TBOTZON

Since I am new to this what are some things that could "sour"? 😙

Well things are getting weirder for me. I read the recommendations on getting a travel agent on this forum and looked up an agent with all 3 qualifications recommended. They basically said they could do nothing but rebook the whole trip which she did not recommend. Then she indicated what the other two agents who offered OBC were actually giving "rebates" and they could lose their license. She was not very friendly about all of it. The travel agents that offered the OBC are advertising it on the internet. I would think if it was illegal so to speak they would not be putting it online?

In her defense she did work hard to find us discounted room tickets and she also gave me and our group a referral bonus when other Viking reps did not offer that when I spoke to them. I assume she gets the money for booking us but maybe it is transferred? I hope not, If that is the case that would explain her anger. Or maybe I am just a pain in the ars with all my questions and she wants it done!

Sorry it is only clear in my brain I guess! I told her that we were going to book and all of us had already put down the deposit except me that is why she called to get my deposit. I had already asked previously if we could use a travel agent after we book and she had said yes. I told her I had talked to one and that is when things took a turn. I am not sure what happened to set her off. Maybe she felt he was not knowledgeable about the Air Plus and how Viking handles flights. She did say what he was saying was prior to Covid. I told her I would call when I got home to pay the deposit. It was tense. When we spoke again she was fine 🙄 So it seems like even if I do not use him it would be beneficial to have a travel agent. The second one just sent an email they could provide a $300 voucher per person and they work heavily with Viking. Has anyone done this and feel it is worthwhile?

We are going on a Viking River Cruise and I was researching seating and I came across a blog posting of a travel agent that went into detail about the seating on the boats. The blog mentioned people can use the travel agent after booking with Viking and they can offer more perks. I called and they said we could get a $200 voucher per room to use on Viking and they would monitor our flights throughout our trip. I also got some other advise while I was on the phone. When I brought it up to my agent before putting down the deposit she got upset and said the travel agent was just trying to sell themselves and she did not agree about their advise on the add on air plus that he felt was important. She was pressuring me to pay the deposit immediately and I was in my veterinarians office with my sick pet 😒 she was angry and I told her I would get back as soon as I was done. I ended up paying the deposit but the whole thing made me wonder who to believe. I called another travel agent and he sounded like he could not offer a voucher but he felt the Air Plus recommendation was not that important and we had plenty of time anyway. Now he wants to take care of us and he feels the other agent may not be as knowledgeable to help us. Thoughts?

So it is not Viking specific? I see just River Cruises.

Sorry to post on this forum but on the ship listings I can not find Viking River 😙