’s TOO upscale! ….Though he does love the omelets at breakfast and the desserts! LOL!

This information is correct as of Oct2023. We disembarked a few weeks ago in Venice, with the ship docked at Fusina. The Venezia Passenger Terminal is the place to check in before the cruise, and it is where we claimed our luggage after disembarking. Viking busses all passengers to this terminal from the ship, whether from Fusina or Chioggia. In your case, take the people mover (cost is a few Euros,) from Piazzale Roma to the Venezia passenger terminal for check in and transfer to the ship by Viking bus. …….However….since your trip is in 2025, I’d not worry about this until a few months before your cruise! Things can certainly change!

Yes, Duque, we’ve done this but the transfer form posted above needs to be completed. I also kept the confirmation on the updated invoice we received by email. No problems!

We have stayed near the forward stairs on 3 cruises, and that’s perfect for us. We like the quick elevator access and it’s fairly convenient to the launderette. I’d choose 4035, we’ve been in 4033 before.

If you eat dinner in the World Cafe, you can wear the same attire that you wear on excursions, no dress code for the Cafe in the evenings.

A note on passenger age on Saturn, Empires of Med now. I see a lot more family groups including some with 3 generations onboard. I also see more middle aged couples, and groups of friends. We’re active seniors and I’m assuming the folks onboard realize that the excursions require lots of walking amid ruins. Third VO and this crowd has a younger vibe in my opinion.

We did Icelands Natural Beauty this July. Yes, there was a photographer tour and my husband thought it was great! The stops are based on current weather and conditions. See here, day 2. https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/icelands-natural-beauty/index.html#itineraryday/2

Snooki, you or TA can call Viking Air plus and select your preferred flights and seats from the options on the Viking air contract. That’s what you’re paying for with plus. Don’t wait for flights to appear on MVJ, talk to a rep. We have our flights for next April all set… unless the airline makes a change. We will request early ticketing. Fingers crossed!