My friend and I have had several happy cruises with Viking. For our short visit to France I was talked into upgrading our cabin which actually increased the price by quite a bit. At the time of booking I did ask does this include the non optional excursions and gratuities and I am sure I was told yes. Every piece of paper thereafter appeared to be standard but mentioned gratuities as being separate. I rang to confirm the arrangement I had made was valid and was told they had no record at time of booking but the payment of gratuities was not obligatory and I could remove them from my bill. I have no desire to remove a payment that staff have earned but I do feel that the company should honour an undertaking which I believe it made to me. I am hardly likely to be lying about this which is the implication if they do not....