gma1

We are actually on Viking Polaris now...not your ship with Israel ports. But I know different people/agents can give you different answers...so keep trying. We were unable to make one of our ports in Chili, but weather/sea related & Captain's decision, so not anyone's fault.

I would make another call & speak to someone else...don't give up...thats a lot of $$$..until someone listens to you & responds. Also check with your credit cards insurance ...if you used it to book the trip & air. Thats exactly why we do.

We also are on Viking Polaris now. We received the same message & called AT&T. We were told by that agent to put our phone on airplane mode & the ship WIFI. All texts & calls would then would be free. We have done so, however we are not using it...but are receiving text & calls & ignoring them.! Before leaving home we were told by another agent that we needed the international plan for free calls & text on the ship. Who do you believe!!!!

EXCELLANT REPORT.

Enjoying your comments of your Santiago adventure with Viking & on your own. We are on the Polaris heading to Santiago...left Panama yesterday. We aren't doing a post (Oct. 28) but its great hearing about yours. Such a great awesome ship...sure you will enjoy your time. I think we have about 350 on board.

I agree...we did not & no issues. Think it might save them taking a picture which was done very fast & efficient at check in.

Our upgrade was economy comfort plus... (more leg room & tilt on seat back ) so not as expensive as business class but still worth a try.

Natashla...have you tried calling the airline direct & asking if you can upgrade & pay the difference? We called direct to Delta & paid them for just an economy plus upgrade each for our long flight back from Santiago, which we also have free air from Viking. I don't know if Air Canada will let you do this but it might be worth a try!!!! We have always had good service from Viking Air also in the past. A couple times we have paid the extra $50 (it is more now) to choose our own airline & flights.

Good to know! I like the hard copy.

Yes I agree as that is where I go for the best coffee...because I am an early riser & have to get out of the room so my husband can sleep. Sometimes though I go to the Explorer lounge & they have coffee & juice on the bar in early am...its quiet & has that awesome view & fireplace! I can relax & read my book in pure luxury! On the Polaris, our upcoming cruise, I will have to figure out my new space, as it looks like a little different layout.

Yes that would be so helpful! Also because the pre cruise or extension many times is sold out & we are out of luck! Like our upcoming Panama & Scenic S. American next month, puts us in Santiago to disembark, the extension was already sold out since I booked in July...so we will not experience the city. I realize that is the chance you take by not booking way in advance. I can check once we are on the ship but will be highly unlikely & of course that will mess up our air & our pick up at our home airport.

Yes that is so annoying, when you are have a nice quiet dinner for 2! My husband cannot help himself nor cannot ignor it. He also has a hearing problem & cannot hear if they are close by! He will look in their direction with a frown on his face...probably several times & sometimes they get the picture! However if they are drinking too much & don't care, we have ask to moved to another table, Usually we can be accommodated. Another solution just walk out & find another dining room thats quieter.

We also have 2 Viking mesh bags...a red & a gray. They are see through so handy to put my passport & other documents in to carry & grab inside my purse/carry on. They have a small Viking logo tab on the side. Love all the free quality gifts they use to send...made you feel so special & pampered when those were included with your travel tags for an upcoming trip. Also have a black very nice quality documents pouch with a round metal Viking logo on the front. We've been traveling with Viking for a very long time...(before Ocean ships). We were so impressed with the organization, quality & care that went into each adventure have never switched back to any other cruise line.....hope that never changes too drastically!

I think some of our included tours on Viking Polaris "Panama & Scenic South America" 18 day cruise 10/11/23 may be, since they are more hours of duration and an included meal. Also seems like more choices Maybe too because we have so many sea days, which we love & looking forward to experiencing this awesome new expedition ship.

I would call back & get someone else. Just give them the code on the recent new sale code (in a red circle that says Ask For EBD or whatever it says.) and see if you get the same answer.