FLASH NEWS! VIKING STAR DEC 21st CRUISE - STOPOVER IN TUNISIA & ALGIERS CANCELLED.

[Littlewh]

No different for UK passengers. When I was contacted by Viking on 18 th. I asked about my options, due to radical change of omitting the continent of Africa, was I entitled to a full refund?

The answer was ,yes. Fortunately, booking made in UK are included of flights and other extras, so a complete refund.

A similar problem to the Black sea 2 years ago with Oceania,resulted in cancellation ,but I lost a considered sum on flights to Istanbul, which I could neither substitute or get refund at such a late date.

It's just one if those things, you try to protect yourself as much as possible with insurance etc but doesn't always work to your advantage.

Still bitterly disappointed, haven't travelled Viking Ocean, only rivers, this had been Very good deal with these destinations.

[RJ2002]

No different for UK passengers. When I was contacted by Viking on 18 th. I asked about my options, due to radical change of omitting the continent of Africa, was I entitled to a full refund?

The answer was ,yes. Fortunately, booking made in UK are included of flights and other extras, so a complete refund.

A similar problem to the Black sea 2 years ago with Oceania,resulted in cancellation ,but I lost a considered sum on flights to Istanbul, which I could neither substitute or get refund at such a late date.

It's just one if those things, you try to protect yourself as much as possible with insurance etc but doesn't always work to your advantage.

Still bitterly disappointed, haven't travelled Viking Ocean, only rivers, this had been Very good deal with these destinations.

 

Thanks. By chance did you exercise coverage under a travel insurance policy to obtain your refund in this case, or did Viking just flat-out advise that you were eligible for a refund?

[Littlewh]

Viking did the honourable thing.

[CrossBluePerchance]

Viking did the honourable thing.

Seppuku?

[Mrs Miggins]

I'm in UK too. We booked direct with Viking. Gratuities and silver spirit drinks drinks package included as well as flights! Not keen on middle men.

 

Our cruise starts on 28th December. Our cruise also includes Gratuities and Silver spirit drinks package plus a small OBC. However we book through a Travel Agent and also get a significant discount. Actually I believe all Viking Ocean cruises booked in the UK usually include Gratuities, our previous one certainly did. That cruise was originally to include Istanbul but that was dropped from the itinerary. Fortunately we had visited before on Oceania.

[Cyber Kat]

Just saw the "news" after logging into MyVikingJourney about the cancelled stops and the amended itinerary

. https://www.myvikingjourney.com/latestnews

 

However, the news was dated as:

January 1, 0001

 

 

 

Isn't 0001 A.D. just about 2017 years behind time???? LOL.

 

The webmaster should really be more careful what he put. It would help if he could check or proof read what he wrote before uploading it on the web. As mentioned before, there was other information on the Viking website which was confusing. This is not the first time.

 

 

Sorry but I have to defend my former profession - former because I’m retired. The webmaster is the person in charge of the server - a technician. The web developer is in charge of the back end programming that controls the function and operation, and sometimes the appearance of the front end - though that is usually done by a web designer/front end coder.

 

None of these people are responsible for content - correct or incorrect. That’s the responsibility of others, except in the case of a tiny one person operation - which I’m sure Viking isn’t.

 

Please don’t malign them [emoji22] - they get beat up enough by management [emoji15][emoji12]

 

 

 

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[Gnoelj]

Sorry but I have to defend my former profession - former because I’m retired. The webmaster is the person in charge of the server - a technician. The web developer is in charge of the back end programming that controls the function and operation, and sometimes the appearance of the front end - though that is usually done by a web designer/front end coder.

 

None of these people are responsible for content - correct or incorrect. That’s the responsibility of others, except in the case of a tiny one person operation - which I’m sure Viking isn’t.

 

Please don’t malign them [emoji22] - they get beat up enough by management [emoji15][emoji12]

 

 

 

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Well, someone in Viking should be responsible for the webpages.

 

Whether it is the webmaster, the web "developer" or whoever, I am not in the web design business, so I cannot differentiate the different people in the team, I only used the term "webmaster" generally meaning those responsible for the website.

 

Even if the person who did not upkeep the content in the Viking website is not within Viking, he or she is still employed by or paid by Viking, and so it is up to the webpage manager within Viking that he or she is doing his/her job.

 

Just trying to excuse someone saying "Oh, it is not me, but someone else's" or worse indicating web professionals are "getting beaten up" not the right way to approach it. The better way is for them to see how they can work together to improve the standard of the web page.

 

Are you suggesting that if there is some area within Viking like the issues in the webiste which could be improved, we should keep quiet about it and pretend everything is alright?

 

It is hoped that Viking management, if they read this, will take it as a constructive criticism, so that these issues can be corrected (and they can be, it is not rocket science).

Edited December 22, 2017 by Gnoelj

[VitaminSea53]

From the UK government webpage:

 

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia and there have been a number of attacks in recent years. A state of emergency – in effect since a suicide attack on a police bus on 24 November 2015 – has been extended several times, most recently on 12 November 2017 by 3 months. You should be vigilant at all times and follow the advice of local security officials, including in and around religious sites.

 

The main terrorist threat is from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Libya-based extremists with links to Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL). Despite some improvements in border security, Tunisia has a porous border with Libya, where there’s a continuing conflict, an absence of security, and where Islamist terrorist groups operate. Tunisian security forces have repeatedly been targeted in terrorist-related incidents, mainly in border areas including in the Chaambi Mountains.

 

Recent incidents include:

 

on 1 November 2017, 2 traffic police officers in the Bardo area of central Tunis were attacked by an individual with a knife. One of the officers later died from their wounds. A suspect was detained by security forces

on 11 May 2016, a number of suspected terrorists were killed or arrested during armed clashes with security forces in the Mnihla distric of greater Tunis and 4 national guards were also killed by a suicide bomb during a security operation in Tataouine in southern Tunisia

in early March 2016, security forces repelled attacks by terrorists in Ben Guerdane, close to the Libyan border; over 60 fatalities resulted, the majority of which were terrorists; members of the security forces and civilians were also killed

on 24 November 2015, 12 security personnel were killed in a suicide attack on a police bus on Avenue Mohammed V in central Tunis

on 26 June 2015, 38 foreign tourists were killed, including 30 British nationals, in a terrorist attack at Port El Kantaoui near Sousse

on 18 March 2015, 21 tourists were killed, including a British national, in a terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum in the centre of Tunis

The Tunisian authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and terrorist cells, and made arrests. The Tunisian authorities have improved security in tourist resorts and their ability to respond to a terrorist incident. Tunisian security forces have also improved and are better prepared to tackle terrorist threats than they were at the time of the 2015 attacks. But further attacks remain likely, including in places visited by foreigners such as tourist resorts. Attacks may be carried out by individuals unknown to the authorities, whose actions may be inspired by terrorist groups.

 

There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time. Keep up to date with this travel advice, and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

 

 

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[RJ2002]

Gnoelj, first of all, thank you for alerting us all about these changes.

 

This is our first VO cruise, and after reading all the glowing reports about this line, I am dumbfounded at the manner in which they are handling this situation.

 

Gnoelj, a favor. Would you consider asking the moderators to amend the title of this thread so that it refers to "multiple sailings" rather than just the December 21st sailing? Guests on the other sailings are trying to get information on these changes where ever they can. There is current information on some of the roll calls, but some of the roll call participants are not keen for others to be carrying on discussions on their RC thread if one is not sailing on that particular cruise. If you are willing to do this, hit the blue triangle icon on your first post, and ask the moderator to make the change. Thanks!

[Gnoelj]

Gnoelj, first of all, thank you for alerting us all about these changes.

 

This is our first VO cruise, and after reading all the glowing reports about this line, I am dumbfounded at the manner in which they are handling this situation.

 

Gnoelj, a favor. Would you consider asking the moderators to amend the title of this thread so that it refers to "multiple sailings" rather than just the December 21st sailing? Guests on the other sailings are trying to get information on these changes where ever they can. There is current information on some of the roll calls, but some of the roll call participants are not keen for others to be carrying on discussions on their RC thread if one is not sailing on that particular cruise. If you are willing to do this, hit the blue triangle icon on your first post, and ask the moderator to make the change. Thanks!

 

 

Hi

 

I would be pleased to do that but how do I do that? I am afraid I am not so savvy on this board, but if you can tell me how I can contact the moderator, I would do so .(And if the moderator is reading this, perhaps , he or she will do it.).

 

Actually, I would also be interested to find out how to upload pictures on the board.

[aleeoc]

I posted this in the rollcall board for our sailing (1-4-18) but just a suggestion- since Viking has not offered any excursions in the substitute ports, I am trying to organize a small group tour (i find these are usually better and less expensive anyhow).

This is from corresponding with http://www.naplestoursservice.com/

For a smaller group from 4 to 8 it is much more easy but you can organize the excursion even for a bigger group to 20 or so.

 

For this size of group and If you and them are not interested in seeing archaeological sites we can do a tour of Sorrento and Positano instead so we have plenty of choices for you.

 

The rate are variable, it all depend in what you are interested to see.

For example Sorrento and Positano with English speaking driver,

Referring price for a group from 4 to 6 euro 330.

From 6 to 8 is euro 370.

 

 

In case you would like to see historical sites like Naples Historic center and Herculaneum, we always organize this type of tour with a private tour guide authorized to escort and walk with you in any place.

 

In.this case the extra cost will be euro 200'to be added on.the above price.

 

In case of Herculaneum and Sorrento extra cost for the guide in one site ( Herculaneum) euro 110 to be added on the above price of the tour.

 

The Exclusions are: admission fees where required, restaurant, gratuity and all the personal expenses.

 

All.the tours will be performed with Mercedes-Benz minivan, English Speaking driver.

[RJ2002]

Hi

 

I would be pleased to do that but how do I do that? I am afraid I am not so savvy on this board, but if you can tell me how I can contact the moderator, I would do so .(And if the moderator is reading this, perhaps , he or she will do it.).

 

Actually, I would also be interested to find out how to upload pictures on the board.

 

Thanks Gnoelj.

 

Go to post #1 in the thread (your original post). In the top right hand corner of the post, right next to the post number, there is a small blue triangle with an exclamation point. Click that, and it will bring up another window for you to type in a short message to the moderator.

 

As for posting pictures, unfortunately I am not an expert. I have read that you need to have your picture stored on a third party hosting site, such as Flickr, and then link to that in your post here on CC. Perhaps someone else with more experience will comment further.

[Gnoelj]

Thanks Gnoelj.

 

Go to post #1 in the thread (your original post). In the top right hand corner of the post, right next to the post number, there is a small blue triangle with an exclamation point. Click that, and it will bring up another window for you to type in a short message to the moderator.

 

As for posting pictures, unfortunately I am not an expert. I have read that you need to have your picture stored on a third party hosting site, such as Flickr, and then link to that in your post here on CC. Perhaps someone else with more experience will comment further.

 

 

Isn't that (clicking the small blue triangle with exclamation mark) just to report something the reader finds to be offensive and wanted that message to be deleted, rather than changing the Thread Heading?

[RJ2002]

Isn't that (clicking the small blue triangle with exclamation mark) just to report something the reader finds to be offensive and wanted that message to be deleted, rather than changing the Thread Heading?

 

I believe I'd read on other CC boards that the triangle is the way to communicate to the moderators. I don't know of any other way. Worth a try. :)

[cruisemom42]

I'm reading this with interest as someone who had considered booking one of the itineraries with Algeria on it. Given the situation in that country on and off for years, I was in the end afraid to book for fear of cancellation and I see that has now come to pass....

 

I was lucky enough to spend time in Tunisia on a land tour of two weeks and also two different visits on various cruises -- loved all the Roman ruins. But Algeria remains elusive. :(

 

It's nice to hear, though, that Viking is offering a full refund for those not happy with the changed itinerary -- I know I'd have been one of them.

[Cahpek]

I posted this in the rollcall board for our sailing (1-4-18) but just a suggestion- since Viking has not offered any excursions in the substitute ports, I am trying to organize a small group tour (i find these are usually better and less expensive anyhow).

 

Are you sure Viking Ocean cruises is not offering any excursions in the substitute ports, for your sailing Jan 4, 2018? We are on the Dec 21, 2017 cruise, the first cruise where the 2 ports of La Goulette and Algiers are cancelled.

 

On this cruise, VIKING EXCURSIONS ARE CERTAINLY AVAILABLE IN THE SUBSTITUTE PORTS ! This included Free excursions. We do not mean to be rude, but there is a possibility whoever gave you that information may be incorrect.

 

We have even sent a report on our first two days of this cruise:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2576451

 

And on that link, we even listed the excursions offered by Viking in Naples. In fact, we have already been on this excursion and have come back!

 

We would suggest you double check your information before putting it on here. If the arrangements for your Viking Sea Jan 4th cruise is similar to ours for Dec 21st, then, excursions are offered for both the two substitute ports.

[Peregrina651]

Hi

 

 

Actually, I would also be interested to find out how to upload pictures on the board.

 

I find is easier to upload to a third party site that lets you link to photos (like Shutterfly but there are others) and then use to insert it into your post. CC has a very small limit on the size files that can be uploaded to their servers.

[Peregrina651]

I believe I'd read on other CC boards that the triangle is the way to communicate to the moderators. I don't know of any other way. Worth a try. :)

 

For a title change, it should be done by the OP. If the mods don't agree to the change, they will just ignore the request.

[Peregrina651]

 

It's nice to hear, though, that Viking is offering a full refund for those not happy with the changed itinerary -- I know I'd have been one of them.

 

So far, only one report of a full refund but many reports of no refund at all.

[Peregrina651]

I posted this in the rollcall board for our sailing (1-4-18) but just a suggestion- since Viking has not offered any excursions in the substitute ports, .

 

There will be excursions for us in both Naples and Palma. As it said in the e-mail that was sent to us when we were notified of the changes, they will be available for booking when we board. However, they will not be available for advanced viewing on MVJ.

[RJ2002]

 

It's nice to hear, though, that Viking is offering a full refund for those not happy with the changed itinerary -- I know I'd have been one of them.

 

So far, only one report of a full refund but many reports of no refund at all.

 

Peregrina651, I was going to post the same thing :)... only one report of a refund, many reports of nothing offered.

 

It would be nice if the Viking Ocean representative that monitors this board would chime in with a statement.

[Peregrina651]

Peregrina651, I was going to post the same thing :)... only one report of a refund, many reports of nothing offered.

 

It would be nice if the Viking Ocean representative that monitors this board would chime in with a statement.

 

It would be but it is Christmas weekend and I'm for cutting them some slack.

[Lornaburg]

The finance person told us yesterday that the ship was full but nearly 100 people have cancelled due to the change.

He didn't say whether they got a refund but surely no one would cancel if you didn't, would they????

[RJ2002]

The "Update on current sailings" tab on the VO website still doesn't make any mention of the itinerary change for the 21 December sailing.

 

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/my-trip/current-sailings/index.html

 

 

And it probably won't. The page seems to be an orphan. I have never seen it updated. And were it ever to be updated, I think that the only thing that it would report is if a ship were going to be late in arriving at a disembarkation/embarkation port.

 

 

The "Updates on Current Sailings" tab under "My Trip" has recently been updated. I guess someone is looking at our comments, or otherwise decided it needed to be populated with these changes.

 

 

Updates on Current Sailings

[MS52]

From the UK government webpage:

 

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Tunisia and there have been a number of attacks in recent years. A state of emergency – in effect since a suicide attack on a police bus on 24 November 2015 – has been extended several times, most recently on 12 November 2017 by 3 months. You should be vigilant at all times and follow the advice of local security officials, including in and around religious sites.

 

The main terrorist threat is from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Libya-based extremists with links to Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL). Despite some improvements in border security, Tunisia has a porous border with Libya, where there’s a continuing conflict, an absence of security, and where Islamist terrorist groups operate. Tunisian security forces have repeatedly been targeted in terrorist-related incidents, mainly in border areas including in the Chaambi Mountains.

 

Recent incidents include:

 

on 1 November 2017, 2 traffic police officers in the Bardo area of central Tunis were attacked by an individual with a knife. One of the officers later died from their wounds. A suspect was detained by security forces

on 11 May 2016, a number of suspected terrorists were killed or arrested during armed clashes with security forces in the Mnihla distric of greater Tunis and 4 national guards were also killed by a suicide bomb during a security operation in Tataouine in southern Tunisia

in early March 2016, security forces repelled attacks by terrorists in Ben Guerdane, close to the Libyan border; over 60 fatalities resulted, the majority of which were terrorists; members of the security forces and civilians were also killed

on 24 November 2015, 12 security personnel were killed in a suicide attack on a police bus on Avenue Mohammed V in central Tunis

on 26 June 2015, 38 foreign tourists were killed, including 30 British nationals, in a terrorist attack at Port El Kantaoui near Sousse

on 18 March 2015, 21 tourists were killed, including a British national, in a terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum in the centre of Tunis

The Tunisian authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and terrorist cells, and made arrests. The Tunisian authorities have improved security in tourist resorts and their ability to respond to a terrorist incident. Tunisian security forces have also improved and are better prepared to tackle terrorist threats than they were at the time of the 2015 attacks. But further attacks remain likely, including in places visited by foreigners such as tourist resorts. Attacks may be carried out by individuals unknown to the authorities, whose actions may be inspired by terrorist groups.

 

There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time. Keep up to date with this travel advice, and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

 

 

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Sent from my iPad using Forums