MikeyB

Everyone's result will vary, but really shouldn't. Free is free and it comes with "a side"of transfers to the port/airport. I don't see how all the stress and aggravation is eliminated because you booked the air outside of Viking. I certainly do agree that I'm likely not to get my first choice of flights. I always do my homework and tell Viking Air what I found first. Then they tell me what their contract allows. Then I tell them that the flight I want is available for say $650 and the Viking website is telling me that the free air would be $999 if I didn't have a promo code. And they tell me "so what", and the conversation ends. Flying related stress will be here regardless of how you received the flights. You and I have done enough Viking cruises to have a fairly good grasp of what free air means. On my just concluded Viking river cruise to eastern Europe, Air France dropped my seat assignments 14 times. I blamed Air France and not Viking. The flights were "free". Tomorrow I leave for Asia. Viking gave me flights that stopped in two potential war zones. One is my limit and Viking was happy to change my return home The Asia flights were "free".

Since I read these boards, I do have to comment. "Free Air" is really free. How is it otherwise? I think it's great not to pay for a transatlantic or transpacific airline fare. Now Air Plus is not free and you get what you pay for....aggravation. If the Viking contract does not include your chosen flight, you are "free to roam the aircraft" and find and pay for something else. I have used either Viking reduced air and free air promotion and have mostly been happy. Being able to pick and pay for your own flight does not eliminate the problems that occur with flying.

What makes you think that Promos that are targeted to specific cruises/specific dates might be available to other cruises?

Capitals of Eastern Europe. We have lots of Romanian flies and Bavarian beetles on board...but the water level is fine so far.

We are presently onboard a river. The casual resort is "suggested" and not mandatory. Many are coming to dinner in shorts. Of those some have tees or a golf shirt. There is no gatekeeper at the door on a Viking river.

And lets not forget you have 30 days to transfer a booking from Viking to a TA.

Well, since you asked......yes I'm sure. The $150pp promotion was not on the Viking website. In fact, I booked that cruise using a promo code that I got from the thread you created. The $150pp was on the TA's website. Along with the usual $150/$300?$600. For those that do not believe, go look at my TA's website. It should still be there. And I think I was pretty clear who I use.

Hi CC, Yes, it was an interesting development. I never expected more. But there it was when I booked the cruise. I don't know what to call it. But it is certainly not a gift. I find the process whereby the TA rebates part of their commission back to the passenger pretty remarkable. But I am happy to take it. Whatever it's called.

Many TA's (besides Clay's) offer the $150pp/$300pp/$500pp depending upon the length of the cruise. In fact, my TA offers this and a separate OBC. On my last 14 day Viking Ocean cruise last month I received a total of $900. $600 refundable and $300 non refundable.

The short answer is yes, you can. We went to this port in May, also with an overnight. Initially, I was locked out from tours on day 1. Then they opened some afternoon tours. I was able to book it. A few days later they opened the other included tour. Sounded better, so I booked it for day 2. Did not cancel the day 1 tour. When we got on the ship, we were eventually notified that the "boat" tour had issues and was changed to the first included tour. Needless to say, one included tour of this town was enough.

I just have to post, and it's not meant as a criticism of the prior review. I just got off the Neptune, last week. I have had probably two dozen meals at Manfredi's. The last one was the worst. Our table for two was ignored until I was served tiger shrimp with zucchini. It was still the old menu. The tiger shrimp was raw. Maybe someone can tell me how it made it's way out of the kitchen? The "chief" apologized and the waiter apologized later to me at the Living Room bar. Now, I will cruise Viking and eat at Manfredi's again but Viking does have some serious issues with quality control.

Generally at 2 weeks. Might be time to call Viking.

Correct me if this has already been posted. During the booking of a river cruise with my Viking agent the other day, I asked for Air Plus (I love challenges). She said that Viking recommends not adding it to your booking. She said my air will post at 150 days from sailing on My Viking Journey. If it's not what I want, I can then make changes on-line. If I'm still unhappy with what is offered, I can then call Viking air. Now, what are they up to?

I got a promotion! So excited. And I cannot use it. Closer to Home Sale Canada and New England Scenic Shores Sept and Oct 2023 Mars and Star Canada and the Atlantic Coastline Sept 2023 Octantis and Polaris Free RT Air Free cabin upgrade Free Silver Spirits Expires 6/30 CSA23

For those receiving Viking brochures with promo codes- What are your reasons for not posting the codes for others?

I'm on Neptune now in Iceland. In order to be of assistance I left the Explorer's lounge (with a drink in hand) and went to cabin 7012. I advise you not to take it. I pressed my ear against the door and heard nothing but moaning. This might keep you awake at night.

Currently on Neptune and met a couple who also had a guarantee. They were moved to a DV4 on deck 3 close to the tender. We had a tender port on this cruise for part of the day. They said they heard noise from the tenders. They didn't ask to be moved but Viking ask them. Naturally they said yes. I would only consider a guarantee if their were lots of cabins in various cabins available. On my current cruise they upgraded me but they apparently could have done better.

I had one bad experience of very slow service in The Restaurant. Just like you had. I find the hostess, Karen amazing. She remembers everyone's name. And then tonight I had dinner at Manfredi. Service was horrible. Any my side dish of the tiger shrimp was still alive. I received apologies from everyone but I am still annoyed. Then my Pistachio cake was dry. My Sea bass was good and my wife's rib eye the same. The crew is great. Supply chain issues with Bailey. I thought the entaintainment that came on board is great. But the onboard talent is mixed. The singers have done enough over 2 weeks. The classical Duo is amazing. And the guitarist Tomas CA not sing. Let me end my saying that Northern Norway is just beautiful.

That was from the Explorer's Lounge.

I was looking at the menu as I wrote it.

PS.... Love your Amazon write-up!

What is listed as cocktails is $9.50 with the only exception being a White Lady at $11.50

In the US you have 30 days to transfer from initial booking.

Got you! And thank you for all your time on the Egyptian board. I'm sure it will be another out of body experience.

Squawkman- you rock! Thank you. My reason for trying to book at sea is because it's an Egyptian cruise that might sell out. Friends told me the other day that they are going. My Andrea did a wonderful job of selling a very expensive cruise to a third world country. At this point I will wait. Oh, Squawkman told me about his agent that offered a booking discount within 2 weeks of returning. My Viking agent just told me the same info after 10 years of Viking cruises.