deec

By the time we paid Viking $50 each way for a "specific" airline and then $100 for early/late dates we were better off booking ourselves.

We had been misinformed by our TA or Viking that different dates and specified airline would be $50 each way. We will know next time and we are hoping there will not be a delay getting our refund for the Viking air of $1095 that we paid 3 months ago!

we will earn ffmiles if we book through Viking won't we?

Thanks this is the type of information that will help us decide...definitley will wait until we do our first cruise.

Thanks, I read the Viking website but wondered if once onboard if additional incentives ( more than $200/pp) were offered for furture cruises, like on many ocean cruises.

The Burma Cruise "Memories of Mandalay" is an expensive trip and am trying to compare apples to apples between viking, grand circle and vantage.

Thanks for the help.

We will not travel with Viking until September 2014....as we look ahead we hope to do a Buma/Irrawaddy cruise in 2015. Wondering if Viking gives a discount for repeat customers. We are also considering Grand Circle's cruise...the boats/ itineraries look comparable.

Thanks for the great information, especially the transfers, that does take one level of hassle out of the long flight. We should be able to book next week and the TA is checking with viking what they will charge for our tickets.

I know which flights we want I am trying to figure out if Viking was going to charge more for those flights than the Delta website....and if they are the same price is there any reason to book through Viking. Don't think we have transfers available since we are NOT doing pre-cruise through them.

Can you tell me what bank to try?

all of a sudden my 2 banks and 1 credit union want to charge anywhere from 2-3% transaction fees PLUS what we have to pay to the foreign bank and "out of network" fee.....I hate to change USD here for a one time fee and then have to carry so much cash....what was wrong with Travelers' Checks of days past or NO FEE atm's!

we will take our first river cruise in 2014 Budapest/Amsterdam with viking.

Seriously considering Burma cruise next...will Viking give us much of a discount as a past cruiser? GCT seems a good alternative....seems silly but disn't want to consider the GCT ships on the European Rivers because of the single and/or fold out beds.

I think we may be a little late in beating the crowds to the European rivers and dont want it to happen again in Burma.

What are pros/cons about month is best to do this cruise?

thanks to all on these boards for your valuable information and sharing your experiences.

We are taking the Viking Budapest/ Amsterdam cruise 9/14. Planning 3 extra days in Budapest and 2 in Amsterdam. We had planned on doing viking's air plus....but now wonder if there is a down side and should reserve/buy on our own? Still waiting to see if there is an up-charge for Viking in addition to the $100 for air plus. We can make reservations now...should Viking let us know what specifics flights we can choose as well as seats?

JANMCN...totally agree with overuse of antibiotics. especially when people want to take them for a cold or flu!..BUt being prepared when questionable health care is available is prudent....that being said although I always pack those things...we have never used them! I was nervous before we left for Africa last year and we all did just fine!!!

Probably not a priority when in Europe but our physician is willing to prescribes Cipro, Keflex and a z-pack before we leave on a trip. I also pack cortisone cream, bacitacin, anti-fungal cream ,Epi-pen, benadryl, Immodium and something for constipation,Ibuprophen or tylenol and always carry aspirin (in case of heart attack symptoms). Also simple first aid bandaids, ace bandages, eye wash, tweezers/scissors, blister care. If we are in a country with limited medical supplies we give these to our guide to give to a local clinic when we leave. But even in Europe we will take these supplies as it sure is easier than trying to find a pharmacy or local doctor.

Jan,

We would love to cruise with travelers like the two of you. Positive attitudes, flexible and you havent even whined about the constant rain.

hoping our Budapest to Amsterdam trip is as delightful next September...thanks for taking the time to share

Can you use the global entry if you have things to declare. I know immigration is different than customs but not sure if you can always use Global Entry as long as the airport has it.

Bobandjo,

What were the deciding factors that helped you choose Avalon over your friends' choice of Viking?

Trying to make sure I am comparing apples to apples. Don't want to spend more $$$ for the same product but if one is superior in some way...it will be worth it.

thanks,

Dee