Review of British Isles Explorer Aug 25 with Extensions Edinburgh and Iceland

Just returned from the Viking Sun. Our pre-extension in Edinburgh was fantastic. Our included tours were great. Viking contracts out the extensions so sometimes good, sometimes bad. The Waldorf Estoria was very very nice. Great location. Rooms were small but clean. Breakfast buffet great. A la Carte was included as well. They even gave us a box with a couple of pastries to take with us when we left breakfast every day. Staff was very professional and friendly. Our tours included a private tour of the Royal Britcannia which incuded tea or coffee with scones and a nice book about the 'Yacht'. We were taken to St Giles Church and Edinburgh Castle. The second day we toured the countryside with Glamis Castle a coffee and shortbreads. (yummy) Lunch was included at St Andrews Golf Course with drink of choice. We took the train on our own to Stirling Castle which was easy.

After 3 nights we flew to catch the Viking Sun in Greenwich. Viking had arranged our flights. Unfortunately Heathrow is terrible (unorganized) as is British Air. We were charged for our luggage (65 pounds each) but Viking reimbursed us right away when we got to the ship. The Viking staff was right at the port to tender us in. So many staff to answer any questions. The 15 day cruise was good. We had been on the Star in 2015 so similar ship, although we felt the variety of food was not as good as previously. The entire staff was wonderful. Entertainment was definitely top notch. Most ports were good but the ship had to change docks a couple times and then tender as well so we had long line-ups, etc. Included tours were not great.

Our extension to Reykevik Iceland was disappointing. The Island itself is a wonder but the company Viking had contracted out for the 3 nights was terrible. Very disorganized, not enough instruction and information, each guide had different info, and couldn't hear guide on coach or walking. The Grand Hotel was terrible. Rooms were large but hardly and amenities. Had to ask for shampoo and coffee for the room. Often glasses or coffee cups not cleaned. Staff there didn't help much and didn't seem to care. Flight home was good (Air Canada to Toronto) So overall thumbs down (not Viking quality) for the extension. I realize Viking contracts it out but we expect Viking quality for the price we pay.

The last comment is regarding the excursions that you book on line in advance. Not at all pleased as we were away the morning we could purchase so that afternoon when I went on line (our wish list was set up) everything was sold out including the included tours that were taking off early in day. So our tours were the last ones available each day.

We have booked 32 days for 2020. Let's hope we are not disappointed.

Thank you for your review ,both the positives and negatives.

It is always helpful to have anoher cruise booked when you get off your cruise.:)

Please do take the time to share all of your observations with the folks at tellus@vikingcruises.com. Your input, especially on the Iceland extension, will help them to improve the experience.

Thank you Ontario/AZ for sharing your thoughts. Please do report your feelings to Viking as suggested and please let us know what response you get. We are in Iceland next June and are booked on the 3 day extension - and are more than a little concerned. Regards

Thanks for the great report. Noted you received some excellent tours in Edinburgh, especially returning from Glamis through Fife rather than the most direct route down the motorway.

You mentioned lunch in St Andrews - which golf course & restaurant. Hopefully you got an opportunity to walk around the town a little. Many very happy memories from my years in St Andrews before moving to Canada.

Thanks, Ontario/AZ, we go on this cruise next July, starting in Bergen. Could you say more about which included tours were bad and which ones were tolerable?? Any information about tours during the cruise would be appreciated.