SBR2022

On 3/15/2024 at 4:50 PM, cruisedreamer2 said:

I agree that it is definitely worth it. Travel Agents typically get 15-16% in commission. I have received as much as 13% in cash back, fare discounts and/or cabin credits. (That was when cruising had just re-started after COVID and agents were hungry.) On another cruise I got 10% back. I recently booked a 2 week cruise for my son and DIL and got them an additional $400. off the fare and $600. in cabin credits. Here is my process:

First, I comb this forum (which I greatly appreciate) for any discount codes, then I book the cruise myself. Once I have my confirmation of the booking I go to a site that will allow travel agents to bid for my business. I don't know if I am allowed to post that link, but if you put "New tool lets cruise agents bid for your business," it will take you to an article with the link to that site.  You have to register for a free account. Then I post on that site that I have already booked the cruise, give the date and ship and cabin number. In the notes section, I ask that the bids include any discounts or cabin credits. Within 1-3 days, I will get 5-6 bids and I just pick the best offer. I give them a call and give them my booking number and they call Viking and have the booking transferred to their agency. I really don't expect any other service from a travel agent--I prefer to do all my own research, choose my own flights etc.  So its a win-win for both of us. Within 14 days of booking, I will purchase travel insurance checking both Squaremouth and InsuremyTrip to compare policies/rates (doing it within 14 days gets coverage for any-pre-existing conditions). Then I call Viking and ask them to be sure to send my documents/luggage tags to my home address, otherwise they will send it to the agent. Last I make sure when I receive the new booking confirmation from the agent, that my discounts and cabin credits are shown. Keep in mind, that you have a limited length of time to transfer a booking to an agent. I think with Viking it is 60 days, but I do it as soon as possible. Then, 10 months before the date of debarkation, I go online and choose flights, call Viking Air Plus and ask them to book. With Air Plus, I don't have to go through the agent. So that is my process, gleaned from many years of booking cruises. There is only one way that I know of to get a better price... and that is to become a travel agent yourself. Hope this helps and safe travels friends. 

When do you pay Viking and how does that work with the travel agent you select? Often with a Viking promo code, you have a very short time to pay in full.

When do you pay Viking for the cruise and how does that work out with the travel agent you select? Often if you use a Viking promo code, you have a very short amount of time to pay in full.

Got this one this morning. Link is https://www.viking.com/promotions/us/ocean/EIC23/20230101?contid=30087267920_1018005321&utm_id=email_vrc.54685122&cid=EML|RSP|999|vrc.54685122&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=55presale

I got this one today for river cruises:

One of the most satisfying ways to immerse yourself in Europe’s local cultures is by delving into each region’s distinctive cuisines. If you wish to savor the spicy flavors of currywurst in Berlin, sample fresh-baked banitsa pastries in Bulgaria or enjoy ćevapi—grilled beef sausages—at a restaurant in Serbia, then you will be delighted to embark on culinary journey with us. Book your European river voyage today and receive special savings—FREE international airfare and a deposit of just $25.

ASK FOR OFFER: RJE23

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/index.html?contid=30087267920_1018005321&utm_id=email_vrc.54678302&cid=EML|RSP|999|vrc.54678302&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=55presale

12 minutes ago, SBR2022 said:

Just got this one for some Ocean Cruises: https://www.viking.com/promotions/us/ocean/EHT22/20221019?contid=30460908139_1018005321&utm_id=email_vrc.54612582&cid=EML|RSP|999|vrc.54612582&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=55presale

Free air plus prepaid gratuities, Code EHT22

Wrong link.

Just got this one this morning:

Offer AOP22: Offer valid on bookings made from Oct 20 to Oct 28, 2022. Complimentary category upgrade up to Deluxe Veranda (DV1) plus FREE international airfare valid on Dec 2022-Feb 2023 departures of Australia & New Zealand; Dec 2022 & Feb 2023 departures of South America & the Chilean Fjords; Jan-Mar 2023 departures of Amazon & Caribbean Adventure; Nov & Dec 2022 departures of Classic Panama Canal Passage; Nov 2022 departures of Bangkok, Bali & Beyond. Call for details. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional restrictions may apply. Airfares vary on other itineraries, gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. Book by Oct 28, 2022; pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires Oct 28, 2022.

2 hours ago, travellovervic said:

It's raining in Amsterdam and Rotterdam area today. It's not too heavy, but hopefully helps a bit. We left Amsterdam last night on Viking Hermod.  Vic

So was the Viking Hermod able to sail from Amsterdam to Kinderdijk then to Cologne? Others recently have said they had to take a bus to Kinderdijk and Cologne.

1 hour ago, zodiacsign said:

Per my conversation with the captain 5 minutes ago, there are about 170 Brits aboard the Sea right now. (Probably the entirety of the Air Malta flight to Heathrow on Thursday morning....). 

Not the entirety…

15 minutes ago, MikeyB said:

Happy you think so.  I don't.  

My stateroom had a half open bottle of tonic in frig.  Hairs  in a bath room  drawer,  dirty carpet and was missing airbugs for  Quitevox.  Perhaps half the crew acknowledge you with a hello.  The security crew always smile.  All the Jupiter  crew in Iceland  last month  did.  Bar service is good not great.  The food at dinner has been excellent. 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

And do you know the real story why we didn't do Montenegro?

I probably don’t know your “real” story.

7 hours ago, MikeyB said:

On the Viking  Sea now.  Waiting to enter Dubrovnik.   I must say that I am very disappointed with the level of service on the ship.  Food has been great.  Service not so.  I hope the home office reads those questionnaires.   I hope to write more when home.

We are on Viking Sea now. Did Malta and Greece 20 to 30 August, now on the Malta and Adriatic cruise. I would rate stateroom service, dining service, bar service, and crew courtesy as outstanding! No complaints at all. 

Under FAQs on the Viking website is the following. Seems it would depend on how "helps protect" and "could include" are interpreted....

Here is the California menu description .

The menu at Chef's table changes every three days or so. That means you probably wouldn't want to go back more than once every three days. My wife and I have really liked it on cruises we've been on in the past. Usually there are menus from different countries/regions--Indies, China, I think there is one from California now. I think they try to do food from the area you are cruising in. I'll try including a picture of the menu from one of the Viking dailies. If you look at one of the Cruise Critic pages for specific cruises, some of the dailies have been posted and you can see the menus.

2 minutes ago, Tiki-Is-Texas said:

Question for USA passengers,  did you, were you required to, use VeriFly?  We have the app, entered the basic info but then what?  Our CDC vaccination cards do not have QR codes.  

Are you using the Verifly App on your mobile phone? If so, you can take a picture of the vaccination card when you get to that place on the app or you can take a picture of the card and upload it to the app.