I've been going through Cruise critics threads where cruises were going to Haifa and which obviously won't happen, so Viking substituted ports like Malta. It took a long time but eventually Viking offered free cancellation because the cruise was now substantially different and allowed the rebooking of another cruise without penalty. Now of course we did undertake part of the cruise. We weren't told in advance that floods were already occurring. And that is the mainstay of the issue. Of course things can happen mid cruise that can't be predicted. But this was a known event. And that's the crux of my ummm, debate
. There have been two offers, the first was pathetic. A token. But it's been improved citing loyalty etc etc. .And a full refund of the excursion to Colmar that didn't end well. But not there yet. We do actually have another cruise booked with them in September 2025 and it's Magnificent Mekong for 14 nights. And the ship is brand new and looks wonderful. Which always gets rave reviews. Viking know this of course. So it will be vouchers.
Another point I will make. We were told onboard that Management were aware of everyone's disappointment at missing Rudesheim, the first of many markets we missed and will make it up to us. But Management have been completely silent since and it's up to passengers to write to them. Quite likely a tactic to quell any passenger riots during the cruise.
Anyway I have the owners email supposedly so keeping that in check for the moment.
I'm curious and checking if Im being unreasonable. Suprisingly my SIL who is a bit of a Pollyanna (
@VPS) was very much stating that Viking should have cancelled for full refund. They've done two Viking cruises and have done the Rhine River one but in summer.
So, if it's a voucher, what % seems reasonable. We cruised for 3 days out of 7, lost the benefit of the balcony for 4 days and nights, had to bus to markets and we missed four other markets. We did make it to the Mercedes Benz factory tour. Great. On a Christmas market cruise.