We had $1050 on board credit from our travel agent

[Vineyard View]

It’s not all clear cut, that is for sure. It was much nicer before Viking stepped in and controlled the agents Reward system. It could be directly tied to spend dollars, and the agents didn’t seem to mind either. 

 

Wondering if anyone else is seeing a variance in OBC on 15+ days itineraries that is not the $500 amount. 

[just_dont]

Wondering if anyone else is seeing a variance in OBC on 15+ days itineraries that is not the $500 amount. 

We only got $125 US pp for our 15-day cruise.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[zitsky]

We received $300pp for a 13 day cruise.

[jebbs]

For what it’s worth, we booked a Deluxe Veranda, which is pretty basic.  Our onboard credit was a perk from our Travel Agency, and was applied to our account after we embarked.  It took a few days to be applied.  I got $1000, the max allowed by Viking, plus I always get $50 additional because I’m a long time customer of the agency. Needless to  say,  I keep coming back to that agency. I feel as if I take no handholding from my agent, and I know what cruise, cabin etc I want, so effort on her part is minimal.  Agency was EXTREMELY helpful when booking VikingAir.  Actually a colleague of the agent spent 45 minutes on the three way call to help me get the air I wanted.  I was more than happy!

[Kylie]

On 4/21/2019 at 3:59 PM, zitsky said:

 

I wonder why that doesn't work for the rest of us.  I hope the OBC shows up in my account!  LOL

 

Ours doesn't show up on MVJ either so we couldn't use it for excursions.  I am assuming it can be used for gratuities once we get onboard?!

[Vineyard View]

Well, from these responses,  it seems that the OBC may be at the discretion of the TA up to the max that Viking caps it. 

We have used this agent before and always been happy. Have referred several couples to her as well.  We also always know what cruise, what cabin category, what flights, etc when we make the bookings. 

Edited April 22, 2019 by Vineyard View

[stretchcruz]

To add fuel to the fire, we used to get 15% off on our Viking cruise from our TA. Then Viking reduced it to 12%. Then they reduced it to the current OBC limits. It does not depend on the amount you spend, Viking reduces what the TAs can offer you. We book a DV cabin, one of the cheapest available.  Our TA offers the max and always has. Viking stopped letting Costco sell their cruises because Costco was rebating too much back to the consumer. We've dealt with the same TA for years, and they guarantee the best deal. I've always been very cost conscious, so we go for that.

My TA also took care of our Australian visas at no charge and has been very helpful with air, etc.

Edited April 23, 2019 by stretchcruz

[zitsky]

Had this response from Viking about OBC.

 

------

 

Shipboard Credit provided as a promotional amenity from a travel agent will be shared via notification upon logging into My Viking Journey, and will be automatically applied to cart balance upon check out.

 

Please note that Shipboard Credit provided as a gift, however, is reserved for onboard use, and is not available on My Viking Journey.

[Dauntless]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

Had this response from Viking about OBC.

 

------

 

Shipboard Credit provided as a promotional amenity from a travel agent will be shared via notification upon logging into My Viking Journey, 

 

Please note that Shipboard Credit provided as a gift, however, is reserved for onboard use, and is not available on My Viking Journey.

 

This was my understanding, that it could only be used 'on board'.

[AZjohn]

Hi,

 

So I just wanted to make sure I understand.

 

Viking only allows a max OBC that's non-refundable and TA's aren't allowed to add "refundable" OBC? 

 

Oceania has always allowed TA to do both "refundable" plus "non-refundable" OBC combined with pre-paid gratuity, drinks, wifi, etc. Sounds like Viking doesn't do this which is a huge factor for us.

 

Cheers,

John

[Vineyard View]

I asked, and just received an explanation from our TA that the pricing categories for different OBC/rebates are based on nights, not days. So while we booked a 15 day itinerary, this is only 14 nights, so therefore does not qualify for the highest category of reimbursements which I am being told is 15+ nights. 

 

Our OBC is showing up in MVJ now and can be applied towards excursions we may book. I do not understand why there would be a difference between early posting of the credit on MVJ  vs once on board availability. Might be due to how the TA applies it?

 

AZJohn, Viking is controlling what the TA can do financially. Their flexibility, under the revised rules, is extremely limited. 

Edited April 23, 2019 by Vineyard View

[Clay Clayton]

We had a similar problem on our 2018 Transatlantic.  We received the max allowed $300 pp from our agent (I had originally booked directly with Viking but moved to this agency after reading on a similar thread about obc from some agents) but when we received our final bill, the credit had all been applied to DH’s account and none to mine even though our charges had been applied individually.  Luckily DH caught it and got it fixed before we left the ship. 

 

This year, the credits were applied correctly to both accounts and we left the ship with a seven dollar credit-I should have had one more cocktail! LOL

 

FWIW, on neither cruise did the agent’s onboard credit show up until we were onboard. 

 

As the original poster stated, be sure to check the “final” bill before you leave the ship!

[zitsky]

I'd prefer to have one big pool of money instead of separate accounts.

[Dauntless]

38 minutes ago, zitsky said:

I'd prefer to have one big pool of money instead of separate accounts.

 

On my 2 cruises with VO, I have always traveled with a friend and we have had separate accounts for that reason.  When you are on board, you will be able to access your accounts at anytime on the TV.  The first page will show you the account for the cabin.  The next two pages will show the account for each person on the account.  If charges are appearing on one persons account and you notice, then the other can make sure the next purchase appears on their account so it balances out.  There was never a problem for me on my cruises.  Now with the wifi set up, so many devices pp, having two accounts for the cabin gives more access for those involved.  This was not in place when we sailed

[Vineyard View]

This thread has a lot of useful heads up!  I really appreciate the information. 

Thank you

[BruinBuckeye]

I agree that this thread has lots of good information!  We are off on our first Viking Ocean cruise in July on the Star (Mediterranean).  I used a TA recommended by a friend, but I'm not satisfied she has done a great job.  No miracles expected here, but we didn't receive any OBC or other perks.  I asked & she said they weren't offering deals.  We received a small discount by paying our balance via e-check.  That's it.

 

We've been on other cruises, mostly with Princess (booked through a previous agent), and received some OBC and specialty restaurant dinners (not included on Princess). 

 

My question is, does anyone have any pointers/advice on how to find a good cruise specialist TA?  I know we can't name names on Cruise Critic, but how would I go about finding someone reputable & fair?  Again, we don't expect special treatment, just the benefit of the TA's experience...

 

Thanks,

Leslie

[Dauntless]

7 minutes ago, BruinBuckeye said:

I agree that this thread has lots of good information!  We are off on our first Viking Ocean cruise in July on the Star (Mediterranean).  I used a TA recommended by a friend, but I'm not satisfied she has done a great job.  No miracles expected here, but we didn't receive any OBC or other perks.  I asked & she said they weren't offering deals.  We received a small discount by paying our balance via e-check.  

 

My question is, does anyone have any pointers/advice on how to find a good cruise specialist TA?  I know we can't name names on Cruise Critic, but how would I go about finding someone reputable & fair?  Again, we don't expect special treatment, just the benefit of the TA's experience...

 

Thanks,

Leslie

 

Viking is usually offering something and what ever that is usually changes each month so it's hard to know what that might have been.  It might have been OBC, SSPackage, whatever.  A TA could offer OBC if Viking isn't doing it but that's up to the TA and regardless of who it comes from, Viking determines the amount that can be offered depending of the number of nights of the cruise.  The e check is a policy of Viking so that's not a TA extra.  If you had been recommended to the line there would be a small discount from Viking but I guess that is not the case or you didn't mention it when you booked.  For first cruise that is about it.  Second cruise will be the same with a returning passenger discount--how much depends length between cruises and how soon you booked after you last sailed.  For that part my discount was $300 my last cruise.  But I have worked with Viking each time though I do know people in TA business, I just wasn't fond of their attitude.  I don't know how you feel but I don't like to be over managed.  I used Viking Air for one cruise but not the other because I could get a better price on my own.  I would never do a Viking extension in Europe as I feel you can manage fine and do it for about half the price Viking is offering even doing you own transports in most cases.  If you want an agent -- I do wonder why you are not using who you used before -- there will be several sites if you look up the cruise on Google or Yahoo.  Look at what they have to offer and some have videos on Youtube.  Sometimes you see other agents when you're researching and they look like they may have what you are looking for.  I found one that way when looking into another cruise line that I've been in contact with, though I have not booked a cruise with them.  Since you can not mention them here those would be the type of suggestions I would suggest.

 

We did Mediterranean Odyssey in spring last year and loved it.  Hope you enjoy yours as well.

[zitsky]

8 hours ago, Dauntless said:

 

Viking is usually offering something and what ever that is usually changes each month so it's hard to know what that might have been.  It might have been OBC, SSPackage, whatever.  A TA could offer OBC if Viking isn't doing it but that's up to the TA and regardless of who it comes from, Viking determines the amount that can be offered depending of the number of nights of the cruise.  The e check is a policy of Viking so that's not a TA extra.  If you had been recommended to the line there would be a small discount from Viking but I guess that is not the case or you didn't mention it when you booked.  For first cruise that is about it.  Second cruise will be the same with a returning passenger discount--how much depends length between cruises and how soon you booked after you last sailed.  For that part my discount was $300 my last cruise.  But I have worked with Viking each time though I do know people in TA business, I just wasn't fond of their attitude.  I don't know how you feel but I don't like to be over managed.  I used Viking Air for one cruise but not the other because I could get a better price on my own.  I would never do a Viking extension in Europe as I feel you can manage fine and do it for about half the price Viking is offering even doing you own transports in most cases.  If you want an agent -- I do wonder why you are not using who you used before -- there will be several sites if you look up the cruise on Google or Yahoo.  Look at what they have to offer and some have videos on Youtube.  Sometimes you see other agents when you're researching and they look like they may have what you are looking for.  I found one that way when looking into another cruise line that I've been in contact with, though I have not booked a cruise with them.  Since you can not mention them here those would be the type of suggestions I would suggest.

 

We did Mediterranean Odyssey in spring last year and loved it.  Hope you enjoy yours as well.

 

Edit: Found some info you posted earlier.  Thanks for sharing that. 

Edited April 29, 2019 by zitsky

[Dauntless]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

 

Edit: Found some info you posted earlier.  Thanks for sharing that. 

 

We were on the April 21, 2018 cruise but you will find a more detailed run down on a May cruise this year. (I hope that's right.  It might have been April as I seem to remember so people report back.  You'll be able to find it through my profile) I was passing along info in several posts of our cruise so they could get an idea.

[Dauntless]

1 hour ago, Dauntless said:

 

We were on the April 21, 2018 cruise but you will find a more detailed run down on a May cruise this year. (I hope that's right.   I was passing along info in several posts of our cruise so they could get an idea.

 

It was the March 14, 2019 of MO and Empires combo on the Star   Roll Call

[zitsky]

27 minutes ago, Dauntless said:

 

It was the March 14, 2019 of MO and Empires combo on the Star   Roll Call

 

Ok found it.  Thanks.

[BruinBuckeye]

Dauntless, thanks for the good information on finding a TA, etc.!  I understand it can be a highly subjective thing according to one's own preferences.  We didn't use our previous agent again as she was retired.  I'm sure some agents can "overmanage" as well.  We are not expert cruisers and, hence, look to others to help us in making decisions. We kind of know Princess as we've had 6 cruises with them, but we're looking to branch out to a slightly higher end product & avoid upselling, nickel & diming, etc.  

[Heidi13]

19 hours ago, BruinBuckeye said:

I agree that this thread has lots of good information!  We are off on our first Viking Ocean cruise in July on the Star (Mediterranean).  I used a TA recommended by a friend, but I'm not satisfied she has done a great job.  No miracles expected here, but we didn't receive any OBC or other perks.  I asked & she said they weren't offering deals.  We received a small discount by paying our balance via e-check.  That's it.

 

We've been on other cruises, mostly with Princess (booked through a previous agent), and received some OBC and specialty restaurant dinners (not included on Princess). 

 

My question is, does anyone have any pointers/advice on how to find a good cruise specialist TA?  I know we can't name names on Cruise Critic, but how would I go about finding someone reputable & fair?  Again, we don't expect special treatment, just the benefit of the TA's experience...

 

Thanks,

Leslie

We also cruised with Princess for 35 years, using the online friends & family booking site, so couldn't use a TA.

 

When booking our Viking Cruise, I did all the research and contacted Viking directly for a quote, cabin, etc. For a TA, I made a list of TA's in town and short listed them to ones that did more high end packages, rather than budget holidays, definitely didn't consider any of the big box or online TA's.

 

I visited the first one and simply asked if they will provide the max OBC as permitted by Viking. She confirmed max OBC, so we had her transfer the quote and confirm. Been very happy with their service.

[philw1776]

16 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

We also cruised with Princess for 35 years, using the online friends & family booking site, so couldn't use a TA.

 

When booking our Viking Cruise, I did all the research and contacted Viking directly for a quote, cabin, etc. For a TA, I made a list of TA's in town and short listed them to ones that did more high end packages, rather than budget holidays, definitely didn't consider any of the big box or online TA's.

 

I visited the first one and simply asked if they will provide the max OBC as permitted by Viking. She confirmed max OBC, so we had her transfer the quote and confirm. Been very happy with their service.

 

That's the way to do it.  After validating the standard price and promotion details from Viking, interview the TA in person or over the phone and ASK if they offer the max allowed Viking OBC.  Ask if they've booked many Viking cruises and use follow up questions to see if they really do know about Viking.
 

VIKING POLICY:  OBC  (offered by travel agent)

Up to 7 nights: $150 per guest ($300 stateroom)

8 to 14 nights: $300 per guest ($600 stateroom)

15+ nights: $500 per guest ($1000 stateroom)