We got on board in Budapest tired from the all night plane ride, but excited. The crew welcomed us aboard and showed us to our stateroom (3rd balcony). At the evening group meeting they informed us that one of the large generators has failed. This was after we unpacked everything for a two week cruise to Amsterdam. They told us the ship will be dry docked for at least 3 days. We will be bused to two different hotels at two different locations. We thought this was some kind of joke. The joke was on us. People's reaction was shock and huge disappointment. We found out later that this problem existed five days before we arrived.

From that point on we never made our destinations on time. The generator was replace in Linz, Austria on the following Sunday. For two weeks we essentially became a rushed bus tour. The crew on the Aegir were fantastic. They did the best they could. How did management let us on board without acknowledging they had a problem? They could of given us a choice. Two days before we reached Amsterdam with a new generator we found out the other large generator failed. We couldn't wait to get off this cursed ship.

As you may know these cruises aren't inexpensive. This was a once in a life time adventure for many of us. They offered us a 25% refund and a 25% discount on our next cruise. Who in their right mind would go on another Viking Cruise!!! We feel a 50% refund is reasonable. I'm not the type of person who likes to complain. But when you meet wonderful people on board, some in their 80's, this will be their last big vacation. Management was never upfront with us before we arrived. Viking has a great reputation and I'm sure this experience is not the norm. But how can we recommend this cruise line after being treated like herded sheep.