Yes, Viking requires probably the most advanced payment of any cruise line. I would recommend Viking Air Plus since it will allow you more flexibility to choose your airline and flights. They will work with you. You can also arrive earlier or depart later for a deviation fee which I believe is still $100. All cabins are good. The differences between DV1, DV2, etc are location. But there are no bad cabins and I think that Viking has some of the nicest bathrooms in the industry!