I HATE the noisy show Viking is putting on at some ports. Do you?

[stephenandrew]

1 hour ago, Meander Ingwa said:

Not everyone is comfortable with these type of public situations and should be free to express their discomfort

I agree.  You don’t say otherwise, but I do think it’s worth noting that this is a public (and pretty much anonymous) forum, so one can express anything they want, but they need to be open to (or at least expect) possible disagreement with any opinions shared.  

[Pushka]

It was in the 100's when we returned from two long Viking excursions in May in Egypt and there were no crew at all on the dock. They were all hiding in the cover of airconditioining. 🤣. 
 

I'd like the welcome home. Bring a smile to my face. I'm back. 

[RobertMoon]

1 hour ago, Meander Ingwa said:

I think it is a huge difference between a typical or expected service greeting and provision at The Restaurant and running the Hokey Pokey gamut on the way back to the ship.

 

Not everyone is comfortable with these type of public situations and should be free to express their discomfort

Well, the original poster did ask, "Is it just me?", so people responded with their answers.

Edited July 7, 2023 by RobertMoon

[rayandjean]

I think it's great! Just relax and enjoy some light-hearted moments of fun and festive times.

[HDS]

I hope we do not encounter a noisy dockside welcome on our cruise.

[Breckski]

2 hours ago, longterm said:

Wow.

 

Too many people with not enough to complain about, so they choose this?

 

On one of our ocean cruise dinners, we were the first to enter The Restaurant, and wait staff was lined up to greet us as we were escorted to our table. A server we'd sat with on a previous night greeted both of us by name, and we smiled and greeted him back. It was a nice feeling, and I've always remembered that tiny gesture.

 

If I were to assume that anyone who smiles at me is either forced to do so or resentful about having to do so, then I would be an unhappy, bitter person. I choose to believe that human kindness is something that many of us enjoy, and I try to share that with people I meet--especially those who are working in support jobs that are solely for making me comfortable--like restaurant workers, housekeeping staff, grocery store employees.

 

Smiles are contagious; so is bitterness, unfortunately.

 

You never know when a well-timed smile just might counteract the difficulties someone is going through on any given day. It's free.

 

Speaking of free--the greeting upon return to the ship--is free. A person can scowl if that's how they choose to live their life.

 

I'm certainly respectful of the staff during these exhibitions upon return, nor do I scowl or bitter over the experience.  But I think you're missing why I do not like these actions being required of the crew.  But everyone is different and view things differently.

 

To me, it's disrespectful of Viking to expect this from the crew.  When I enter the ship and the crew is dancing for my arrival, I get the feeling:  "I'd hate to be these folks having to do this to keep their job."  Sort of like at less expensive restaurants where the staff is required to sing to happy birthday to patrons in a hooky way.  But obviously some folks like this.  

 

We'd rather have a couple staff members serving a local drink upon return and let the performers go back to their quarters and relax.

 

We've traveled to many third world countries and stayed in small lodges/resorts where the service was completely over the top in my opinion.  The employees would literally do anything since the job was vital to their entire family.  All of this service while the living conditions for the locals were unbelievably poor.  And we've seen what we consider to be very insulting actions/requests to the employees from guests.  So, these experiences have likely influenced how we view actions required by management.  We want the employees to feel valued and as close to an equal as possible given they are providing required services to us.

 

I don't say these comments to insult or offend anyone.  Am well aware everyone has different viewpoints as to what is appropriate to ask and for management to require of the crew.  To me the dancing/singing crosses the line, but certainly not enough to cause an issue.  Just a way I feel Viking could improve.

  

 

 

[Squawkman]

We’ve been on 10 Viking cruises (5 ocean and 5 river). Only once did we have a reception upon returning from an excursion on a Danube river cruise in 2015 (staff waved napkins to local music as we walked up the ramp). Never saw anything like that again, and we’re surprised to see this is done on ocean cruises. We’re keeping our opinion to ourselves. 

[Murt22]

Thanks for warning us ....I guess..

[Peregrina651]

43 minutes ago, mwike said:

To me, it's disrespectful of Viking to expect this from the crew.

 

Viking expects them to clean bathrooms, work with heavy equipment that could cause fatal injuries and a whole lot more in the way of hard work and unsavory tasks. Is that also disrespectful?

 

[Meander Ingwa]

2 hours ago, RobertMoon said:

Well, the original poster did ask, "Is it just me?", so people responded with their answers.

And I responded with mine.  

[SJD117]

12 hours ago, mwike said:

 

I've never had anyone willfully dance for me upon my arrival.  Even family when returning home.

 

We're just super low-key and do not want or seek out attention.  Why we like Viking vs many other lines.  

 

I look at the staff being required to sing and dance while I board a ship like a jester being ordered to entertain.  It's not like these singers/dancers are part of the entertainment group of the cruise - but maybe they are auditioning???

 

But seriously, it's my view these folks are being made to do something "beneath" them just to have the job - especially when they have jobs not remotely related.  And I don't want to be a part of promoting these requirements.

If you want to be cynical, that’s your choice. It’s not mine.

[CDNPolar]

20 hours ago, kitty allen said:

Once, on a previous Viking Ocean cruise, and again once on this one we returned from an excursion to find about 20 crew members lined up in front of the gangway clapping and dancing to loud music as we boarded. This time I could hear the music blaring as soon as we returned to the port area. Since there were a number of other ships docked i wondered which line was so rude as to be making all that racket. I was astounded to see it was us! I've sailed on Viking Ocean for about 10 weeks total and I have only seen this happen twice, but it is AWFUL.

This is why I hate it;

1. It's loud and claustraphobic to run this gauntlet. After a long, hot tour I want rest, food and cool air - not a dance party

2. Its rude to all the people on the decks of both our ship and the others surrounding. I could still hear it in my room. Who want a neighbor like this?

3. Its off brand. If I wanted to sail with Carnival I would have. I cannot understand why Viking thinks passengers would want this, We all specifically chose a non-party ship.

4. It is an idiotic thing to ask the staff to do. There were waiters and housekeepers out there in full dark uniforms being made to act like our return made them want to dance and sing. Either these people are on duty and have work to do, or they are not on duty and should be left alone. They are tring their best to be happy clappy, but no one is going to be fooled into thinking this was their idea.

Wrong time

wrong place

stop it, VIKING

Is this just me?

 

 

Have you written Viking about this?

 

Expressing your opinion here is one thing but if you want to see this stop, then you must inform Viking of your distaste for this practice.

[Frenchberet]

We’ve done 7 Viking cruises (river, ocean & expedition), never experienced this.

[bookbabe]

13 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

Viking expects them to clean bathrooms, work with heavy equipment that could cause fatal injuries and a whole lot more in the way of hard work and unsavory tasks. Is that also disrespectful?

 

Personally, I'd rather hang out dancing and singing on the pier versus cleaning toilets, etc.  Maybe the crew members in question felt the same? 😉

 

[kitty allen]

17 minutes ago, bookbabe said:

Personally, I'd rather hang out dancing and singing on the pier versus cleaning toilets, etc.  Maybe the crew members in question felt the same? 😉

 

But they STILL have to do their regular job. They don't have to do less work, but they have to dance in the sun AND do their regular job.

[Jim Avery]

I prefer to think they are all good people who really love me.....  And not just for the extra tips I pass around...🥃

[Meander Ingwa]

I guess I am too recent out of corporate life where Fun Agenda, Team Building, and Happiness Committee were more a trial than a plus.  There are simply certain people (like me) where over filled sensory and social stimulations are anxiety producing.  When I can control it or elect to join it, all is fine, when it is out of my control or inescapable, it is more challenging.  Probably the same reason I have not stepped inside a shopping mall in years.  We all find fun in our own way and I would encourage the OP to make a thoughtful and helpful use of feedback to Viking.

[Jazmyn49]

We have experienced this after a very long excursion, such as one to Paris, Berlin, the Blue Mountains or Luxor.  Having the crew smiling and handing out drinks as we stumbled off the bus to head to the gangway made us smile.  They sang "We are Family" and danced, seeming happy to have us back after a day with an almost empty ship. We've never heard anyone complain about it before but to each his own.

[hersheyhughes]

So, how was your cruise?

[Snowcat1]

Our cabin steward seemed genuinely happy that we recognize him dance during the welcome back to the ship from Berlin. We shook his hand as we went by him and thanked him for the greeting. Later when we met in the hallway by our room he asked us if we enjoy the welcome back and we told him want a pleasant surprise it was and thanked him again. He seemed very happy we enjoy it.

I will note that not nearly all staff were on the peer for the welcome dance. I am hoping they ask for volunteers who want to take a break from their work to have so fun.

[haydn12]

We thought the welcome back was excellent and a nice touch at the end of our cruise.  It made our cruise more enjoyable.

[Romocruiser]

I never traveled anywhere as a kid.  Except to visit relatives.  Now, I have traveled to 100 countries and can cruise once or twice a year.  And on Viking, no less.  It bothers me not whether there are dancers or singers to greet us.  I am just so grateful that I have an opportunity to travel.  I try to have a little perspective that while I can travel, countless — millions of others — barely have clean water or food, health care, or education.  Let’s be grateful for our station in life, endure minor inconveniences while traveling, and be gracious to all — Viking staff, fellow passengers, and locals we may come across as well.  

[lackcreativity]

As a confirmed introvert, singing (or even worse, dancing) in public would make me squeamish. As a spectator sport, I love both. Fortunately, there are plenty of people who do enjoy performing. On the two times we have observed it, everyone seemed to be having a good time, both passengers and crew. If anyone was miserable, they were employing some fine acting skills as well!

[Messybill]

On 7/7/2023 at 8:57 AM, kitty allen said:

Once, on a previous Viking Ocean cruise, and again once on this one we returned from an excursion to find about 20 crew members lined up in front of the gangway clapping and dancing to loud music as we boarded. This time I could hear the music blaring as soon as we returned to the port area. Since there were a number of other ships docked i wondered which line was so rude as to be making all that racket. I was astounded to see it was us! I've sailed on Viking Ocean for about 10 weeks total and I have only seen this happen twice, but it is AWFUL.

This is why I hate it;

1. It's loud and claustraphobic to run this gauntlet. After a long, hot tour I want rest, food and cool air - not a dance party

2. Its rude to all the people on the decks of both our ship and the others surrounding. I could still hear it in my room. Who want a neighbor like this?

3. Its off brand. If I wanted to sail with Carnival I would have. I cannot understand why Viking thinks passengers would want this, We all specifically chose a non-party ship.

4. It is an idiotic thing to ask the staff to do. There were waiters and housekeepers out there in full dark uniforms being made to act like our return made them want to dance and sing. Either these people are on duty and have work to do, or they are not on duty and should be left alone. They are tring their best to be happy clappy, but no one is going to be fooled into thinking this was their idea.

Wrong time

wrong place

stop it, VIKING

Is this just me?

 

It's not just you, it's me too. We had a similar experience recently.  It was ridiculous.  The crew has no choice, and the whole thing is completely phony.  Our GM and our cruise director were both out there cheerleading.  I found it repulsive.

 

[duquephart]

4 hours ago, Messybill said:

It's not just you, it's me too. We had a similar experience recently.  It was ridiculous.  The crew has no choice, and the whole thing is completely phony.  Our GM and our cruise director were both out there cheerleading.  I found it repulsive.

 

 

I wouldn't say repulsive. Phony and silly fit the bill well.