My wife and I are booked on a couple of excursions through Viator in Iceland for this June. Last year, around the same time, our ship, Norwegian Prima, was forced to miss these two ports due to a bad storm in the North Atlantic. The normal cancellation policy is for a full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance of the excursion. Do they make exceptions if you don't find out you're missing the port with less than 24 hours to go? We know this wouldn't be an issue if we booked through the cruise line. But their options are either significantly more expensive, or are not going to the places we want to see. Trying to assess the risk of staying with Viator.
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
How does Viator deal with refunds for a missed port?
6 Answers
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Originally posted by:
KantWait2Crooze
Wasn’t Viatore a giant robot that…… oh wait…..that was Gigantor
Makes perfect sense to me....btw, I had a REAL sharp response to AB...but after i typed it the infernal machine kept asking me to "enter a reply"...grrr....bah....this is what happens waiting for the Final Four.....and I forgot to add...(why not), cruised on PRIMA awhile back...not our cup o tea..had another booked wouldve been last month...cancelled it...no regrets...
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Wasn’t Viatore a giant robot that…… oh wait…..that was Gigantor
Contributor Level:
First Mate
Originally posted by:
Yankee47
I don't understand the issue you are having with Yankee47, but it seems to me that the purpose of these forums is for friendly exchange of information. Both of you appear to be more experienced cruisers than I. To my way of thinking, the ability to tap into the experience of those who have been around the block a few more times is valuable. But not at the expense of having to be caught in the middle of other peoples' squabbles.
You would eh? not that its any of your business, but AB and I have no issues...none whatsoever..not even a little bit...been yakking with each other for years..for all you know we might be brothers from different mothers....so keep your "interpretations" to yourself. I don't interpret you choosing other tour vendors because you are cheap, just made a bad choice is all....Maybe you are..who knows?...who cares?...you find yourself in a situation you chose to create for reasons of your own.....nothing anybody says or feels in cyber will make any difference to the conversations you have with the guy in the mirror. BTW, I came to the conclusion that non-ship blessed tour operators (from VIATOR to JOSE JIMENEZ LLC) weren't worth the aggravation or risk if something went wrong...and it didn't cost me anything either. There are a number of other cruise blogs where your objections to my "attitude" would be duly noted...and dealt with far more harshly. Moving on.......
JR,
Thank you for your post. It was a reminder that I must strive to do better in my writing, so that people who do not visit this site very often understand and interpret my banter with Yankee47 for what it is..... i.e: satirical humor. As he stated, our interactions go back a very long time, and I would go so far as saying we are cyber friends, although his "brothers from different mothers" line almost caused me to have a seizure.
As for your original question, perhaps I should not have responded with my opinion about booking shore excursions through a 3rd party, because that's not really what you asked about. I hope someone can give you the specific answer you requested, and I wish you luck that your ultimate decision works in your favor.
PS: JOSE JIMENEZ LLC..... ....really? 
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Originally posted by:
JRBrandes
ableman,
Appreciate your response. I was hoping someone would have had a better experience with this kind of issue (i.e. getting a refund under similar circumstances). I guess not. We also emailed the tour providers and they are saying that there would not be a refund if the cancellation was less than 24 hours, even if the ship doesn't dock, and even if the ship's decision to skip the port happens less than 24 hours before the tour. So, we are leaning towards.the same conclusion as you.
I don't understand the issue you are having with Yankee47, but it seems to me that the purpose of these forums is for friendly exchange of information. Both of you appear to be more experienced cruisers than I. To my way of thinking, the ability to tap into the experience of those who have been around the block a few more times is valuable. But not at the expense of having to be caught in the middle of other peoples' squabbles. Also, don't appreciate Yankee47's attitude. His statement "So you like to pay a bit less, or go to different places that may not be available on ships blessed tours?, fine...good for you and good luck" is a not so subtle dig to suggest that I am cheap. Totally uncalled for, when I asked a perfectly legitimate question. I would just as soon have him keep his comments to himself.
You would eh? not that its any of your business, but AB and I have no issues...none whatsoever..not even a little bit...been yakking with each other for years..for all you know we might be brothers from different mothers....so keep your "interpretations" to yourself. I don't interpret you choosing other tour vendors because you are cheap, just made a bad choice is all....Maybe you are..who knows?...who cares?...you find yourself in a situation you chose to create for reasons of your own.....nothing anybody says or feels in cyber will make any difference to the conversations you have with the guy in the mirror. BTW, I came to the conclusion that non-ship blessed tour operators (from VIATOR to JOSE JIMENEZ LLC) weren't worth the aggravation or risk if something went wrong...and it didn't cost me anything either. There are a number of other cruise blogs where your objections to my "attitude" would be duly noted...and dealt with far more harshly. Moving on.......
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
ableman,
Appreciate your response. I was hoping someone would have had a better experience with this kind of issue (i.e. getting a refund under similar circumstances). I guess not. We also emailed the tour providers and they are saying that there would not be a refund if the cancellation was less than 24 hours, even if the ship doesn't dock, and even if the ship's decision to skip the port happens less than 24 hours before the tour. So, we are leaning towards.the same conclusion as you.
I don't understand the issue you are having with Yankee47, but it seems to me that the purpose of these forums is for friendly exchange of information. Both of you appear to be more experienced cruisers than I. To my way of thinking, the ability to tap into the experience of those who have been around the block a few more times is valuable. But not at the expense of having to be caught in the middle of other peoples' squabbles. Also, don't appreciate Yankee47's attitude. His statement "So you like to pay a bit less, or go to different places that may not be available on ships blessed tours?, fine...good for you and good luck" is a not so subtle dig to suggest that I am cheap. Totally uncalled for, when I asked a perfectly legitimate question. I would just as soon have him keep his comments to himself.
Contributor Level:
First Mate
Sigh........ yes, go ahead, blame me. I have broad shoulders. Please be aware though that you are not the head of that line. That spot is reserved for my dear wife, followed by my kids & step kids, former bosses, and our cat. That's right Y47, you are behind the cat.
Here is the line from the topic that cements my decision every time. "We know this wouldn't be an issue if we booked through the cruise line". I considered booking an excursion through Viator once. It was tempting, considering the cost savings. But after reading the same complaints as Yankee47, I decided booking through the cruise line justs adds a level of insurance that I find invaluable. That's how I justify the extra cost..... it's insurance.