On the fourth night of our two week trip, an excessive amount of diesel fumes infiltrated our cabin, causing a severe asthma attack. Since this occurred on Sat. night, I had to wait until Mon. to visit a doctor. I explained the situation to the captain, wanting help to rid the cabin of the odor. His response was "is not possible." End of discussion. Upon returning home and another doctor visit, I sent an email to Viking customer service, received a phone call and a promise to contact me with a resolution. A few days later, I received another phone call informing me a $1000.00 credit would be deposited in our Viking account for future travel. ($500.00 per person) Why would I ever want to travel with them again--insulting! No further contact. On 12/11/25, I mailed a letter to Viking Chairman and CEO Mr. Torsten Hagen. No communication was received from his office. I did again receive a call on 12/29/25 from a customer service representative and again was assured I would receive a response. As of 2/18/26 there has been no response. There are other cruise lines available; I sincerely wish I had used one of them. It is unfortunate Viking cares to little for their guests well-being.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5613 posts
They did contact you and provided a resolution. What didn't you get?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
24065 posts
As a rant from a first time poster always has a credibility elements. I am sure your are posting this anywhere and everywhere to generate bad publicity. And it may be deserved. We have been on several Viking cruises and always found the service level high and appropriate. I really doubt, "not possible end of discussion." What resolution do you want or expect?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9189 posts
Things happen when you travel. I doubt they intentionally put fumes in your room (I assume you had a window or veranda door open). Once the room was clear, yeah there could be a lingering smell, however, it seems like you made it another week and a half.
What actions did you expect to happen, either during or after?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7014 posts
From your story, it appears you were able to continue with the remaining 10 nights of your river cruise without further asthma attacks. And I'm speculating that you may have been in a lower cabin with windows that didn't open, which leads one to wonder how you expected the crew to remedy that situation. Since you weren't moved to another cabin, the cruise must have sailed at capacity. You were offered a fairly standard compensation offer. If that is unsatisfactory, then you should definitely book your next river cruise with a different cruise company.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for your responses. To answer your inquiries—I requested an apology. That was all I asked. The captain left me standing in the lobby and walked off when I asked for help in ridding our room of the fumes. Essentially calling me a liar that the smell could be in the room. He did not investigate, just that it wasn’t possible.
The first customer service representative called back to inform me of the credit because she had forgotten to mention it initially. The investigation was still on-going.
Both representatives informed me they would investigate and respond. That is what I’ve been waiting for.
I did finish the trip, mostly in the public areas when not in port since my room made it difficult to breathe.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
We were in a French door room where we opened the hallway door and the French door. No the boat was not fully booked but the captain didn’t think there was a problem.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1864 posts
Usually people come onto this forum for travel advice. I’m not sure what type of advice you are seeking from any of us other than to vent about a bad experience. Anyone that travels has had a few. Considering you were able to continue the cruise you should probably consider yourself lucky they offered you any type of compensation.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
24065 posts
I think this is becoming clearer where the OP smelled something and the Captain did not. Then it becomes was it a smell or not. Where was the room in relation to the exhaust ports? I will bet not close.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2431 posts
I had a similar experience with Viking several years ago. In my case, the grey water backed up and my room began to smell like a sewer. The head housekeeper was rude, stated she didn't see why it was a problem, she put water down the shower and then put a wet bath mat over the drain and told me in a couple days it would go on to the next room. Customer Service call me after seeing my review on Cruise Critic & offered a credit on a future trip. I, too, figured there was not going to be a future trip and over 10 years later there has not been. I wanted them to know of my negative experience and the way I was treated. I couldn't complain to the captain as he was married to the head housekeeper. An apology would have been nice, even a little sympathy.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2431 posts
In addition, I was on an upper deck with a juliet balcony that opened wide. I did open the window, but the housekeeper told me I couldn't leave my door open unless I stood in the door while it was open. She didn't even want me to sit by the window and prop a chair against the door to keep it open.
Posted by
Michigan
249 posts
Let's remember to treat first time posters kindly and not make assumptions.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7014 posts
Laurie Beth, I wonder if the A/C and ventilation systems on river boats are similar to that on ocean going cruise ships. On the latter, having a balcony door open and then opening the cabin door causes a very marked and unpleasant wind tunnel effect. It also automatically shuts off the AC, and affects the ventilation of both the hallway and neighbouring cabins. Is it possible the housekeeper didn't want the hallway ventilation affected?