Public relations need improvement
Viking Freya Cruise Review to River Cruises - Europe
Romantic Danube - Budapest to Nuremberg
Sail date: August 27, 2016
Ship: Viking Freya
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 307
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
We had the unfortunate experience of being tied up to a concrete pier next to a recycling station for over two days -- we spent the time listening to concrete or something being crushed and seeing dust. As my husband and I are 88 and 83 three years old respectively, once we got on the boat we decided that we wanted to do only one excursion and that was the one scheduled on Friday to see the Hungarian Horsemen. Obviously that never happened and that was a big disappointment as we had owned horses at one time. While we were docked by the recycling station, our family got taxis and went into Roth and visited a museum and went to lunch. We were on the boat with our three children and spouses so there were eight of us. We arranged this trip to Roth on our own.
I realize that Viking had no control over the lock problem, however, I think the ensuing two days could have been handled much better and I think your people need additional training on how to deal with passengers in a difficult situation, We received much misinformation and condescending attitudes on the part of the people in charge of keeping us informed. They did a very poor job and the result was that many passengers were very angry.
However, I would like to compliment the crew as they were congenial and well trained and the food was excellent.
You have given a credit on future voyages to the passengers on this unfortunate trip but, because of our ages, that will not benefit us.
I will not recommend Viking. If anyone asks, I will suggest that they check other cruise lines to see how they have handled difficult situations such as we experienced. Four of us had to leave the boat on Friday morning because of our flight schedules and four stayed on the boat until Saturday.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Don't!
3 Comments
Mcousineau 8 years ago
I just don't understand why more people don't pursue a better result from Viking. At least you got somewhat of a trip. We spent $11,000 and other $4,000 on our own once we left the ship just to make it happen. I couldn't imagine travelling to Europe from Canada and only getting long bus rides with little time in each city as a result. We simply had no choice but to leave the ship otherwise I would have been in tears daily.
glomarrone 8 years ago
We had a lock problem in Paris on a Vantage River Cruise through France. It was handled much better than yours was. Vantage hired a coach to take us to and from Paris so we did not lose any time for sightseeing in Paris. The staff kept us informed at all times and weren't rude or condescending to us. They were aware of the problem ahead of time but we were not told until we arrived at the airport. I did learn about the problem from reading reviews on the Internet of the previous sailings & I called the Co. ahead of time. They insisted that they wouldn't know for sure until the day of sailing. I guess they were hoping that the lock problem would be fixed. It wasn't. It was too bad for us because we were suppose to meet our daughter in Paris before the boat sailed and that was no longer possible.
Mcousineau 8 years ago
We were on the same cruise as you, but we left the ship on Aug 30 because no direction at all was forthcoming from Viking Corporate so we decided to salvage whatever was left of our Europe vacation and leave the ship. They offered us a voucher for future travel also, but we have declined and instead we are going to sue for a refund of a proportionate share of the cruise fare. You and your family should not be intimidated by the terms and conditions. If you want more details as to how I am proceeding, I welcome you to make contact.