Alain Wattiez

Age: 53
Occupation: retired
Number of Cruises: 1
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Ship: M/V Lavrinenko
Sailing Date: May 1st, 2005
Itinerary: Dniepr River Cruise Kiev/Yalta/Kiev

This is merely to warn potential clients of Viking River Cruises of this company's business practices.

We booked our cruise back in October/November 2004, using Viking's internet website. We live in the Caribbean and Viking tried to make us use their USA booking office.

The rates quoted on the European brochure were much, much lower than the rates offered by Viking's US office, for the same cruise. Furthermore, the European office would not give you certain types of cabins that where however available throught the US office at a much higher price.

For instance, we wanted a "De Luxe cabin": Euro price was 1,290 Euros (approx. US$1,575) per person for a B type and 1,490 Euros (approx. US$1,820) p/p for the A type.

The US office prices were US$3,299 for the B type and US$3,799 for the A type, per person. This is a substantial difference, even if the US office included in their price the land excursion package (this same package was sold 199 Euros, i.e. approx US$245).

Since the European office refused us a De Luxe cabin and we refused to pay the US prices due to the huge mark up, we settled for a standard cabin (which was extremely small and uncomfortable)at 1,190 Euros per person (approx. US$1,450). The same cabin was available through Viking US at US$2,599 per person!

We also met two Amercian couples who had bought a De Luxe cabin through Viking US: one of the couple did not get the cabin which had been confirmed to them. The other couple was offered to be reimbursed for 100% of the cruise if they gave up their De Luxe cabin for a Standard cabin. They accepted but found out in the end that they would only receive 50% of the cruise cost back!

The rates I am quoting can be verified on the Viking internet brochure for the cruise which departed 1st May 2005.

On the bright side, Ukraine was very interesting and some of the sites beautiful. It is unfortunate that Viking business practice partially ruined the cruise for us.
Viking promised an explanation but to date...I am waiting.
Sincerely,
A.F.A. Wattiez