OnTheJourney Posted January 12, 2020 #101 Share Posted January 12, 2020 18 hours ago, johneb2 said: Viking didn’t ask me if I accepted the offer. Most unusual, really.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johneb2 Posted January 13, 2020 #102 Share Posted January 13, 2020 On 1/11/2020 at 10:55 AM, DGHOC said: Has Viking previously asked you whether you are accepting the offer of the cruise John? I'm amazed that we haven't all heard at the same time and I fully expected that we would receive detail before an assumption is made that we are going. Well well, time will tell. Either way the itinerary sounds fab, what a delight! Viking didn’t ask me if I accepted the offer. However when the offer was first extended to us I wrote Mr Hagen thanking him for it and that we were looking forward to it. I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that is the reason I wasn’t asked. Johneb2 it wasn’t my intention to get anyone concerned about not hearing from Viking yet. I think I just stumbled into the info due to a unique situation. Even with that, the information was still incomplete. I am sure we will all get updated info soon. I only responded the way I did because there was a concern raised that our invitational cruise would not come off. With all the Viking cruises my wife & I have taken, we have never had any problems with them communicating trip details to us. I don’t foresee this being handled any different. I understand all the special circumstances they have to setup because of our unique circumstances. I am willing to be patient. Knowing the way Viking does things I wouldn’t be surprised if they setup some “special “ things for us! Let’s see and think about a great cruise that may be awaiting us😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 13, 2020 #103 Share Posted January 13, 2020 (edited) 3 hours ago, johneb2 said: I only responded the way I did because there was a concern raised that our invitational cruise would not come off. 😊 Believe you're pointing the finger in my direction (re: post #85)....but that's ok....just me being overanxious. I agree with you that undoubtedly there will be something special or surprising in store for the Sky guests. Let's see...for those who stayed on board - a small, plexiglass-framed snippet from one of the life vests as a souvenir (since I think they were in them for around 24 hours) might be nice (akin to when players cut pieces of the net after winning the NCAA championship), and, for those who got the free helicopter ride - a set of ear plugs would be good (I still have mine that one of the airmen gave me...since I was directly across from the opening....and, man, it was COLD with that wind coming in through the hatch...loud too) or maybe a "CHC" bumper sticker. I still think a "We survived the Sky" shirt would be totally awesome. OK...just joking around, of course (well, maybe not about the shirt idea). In all seriousness, what a cool and once-in-a-lifetime (didn't we already have one of those? )experience it should be with Mr. Hagen and whatever he has planned for us. Edited January 13, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGHOC Posted January 13, 2020 #104 Share Posted January 13, 2020 7 hours ago, johneb2 said: Viking didn’t ask me if I accepted the offer. However when the offer was first extended to us I wrote Mr Hagen thanking him for it and that we were looking forward to it. I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that is the reason I wasn’t asked. Johneb2 it wasn’t my intention to get anyone concerned about not hearing from Viking yet. I think I just stumbled into the info due to a unique situation. Even with that, the information was still incomplete. I am sure we will all get updated info soon. I only responded the way I did because there was a concern raised that our invitational cruise would not come off. With all the Viking cruises my wife & I have taken, we have never had any problems with them communicating trip details to us. I don’t foresee this being handled any different. I understand all the special circumstances they have to setup because of our unique circumstances. I am willing to be patient. Knowing the way Viking does things I wouldn’t be surprised if they setup some “special “ things for us! Let’s see and think about a great cruise that may be awaiting us😊 Most of us aren't concerned at all John, please don't think you've made any of us anxious. It was good of you to post the information. Patience is a virtue! The fact that it shows up with your agent could just be an anomaly. We book directly with Viking UK so don't use agents. We could of course call them but the detail will come through when it's been finalised so we're quite relaxed about it. We'll probably extend either side of the trip but there's plenty of time to organise that, heck it's a year away. Thanks again for the information you posted. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johneb2 Posted January 13, 2020 #105 Share Posted January 13, 2020 Through my TA ( & TA web portal), I checked to see if I could dig up anymore info about the chairman's cruise. The only thing that was listed was that any excursions would become available on Oct 1, 2020. There was not even a map of the itinerary yet. So I believe we are just starting to see some info filtering down, as we still have a year to go. Sorry On the Journey, I wasn't trying to single you out, just trying to let everyone know what I happen to stumble across when I saw the concern raised. JohnEB2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 13, 2020 #106 Share Posted January 13, 2020 As I said, just me being overanxious. No problem. I like to plan way ahead for things (especially travel-related)...a tad of OCD and trying to be over-controlling I suppose. Thanks for the update. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 13, 2020 #107 Share Posted January 13, 2020 (edited) 8 hours ago, DGHOC said: Most of us aren't concerned at all How do you know? I get what you're saying, but think about the number of Sky passengers who very possibly never even heard of cruise critic and thus would have never voiced anything here! I'm sure I'm not the only overanxious passenger...but...indeed patience IS a virtue!! I'll (try to) hang loose on it....undoubtedly lots of details to iron out on Viking's end. Edited January 13, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johneb2 Posted January 14, 2020 #108 Share Posted January 14, 2020 On 1/11/2020 at 10:55 AM, DGHOC said: Has Viking previously asked you whether you are accepting the offer of the cruise John? I'm amazed that we haven't all heard at the same time and I fully expected that we would receive detail before an assumption is made that we are going. Well well, time will tell. Either way the itinerary sounds fab, what a delight! Viking didn’t ask me if I accepted the offer. However when the offer was first extended to us I wrote Mr Hagen thanking him for it and that we were looking forward to it. I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that is the reason I wasn’t asked. Johneb2 it wasn’t my intention to get anyone concerned about not hearing from Viking yet. I think I just stumbled into the info due to a unique situation. Even with that, the information was still incomplete. I am sure we will all get updated info soon. I only responded the way I did because there was a concern raised that our invitational cruise would not come off. With all the Viking cruises my wife & I have taken, we have never had any problems with them communicating trip details to us. I don’t foresee this being handled any different. I understand all the special circumstances they have to setup because of our unique circumstances. I am willing to be patient. Knowing the way Viking does things I wouldn’t be surprised if they setup some “special “ things for us! Let’s see and think about a great cruise that may be awaiting us😊 For everyone who is interested, this was just posted by an individual on the Facebook topic of Viking Sky Survivors. (Courtesy of Kate Miller) I agree Viking has handled this well. JohnEB2 ........ ...I just had a lovely phonecall from Viking UK informing me that emails should be going out tonight or tomorrow with further details on the Venus Inaugural . She did however confirm that guests will be allocated the cabins they had on the Sky and that gratuities were included. Extra charges for Silver drinks package if required and for the non-included Excursions. There maybe the option of upgrading/changing cabins at a later date once they have a firm idea of who is or isn’t accepting the invitation. Honestly cannot fault this company for their customer service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
map70065 Posted January 14, 2020 #109 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I got the information forwarded to me by my TA (who is a GEM!!) When I informed the people I traveled with they contacted their TA, and were able to get the information from them. Once she sent me the information she said I would have to handle anything further with Viking - because they had made all the arrangements. Airfare and gratuities are to be included. Our room isn't exactly the same number - but is in the same area and same configuration (ship may be slightly different). People we traveled with got exactly same cabins they had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 14, 2020 #110 Share Posted January 14, 2020 (edited) Including airfare even? Wow....going above and beyond once again. Looking forward to getting the information. Glad I booked our Sky room for the Iberian Explorer - since it sounds like we'll have the same rooms for the invitational - as probably most of us here expected would be the case. Edited January 14, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 14, 2020 #111 Share Posted January 14, 2020 (edited) On 1/11/2020 at 10:47 AM, johneb2 said: Actually it is Rome to Barcelona, according to the itinerary. The email I received is from notifications@vikingcruises.com. We had to update our PIF due to a passport change. On the initial page it had our booking#, stateroom etc. for the Venus invitational cruise. Below is the port schedule. DAY 1 Rome, Italy PORT DEPARTURE: 11:00 PM DAY 2 Florence/Pisa, Italy PORT ARRIVAL: 9:00 AM DAY 3 Florence/Pisa, Italy PORT DEPARTURE: 6:00 PM DAY 4 Monte Carlo, Monaco PORT ARRIVAL: 8:00 AM PORT DEPARTURE: 9:00 PM DAY 5 Marseille, France PORT ARRIVAL: 8:00 AM PORT DEPARTURE: 6:00 PM DAY 6 Montpellier (Sète), France PORT ARRIVAL: 8:00 AM PORT DEPARTURE: 9:00 PM DAY 7 Barcelona, Spain PORT ARRIVAL: 8:00 AM JohnEB2 So it turns out to be the usual "Iconic Western Mediterranean" itinerary, as I suspected it would. Edited January 14, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
map70065 Posted January 14, 2020 #112 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I just got the official invitation. It's an e-mail FROM Viking explaining the cruise. It asks for a RSVP to it to let them know if you're planning on going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptkelley Posted January 14, 2020 #113 Share Posted January 14, 2020 We also got the email invite! So excited. I called to get a little more info. I was told there will not be any Viking pre or post extensions offered. Also that air deviations ( going early and / or returning later) will not be available with the free economy air (or upgrade thru Viking). At this moment the only thing available to add on is insurance and air upgrades. I really hope Viking will allow air deviations because we need a few days to recover in the new time zone. Not to mention, making sure we get to Rome in time to catch the ship! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 14, 2020 #114 Share Posted January 14, 2020 (edited) Pt.....thanks for the info. Got our email also and responded to it most affirmatively 🙂 I also am wondering about the air - since we will probably be interested in going at least a day early. A bit risky planning to arrive in Rome not before the 18th, especially with this being a winter trip. And yet, It would appear, based on what you've been told, that all air handled by Viking will only be offered to arrive on embarkation day. I suspected, as did my Viking agent, that no pre-cruise extensions would be offered, but thanks for mentioning that as well. I really don't prefer regular economy class anyway, but can understand that this is what is being offered - a VERY nice gesture to be sure. Another question I have (and perhaps someone here will already know the answer shortly) is how it will be handled for those of us doing the Iberian Explorer which departs on the 26th. Might we be able to stay on board overnight? Most exciting to be sure! This should be a very special experience. Edited January 14, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDincalif Posted January 14, 2020 #115 Share Posted January 14, 2020 J and D incalif have received and accepted the Chairman's invitation. Looking forward to working out the details with the help of all the good information shared here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGHOC Posted January 14, 2020 #116 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Nothing arrived here yet............London! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haworth Posted January 14, 2020 Author #117 Share Posted January 14, 2020 26 minutes ago, DGHOC said: Nothing arrived here yet............London! Just about to say the same, lets see what Wednesday brings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 14, 2020 #118 Share Posted January 14, 2020 (edited) Only 6 nights....not 7. Just saw there is a discrepancy between the original "save the date" notice - which said the cruise starts on the 18th - and the new info we got, which says the 19th. Actually, if you look at the "Iconic Western Mediterranean" itinerary, it really only is 6 nights but then there is an overnight in Barcelona no matter which way the cruise is booked. So the extra day in Barcelona at the end of the cruise is what was eliminated, which makes sense since the next day is the beginning of the Iberian. (Just call me a nitpicker for detail, wot?) Edited January 14, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 15, 2020 #119 Share Posted January 15, 2020 I started a roll call for the Invitational Cruise...hope to see fellow Sky guests join in as we begin the countdown to this wonderful opportunity!... 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGHOC Posted January 15, 2020 #120 Share Posted January 15, 2020 Invite email has arrived in the UK - responded! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 15, 2020 #121 Share Posted January 15, 2020 Great! Will be interesting to find out eventually how many Sky guests go on this cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haworth Posted January 15, 2020 Author #122 Share Posted January 15, 2020 Also got our, also responded, we are in, will join the roll call now 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinchrissy Posted January 15, 2020 #123 Share Posted January 15, 2020 6 hours ago, Haworth said: Also got our, also responded, we are in, will join the roll call now Ours arrived today too 👍 looking forward to it . 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheJourney Posted January 31, 2020 #124 Share Posted January 31, 2020 (edited) Just got the official booking notice. I'm a bit surprised that they don't have it correct at the end of the trip. They have us transferring to Barcelona airport and then flying home. Since we already have the Iberian Explorer booking, I'd have thought they'd see that and not add return flight info. Guess whoever does these is only looking at confirming the Inaugural cruise and nothing else. Curious to see what others say once they get their notices. Also interesting is that on MVJ this inaugural booking doesn't even show up. It's as if this sailing is a thing onto itself, which is fine, as long as there are no glitches with those either doing a trip immediately before or after. I emailed our Viking agent to get his thoughts on it. I just get nervous when I see gaps or otherwise confusing and/or missing info in trip documentation. Edited February 1, 2020 by OnTheJourney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDincalif Posted February 1, 2020 #125 Share Posted February 1, 2020 (edited) We also just received the inaugural voyage booking notice. Since we're considering some independent travel before and/or after the cruise, our TA was in contact with Viking today. She was told that information regarding such requests as flight date changes or flight upgrades is expected to be available on April 15. Edited February 1, 2020 by JDincalif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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