Viking Cruises is a luxury cruise line known for its sophisticated and immersive travel experiences. However, most cruise lines have age restrictions for certain activities, such as access to the casino or bars. Make your own minds up about Viking and don't let his poisonous negativity influence you. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? If they don't, those hoarders won't need 400 rolls of Loo paper, See Heidi13's comment in another thread: #37. Even if players did, they would probably not realize it in the same way that you would. However, the companys efforts to reduce costs and attract more customers have been met with some success. Read more. If you love wearing a tux or evening gown, most cruise lines offer at least one formal night (with professional photographers to capture the moment). You should also expect to pay gratuities to your cabin attendant, your dining room servers, and the head waiter; the recommended amount varies by cruise line and may be charged to your onboard account automatically. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Can Viking Remain Viable With This Extreme Revenue Loss, Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. We decided to try for a moving hotel experience after a 3 week trip to Italy with a lot of land moves. There are several reasons why Viking Cruises is struggling financially. Did Alaska on Azamara Quest in 19 with 4 day land portion first. Maybe you've found a last-minute travel deal to that far-flung destination you've always dreamed of visiting. We started cruising in the early 90s with Carnival on our honeymoonbeing forced to sit with 4 other honeymoon couples was enough to stop us from cruising for over 20 years (it was an absolute nightmare). Luggage is something that everyone will need at some point in their life, whether it be a backpack for an overnight trip or school, or a full set of luggage Where can you get a passport fast? Oceania is definitely a very good cruise line, however we never expect ourselves to be tied to it solely. That was before all the separate suite ship areas, but in my mind (right or wrong) you still have to leave those areas when you get off and on and it sounds like not worth trying - for us. This is a very interesting thread, so Ill add our experience. Viking Ocean Cruises was voted Best Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016 World's Best Awards. The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to certain non-U.S. persons outside the United States under Regulation S under the Securities Act. We dont like buffets. Just before covid (and during the initial outbreak) I was on the HAL Grand Africa cruise, 71 days circumnavigating Africa w/ rt Ft Lauderdale. We sailed on the old Star Princess back when Princess was still a predominately Italian cruise line. Once we started cruising to Europe, we broadened our horizons That's why we did our very first two cruises in the Caribbean (first Western, 2021 and then Eastern, 2022) but now have a B2B in the Med later this year and a Baltic booked in 2024. Finally, if the company is unable to secure additional sources of funding, then it may be forced to declare bankruptcy. Any opinions or thoughts???? The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold without registration unless pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and all applicable state laws. There is no financial trouble with the game, and the game developers are not in financial trouble. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. He doesnt want to go someplace twice if he can avoid it. Looking at the same menus, hearing the same lectures and jokes, and the constant cutbacks drove us to find a different experience. What are the best products for supporting women's fertility? We'd seen the ads over the years but didn't want kids, drunk college types or twentysomethings, swingers, or the formal blue-hair crowd experience. If you like interesting speakers/ good to outstanding food/quiet relaxation then a line like Oceania might be a nice change.It's all up to you. What is the average age on a Viking River cruise? I survived just fine and the cruising odyssey began. Six straight days of ports is not attractive to us. Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Contrarily, when you have a port intensive cruise that's based on a great itinerary, the ship experience is much less important IMO. I remember our first balcony stateroom and it changed everything. It has grown from a small River cruise enterprise into the major River cruise organization and into one of the top ocean cruise companies in the world. Of course, if youre a gamer you wouldnt be happy with that, but its not entirely the fault of the game. It was OK and still edible. Cruising just didn't seem like it for us. If its just us its Celebrity, if its kids and grandkids its usually Royal. The ship is primarily the conveyance. The younger kids enjoyed, the younger teens not so much. Food quality was meh, the ship felt dated, and the shipboard experience was just not very memorable (except for the actual Panama Canal part, which was great); - Fast forward to now (the pandemic came and we hadn't cruised since October 2019). The food is over the top, and all included. The point is that we like to mix it up with our cruise travel. Affluent Media Group are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Viking Cruises. Their Neptune suites and perks worked for us. If so we will see you at the Meet and Greet. Such a good idea that CC provides this facility. Cake clubs offer an enticing opportunity for people to indulge in their favorite treat every month. The primary cause of the companys financial difficulties is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a decrease in revenue and an increase in expenses. This article will explore the reasons behind Viking Cruises financial troubles and what the future may hold for the cruise line. sadly, this seems to be one of the few boards within CC whereby grown up, intelligent conversations are drowned out by gushing fanfare for a cruise line which, like all the others takes our money and offers a service. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. 15 MAR 2017. But the biggest concern we have is that O itineraries are port intensive. CruisinShips, Wednesday at 12:56 PM in Oceania Cruises. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American, VIKING TAKES DELIVERY OF NEWEST OCEAN SHIP, FOOD & WINE NAMES VIKING #1 IN FIRST-EVER GLOBAL TASTEMAKERS AWARDS. I am sure you are all going to be shocked but there is a reason why Viking Cruises is in such financial trouble. All of these factors have contributed to Viking Cruises financial difficulties. Additionally, the company has introduced new safety protocols in order to ensure the safety of its passengers. I believe Viking Management has demonstrated its ability to make sound business decisions for the 23 years it has been in existence. Which online pharmacy is the best? If not Vista, enjoy your cruise on whatever ship and the many itineraries that are NOT in the Caribbean. I find myself still trying to process my opinion on the Virgin cruise, lol. We are looking at itineraries now as much as the narrowed down cruise lines that include ones we havent tried yet. An amazing stateroom. That said, it seems like a period of adjustment and change for the big cruise lines, and we'd like to wait that process out for awhile. We appreciate Viking's decision and have no reason to doubt Viking's ability to remain viable. As a couple, Oceania is our favorite. The same is true even if you are in for the long haul. (Annual sales and employees) Way too many ports which we have trouble navigating. All of the above are true, but theres also the fact that there is no financial problem. A: Viking should fully refund your cruise. . Viking River Cruises Of the lines that have so far made changes, Viking's have been the most extensive, canceling its entire season of Kyiv, Black Sea & Bucharest itinerary. The likelihood of being able to use them seems to be getting smaller.. Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 You'll typically choose a seating time when you reserve your sailing - early, main, or late, depending on what the cruise line offers. Actually, this long, boring post is about our cruising evolution and how we came to book our first O cruise. As a result, the company has seen its cash flow decline significantly, while its debt has increased. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Cruises Ltd ("Viking") today announced that it has priced its private offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 7.000% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2029 (the "Unsecured Notes") and the private offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the "Secured Notes" and, together with the Unsecured Notes, the "Notes") by Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII Ltd. Viking generates around $3 million in revenue each year. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Parking a ship, mothballing will have cost against zero income. With the world running in panic to close everything including our local rec centers and gyms, would shipyards stay open? Since you're interested in Cruise Lines, here are some other reviews you might find interesting. While there were people of all ages (over 18) on board, it was definitely geared to a younger, hipper, racier vibe. It was still relatively inexpensive and easy. Traveling is a favorite pastime of many people. Usually means more Port days. The company has had to suspend operations multiple times since the start of the pandemic, resulting in a significant decrease in revenue. We have cruised on Viking. Fortunately, even on the biggest-capacity ships, it's rare to feel crowded on a day-to-day basis: dining times are spaced out in the formal dining rooms, shows are staggered at different times, and cruisers are usually occupied with lots of activities. Its just that there is a lot of money associated with this game, which requires investment from the players. Our Rockstar Agent (butler) was always around and handled all of our arrangements. Your email address will not be published. Once the kids were in college or moved out, the wife and I discover the Suite Life- oh boy has that been a costly endeavor. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. LLC formation is a common way for small business owners to limit their personal liability while operating their company. Is Viking Cruises in Financial Trouble? However, the companys website says people who cancel get vouchers, not refunds. Annual Report 2016 (flip-through version) . As a division of Viking Cruises, Viking River Cruises has an estimated European river market share of ~49%. Viking Line Abp, org.nr. Viking Cruises is a cruise line that offers small ship cruises around the world. The text appears: onwards Fully stocked and restocked bar in our suite. You can make as much money as you want on the game, but you can not really buy anything. I suspect he is a disgruntled passenger with an axe to grind or is working for a competitor. The government is looking into changing cruise refund rules, but right now each cruise line can decide how to deal with it and, as you may imagine, the companies have different policies. Notunreasonable at all Nippy Sweetie, I entirely agree with you but we have an unbiased view. The entertainment is outstanding. Very relaxing, and not much entertainment, we never really go to any of the shows on other lines anyway, but the bars start closing after 11 pm. Precautions are prudent. When they dont, we travel on different lines. The pandemic has caused the company to suspend operations for extended periods of time, resulting in a significant decrease in revenue. Smaller ships were then sold, so we moved first to Viking Rivers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For many years, we sailed on mass market lines. But I am looking forward to Oceania cruise # 2 to Iceland, Greenland & Norway. Start to look at other suitors. Cost-cutting measures could help the company reduce its losses, while introducing innovative products and services could help the company attract more customers. Once we started cruising to Europe, we boardened our horizons We have many cruises on all those lines mentioned- Celebrity, Holland, Carnival, etc.-. Their mega ships offered such a wide variety of activities and cabins and there was always something for everyone, and the entertainment was great especially in the Aquatheatre. Where's the best place to get a colon cleanse? We haven't had many meals in their main dining room because it's mediocre at best but have had some excellent meals in their specialty restaurants. Here is why I havent booked either yet: MSC Yacht Club - I read mostly great reviews - as long as you stay in YC. Is Viking River Cruises in financial trouble? He has plagued threads causing upset and if you look at his posting history, he has spentalmost his entire time disparaging Viking. Same itineraries in the Med they have been sailing for years and we have been to way more ports on their itineraries than not. There are very few announcements, and no nickel and diming like the other lines. It was fine. Oceania has the best loyalty program. Second, it remains wholly unfair and bad business practice to continue to hold us hostage over a protocol they put in place after the trip. Hagen said Viking is on track to outpace those figures in 2022, with an annual . Yes, Viking is definitely stepping up in a very generous way to offer these cash refunds or125% in Future Cruise vouchers, but I am wanting to gauge what people are feeling about making the decision between the two. We dont want to be with other peoples kids. The company has announced plans to expand its fleet and increase its presence in new markets, which could help to improve its financial position. Finally, the company has sought out new sources of funding in order to remain afloat. Viking River Cruises's annual revenues are $100-$500 million (see exact revenue data) and has 500-1,000 employees. John Douglass booked a Viking European River Cruise in July 2019 totaling more than $7,500. I am not a 'foodie' but only did Carnival & NCL once due to the horrible (at the time) foodUsed to also be loyal to Celebrity - starting with my 1st cruise in 1996but they seemed stuck with 7 day cruises & I had to continually find B2B's or jump ship to another line. Cruise ships may finally be operating again in much of the world. Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. This is not to say we wont give O a go, we probably will in early 2025. All the posts seem relevant and it's not unreasonable to consider less than positive potential outcomes. The ship was elegant and the experience enchanting. Finally, the company has faced increased competition from other cruise lines, which has put pressure on its profits. We really enjoyed their Grand European itinerary. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Cruises Ltd ("Viking") today announced that it has upsized and priced its private tack-on offering of $150 million aggregate principal amount of 7 . 12. The reason for the. If the company is able to successfully implement its cost-cutting measures and attract new customers, then it could return to profitability in the long-term. Megan Moncrief of Square Mouth, a travel insurance company, told 8 On Your Side there are many travelers holding on to vouchers. The last full year of pre-pandemic travel, 2019 was a record year for Viking, producing $3 billion in revenue. I agree the food overall wasnt as good as we typically get on Oceania. The entertainment was pretty good. Our goal is to give the players the most valuable assets that they can . Do you have knowledge or insights to share? In 2019, we began offering cruises for our Viking Expeditions product for the 2022 season, and in 2020, we began offering cruises for our Viking Mississippi product for the 2022 season. They are already rated below Investment Grade. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) rallied on Monday after topping earnings expectations off improved operating expenses. Complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi; house wines, beers, and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners; coffee and hot tea available 24/7; self-service launderettes. Their standard classes pale in comparison. Cruisetour itineraries range from 7 to 23 days and include as regions the European rivers Rhine, Main, Danube, Saone, Rhone, Seine, Elbe and Douro, also Ukraine's Dnieper, Russia's Volga, China's Yangtze, Burma's Irrawaddy and Cambodia-Vietnam's Mekong. Not your style? As we look forward, the Celebrity Retreat prices are too steep. However, some cruise lines charge additional fees for certain activities, dining options, and beverages, among other things. Ultimately, these strategies could help Viking Cruises remain profitable in the long-term. (and an extension of being an empty nester) and so far it seems that Oceania might fit the billregardless it will be an adventurenext summer to the Middle East on the Riviera in an Oceania Suite. Viking has just over $3.3 billion in total debt. We are elite plus on Celebrity with almost 30 cruises. if we all based our opinions on hopes and dreams the world would be a different place! In the short-term, Viking Cruises financial situation is likely to remain precarious. Azamara was a bit better than X, but not that different. Powered by Invision Community. We loved the Viking River cruises and that led us to a wonderful Viking Ocean cruise to South America. Additionally, the company has had to contend with rising fuel costs and a decrease in demand for cruises. Everybody knows that when your tummy isn't feeling good, neither do you. 10. The developers are in trouble because we are not in financial trouble. I know that makes little sense! Lovebugs in Florida: How do I get them off my car? Additionally, the company should focus on introducing innovative products and services in order to differentiate itself from its competitors. in 2008 with my husbands entire familyit was fine. Finally, the company should look into expanding its presence in new markets in order to increase its profits. It's just a very interestingly re-invented version of what I have been used to. In the long-term, the company is optimistic that it can return to profitability, but this will depend on the success of its cost-cutting measures, its ability to attract new customers, and its ability to secure additional sources of funding. Basically, he says that operating costs will be reduced more if the ships sit idle than if they sail at 50% or less of capacity. Based on past performance, Ido not believe this privately held company's management would make any offers that it feels would be financially destructive to its stability and growth. The Additional Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold without registration unless pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and all applicable state laws. Basically, look at what you're interested in. I think we have evolved to looking at a select few lines moving forward than just focused on one. Decided both companies were not us. The most popular excursions fill up quickly, so don't wait until you get on board to decide what you want to do. Viking has also been consistently rated the #1 ocean cruise line and one of the best river cruise lines in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards. This can make it extremely difficult for them to get on board with the game. The cruise operator posts total revenue of $1.8 billion for its first quarter, soaring past the $522 million recorded in the year-ago period. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service. I thought I would add since we have a similar (but differentLOL) experience. In response to its financial struggles, Viking Cruises has implemented various strategies in order to remain profitable. We like that the ship is smaller, with less passengers, more inclusive, and fairly easy to deal with. In order to remain profitable, Viking Cruises must focus on cost-cutting measures, such as reducing staff and streamlining operations. The text appears: #1 on the oceans. Operational difficulties, cost-saving measures, and supply chain issues on the mass-market lines have become quite visible and difficult to cope with. In order to survive its current financial challenges, Viking Cruises must focus on cost-cutting measures, attracting new customers, and securing additional sources of funding. Your email address will not be published. Additionally, the company has introduced new safety protocols and expanded its fleet in order to attract more customers. The offering of the Additional Notes is expected to close on October 28, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. But when that O brochure fell out of my WSJ that 1/30/31 day something clicked on an interesting W. Caribbean cruise at what we hoped would also be at the "end" of COVID. We're going on our first Oceania cruise in 11 days, and can hardly wait! 1 duquephart 870 January. The line is known for its exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and sophisticated onboard experience, making it a popular choice for older travelers seeking luxury and elegance. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Cruise lines continue to cancel sailings amid rising fears of COVID-19 infections. The food and atmosphere in there is excellent. The company is currently operating at a financial loss and there is no sign of improvement in the near future. Half-year Financial Report, January 1 - June 30, 2017. Powered by Invision Community. Viking Cruises founder and chairman Torstein Hagen was the hardest hit among Norway's richest by the Viking Cruises recent financial struggles can be attributed to a variety of factors. We then took Vikings inaugural oceans cruise in 2015, and have enjoyed them since. Our cruising evolution is very similar, living in Fla. So, off to Oceania. We are Elite on Princess, Platinum on Carnival, 2 cruises with NCL, and coming up on our 5th with Oceania. I understand. Also, Crimea at Yalta, Istanbul, and several Greek islands. As SoFL residents like CruisinShips, it's an easy drive to the piers in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. Furthermore, the company has sought out new sources of funding, such as grants and loans, in order to stay afloat. There is no financial trouble with the game, and the game developers are not in financial trouble. The suite prices are as much as the luxury lines. Looking for something special to get your mom for Mothers Day? How can I save money on my Viking cruise? We pay, they deliver - or not. I find the hunt to be more fun that the kill, so we will continue investigating. I am not aware of Viking's cash reserves, or its ability to meet current obligations on its existing ship debt without collecting new revenue. If you choose to pay on board, tips are charged at 15 euros per day per person to your shipboard account. Additionally, the company has had to contend with rising fuel costs and a decrease in demand for cruises. Their river cruises are somewhat looser, but they too can get a little boring at times, and we've taken all the river cruises we wanted to try. Where is the best place to create and buy photo books? All of that was amazingthe crew was the happiest and most upbeat group I have ever seen on a ship. Alternatively, if the company fails to do so, then it may be forced to close down or sell itself to another company. Viking Cruises has announced that its river and ocean operations will remain on hold through May 31, 2021, which means cruises won't resume until June at the very earliest. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. We will be back to Miami in October but it will be a quick exit and on to the Panama Canal transit and the Pacific. 18 MAY 2017. Vouchers, she says, arent covered under travel insurance. While there's no one cruise line that can be called "the best" , there's definitely a right one for you. Our first cruise was on Disney (Magic maybe?) We took cruises where we never visited the main dining room (a very good thing to be able to do on RCL lol), and maybe visited the buffet once if at all. One big cruise line, MSC Cruises, also is privately owned, as is Viking. Its all on our credit card balance. In the short-term, the company is likely to continue to struggle financially due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. By It promised refunds later, when it. 8 On Your Sides Shannon Behnken called Viking about the refund, but the company cited Douglass cancelation as the reason he didnt get his refund. Implementing these strategies could benefit Viking Cruises in a number of ways. Then COVID hit, and you can imagine the rest. We always took our two kids with us, who we 12 and 5 when we started. It was a try-me for me, as my spouse had already been on several cruises as a young person into her adulthood. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on Viking Cruises customer base. Whether you're settling in and getting ready to start a family, or you're looking to add a new member to your happy household, Top Products. When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward (who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. It is too early to tell whether or not Viking Cruises strategies will be successful. Add to the fact that Moody's has downgraded Viking's credit status (public information) and I don't think the outlook is all rainbows and unicorns..just saying, So a company based in Switzerland with ships flagged in Norway would get a loan from the US gov't?? Cruising, especially living in the Fort Lauderdale area, was a fairly inexpensive getaway; - As our kids got older, we evolved to week-long RCL cruises. In 2020, the company's stock price dropped by nearly 50% and the company laid off over 1,000 employees. So what does one do? when we sail. The text appears: #1 on the rivers. Will Viking remain viable? We appreciate loyalty perks. Dinner became a tapas ( small plate) after thought. Norwegian Cruise Line stock surges after revenue more than triples, Norwegian Cruise's stock surged Monday after the cruise operator reported quarterly results that beat expectations and provided an upbeat profit outlook Carnival Cruise Line Considers a First-of-Its-Kind Onboard Change. Is Viking cruise lines in financial trouble? And Viking will, if necessary,contactits lenders to restructure or suspend debt payments for new ships and other capital obligations. Did the one, book a 2nd while on board (Sirena, 11/2022), and have 20 nights in the Med on on Riviera booked for late 2023 and Sirena in the Baltic in late 2024. Additionally, the company has had to contend with rising fuel costs, declining demand for cruises, and increasing competition from other cruise lines. Our next booked cruise will be on a Celebrity in the fall (our first for whatever reason), and then the one we just booked on the Vista after that.