I'll give them a shot if you want to part with the credit...:D

Unfortunately the credit is non transferable, otherwise I would willingly give it away!

Did you contact them to let them know you would never go back and would prefer the straight refund that such circumstances should dictate? Happened to me twice over the years with a hotel and they both stopped, took a breath, and gave me what I wanted.

Not sure there was a better solution to this problem but there is no question that you should not have to pay for those awful days.

Apparently Viking does not think this way! See our correspondence below

Dear Ms. xxxx:

Thank you for your patience.

While we appreciate your request, the cruise credits are non-transferable and cannot be replaced for monetary reimbursement. I understand your discontent and want to assure you that Viking provided the best alternative when taking into consideration the particular area in which the ship was stranded and the number of guests onboard that needed to be accommodated.

I sincerely regret, we were unable to find a compromise. We do hope you will reconsider your decision.

Very sincerely,

Stephanie Maldonado

Manager, Customer Relations
Viking River Cruises, Inc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:31 PM
To: Stephanie Maldonado
Subject: RE: Viking River Cruises,


I do not consider the problems that we encountered on our Primadonna cruise to be totally weather related. I feel that there was a major component of human error involved. To put us so far out of the shipping channel to be run aground was not an act of God or nature.

However it was the handling of the “rescue” after the event, that really disappointed us, in your company - to put that many people on a ferry, with no shade and limited seating and NO toilets, shows a total lack of care for your paying customers. And then to have 150 people turn up at some remote service station to use 2 toilets, and to try and move us on before everyone had the opportunity to relieve themselves, well.. words fail me.

Although you deleted any negative comments on your Facebook page (and I am not the only one to notice this) I have successfully posted my review of your company on several online web sites that review River cruises. I also have not hesitated to spread the word about your total lack of customer care to anyone I meet. And believe me, in my line of business that’s a lot of people! Disgruntled customers have LOUD voices….

Dear Ms. xxx,

I am really sorry to hear that you have decided not to travel with again. To give you more time to consider giving us another chance, I’m happy to extend the cruise credit through December 31, 2013.

Your continued disappointment is appreciated and I kindly ask for your understanding that we tried to our best to salvage the unfortunate weather related situation. Please think about giving us another chance.

Very sincerely,

Stephanie Maldonado
Manager, Customer Relations
Viking River Cruises, Inc.

Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 3:43 PM
To: Stephanie Maldonado
Subject: RE: Viking River Cruises, Booking #932907

Thank you for your response re our Primadonna cruise. However as we NEVER plan to take another Viking river cruise, your offer is somewhat of an empty gesture.