'We spent £16k on dream cruise across Europe – it was a huge mistake'

A couple who spent £16,000 on a dream cruise across Europe were ultimately left "angry" after facing a "miserable" experience. John and Rosemary Kaasa spent $22,000 (just over £16k) on what should have been an idyllic 15-day European river cruise with Viking Cruises, but the voyage was fraught with problems from the outset.

In what would prove to be a "miserable" experience for the Atlanta couple, they claim they faced hot cabins, equipment issues, and even an illness that raged through the vessel.

Prior to setting off, John and Rosemary were keen to embark on a spot of hard-earned travel after suffering a health scare. Yet, the couple have now issued a "warning" to others to be wary..

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Speaking to , John said: "There was no escaping it. It was miserable." In terms of onboard issues, passengers were forced to endure unbearably hot cabins during a heatwave for several days after the ship's air conditioning broke.

Once they were informed that they were due to switch ships as a result of low river levels, the couple thought they'd be able to escape the high temperaturesbut were ultimately left disappointed.

In a cruel twist of fate for the passengers, the second vessel's air conditioning was also broken and, to make matters worse, there was now a leak in the cabin ceiling.

However, there would be yet another worrying development: a sickness that spread through the ship. John added: "I'd walk up and down the hall, and all you could hear was people coughing, one room after another."

Indeed, John and Rosemary claimed that they were later diagnosed with bronchitis. In an effort to make her voice heard, Rosemary opted to write to the CEOof Viking Cruises.

In the first instance, the firm issued a $1,000 credit that they could use for a fresh cruise, so Rosemary decided to take her story to the Georgia TV station Channel 2 Action News (the ABC-linked WSB-TV).

Once this occurred, Viking reviewed their complaint and reached what was described in the report as an "amicable settlement" with the couple.

In the WSB-TV report, they explained that the couple had to sign a non-disclosure agreement, so they couldn't reveal the specifics of the deal they struck with the company.

The Mirror has contacted Viking Cruises for comment.