greydog

12 hours ago, rbslos18 said:

Brilliant move on Viking’s part! There is a segment of cruisers that love lots of sea days.

Hawaii is among strictest for Covid. 
real kick in the pants if trip became 100% sea days.  Fingers crossed. 

Especially if winter weather disruptions We recommend going a day early which hopefully restores your preferred direct flights. Just start your vacation a day early. Bon voyage 

23 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

Yes, it can be quite disappointing to know this under such circumstances, yet we need to remember that X uses, in many instances, Consolidator Tickets which have different fare rules and policies.  bon voyage

Agree - In my couple of experiences, the contract fare code doesn't allow later ticket upgrades.  I once booked main cabin early intending to monitor Comfort+ price upgrade later.  Then closer to sail date when I went to add Comfort+, the agent said my fare class didn't allow upgrade. So ask air agent about upgrade fee and when initially reserving.  Also I've read reports about different airlines limiting advance seat selection with these fare codes - essentially being treated like you bought basic economy.  Good Luck

Thanks for feedback on 'current' onboard conditions.  Seems everyone is trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation.

17 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

We love both the Lawn Club Grill and Roof Top Garden - have eaten at both several times (on the Silhouette and Edge respectively). You will find that the number of positive reviews of both the LCG and RTG far exceed the negative reviews.

We enjoy the 'outdoorsy' casual format of LCG.  You're 'in the kitchen'.  I'm not there for quiet staid Murano meal.  Learned to go easy on flatbread/salads to savor the entrée - sample the different kabobs. LCG mgr agreed with me that the ribeye were usually better choice than filet. The warm chocolate cookie dessert is highly regarded.

One occasional feature is fun group of couples who have husbands do the cooking and put their culinary failings on display.  Have seen video clips of guy accidently tossing pizza dough up to ceiling beams. 

I do think the LCG 'gourmet burger' lunch falls short for value (was $25) and prefer the Porch for lunch alternative.

To each their own - bon apetite.

On 7/5/2021 at 8:39 AM, rbslos18 said:

We recently purchased Viking Plus Premium Economy seats for a Viking Mediterranean cruise in December. All but the transatlantic flights are in economy, even the Istanbul to Frankfurt flight. Premium Economy seats are available on all flights. Does Viking Plus Premium economy only apply to Transatlantic flights and not the connecting flights?

RB

Before and now, V's PE on transatlantic only. HOWEVER, I try to use Delta and pay extra Comfort+ add-on fee for domestic connection when coordinating my preferred flight combo with Air+ rep. 

NOTE: I once reserved the V 'free economy air' and intended to watch the variable Comfort+ upcharge, but later when I went to buy directly with Delta using their locator code, the Delta agent said the class of ticket under V contract was not upgradeable.  I have seen other posters confirm their experience with being unable to upgrade later for this reason.  LESSON: for Delta (others?), price the Comfort+ add-on at time of reservation with Air+ rep and they'll do upgrade at their quoted fee (in the ballpark of what the Comfort+ fee at Delta).  GOOD LUCK

1 hour ago, godfreyb said:

We have a Viking South East Asia cruise booked for April 2022. Under normal circumstances I would have contacted Viking Air Plus to arrange our flights but reading here it seems that they are not booking anything more than 75 days out.  Any advice?

Hi -  I am aware of their 75-day-out restriction BUT I was hoping that if one had paid Air+ custom fee, especially if added upgrade like Prem-Econ, that they would process reservation sooner and that their 75-day policy applied to their default economy air offering.  Can only try.

OF course they're probably short-staffed like many businesses AND the airlines may be imposing tighter restrictions on timing of their vendor partner contracts.

I was unhappy to read another CC-board poster say that they had their long-advance preferred-seat V. Air+plus res for Prem-Econ air and airline later bumped them (presumably for full-fare customers). BTW, the 'low' priority class fare Viking books doesn't qualify for later add-on upgrades - I planned to later add my own Delta Comfort+ upgrade and Delta agent said my airfare class excluded upgrades. (knowing this I later have added Comfort+ upgrade at self-pay add-on with the Viking air+ rep when making initial booking)

GOOD LUCK

Pre-covid, parking could be 'free' with 1 nt. hotel stay at certain locations near port (often with low-fee shuttle to pier)   Can find leads on such hotels on the 'port' board forum or try park sleep fly dot com

Good Luck

21 hours ago, Little Monty said:

We did Empires of the Med in 2019 .. stayed at Hilton for post cruise. We did the 4 day Classic Greece - it was fantastic. 

 

There are a couple of really good places to eat near the Hilton. I'll look up my cruise notes and will post info later if I can find the names.

PLEASE L-Monty - would appreciate those good dining leads near Hilton.

We're doing post-cruise 4-nt extension in Dec.  Hilton currently has major renovations underway and their site mentions some usual amenities/services not currently available.  Hoping completed by Dec.

Good Luck

21 hours ago, hasentreelake said:

The 5 glacier sea plane in Juneau was the highlight of our cruise. 

In 8 AK trips, our two highlight excursions (never did heli tours) were 1) from Skagway self-pace rental car all day leisure ramble to Carcross (ice cream), husky dog ranch, world's smallest desert, Emerald Lake (60 mi, need IDs crossing into CA, reserve Avis WELL IN ADVANCE)  Relatively inexpensive.  2) 26 Glaciers (count 'em) hi-speed modern catamaran cruise in Pr. William Sound out of Whittier ($159pp) 

GOOD LUCK

8 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

I’ve not yet done an Alaskan cruise but plan to do so in 2023.  So ALL of this information is so very helpful.  

Weather in AK highly variable.  Because rain is common (Ketchikan brags about its high level) I would avoid Sunset View cabins (at least on S-class) because of short overhang cover.  Recommend balconies with greatest rain shielding, like extended overhang immediately under pool deck (but introduces overhead grill/pool activity noise).  Win some, lose some.

3 minutes ago, marieps said:

IBTW, the helicopter/dog sled excursion is fine, but the dog sledding is really just a lap around the compound.  

BTW - helicopter tour had 250 lb max weight limit pp pre-Covid - and very few of us are lighter post-Covid. 😏  Just sayin'

TIP - book afternoon heli-tours - cloud ceiling often low in morning, improves later. GOOD LUCK

Wow - I feel better about my 20-min wait this am.  Air+ lady was very helpful.  GOOD LUCK

5 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Silversea just opened Alaska sailings from Seattle in 2021.

Can't find 2021 AK Silversea itineraries, even on their own website.   Where did you find?  Thx

14 hours ago, naturelovergirl said:

I have chosen a Celebrity cruise which includes Hubbard Glacier for 2022.
We also wanted to visit Sitka for the history and the beauty... and our itinerary included that port as well.

Hi - Siitka is a top choice, especially over Hoonah/IcyStraight.  nice .3 mi. level walk from pier to town - don't need shuttle delay arriving.  Large nature preserve/park worth strolling, I think a raptor center too.

Skagway is tops for history - Yukon gold rush.  For top-choice prep, HIGHLY recommend 

The Klondike Fever: The Life And Death Of The Last Great Gold Rush   by Pierre Berton

BTW, a couple times on hot July day, air temp was so hot, the ice fog prevented safe entry into Hubbard Glacier Bay -  small chance but possible.  

Happy Travels

1 hour ago, AMCJavelin said:

Thank you - I thought about that  - Wasn't entirely sure where to start looking but I will ask over there as well.  Much thanks!

Hi - we've done 8 AK trips with X, couple land tours. Normally, May and Sept are 'shoulder season' prices. Weather is variable, but often nicer Sept. If you add a land tour from ANC, it can be pre or post cruise.  Based on Pre-Covid era, I recommend 1) skip Fairbanks  2) add most time in Denali (deep interior tour vs 19 mi.) 3) pick AKRR train connections vs coach.  (In past, even if tour pkg design connected with coach, you could call and switch, maybe with fee, to AKRR connections at least partially)  Same preference for Anchorage - Seward pier transfer - choose AKRR mtns route connection vs coach at sea level along Turnagan? Arm. (request change if not assigned)

AKRR connection is like airplane 1st class seats, with sceni-dome and bar service, cafe and real restroom on lower level.  Coach stops at portalets and gift shops needing to roust some pax back on board to keep schedule.

Fairbanks is rather basic, plain and has multi-cruise lines crowds ( I saw 24 busses from multiple lines all dropping pax together onto the steamboat excursion)  In Fairbanks, Alaska University has natural history museum worth visit.

Since you are active, hiking trails available many ports, such as Dewey Lake loop from downtown Skagway.  A rental (was Avis, book early) allows scenic self-drive for $150(?) 60 miles to Emerald Lake.  The Skagway train is historic, convenient and scenic but $140(?) each travels 20? miles.

In Juneau, Mendenhall glacier is easy access and there's 1 mile trail closer to glacier that reaches Nugget Falls - like standing at base of Niagara (depending on seasonal flow).  If not Mendenhall in Juneau, hike up Mt. Roberts above cruise dock.  Skip the Orca Beach wildlife tour (RIB - as soon as we got off shuttle busses they said "no Orca's since Navy built a facility" -  saw birds, otters, Stellar  seals.

Hope you find a lot of other recommendations on the Alaska board.  GOOD LUCK

On 3/20/2021 at 4:20 PM, JerseyMom said:

Thanks, Clay.  I booked directly through Viking.  Either the agent was misinformed or I misunderstood him - I guess this is one good reason to use a travel agent.  We also have enough United frequent flier miles to outright purchase business class seats.

We only needed return air for our Apr. 2022 Danube Waltz because we did arrival via transatl on Celebrity.  On its own, our Danube River trip offered $999 Pr-Econ.  We got one-way Prem-E from the Viking agent at half the charge for rd-trip P-E.  Suggest you check for 'half' upgrade charge from V-air. GOOD LUCK

13 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

A couple of points:

 

First, having a locator only means that you have a reservation.  Without an actual 13-digit ticket number, you are still in an area of unticketed limbo.

 

I also wonder about your seat assignments on BA, given that they charge for advance assignments.  Was that also included in your pricing?

Hi again, thanks - I feel having an advance reservation with locator code and seat assignment is preferred over facing fewer options/choices at 60-days from embarkation.  I understand the ticket is not issued until later within Viking contract process.

My current reserved itinerary is all Lufthansa to ATH, all BA return (because of limited choices of equipment with Prem-E seating).  I appreciate the reminder about potential terminal complications if mixing carriers.  I got Prem-E BA seat thru Air+  with no $ extra fee (but understand the ATH-LHR connection economy seat is not locked in. 

1 minute ago, CCWineLover said:

The only issue I have is that I often seem to get completely different answers from different agents on the same day!   (example: 1- we don't offer custom class Biz or PremEcon on that itinerary and then an hour later 2-yes we offer that and here are the prices).  Not sure how that can be.

Hi again - also seen different answers based on agents.  My Air+ said can't book ATH departure flight before 8am but another Ccer said they got a 7am flight booked (was Dec. vs Feb. dates, so maybe date specific)  Also, getting Prem-E might involve more flight connections. Delta had lots of flights ATL - CDG but only 1-2 airplanes have Prem-E seating.

If you do advance home flight research, you see what upgrade choices are offered, connections, times, etc. Then inform Air+ you want specific flflight # and seat categories, and preferred seat #s.  So with me, Air+ has looked up what I have selected in advance.  Sometimes, V contracts limit choices and you have to adjust preferences.  Good Luck

1 hour ago, shadowlover said:

I have a cruise booked  with included viking air for December 2022 but our final payment is due the end of June 2021... Do I need to specify and pay for air plus as well as deviation before final payment?  

I'd send this ques. to V agent for official answer but here's what I have learned (from 1 agent).  If you have paid Air+ fee ($50 ea.) you can pursue your preferred itinerary with Air+ agents.  The agent told me you can add air upgrade later and the $ fee holds to its amount at time of your original booking.  

Given your Dec. 2022 timeline, since air can't be booked until Feb. 2022, you would know then if cruising has recovered financially to be ok with paying additional $.  HOWEVER, it appears Viking has a limited number of air upgrades to offer at their contract rate.  Waiting until Feb. 2022 could impact availability. I think the deviation fee would be assessed at time of air reservation, not prior.

I'd shoot these ques. to your Viking agent to confirm. Hopefully paying just $50 Air+ fee each now gets you the air flexibility later.  GOOD LUCK

16 hours ago, CCWineLover said:

Some additional points for this COVID era.  This is in place now, likely through all of 2021 and may continue into 2022.  As explained to me by actually 2 different Viking reps just recently, this is due to the uncertainly in cruises actually going, fluctuations in the airlines contracts Viking utilizes, as well as Airlines themselves massively changing schedules, planes, routes, and itineraries.

-The most likely ticketing dates for Viking Air and Air+ is just 55 days ahead of flights, to get closer to certainty of things happening.   Note:  I was told that sometimes on some itineraries, if you have elite status with an airline, the airline may allow Viking to ticket you earlier than 55 days.

-Ramifications are:  even if Biz or Prem Econ is offered on the contract, it may not be available at 55 days out if regular passengers grab them.  

Thanks CCwinelover for your additional info contribution.  I can appreciate in Covid era that a lot of things are in flux and the usual is unusual.

I can only report that Air+ booked me two weeks ago for ATL-ATH with my Prem-E seats assigned for Dec. 2021 trip.  Got the locator code (involves Lufthansa and Brit Air).  I realize final 'ticketing' may happen closer to departure under V-air contracts. By that timeframe, equipment and schedules can change and are more likely to given variables of post-Covid reopening. 

In any event, I feel better, months in advance, having my Prem-E itinerary with locator code in hand.

Maybe Air+ process itself has changed since my booking but seems preferable to me to be proactive and get preferred itinerary early vs. be at end of the queue with leftovers. I still recommend, if already fully paid, to do advance air reservation and contact Air+.

GOOD LUCK to all in these challenging times.

On 5/28/2021 at 8:08 AM, rbslos18 said:

How does one upgrade their seats on flights arranged through Viking? I assume this can be done when the ticket is issued. Thanks 

 

 

Hi - recommend pay the $50 ea to take control - select carrier, preferred flight times, seats etc. For comparison,  Oceania charges $200 ea for 'air plus' custom features. Plus, V offers low-fee city stopovers, deviations to give you added flexibility.

If you are pre-paid in full (or via FCC) you can pick preferred flights months ahead of V's standard ticketing window. This is important if you are selecting 'premium economy' seating since fewer seats on plane, especially couples 2x4x2 seating.  BTW, V's "Prem Econ" upgrade applies only to international flight segment.  OTOH, they offered P-Econ upgrade for just our return segment (since we used transatl cruise over to Europe)

For Delta, with Air+, you can ask Air+ agent what $ to upgrade to Comfort+ and decide Y/No. Your ticket class in my experience will not allow adding upgrade like Comfort+ later.  

In summary - research your preferred flight, know what optional upcharge to expect, identify your preferred seats so you can tell the Air+ agent. 

BTW, I have run into unexpected restrictions that are itinerary specific.

i.e. can't fly from Athens earlier than 8am departure due to disembarkation/transfer time schedule OR flight arrive before 3pm to get met by transfer agent.

HAPPY CRUISING

Hi - our Dec. '21 Venus trip ends Athens, port arrival scheduled 3am. 

When doing V-AirPlus, the agent said not allowed to book before 8am (missing chance for 6-7am connections to international hubs).  A roll-call pollster later said he was allowed to book 7am ATH departure on Feb. trip.

So, since we hate to be time-squeezed, we're considering staying another day to allow for wider choice of early departures.  Is Piraeus itself accommodating for DIY day stay??  (We already will have had 5 days in Athens).  THANKS

11 minutes ago, islandwoman said:

We booked through a TA.  Reading about your experience is helpful.  Now I know enough to wait until December 21 when Viking tells me they will be open to discuss flights for our cruise.  

If you are paid in full you can do flight choice early for best selection but I'm not sure if TA involvement interferes with you contacting V-air yourself. If TA in loop, give them specific short list of preferred choices.

NOTE: At least for Delta, maybe others, if you price add-on seating like Comfort, Premium, you need to do with V-air reservation selection.  I tried to add on Comfort+ later myself and Delta doesn't allow due to the contract rates with travel businesses.

5 hours ago, Sunlover48 said:

Thanks so much for your reply. Friend is thinking with the Viking Temporary Risk Free Guarantee we are covered completely prior to cruise for cancellation and that purchasing Protection Plan does not change anything. I still have more than a week and am still leaning towards buying Viking Insurance.

Hi - I commiserate with your dilemma.

My concern is having insurance protection if during trip self and/or all ship's passengers get quarantined from Covid hotspot.  Expenses for 2 weeks isolation, air travel disruption, etc could be big $ problem.  I'm thinking 3rd-party insurers(and Viking's plan too) are probably getting 'technical' on limiting what Covid-releated issues like involuntary-quarantine are covered. So getting virus on trip or put under restriction post-embarkation is big uncertainty.