NewLondonNed

It is cheaper and you are in control when you book you flights yourself. No fees to do this.

Ned, what time did you book your NIN tour and what time does your ship get in? Thanks!

Jean: see post in forum re Viking Star Homelands 9-9-17

As already mentioned, you will find very detailed info on the CC boards to get all the info you need. We are on the Sept 2017 homelands cruise. We have booked independently (saves $$): St Pete 2 day grand tour with Alla (online site has detailed info - very reputable), Stavinger Pulpit Rock fjord cruise with Rødne (again online res very easy) and in Bergen, 1st day in port, "Norway In A Nutshell" - NIN ( a circuit tour which includes Flam railway, fjord cruise, etc, considered the highlight of Norway for many) reserved through visitbergen.com. This should get you started. Rick Steves has excellent guide book "Northern European Cruise Ports" which contains detailed info - on each port on the Homelands cruise. Enjoy your planning - as many of us do.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You may find your children would enjoy another line where there are other children and programs geared toward families with that age group

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

RE: insurance - I always buy myself via insuremytrip.com and be mindful of the time limits (often 14 days after initial trip payment/booking) so you have pre-existing medical condition waiver (this is a huge insurance loophole and trap for the unwary without it) - Viking's insurance does have the 100% cancellation coverage in Viking credit but I think no pre-existing med condition waiver. You can buy for additional premium a :cancel for any reason" coverage which usually reimburses up to approx 70% - this varies depending on ins. co.

Capital One has a pin for its chip cards

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

The pre-existing medical condition waiver is very important - while I like the Viking 100% cancel credit of their insurance, third party coverage is cheaper and more comprehensive - especially for medical evacuation and pre-existing med condition waiver

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Alla 2 day grand tour includes lunches

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

you may do better and cheaper booking your own air - we did and saved $ with connections we preferred

Thank you CharTrav for this great info - I already registered

As newbie, can anyone tell me how the Meet & Greet is set up with Viking for the Roll Call to organize for our cruise (9/9/17 Viking Homelands)?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Alla offers a CC discount if mentioned when bookinmg

You may want to consider organizing such a meeting through the roll call for your cruise - I am sure others like you would be interested.

You likely will be able to book better price on first or business class air than the VK price

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Alla offers a 5% discount to Cruise Crtic members which means its price is lower for same high quality - (max 16) comprehensive tour

CharTrav has certainly done a great detail of information. Just a caution to check your calendar for docking and departure times which change a bit (like Stavenger docking at 12 noon on 9-9-17 sailing).

Alla Tours' reviews on Trip Advisor and these boards are all excellent and Cruise Critic members get 5% discount on very reasonable 1, 2 0r 3 day tour prices

Thank you for al this great info