Viking Sky: Your Questions Answered

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

As I write this, we still have five more sleeps left with Viking Cruises on board the lovely Viking Sky. This would be a good time to answer some reader questions. Let’s jump right in.

Roger C from Tulsa asks “Is there any advantage to booking on board, while sailing?”

Yes, indeed, Roger. Book onboard and enjoy:

  • Reduced Deposit of $25 per person
  • $100 per person onboard credit
  • Push the final due date forward, bringing 6 extra months to pay
  • Ability to transfer booking to your travel agent who will look over it between deposit and sailing.

James B from Orlando asks: “How is the internet? Fast? Slow?”

First, it’s free. I think we should dwell on that thought for a moment. No packages to choose from, discounts for buying it in advance or blocked sites one might need to check in with (or send brag photos to) those at home. Viking notes right up front that they use a satellite based Internet connection which can and will vary in speed and availability. If you really really really need to stay in touch or be reached, phone calls can be made from the ship, assuming you have not heard of cellular telephones. They’re cool. Be cool. Bring one. I write for this website every day we are traveling. It works fine. Lots of inappropriate moaning on message boards about this topic.

“What if a tour is sold out?” asks Sal Z adding “Do you book with tour operators instead of booking through MyVikiingJourney.com?”

Me? Never. There are distinct advantages of booking through Viking either in advance (recommended) or on the ship. Those advantages include:

  • If your tour is canceled, Viking automatically refunds what you paid. Outside vendors drag their feet.
  • Shore Excursions designed to showcase the places you dreamed about are just one part of the Viking experience choreography. Other elements include a daily red and white wine that change, reflecting the destinations we visit.
  • Viking tour prices are in line with everyone else.
  • Viking has preferred positioning in most ports of call. Not as far of a walk to get to your tour. This one is huge for travelers with mobility issues to consider.
  • There is no charge for visits to the medical center. I paid $$$$lots for a visit on a big ship cruise.
  • No children- we put in our time on children running up and down cruise ship hallways at 3AM and will pass on that now thank you.

Jim R from Denver asks “Did you use Viking Air or book your own?”

Well, they were offering free international air, so yes, we did. Because we had Viking Air Plus. That $150 per person Air Plus fee covers a lot and provides the flexibility you may need during times when air travel is doing wacky things. Like right now. It’s the first question you will be asked if calling Viking about your air problem in transit. If the flight is delayed or cancelled, Viking will get us to the ship asap, which may be at a stop down the line on the itinerary.

As I write this, we are docked in the Scottish port of Scrabster. A small port of call, there is one tour offered today, the included overview tour, which was quite extensive. We like the local guides that Viking uses at each destination, continuing the focus on where we visit and how those places relate to the entire theme of the sailing. In this case, the northernmost place in Great Britain, another stop on our British Isles Explorer sailing.

See more of our amazing time with Viking Cruises on board Viking Sky here: