cruisedreamer2

Well, I have learned something. I had been told by agents that Viking limits the amount of cabin credit they can give, but nothing about rebates. I had no idea it was against Viking policy. In future, I will only use the bidding site to maximize my cabin credit. Used that way, it is a helpful tool.

I'm assuming in that case that you did not get a reduction in the price of the cruise? By paying the agent, he can apply a portion of his commission toward the cost. You just have to weigh whether the savings offered by the agent is greater than the 3.3% deduction. If the agent is only providing a cabin credit, then (I am now learning and thanks for that info) Viking can be paid directly.

Feta Cheese, I make the deposit when I book the cruise, then transfer to an agent. The payment due date will be the same whether you use an agent or not. The only difference is that once you transfer the booking, future payments are made directly to the travel agency. I have had some success in getting a later due date by telling the Viking agent that I would like to book the cruise and am prepared to do so immediately, but would need a delayed payment date. Sometimes that works, but Viking cruises are popular enough that they can insist on early payment, and I have gotten used to that. I guess it's the price you pay for Success Cake.

Yes, I make the deposit when I book, then transfer the booking. I always check the travel agent on the Better Business Bureau to see their rating and I always take out travel insurance that covers financial default, as when you pay an agency, you are counting on them to pay Viking. I have never had a problem with this. The bidding service screens their agents. You don't have to do the booking yourself. You can do the bidding process first, then let the agency book the cruise, but I like to have control of that process myself. I don't want to find out after the fact that some agent forgot to apply a promo code.

Actually neither. When Viking sends you your luggage tag package a few weeks before travel, they will provide you with a travel day emergency number. I have that programmed into my phone contacts with my booking number noted. It's a great service.

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.

Hope all goes well with your flights. My favorite thing about a Viking cruise is that every time you sit down, someone is asking you if you want something to drink. I always ask for sparkling water with lime. Be sure you try the brandied cherry gelato. They don't have it every day. And don't miss the pastries at the bar in the living room. They change every other day. The almond croissant is only one of their awesome treats. If you do laundry, the symbols on the machines are European and confusing. But the chart on the wall, which we did not see at first, has easy to understand instructions. Have a fabulous cruise!

I'm in. Thanks!