We chose Viking due to high ratings on major sites. However, we had quite a surprise. Just completed 15-day Mediterranean cruise on Viking Star, Rome/Rome, Dec. 21 – Jan. 4. This was our first Viking experience, and while the ship was attractive and comfortable, one very troubling issue arose. Our cabin 6087 was a category Penthouse Veranda, spacious, well laid out, and expensive.

Early into our first week, we heard music and dialogue coming through the speaker on our wall-mounted TV monitor, from 9:00pm onwards every evening. Specifically, we could sing along with whatever music was playing in the next cabin, or we could listen to a movie or TV episode and clearly hear the dialogue. We reported this to Guest Services, and while their attention and response was hardly one of concern for guest comfort, we were assured their IT department would investigate. With no change, our second visit revealed that Guest Services forgot to pass on our complaint. We were subsequently advised that IT visited the next cabin, 6089, and confirmed the volume level was at the correct cap. Nothing changed however, and their TV continued to send sound through our speaker. The third visit to Guest Services was so dissatisfying that we could hardly imagine a poorer response to a serious guest complaint. Guest Services indicated there was nothing more they could do; mention was made of lack of insulation, Viking being aware of this sound transference problem and ours was not an isolated incidence. And, as an indication of good faith, we were offered ear plugs.

Before our journey completed, we had to listen to the movie Dunkirk in its entirety. War movies are not for everyone, and that evening’s entertainment was a particular trial. This issue was so ruinous of our experience, that we will not consider another Viking cruise. Guest Services staff were aloof, indifferent, unprofessional and incompetent. Read more