ebtrip

1 hour ago, bassethounddog said:

I just completed my first Celebrity cruise and was not impressed. It was extremely crowded (2800 passengers).  I was in a standard balcony cabin. Celebrity has reduced the number of entree choices in the Main Dining Room. No more filet, prime rib and or other pricier selections. Specialty restaurants are $50 per person up-charge.  Hit or miss as to food taste. Small portion sizes. Buffet at breakfast and lunch is fine. However, not much at dinner… basically salad, pizza and dessert. Entertainment is very good. Outside performers brought in. Lots of music options.  I much prefer Viking and their smaller ships. 
Here is a photo of my dinner on Lobster Night. 

1 hour ago, bassethounddog said:

I just completed my first Celebrity cruise and was not impressed. It was extremely crowded (2800 passengers).  I was in a standard balcony cabin. Celebrity has reduced the number of entree choices in the Main Dining Room. No more filet, prime rib and or other pricier selections. Specialty restaurants are $50 per person up-charge.  Hit or miss as to food taste. Small portion sizes. Buffet at breakfast and lunch is fine. However, not much at dinner… basically salad, pizza and dessert. Entertainment is very good. Outside performers brought in. Lots of music options.  I much prefer Viking and their smaller ships. 
Here is a photo of my dinner on Lobster Night. 

What is on your plate. Doesn’t look like lobster.

30 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Would really interested to read if you could do a Comparison of the two cruise line either live or a review after the cruise.   There have been a couple lately and really informative to all of us who are planning on trying other alternatives.

We have sailed on Viking ocean 3 times so far.  Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and Greece. This 4th sailing will be our first Transatlantic with them.

cabins..only have balconies, standard ones are  270 sq ft with balcony, there are larger cabins Penthouse and then suites, which are larger.  The floor in the bathroom is heated.  Large shower with glass door. You don’t have to upgrade as the only perks are refills of the mini fridge, and get to make your excursion and restaurant earlier. There are no private dining rooms for suites, everyone eats in the same restaurants. 
 

staff.  very friendly, go out of their way to assist 

restaurants. There are 2 specialty restaurants, Manfredi’s and Chef Table, plus the regular restaurant, world cafe buffet, Mamsens, pool grill. there is no fee for the specialties and I’ve never had a problem getting reservations on board.  I’ve found food is very good at all venues.

included tours. Most are on busses or walking, nothing fantastic, but have enjoyed getting a taste of a country. You can purchase optional tours if you desire.
 

Beverages. The price of the beverage package has increased.  It really isn’t necessary for most people as beer and wine is served during lunch and dinner.  If you want a cocktail in the evening the prices run about$8.00 including gratuity, very reasonable. I do get the package as I prefer better wines, and when we go to the Chefs Table for dinner, which serves a wine with each course, I get the premium wine, which would cost an extra $25.00 per person. 
 

entertainment. Celebrity has much better theater shows.  Viking has small shows with about 5 people.  They do have a band in a small club, and in the “Living room” there is a pianist or some other low key entertainment to enjoy.

There is no Casino, Children, art sales, photographers. I find the cruise low key, very relaxing. Most cruisers are experienced travelers, a different demographic. We have always loved Celebrity, but enjoying a different experience. 

I am Elite Plus, cruise in Aqua Class. Haven’t sailed on X since January 2020. Have Sailed on Viking Ocean 4 times, twice since 2020.  Yes everything has increased in price, but to nickel and dime cruisers sours our experience. Leave in 4 weeks on a transatlantic on Viking.  Gratuities increased, as their beverage package, which you don’t really need as beer and wine are free with lunch and dinner. 24 hr room service is free, specially restaurants are free, port excursions are included.  Definitely a different vibe, very low key cruise, no casino, kids or extravagant shows, no art sales. 
the next time we sail on Celebrity it will not be in Aqua, we’ll just pay for specialty restaurant package and save money. 

Just jumped onto the Celebrity board. To my surprise there has been many changes from fee for room service to charges for some menu items in dining room. I haven’t sailed on X since January 2020, I guess Viking is now my go to cruise line.

37 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

We cruised both Viking and Celebrity on trans oceanic cruises pre-covid.  Two and a half transatlantics on Viking (2018, 2019, 2020-that one got turned around mid Atlantic) and one transpacific on Millennium (2019).  
 

Both lines have excellent food offerings. The biggest difference is that Viking’s alternative dining is complimentary whereas on X there is an extra charge. Entertainment is better on Celebrity, though on one’s first cruise with them, you may find the shows just fine. They are much smaller productions but usually enjoyable.  Our issue is that they have been the same on all our cruises. 
 

The biggest difference to us is the ship size. We really like the smaller Viking capacity. 930 vs 2138 is a big difference.
 

Depending on itinerary we have found that Viking can be about the same price as other cruise lines. This is particularly the case on repositioning cruises. When we compared apples to oranges on our transatlantics-Viking cost between $10-$20 more per person/per day than similar cruises on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Some of this is due to the shipboard credit our travel agent provides for Viking which covers the suggested gratuities.  We also try to book relatively late and usually can catch a Viking promo that will upgrade the cabin (not really a big deal), include “free” air or sometimes provide the silver spirits package.  Again, not a big deal but is nice.  While we didn’t include any of those in the monetary calculation  they make them a better deal. We also appreciate the complimentary access to the spa on Viking.

 

I’d suggest you find a cost effective Viking cruise and give them a try. Let us know if you have any other questions!

 

I am Elite Plus on Celebrity, but travel in Aqua Class. Prefer small dining rooms and my husband likes the food in Blu.  We will be on our 4th Viking cruise (transatlantic) next month. Prefer smaller ships, no children, and good food and wine. 
The entertainment on Viking is not elaborate as Celebrity, husband prefers Celebrity buffets at lunch, and yes he likes the casino, but that said we really like Viking. Service is excellent, food is very good, really like Chefs table and Manfredis and you don’t have to upgrade as we do on Celebrity. Find prices are about same if you wait for a promo, free air a PLUS.  We do get the beverage package, using the credit from our TA.  If your looking for a lively cruise stay with Celebrity. 

On 2/1/2023 at 2:47 PM, farmecologist said:

 

I'm assuming Viking  is sweeting the offer on the March, 2023 crossing because it is coming up soon and they want to attempt to fill the remaining cabins.  We probably won't see similar deals on the Nov 2023 sailing for quite a while.

 

I’m on the March 15th sailing, booked when we received free air and upgrade to DV1.  New promo with free beverage is much higher than we paid.  So with my TA sbc, we will purchase beverage pkg.  

8 hours ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Which is just a single anecdote.  It does not show that all "free tickets" can be upgraded.

True, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, may be surprised. 

On 1/23/2023 at 4:43 AM, Peregrina651 said:

 

Heads up, something  to keep an eye on: I am hearing in the chatter that not all of the FREE airfare offers can be upgraded.  

 

After our free tickets were ticketed I called the airline and was able to upgrade to business class on our return flight from Europe to the US on a transatlantic. Cost was reasonable. 

On 12/11/2022 at 3:30 PM, ekkc10753 said:

well, I must've either screwed this up or my travel agent isnt as great as the ones you guys seem to have,

I transferred a Grand Pacific Viking cruise reservation that I'd made directly with Viking to a travel agent who was recommended by a family member, (Grand Pacific is 90 + days and I'm paying the crippling single supplement as well)

Any time I ask her about OBC or a small financial bone that could be tossed to me, she says "It's sold out and Viking isn't offering any OBC on this"

Admittedly, I don't sail until September of 2023 so things could change, but I was feeling grouchy about this before and now, after reading these posts, I think I really screwed up by transferring my booking to her.

This is my first big trip since i lost my husband (he's not misplaced, dead is what he sadly is) 

Any one have any useful advice for me? I'd really appreciate the help!

 

 

 

The OBC isn’t from Viking, it from the TA.  I get a nice credit to use for gratuities, beverage package or etc. it depends on how many nights your cruise is.  I’d check online to see if my category is still available. If it is I would call another TA find out what they are offering, then call ur TA and state what u found out.good luck 

8 hours ago, JohnCoffield said:

Joining Viking Venus late on Sunday - does anyone know if you still have to book a time slot for the gym?

On the Venus now,  do not have to book a time. Husband  just goes in. We get off on Sunday. Staff is wonderful. Enjoy your journey. 

7 hours ago, rizello said:

This is the biggest mystery.  Viking strongly recommended that we get the test as a backup in case any country requirements changed.  The requirements have not changed.  Unfortunately, I am seeing stories of people being denied boarding in the US for not having a PCR test, even though there is no reason/requirement for them to have it to enter the country (Germany, Malta, etc)

We are on the Venus now.  Checked in at LAX and needed our vaccination card, as well as Malta, but no one has asked for our negative test results.  We got our test results about 1 1/2 days after taking it a CVS. 

As a retired Travel agent I was salaried. My clients came first.  If I found a sale on a cruise they were booked on I gave the discount, without their knowledge. It always surprised them when a check was found in their docs if they had already paid the final.  The few dollars that the commission was decreased was a drop in a bucket compared to the client knowing we worked for their best interest. My clients never compared prices as I ALWAYS made sure they had the best price.  I use a travel agent for my cruise bookings.  I could navigate by myself, with 21 years of experience, but they do get the best rate and SBC.  It’s not coming out of their pockets. I had a TA for the past 14 years, but she retired last year.  It took time but now I have found someone who works as I did.  

18 minutes ago, PBtroy said:

I want to echo EBTRIP's thanks to all on this forum for the helpful information.  And, EBTRIP, it sounds like you may be on our Viking Sea August 10 embarkation.  We are Oceania smaller ship fans, and this is our first Viking trip.  From the posts, I think we will be very pleased with it.  Regards, all.

Hi PBtroy, no I’m on the Venus Sept. 2. Have a wonderful voyage, you will enjoy Viking.

11 minutes ago, LindaS272 said:

I suggest you double-check with United. From what I see on their entry requirements for Malta, they just quote the Maltese government requirements that if you’re vaccinated, no PCR test as of now.

I definitely misread the info from UA.  Thx

36 minutes ago, LindaS272 said:

Here’s the link about the order in which to fill out the form:
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2781798-viking-venus-malta-adriatic-jewels-aug-23-sep-2-2021/?do=findComment&comment=61536692

 

As for the PCR test, Malta is not requiring one right now if you are vaccinated, so you should be able to fill out the form without test results.

 

As of today, we are on United to Newark September 1, they state that a covid test  is necessary for our connecting flight on Lufthansa..  all very confusing.  Also filled out the Malta health form after printing it.  Lots of paper work.

A big thanks to all the Malta cruisers.. just finished Malta Health survey and VeriFLY.. all your helpful hints made it easier then it would have been.✈️🚢👌

1 hour ago, Tom.in.nc said:

For those who have may not seen it, here is the July 29 update of Viking Malta  requirements.

https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-210729-RestartPreCruiseRequirement-Malta-US-UK.pdf
 

Tom

Hi Tom, I presume this needs to be done 14 days prior to arrival.  Thanks for all the updates 

17 minutes ago, C-sea said:

May I ask, which cruise date did you receive free air? That is a great deal!

September 2, Greece discovery

I hope my air doesn’t change as we have nonstop from LAX on 9/1 then on the charter from Newark to Malta round trip.  Couldn’t ask for anything better.  We did get the free air promo, and as I look at the seating from Lufthansa looks like more than 100 seats are filled.

Want to thank everyone for all the information on this thread.  You have all been so helpful. This will be our 3rd Viking Ocean.  We are on the Venus September 2, and looking forward to venturing on our first cruise since January 2020.  We don’t mind being in a bubble as we would not have booked this cruise if everyone was not required to be vaccinated.  We are leaving from LAX non stop to Newark, then on the charter Lufthansa To Malta.  Have been able to book all included tours, may cancel Rhodes and do an option but will see when we are onboard. Had to call Viking to make our “Restaurant “ reservations. Specialty restaurants will be made onboard.  Will buy the Silver spirit package with our SBC and just enjoy being away.

Can’t  wait. 

I agree with all of the above posts. We leave in 3 weeks on the Eclipse.. also have a Caribbean cruise booked for January on the Equinox.  We will be elite plus after these cruises.  Was going to book a June cruise while onboard, but price has gone up almost 2k with no perks since June.  We will wAit to see what other cruises are available..even though we usually only book X, I have done HAl, Azamara, Viking Ocean and Regent in the past few years and if I’m not getting my perks,  I will look for other cruise lines with better price and service.

On 9/11/2019 at 11:14 AM, Ferry_Watcher said:

HI, I have a Classic Beverage Package perk on a spring 2020 cruise.  I know that Celebrity will occasionally offer upgrade sales.  Since my beverage package is a 'free' perk, would I still be able to take advantage of any beverage upgrade offers between now and my cruise?  Any idea when Celebrity traditionally offers these upgrades or package sales?  i.e, Black Friday, etc?  Thanks!

I am on the 15 day r/t Hawaii next month..I have as a perk the Classic..when there was a sale I upgraded for 50% off, $5.00 per day plus gratuity, for a total of 88.50 per person ..wait for a sale. 

I will be leaving on the Eclipse in 44 days, round trip Hawaii.  The ship has not been edgified, so hoping our Aqua cabin has footstools.  We also order room service for breakfast before  an excursion, so having a coffee table is important..As for movies, my DH enjoys relaxing in the cabin and watching movies..I did not know they have been charging.  We have a January cruise to the Caribbean booked, which will take us to Elite Plus. i know the Equinox has been refurbished.  My last two cruises  have been on Viking Ocean..love the small ships, all inclusive type sailing.. we do buy the unlimited drink package, which is at a minimal price, as wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner.  Like the fact there is a shore excursion in each port.  It’s very relaxing, no casino, no scooters, no children under the age of 18.  Don’t get me wrong, we love Celebrity, husband loves the casino, but if they start nickel and  diming us we won’t hesitate to start cruising with Azamara, Oceana, or Viking.

Celebrity please listen to your loyal customers who cruise 3 times a year, and sometimes more.

I just booked a  1 pm out of FLL on southwest..I would not chance an earlier flight then 11:30.  Never know if there is a delay.  Yes we have made it to the airport early,  would rather wait around then miss my flight.

3 hours ago, GottaKnowWhen said:

My first experience - I had a Guarantee cabin, i.e. general category but no room assigned. Got my assignment. Called agent: that looks like an obstructed view cabin, what do you think? Answer: I don’t know anything about the cabins; if you want to change, tell me where and I will move you.

Second time, different  company. Will you alert me to price drops? Answer: no of course not, I don’t have time for that. If you see a price drop, tell me and I’ll fix it.

Third time, different company. I’ve made a partial payment, will you send me an updated invoice? Answer: no, we don’t usually bother until after final payment.

 

Since then I have dealt with Celebrity directly. I may miss out on a few perks but I also miss out on the aggravation of dealing with phone clerks who know nothing about cruising or about customer service. 

By the way, I did try local. One group said to tell them what I wanted, they would only charge $50 per reservation to set things up for me. The other group said they didn’t deal much with cruises and didn’t really want to bother.

Do you expect too much? I don’t think so, but nevertheless your experience with shoddy service may be the norm.

Stan

Really sorry you had such bad experiences.. I was in the business in 1986 to 2006.  We were professionals. Service was our business. I handled corporate and groups.  Sent people all over the world. If I was not knowledgeable in something I did my homework and got the answers.

 Price drops are difficult in today’s market.  I keep my eyes opened and when I see a lower price I do call my agent.  Going to a large agency, usually online does get you more perks.  I have found one I use, but I do my own comparisons then go to her.  I do have the expertise so I know what I want.

Many of todays agents are home based, they are in it for some freebies and don’t know the ins and outs of all travel.  I lived in London for a year and traveled extensively..