Squawkman's Content - Cruise Critic Community (2024)

LAX to San Pedro

Squawkman replied to 's topic in Viking Ocean

I assume the guy that meets you will help you with luggage - correct?

Viking Alaska cruises

Squawkman replied to nightime's topic in Viking Ocean

The policy is no jeans in the Restaurant, Manfredi’s and Chef’s Table. I’ve seen jeans in the Restaurant and also saw men asked to leave if they wore jeans. Never saw jeans on Manfredi’s and never dined at the Chef’s Table.

I need help and advice

Squawkman replied to Brookspw70's topic in Viking Ocean

Our offer was for our first VO after completing 2 VRs. We’ve completed 3 more VRs and 6 more VOs with 4 future booked - and never received another offer. All were booked directly with a Viking agent.

I need help and advice

Squawkman replied to Brookspw70's topic in Viking Ocean

This wasn’t true for us the one time we were offered a last minute VO upgrade (2018). We received an email to call a specific person and were offered 3 different cabins - or just keep our initial booking.

Tipping Extension Host

Squawkman replied to JerryInIL's topic in Viking Ocean

Totally agree. We did the Tuscany extension in 2019. I forget how much we tipped - probably was about $60. We all met and decided on how much each of us would contribute. Our guide had an assistant-in-training and we gave her something as well.

Theater Shows

Squawkman replied to CJANDH's topic in Viking Ocean

Disagree. Viking’s age demographic is expanding. While the older folks stop cruising, younger folks become older and replace them. I don’t see the public part of their funding dictating any major changes in entertainment.

Cancelling or Changing Excursions

Squawkman replied to molymoo's topic in Viking Ocean

We had a situation on our last cruise where we had booked an evening boat ride that was rated Easy. At the port talk the afternoon before, we found out that the pier was changed and it would be a 1.2 mile walk each way from our ship to the pier. We immediately went to guest services and requested a refund as the walking would be too much for us especially given the end of the day in the heat. The guest services agent needed approval, but he did get it in about 10 minutes.

Viking IPO

Squawkman replied to FetaCheese's topic in Viking Ocean

I remember when it was a nickel.

Will Viking give on board credit for Stock ownership?

Squawkman replied to oskidunker's topic in Viking Ocean

$100pp OBC is minuscule. It would be a nice loyalty perk - really no measurable effect on profit.

Will Viking give on board credit for Stock ownership?

Squawkman replied to oskidunker's topic in Viking Ocean

I’ll be calling my Viking agent soon on another matter so I will ask.

Dress code on Viking River cruise

Squawkman replied to Steerpike58's topic in River Cruising

Related question as we will be staying at the Mackinac Grand Hotel soon: I’m okay with the jacket, but is a tie a must? TIA

Handicap accessibility - Our experience - 12/15-1/5 Viking Sun

Squawkman replied to dcsam's topic in Viking Ocean

Syd68 - maybe you should consider a Viking Mississippi cruise. 10 out of 194 cabins are ADA compliant and the cost is the same as the cheapest cabin even though they are larger. Plus, no foreign accessibility issues as all ports are in the USA.

With only 2 ADA cabins, how can they say it's a guaranteed cabin?

Squawkman replied to dcsam's topic in Viking Ocean

This is why I always use the same experienced Viking agent. If something comes up he hasn’t seen, I’m put on hold until he gets the answer.

Post Viking Promos

Squawkman replied to Clay Clayton's topic in Viking Ocean

I guess OBC is a different animal as I have also combined OBC offers with promo codes. I didn’t realize they used designated promo codes. If you book on board or within 2 weeks of disembarkation you’ll get OBC on top of promo code perks.

Post Viking Promos

Squawkman replied to Clay Clayton's topic in Viking Ocean

You are absolutely correct. I’ve been using the same Viking agent for several years and not only won’t they tell you the code - they often don’t know they exist until a customer tells them.

Post Viking Promos

Squawkman replied to Clay Clayton's topic in Viking Ocean

It’s my understanding that you can use only one promo code per booking. So - if the cruise you’re looking at has its own promo code, price both out.

Onboard booking bonus offer

Squawkman replied to bluesplayer's topic in Viking Ocean

Yup, that’s the best way to use that credit. You’ll know for next time 😊

Can you transfer an onboard booking to another cruise?

Squawkman replied to junglejane's topic in Viking Ocean

Good luck with that - your best argument would be to hold the on board agent responsible as the terms posted on the ship indicate 6 months.

Can you transfer an onboard booking to another cruise?

Squawkman replied to junglejane's topic in Viking Ocean

I wouldn’t know as I don’t use Tripmate - but that’s a great question to ask Viking before finalizing a transfer. One thing I can say (as I just did a transfer a few weeks ago) is your deposit is transferred.

Can you transfer an onboard booking to another cruise?

Squawkman replied to junglejane's topic in Viking Ocean

To begin, your final payment date should have been 12/24 - 6 months hs final payment is a perk of booking on board. Having said that, you should be able to transfer the booking to another date/itinerary, but you will lose any perks gained by booking on board. Don’t know how Viking will treat any OBC used on your Panama cruise. Worst case, you’ll lose your deposit which I assume was $50 for both of you - but you can take dvantage of any promos on the replacement cruise.

Post Viking Promos

Squawkman replied to Clay Clayton's topic in Viking Ocean

Yes! Code is AAM24

Viking IPO

Squawkman replied to FetaCheese's topic in Viking Ocean

Same here, but I doubt it would be that drastic as their TV ads emphasize no casinos and no kids. Print ads also emphasize “all inclusive”.

Onboard booking bonus offer

Squawkman replied to bluesplayer's topic in Viking Ocean

There’s no agent on board river cruises. You can purchase $200 vouchers for $100 on river which can be used on ANY NEW booking (river, ocean and/or expedition), If you book directly with a Viking agent within 2 weeks after disembarking ANY cruise, you will get $200pp OBC for that cruise. I personally have done all of this (except I never booked an expedition).

Cabin across from elevator lobby question

Squawkman replied to Ready to Sail!'s topic in Viking Ocean

Also, most folks going to and from the Explorer lounge use the corridor on the other side of the elevators - that’s the side with the bar.

Cabin across from elevator lobby question

Squawkman replied to Ready to Sail!'s topic in Viking Ocean

We stayed in 8013 last Fall which is not unlike your location regarding the elevators and stairs. Absolutely no issues!