Dark Avenger

Just committed to a cruise and and I am considering Viking air option promotion ($500/traveler) . Here's the question for you intrepid travelers - I want to travel from Denver to Venice arriving a few days early prior to the sailing (I will arrange accommodations). On the return (Barcelona to Denver) I may take advantage of the Viking extension option.

I would prefer to fly Luftansia (Den to Munich, or Frankfurt) and rather not fly BA (hate Heathrow). United might be acceptable. Maybe fly business class, on transatlantic legs, or at least economy plus.

Can I pick my airline?, can I pick my airline and pay a customization fee? In general have people found it worthwhile to use Viking air promotions? For both cost and convenience reasons.

Lynn,

Followed your posts, if you get the chance can you give me a summary of recommendations for excursions, on your own and Viking included for a April 2017 Mediterranean Odyssey cruise? Most interested in the port far from city stops - Rome, Pisa/Florence ports where time is most critical. I tend to lean towards the small group do-it-yourself tours. We plan to do 3 - 4 days in Venice and a few extra in Barcelona on the back end. Any overall suggestions would be appreciated.

Dark Avenger from Colorado

Planning on doing the April 2017 M. Odyssey cruise. Will travel Denver to Venice with a pre-cruise stay and also perhaps a post cruise stay in Barcelona and/or Madrid. Would like to do Denver/Luft. direct to Munich and then open jaw to Venice and back from Spain. If I get crazy mad I might try business class on the long flight overseas legs.

Anyone have experience with the baggage shipping services? And/or FedEx,

etc. to ship bags directly? Perhaps send to ship and then rely on carry on bags for first few days in Venice?

Any experiences out there to share, or sage advice?

I sit here on December 6th wondering if I will be able to book a cabin for the Mediterranean Odyssey cruise in April of 2017.

Our preference is the lowest Veranda V1, or V2 cabins, but we might stretch for a Deluxe PV6, basically the three lowest rate classes.

Of course the ship show sold out.

Anyone had any experience is finding openings due to cancellations, etc,?