OnTheJourney

Here's the thing though....the pre and post extensions say that it includes ALL transfers. I mean, didn't I already pay for transfers? So would they charge me again just because I'm not using their air? That would seem a bit weird.

You mean directly from the airline or does Viking also offer that option (I''m thinking not)? Great question....I actually started to wonder about this. We have the pre and post extensions...so if I'm going independent flight booking, do I have to arrange all those transfers with Viking? I'd need to know what all that would cost in order to run the numbers and see which way it comes out best. And, it's not all about which 'appears' to be cheapest but also which is the easiest / most convenient. What about in the case of a pre-cruise extension? I'll chat with Viking about some of this. Not so much worried about the cost as I am the service. Do they do as well for people who book their own air?

None. But then our sailing was only at about 70% capacity. I booked Manfredi's before the sailing - not sure anymore on Chef's Table. I think we waited till we boarded being that we didn't know which menu they were serving on which days. Booking shore excursions, as you likely already know, is tied in with your room category as to when you can do it. We had been upgraded to a PV1 category, and so had pretty early access to excursions.

Wonder how many were on that Naming Voyage? I forgot about that. I will always think of the Chairman's cruise, however, as the true maiden voyage since I suspect the Valletta to Rome was likely a limited number of people. Doesn't ultimately matter. It was a unique opportunity to sail on a brand new ship.

Thinking of scrapping this whole idea of buying air through Viking. It just seems complicated and a hassle. Instead, I'm considering paying extra for refundable tickets. I've never done that before but from everything I read they truly are fully refundable even up to a few hours before the flight. Given the (much) higher cost of Viking AND the significant increase in insurance when adding the flights, I don't see how I can lose by going refundable, the total cost of which is still over $4k less than the price they quoted my TA. I still don't understand why they don't have contracts for the nonstop flights.

Yes, there were only a few every time I've checked, so does that have something to do with Viking indicating that they have no contract for them? Seems a bit ridiculous to make a concession on going with a connection for the sake of saving money, i.e. an itinierary that they contract with. The whole thing is just frustrating. I'm not going to pay way over what I can get on my own just for the sake of it being protected under risk-free. Seats are going quick though in B-class, so I'd like to get this thing done. If I pay for early ticketing, then how does that work? Do I get to choose the seats on MVJ? I think my agent said something about that, but not sure. How early is "early" anyway? Once I get into final trip planning such as making the necessary reservations - be they hotel or air - I want it done and over with. Then, if changes come along from the airline, just have to deal with it.

We were the first group to sail on her on the Chairman's cruise back in May from Rome to Barcelona. Very impressed with the ship. Service was outstanding. All the food was great as well. Our meal in the Chef's Table was simply amazing. In case you aren't aware, they do a rotating (fixed) menu - changes every few days. Manfredi's was really good also. We LOVE Mamsen's. Definitely try the waffles. Really nice open-faced sandwiches for lunch also. I think my favorite place on the ship is the Wintergarden. Plan on being there at least once for afternoon tea, since they serve nice mini-sandiwches and the scones are well worth it! Check out the spa too - beautiful facility. Lots of small, cozy nook areas around the ship for just sitting and relaxing or reading, or even contributing to a jigsaw puzzle in progress during the trip. We like the quiet and peaceful atmosphere that Viking offers. NO photographers bothering you for pictures either. Enjoy! Same here! How very nice of them. I echo many of your thoughts. Staff was SO friendly and helpful throughout the cruise.

I was wondering about lack of non-stop from where you are. The JFK-FCO is the one I came across so hopefully Viking's price won't be too insane. On my own, I can get B-class out of JFK for almost $5k less than Viking quoted for the PHL-FCO (nonstop) itinerary that my TA asked them about. That's crazy. JFK is about a 2 hr. 20 min. drive for us.

Exactly what we'll be doing. Did you do nonstop to Rome? Not sure why they are telling my TA that they have no contract for any non-stop flight and hence alot more money. I found nonstop with Delta at a really good price so will foward a different itinerary to my TA to mention the next time she calls the air department.

Andy...for sure! The current airline situation is dicey at best, no matter if it's domestic or international. Cancellations and rescheduling is crazy of late. Our next Viking cruise isn't till January, so hopefully things settle down by then, but I have some domestic flights in fall. Never know.

I agree completely and am very tempted to do so again, having found a terrific price on business class AND I can actually choose seats directly on the airline website, unlike on expedia (unless paying first). Just hate the idea of winding up with a lot of airline credit if we'd decide to cancel the cruise or can't go. I'll give my TA the new itinerary I came across and see how Viking responds to her. If they have no contractual arrangement with any non-stop flights (and thus charge alot more - especially more than I can find myself) then I just might book on my own and hope for the best.

Under risk-free, I was told that the air, along with any other monies spent, will all become part of credit towards a future cruise. Like many of us, I'm SO tired of accumulating and trying to use credits. Can't wait till all these rebookings are over and done with, so we can go back to a more relaxed approach of choosing where we want to go without the extra stress of feeling like we have to 'fit in' extra trips that have been canceled and rebooked as many as 3 times.

Exactly what just happened to my TA today. I feel bad for her. She really tried hard. Called them, and then while on hold called me to verify the correct flight info that I'd like, talked to Viking again and once she mentioned the non-stop I want to Rome, she was told that these (non-stop) flights are not something they are contracted with (?) and so the price suddenly shot up an extra $1800 pp, winding up being a total of more than what I find on expedia for the entire itinerary. So much for the 'good' price that they initially quoted my TA for B-class. Like dangling the carrot. Totally frustrated at this point. TA advised that I at least explore other options over the weekend (unless I want to pay the revised amount they quoted her...not my first choice) including one-stop.Then, she'll try again on Monday. I hate stops for international flights, especially for the overnight. No idea what to do at this point. DW is to the point where she doesn't want to do many more international flights. Can't say I blame her.

Mine is dreading the exact same thing.....

I didn't get far. Was on hold for quite awhile and then the lady was extremely hard to understand. The general jist of it, however, was that my agent needs to do this. My TA apparently only talked to a Viking agent - not someone in the air department - so she will call again. She confirms that the people can be very hard to understand and that Viking, in her experience, is not easy to work with for air. She was hoping that the agent would transfer her to the air desk but I guess that didn't happen. Said she dreads calling them every time cause they "farm out their air department calls" (?) and, again, she can't understand their employees. I had little problem when making flights arrangements for the Chairman's cruise, but that was such a unique situation. There was a dedicated air phone number just for that sailing. I don't anticipate doing too many trips with Viking in the future unless I somehow take care of my own air. Perhaps will be easier IF this current booking / staffing / etc. mess ever settles down. Once all our rebookings of various cancelled trips are done I suspect we'll be concentrating mostly on domestic travel. So much easier to just book my own air within the US AND be able to see the seats that are available. I had zero trouble booking flights for a trip in October. I know what seats I have as soon as I booked them. So...I'll see what she finds out but I've been spending hours looking at the seating configurations on seatguru and trying to communicate choice preferences to the TA. All might be for naught anyway if nothing's available, in which case we'll have to settle for premium economy. Getting too old for some of this crap. We'll probably do most of our cruises out of either Baltimore or Bayonne...NO flying involved and just less stressful.

All I know is what she told me - that the Viking agent seemed to be able to make a booking at the present time for January.

Yeah, I imagine I can expect some changes, although there are a very limited number of non-stop overnight flights going across the pond for my date (which is not flexible).

I know...you mentioned this, and I remembered it. I was finally able to access a seat map for one of my two long-haul flights and a good number of B-class seats are already taken. So now I guess my TA must finish this process? Or can I call (she actually told them that I have her permission to call and speak with the air dept. - so I guess worth a try. ) Just seems like a pain to do everything through a 3rd party. I need to move on this since now only 12 seats are left for the one flight. Any idea what time the air department opens? I can try to call or just have my agent do it - just hope nothing would get screwed up in the translation.

So my TA called Viking and got a price on business class for our January trip. However, she also said "and then we can request your particular requests. Seats will not be issued until ticketed however, I can say I want aisles, aisle next, window next etc." Business class seating, however, due to the pod arrangements doesn't readily fall into the usual "aisle", "window" configuration, so I'm concerned about what we might wind up with. When I agree to pay and book, can I then suggest specific seats (as some people on either this or other threads mentioned that they were able to do)? Hate to shell out the money and then wind up not even sitting together. Can't imagine they'd do that.

Perhaps not so much a matter of whether or not it's feasible time-wise, but also whether or not you really WANT to do 2 in one day! Yours total 7 hours. On the Chairman's cruise, I think we had two days where we did two excursions on each that each were around 4.5 hours. Got through it, but sure was glad for a sea day after those! I can't quite sightsee all day anymore like I used to be able to. Best of luck with it. I agree that Viking will make it work if the times as listed are correct.

Absolutely 😆 Especially on a good hot day such as we've been having.

OH yeah. Every summer the Blue Devils would come to my hometown and rehearse at our High School for a few days. Since covid they haven't been here. From our house, we could hear them. WOW!!! They are typically ranked at the top - almost neck-and-neck with Vanguard at times. The first time I thought it might be our local HS band getting ready for fall half-time show. Didn't take long to realize...NO WAY!! The stuff the percussion line was doing was unreal. Then the brass started...holy cow!!! Incredible. Their schedule is grueling also.

Yep...I'm the same person. Changed the name awhile back. Had what I thought was a good reason at the time but quite honestly I'm already tired of this new one - will probably go back to OTJ if they allow one to change back to an already-used name. So glad you mentioned this - been thinking of contacting them. Just did...presto chango! Never really liked "AnyWayIsGood" actually.

Thanks for your kind words! Were I person with shorter patience, I'd have never survived working with elementary band kids! You have to constantly stay focused on what the end result will be. Unfortunately the dropout rate was higher than I would have liked, but ultimately no control over that. So glad I got out before covid came along.

I quite honestly cannot remember ever going out to a restaurant, although only lived by myself for a relatively short time. Looking back on it I could have had more fun than I did! I was just so tired after coming home from a day of teaching the band kids. Often 15-minute lessons back to back throughout the entire day with a short lunch break. It was crazy. And running around between 5 elementary schools. Eventually I got some help when the district agreed to hire independently contracted instructors to help teach lessons. That didn't last though. Often TOO many drums and flutes. Could have started an elementary fife and drum corps.