Viking adding fees like airlines

[Mike Davies]

Viking currently have a huge push for 2010 sailings. 2 for 1 cruise rates/ $500 off air/free wine with diner for bookings made and paid prior to May 31st. If you look closely they have increased the rates dramaticaly..............The transfers which were $40 are now $60.
One of my clients went on line to complete a Passenger Information Form. She entered middle initials that she had not given to me. Within 20 minute she received an e-mail from the cruise line informing her that she had been charged $60 for two booking changes! I wonder what they will be charging for next "Steak for Diner" ..............Sorry that one has already been tried. Kleenex in the bathrooms?

[wallygator]

Mike I've never done a river cruise. Will do one this August on the Viking Spirit. Are you suggesting that only Viking has started to change their prices? I'd like to believe that your post is not bias,

(Quote)
One of my clients went on line to complete a Passenger Information Form. She entered middle initials that she had not given to me. Within 20 minute she received an e-mail from the cruise line informing her that she had been charged $60 for two booking changes!

Seems crazy, I will call Viking Tuesday to check this out, enough said to all have a great weekend and if you know a veteran give him or her great big thank you.

Wally
Proud Veteran of the United States Army

[Mike Davies]

wallygator said:

Mike I've never done a river cruise. Will do one this August on the Viking Spirit. Are you suggesting that only Viking has started to change their prices? I'd like to believe that your post is not bias,

(Quote)
One of my clients went on line to complete a Passenger Information Form. She entered middle initials that she had not given to me. Within 20 minute she received an e-mail from the cruise line informing her that she had been charged $60 for two booking changes!

Seems crazy, I will call Viking Tuesday to check this out, enough said to all have a great weekend and if you know a veteran give him or her great big thank you.

Wally
Proud Veteran of the United States Army

We deal with all the major cruise lines. The cruise lines are rated by out clients (7,000) not just me personaly.

The rates for 2008 and 2009 have been as follows
Amawaterways
Avalonwaterways
Tauck
Uniworld
Viking
Deliman

These rating are based on the following Items
food
service
tour guides
on board entertainement
Age and cleanliness of ships
French balcony options
Wine with diner inclusions
Cabin sizes.

My comments are based on the following facts:
Viking cabins are smaller and do not have french balcony upgrade options except on one ship.
No wine with diner included.
Upgrade costs are 30%-40% higher than other lines

I do admit that Viking have many ships and travel on itineraries that other do not.

In most cases on the Danube an the Rhine we put Amawaterway/Avalon and Viking along side each other for a clients quote request.

The Amawaterways/Avalon comes out about $500 per person less and the client has a french balcony cabin, wine with diner without extra cost and a larger cabin compared to Viking.

I am sure you will have a wonderful time.


You may call it bias, I have been dealing with all of the lines for 12 years. I call "just the facts"

[jjssitters]

Hi , I just found this site and I do see some familiar names from cruise critics.

I hope you can help me, I would like to book a river cruise for the fall of 2010. This is so confusing to me ,I am a regular Celebrity,Princess cruiser. Which line would you recommend .I am looking at the Rhine river. I dont want to spend more than six thousand total. I also want to do as many days as I can aford for that. What would you recommend ....Thanks

[Mike Davies]

jjssitters said:

Hi , I just found this site and I do see some familiar names from cruise critics.

I hope you can help me, I would like to book a river cruise for the fall of 2010. This is so confusing to me ,I am a regular Celebrity,Princess cruiser. Which line would you recommend .I am looking at the Rhine river. I dont want to spend more than six thousand total. I also want to do as many days as I can aford for that. What would you recommend ....Thanks

For 7 Nights Amsterdam to Basel with modern ships, french balcony options and wine with diner Avalon or Amawaterways(new in 2010) For 14-16 days Amsterdam -Budapest Also Avalon-Budapest. I do not believe the 14-16 days is going to fit your budget requirement.
Once you have taken a look contact me at 800-640-4899 with any questions

[Stephanie Horn]

Dear Mike:
I would like to clarify a point on your recent posting about Viking River Cruises. While it is true that we are offering our best-ever Early Booking Discount for 2010, featuring 2 for 1 cruise prices, complimentary wine with dinner, and air specials for passengers paying in full by July 31, we have not increased other fees in exchange.

Our transfer fees have remained at $60 to $120 depending on itinerary. The transfer fees are stated on the “Dates and Pricing” pages of each itinerary on our website. The rate depends on the distance from the airport to the dock.

I apologize for any confusion there has been in your communication with Viking. If you’d like to discuss the situation regarding your passenger who corrected her information on our PIF form, please contact me at [e-mail]

[Mike Davies]

Stephanie Horn said:

Dear Mike:
I would like to clarify a point on your recent posting about Viking River Cruises. While it is true that we are offering our best-ever Early Booking Discount for 2010, featuring 2 for 1 cruise prices, complimentary wine with dinner, and air specials for passengers paying in full by July 31, we have not increased other fees in exchange.

Our transfer fees have remained at $60 to $120 depending on itinerary. The transfer fees are stated on the “Dates and Pricing” pages of each itinerary on our website. The rate depends on the distance from the airport to the dock.

I apologize for any confusion there has been in your communication with Viking. If you’d like to discuss the situation regarding your passenger who corrected her information on our PIF form, please contact me at [e-mail]

This forum is not the place to start a He said She said contest. The facts of the matter is that the prices and upgrade costs in the 2009 brochure were increased dramaticaly by several hundred dollars before they were offered at the two for one rates. The fact is that if you price out 155 sq ft cabin on a 7 night Rhine or Danube cruise at the two for one rates you can find the same cabin with a french balcony without 2 for 1 rates on two other lines for the same price or within $50.