A couple has shared their costly and underwhelming cruising adventure, which was intended to be a ‘trip of a lifetime’.
John, 78, and Rosemary Kaasa, 77, invested $22,000 in a Viking River Cruise but encountered numerous problems during their journey.
What was meant to be a dream vacation turned into a nightmare during the 15-day European voyage, affected by illness, technical difficulties, and environmental challenges.
The couple took the plunge into this trip following John’s recovery from a significant health issue. They spent nearly $12,000 each for over two weeks of European exploration in celebration.
To their dismay, they found themselves battling a European heat wave, and the air conditioning system malfunctioned.
They reportedly received instructions to keep doors shut to prevent insects, leaving them confined in the oppressive heat.
“They said, ‘Don’t open your door, your sliding door, because you’ll get gnats in,’” Rosemary told WSB-TV.
Five days into the cruise, passengers were evacuated to another vessel due to low river water levels. Unfortunately, the new ship also had dysfunctional air conditioning, providing no solace from the intense heat.
“It was 87 degrees in our cabin when we got there,” John explained to the outlet.
Soon after, a leaking cabin ceiling exacerbated their woes.
The couple voiced their concerns to the captain, but the outcome was unsatisfactory.
“I had to hold Rosemary down,” John said, with his wife adding: “He did. At one point, he’s like, ‘Sit down’. I had more to say. I was not happy.”
The situation worsened when both John and Rosemary, along with many others on board, fell ill.
“There was no escaping it. It was miserable,” John remarked. “I’d walk up and down the hall, and all you could hear was people coughing one room after another.”
The illness persisted after their return home, with both being diagnosed with bronchitis.
Due to their dissatisfaction, they lodged a complaint with the cruise company, guided by advice from Clark Howard, a consumer advisor.
Rosemary reached out to the CEO of Viking River Cruises and received an offer of $1,000 credit for a future cruise.
Seeking further resolution, they involved WSB-TV to contact the cruise line on their behalf.
Following the network’s intervention, they were reportedly asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding the settlement they received.
Despite the resolution, they remain disheartened and believe the TV station’s involvement was crucial to being heard.
“I’m terribly… No, I’m beyond being angry. I’m just very, very disappointed,” John expressed.
UNILAD reached out to Viking River Cruises for comment.