Viking didn't deliver what it promised

Viking Star Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

UpsetinPVB

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 22

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

28 Night Spain To Scandinavia (Barcelona To Stockholm)

Sail date: April 17, 2016

Ship: Viking Star

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

If you are planning to take a Vikings Ocean cruise, you might want to think again. We took the Viking Star Ocean cruise, Passage through Western Europe, leaving Barcelona on 4/17/16 and ending in Bergen, Norway. Though the boat and staff were fine, the Viking Corporate management, their honesty and communication were horrible. They advertised (and we signed up for) 11 ports of call based on their brochures and ads, but they changed our particular voyage to 7 ports without notice or reason, resulting in 4 less ports of call than what we paid for and expected. Second, we had a virus outbreak on board with all water related facilities (pool, hot tubs, steam room) closed for 50% of our trip. Our attempt to regain some compensation for the services we paid for and never received has been beset with minimal offers of vouchers on future Viking cruises, required non-disclosure contracts to sign and a final ultimatum to accept the offer. Their offer was unsatisfactory, an insult, and insufficient restitution to refund monies paid for services never received. Viking has refused any further communication, despite our efforts. We were loyal, high paying, returning customers who apparently are not needed nor cared about. Never again will we take a Viking Cruise. There are many quality cruise options out there and we would strongly suggest you steer clear of Viking cruises.

13 Comments

CelticWolf 7 years ago

Jprann, hope to see you on the world cruise. We're going too. Looking forward to it.

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CelticWolf 7 years ago

Dehoftheseas, you should stay away from NCL. The food is terrible unless you stay in the Haven. We did a Caribbean cruise and stayed in the Haven. Only got off the ship twice, too hot and terrible excursions. We had our own pool, attendant and specialty restaurants. Talk about spoiled. Would never sail them unless staying in the Haven. We tried the regular restaurant, too noisy and food sucked, plus you paid extra for surf and turf. Entertainment was dumb. We're sticking with Celebrity and Azamara from here on out, and possibly Viking since we enjoyed them a lot too.

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jprann 7 years ago

It's sounds like a jealous ex employee - been on 3 ocean and a China River cruise and each where special . Everything and Everyone connected with Viking are top notch . I would recommend using your own travel agent and use Viking's Custom Air Feature ! We are looking forward to Viking's 2017/2018 World Cruise - that's how much we like Viking !

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geoff99 8 years ago

Never usually comment on boards but to call Viking river cruises the MacDonald's of cruising is ridiculous. I had to respond. We've just returned from their Mekong river cruise holiday, having had a wonderful time with Viking in China in 2015. This time even better. The inc tours and guides in Vietnam and Cambodia top notch. Hotels they select are some of the finest ever stayed in. I believe deboftheseas may have an "agenda" !!

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poc 8 years ago

What was bad about Holland America? I have my first cruise with them booked for November

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CLConover 8 years ago

OMG, sounds like our experience with Holland America. Will never ever sail that crap again. Food was horrible. Ship kept breaking down. Staff was rude. Then Carnival fed us dog food, well worse. The entertainment sucked. Literally there was no staff, could never find anyone to help us. Then there was Disney......was a joke. Too any kids, too noisy, food so-so. Ports of call were ridiculous.

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deboftheseas 8 years ago

@CLConjover, I work in the cruise business, so I am familiar with rivet cruising vs mainstream ocean cruising, all I'm saying is Viking is the Carnival of river cruising. ama waterways is a much classier way to go . I've had dealings with Viking that left some customers high and dry....Viking cancelled the whole boat, did nothing for pele who lost money on flights, oferred to give them A $50 onboard credit on their next Viking cruise. nice response after making a 9000$ purchase. they are the cheapest, have crappy old boats a and their new boats made the rooms do small you have no where to sit except on your bed to look out your French balcony window

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poc 8 years ago

Glad to hear, I'll have to look into it.

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CLConover 8 years ago

Poc, go take a Viking cruise for yourself. They're fantastic. But stay away from Carnival and Norweigan. The food sucks!

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CLConover 8 years ago

Debtor theses....if you think Viking is so bad, then you need to give up cruising. Their river cruises are fantastic and I did them all. I cruised every ship on the oceans and Viking ranks better than Regent and Silver Seas and the other high priced lines. I personally love Celebrity and Azamara but their itineraries are limited. At least Viking goes places I want to see.

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mariejorreyvandermaatendorr 8 years ago

Good to know!!

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deboftheseas 8 years ago

Viking sucks overall, and as far as their River Cruises go, they are considered the McDonalds of River Cruising.... unfortunately they are the most recognized name, so everyone thinks they are the best. absolutely not, for anyone considering a River Cruise who reads this, look at AMA Waterways instead😊

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poc 8 years ago

That sounds like a nightmare. Thanks for the review.

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