GrannyLala

3 hours ago, meg1021 said:

In reading through the posts on this topic, many opted for the proctored home tests.  Some got tests once in Europe.  Reading through Viking's website, a Rapid Antigen test, 24 hours before boarding your flight is acceptable.  Our flight leaves PIT At 12:43 on 7/29, and leaves ATL for AMS at 5:35. I guess that to be on the safe side, we can get a rapid antigen test at MedExpress anytime after 5:35 on Thursday 7/28.  Has anyone done this?  Or is it best to call Viking, just to be sure?  If Viking hasn't been checking tests results when boarding, like some have said, I'm assuming that our plan would be acceptable.

If you are considered to be "traveling independently" this will not work.  If Viking has booked your air, they are providing your transfer straight to their boat or a pre-cruise hotel it will work.

Has anyone had any experiences lately with COVID restrictions on Viking River Cruises?

Only line I would not consider is Viking....too many negatives regarding customer service when there's a problem...We've done 8 trips with Vantage, including Amsterdam to Budapest and Budapest to the Black Sea (Bucharest) and have been very satisfied with the tour guides, food, cabin and excursions. We originally chose Vantage because they included all shore excursions with only 1 or 2 optional tours (all of which were worth paying extra for). They now include wine with dinner (not sure about lunch) and their customer service (not to be confused with corporate) is outstanding. But they do not book with TA's, so if you don't feel comfortable dealing with the cruise line directly, I would recommend any of the others mentioned (except Viking)

Not really sure why you would not recommend Viking since you have NEVER sailed with them. Are you only saying this because of something you have read on the boards by people you don't really know? We have sailed 2 times, & on our 3rd on July 1st. We have only had VERY good experience on board, & our TA (who is a close friend) has had no problems getting things we need or want from them (including 5 month extension of final payment). Sometimes, people that complain that is ALL they know to do, and don't realize that honey works better than vinegar when it comes to getting customer service. I would not discourage someone from checking out a company if I have never used them before. Have a greast day y'all!

My DH & I are going on the Viking Gefjon July 1 (Amsterdam - Budapest). We booked in March 2015 for July 2016. Originally we were told our final payment was due June 2015, but when our TA to them that was not acceptable they extended to Dec 2015. Also, we were looking at booking our air direct with the airline, and our TA checked around and found that Viking's deal was a lot better (close to $600 better pp)! There were a few fees because we were extending our stay (but booking our own hotels), choosing our airline, upgrading to economy comfort & early ticketing. We are very pleased with our air purchase through Viking, and will be very likely to explore the air options with them in the future as well!

Does anyone recall what Viking's recommended tips are?:D