Ultimate World Cruise 245 days and all the parts. Ongoing review, questions, opinion

[JoyNB]

Thank you, but we would prefer to either cruise or receive a cash refund, a voucher would not be helpful. 

[Cleopatra99]

43 minutes ago, tenby50 said:

Thankyou for replying joynb and cleopatra99

 

yes, we got the same offer in that we could cancel but Viking having $25k of my money for potentially 2 years doesn’t sit well with me. It’s the other expenses also, airfares, accomm in Mumbai, London and Singapore not to mention visa expenses. Singapore air have been super and refunded our airfare in full. Cheers Philip

 

25 minutes ago, JoyNB said:

Thank you, but we would prefer to either cruise or receive a cash refund, a voucher would not be helpful. 

 

Yes, of course. Apologies, I misunderstood.

Best wishes. C99

[tenby50]

They didn’t offer a refund only a FCV which is valid for 24 months, I have written to them requesting a refund, will let you know what their response is. Generally they are very good though.

[Heidi13]

Balinese dinner and Magical Mystery Cruise kick-off party tonight aboard the amazing Viking Sun.

 

Since we sailed from Bali a day early, this amazing crew brought Bali aboard the ship. The MDR was closed for dinner, as the World Cafe was decorated for a special Balinese dinner. Amazing food, with photos to be posted on my blog in a few days, when I get caught up.

 

Starting at 21:00, Beven started the Magical Mystery Cruise to Somewhere kick-off party. Great music from the Viking Band, with the entire entertainment team participating. Beven even took over the drums again. Bonus feature - the crew were invited up on deck to join in the festivities, including dancing. Brilliant evening, until the rain dampened everyone's party spirits.

 

Cloxs back tonight, so big crew party up on Dk 9.

[Jim Avery]

Sounds great Andy.  I suppose other cruise ships are doing their best to keep their passengers happy but the fabulous crew of the Viking Sun is hard to beat.  We loved the sea days and the beautiful Viking Sun.  Having only 360 or so passengers would be icing on the cake for us.  You certainly are keeping up a great attitude.  Thanks for all your reports on this truly "once in a lifetime" cruise.  In this case it is not an overused marketing description..😎

[Clay Clayton]

We may have 150 passengers more than you aboard but we felt like we were on our own private yacht tonight on the Aquavit for dinner. We had a private waiter and even the head waiter checking on us and sending dessert from the dining room to our stateroom when we said nothing appealed on the World Cafe dessert display!  Talk about service!  

[CCWineLover]

Spectacular evening!  Do enjoy!  Thanks again for sharing with us all so we can live it vicariously. :)

 

[Azulann]

Great picture of one of my favorite places on a VikingShip. Your own  private waiter and  dessert delivered to your stateroom !

You are on a yacht  too.

I  expect you are enjoying the  over the top service.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

 

Just a heads-up,  On CNBC the CLIA head implied restrictions on passengers over 70 are coming.  Also restrictions on health-challenged folks.

 

They are waiting for US government to sign on before announcing new measures.

[Captain_Morgan]

So Viking will take a big hit if that is enforced across ALL brands and not just those sailing to/from US ports

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2020/03/11/proposal-white-house-cruise-industry-bar-people-70-ships/5020325002/

 

[ryndam]

I have been following this thread with interest, as well as the Crystal Serenity's WC. The Serenity's WC will end prematurely on 3/20 in Fremantle/Perth. This guidance was delivered to all Crystal guests.

 

Rob

 

 

UPDATED Tuesday, March 10, 2020 9:30pm EST
Update to Crystal Serenity Sailing From Mumbai to Rome (April 3, 2020)

Crystal has been notified by the Central Government of India that it is closing its ports to cruise ships until the end of March. While we looked at UAE (Dubai) as an alternative port, this was not possible as the UAE Federal Transport Authority notified us that they too have now temporarily closed their ports to cruise ships. Due to these closures and the temporary closing of all Italian ports, it is with regret that we have made the decision to cancel Crystal Serenity’s Mumbai to Rome sailing and its corresponding Getaway voyages.

Guests on these cancelled sailings will receive:

•Fully paid guests will receive a 100% refund of the cruise fare paid, port charges, taxes, and fees. 

•Guests with Crystal’s Personal Select Air will receive a full refund of the airfare paid. 

•Guests with independent air arrangements will receive $500 per person air consideration.  

•As a gesture of goodwill, guests will also receive a Future Cruise Credit of 25% of the cruise fare paid.

The Future Cruise Credit can be used on any of Crystal’s experiences including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition:

•Booked no later than December 31, 2020.

•Voyages commencing on or before December 31, 2022.

•Credit may be applied to new bookings or existing bookings that have not been final paid.

•Credit may not be used for initial deposit, split over multiple bookings and there is no refund value.

No action is required on the guests’ part and the Future Cruise Credits will be available on these guests’ profiles after April 4. Guests may book another voyage and secure it with a deposit, and the credit may be applied at a later time.

Please note that there are upcoming voyages that will also be affected by temporary port closings and we will communicate updates as soon as they are finalized. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this important update and we again sincerely appreciate your understanding.

 

[Captain_Morgan]

That's a big step for Crystal to just end their WC like that as opposed to continuing onto who knows where with the chance of having ports closed all along the way...I've read as well that P&O's Arcadia is not as yet confirmed where they're going from Australia as there's been some speculation that they will simply steam all the way back to Southampton with only a technical stop for refueling and provisions.

[ryndam]

Here is a copy of the actual letter delivered to guests onboard. (We have several good friends onboard now.) 

 

 

March 11, 2020

Dear Mr. ,

We have been notified by the Central Government of India (Mumbai) that it is closing its ports to cruise ships until the end of March. While we looked at UAE (Dubai) as an alternative disembarkation port, this was not possible as the UAE Federal Transport Authority notified us that they too have now temporarily closed their ports to cruise ships. Due to this information and the uncertainty of other ports in the area potentially closing in the next few weeks, it is with deep regret that we have made the decision to conclude Crystal Serenity’s World Cruise in Perth, Australia on March 20.

 

Please accept our sincere apologies for this disappointing end to your World Cruise and the disruptions over the past month. Although the current circumstance is no one’s fault, we know that this was not the vacation you had planned.

 

We will refund you for the unused days of the cruise fare paid as well as the corresponding port charges, taxes and fees. As a gesture of goodwill, we are extending a 25% discount on any Crystal experience through 2022. This is a new and separate discount from the previous 30% discount that you received on February 28. Please note that these discounts cannot be used together on the same reservation. In addition, neither of these are combinable with any other offer except for Book Now Savings.

 

Guests who booked their air through Crystal should email AirServices@crystalcruises.com to coordinate their new flights at no cost to them. New travel arrangements will be communicated to them as soon as they are confirmed.

 

Guests who made independent air travel arrangements will need to schedule new flights out of Perth with their travel advisor or airline. We will provide a $1,000 per person consideration for changed travel arrangements that will be automatically posted to these guests’ onboard folio.

 

Should you have any questions, please visit the reception desk.

 

On behalf of everyone at Crystal, we want to thank you for your understanding and for being a part of the Crystal Family. We look forward to welcoming you back onboard very soon.

 

We remain at your service.

Sincerely,

Tom Wolber
President & CEO
Crystal

[Heidi13]

That is an admirable position from Crystal, but the 2019/20 Viking WC continue - damn the torpedoes, weather, virus, et al.

 

Viking are trying desperately to keep this cruise going until London, to attain the longest WC world record. We already have been provided 30% cruise fare in future credits for missing a couple of ports and have NO doubt that Viking will see us right when we get to London.

 

About 52 more sea days to go - we will be soooo relaxed by London.😁

[Clay Clayton]

Wondering if with today’s announcement of the cessation Of Viking’s operations are going to affect y’all. We just turned around and are headed back to Miami!  😢

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

That is an admirable position from Crystal, but the 2019/20 Viking WC continue - damn the torpedoes, weather, virus, et al.

 

Viking are trying desperately to keep this cruise going until London, to attain the longest WC world record. We already have been provided 30% cruise fare in future credits for missing a couple of ports and have NO doubt that Viking will see us right when we get to London.

 

About 52 more sea days to go - we will be soooo relaxed by London.😁

 

Hmmmm..faintly reminiscent of another rather well-known ship I recall that wanted to achieve a speed record...didn't turn out so well for them. Just sayin'.....

[Jim Avery]

2 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

Wondering if with today’s announcement of the cessation Of Viking’s operations are going to affect y’all. We just turned around and are headed back to Miami!  😢

Wow!  that's a big deal.  Seems like panic is setting in around the world.  Swine flu killed many thousands a few years ago.  SARS, etc.  then there is malaria which kills, on average, a couple million a YEAR.  We sailed with Viking to many countries that are full of malaria.  Even the old and infirm, the published death rate is around 10%.  That means around 90% of the worst demographic make it.  Hard to justify shutting down the world's economy for this when virtually nothing shuts down for all the other nasties that are transmitted around the globe.  Just one old guy's opinion so flame away.

[Jukebo1x]

8 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

That is an admirable position from Crystal, but the 2019/20 Viking WC continue - damn the torpedoes, weather, virus, et al.

 

Viking are trying desperately to keep this cruise going until London, to attain the longest WC world record. We already have been provided 30% cruise fare in future credits for missing a couple of ports and have NO doubt that Viking will see us right when we get to London.

 

About 52 more sea days to go - we will be soooo relaxed by London.😁

We continue to cheer you on. 
Your environment is probably One of the safest and healthiest in the world!-Jeannette 

[Geosez]

3 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

Wow!  that's a big deal.  Seems like panic is setting in around the world.  Swine flu killed many thousands a few years ago.  SARS, etc.  then there is malaria which kills, on average, a couple million a YEAR.  We sailed with Viking to many countries that are full of malaria.  Even the old and infirm, the published death rate is around 10%.  That means around 90% of the worst demographic make it.  Hard to justify shutting down the world's economy for this when virtually nothing shuts down for all the other nasties that are transmitted around the globe.  Just one old guy's opinion so flame away.

Jim:  Just so you’ll know - the old M.D. guy I’m married to agrees with you!

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

On the bright side, the Black Plague led to the Renaissance.

 

[NTurner]

https://www.vikingcruises.com/press/press-releases/viking-temporarily-suspends-cruise-operations.html

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Disney Cruises suspends...

[Jim Avery]

20 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said:

Disney Cruises suspends...

OMG Ragnar, you will not be able to stalk Minnie anymore......😱

[Peregrina651]

13 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

then there is malaria which kills, on average, a couple million a YEAR.

 

CDC begs to differ. "In 2018, an estimated 405,000 people died of malaria" and they say the number is dropping.