Not Taking The Included Transfers

[StuLaurie]

We will be arriving in San Juan in a few weeks for our Caribbean Cruise. We are thinking of not taking the included transfers for a couple of reasons. We do not want to wait until they get enough people to leave the airport and we also do not want to be in close contact in case anyone on the transfer does end up testing positive. Our question is do we need to let Viking know in advance that we will not be taking the transfers?  In my research it looks like a taxi will just be the easiest and about $30 with tip. We will be arriving at 2:45PM mid week. 
Thanks

[FlyerTalker]

I'd say it's a basic courtesy to let them know you will not be using their transfer.  Otherwise, they may well be spending time and effort to try to find you in the baggage claim area, or outside -- all the while you have already left the airport.

 

If they know you are not using the transfers, they won't have you on the list and will not be expecting you. And you can be on your way.  Sound like the right plan.

[FetaCheese]

Used V transfers on Venus last Dec.  Arrived  at bag claim (ATH) and agent was waiting with manifest.  Their porters handled bags.  All smooth and very efficient.  We were some of last pax, so don't know how long others were waiting, but didn't hear any grumbling.  Masks were worn on bus, as well as on plane, and felt safe.  I would use V transfers again, especially in a foreign airport.

[TayanaLorna]

18 hours ago, StuLaurie said:

We will be arriving in San Juan in a few weeks for our Caribbean Cruise. We are thinking of not taking the included transfers for a couple of reasons. We do not want to wait until they get enough people to leave the airport and we also do not want to be in close contact in case anyone on the transfer does end up testing positive. Our question is do we need to let Viking know in advance that we will not be taking the transfers?  In my research it looks like a taxi will just be the easiest and about $30 with tip. We will be arriving at 2:45PM mid week. 
Thanks

Taxis are about $30 plus they charge for each piece of luggage.  Your time of arrival will have heavier traffic going out of rather then coming into OSJ.  You won't get your contact tracing devise until check in at the terminal but they will have a list of who is on what transfer bus.  Haven't heard anything about entire transfer bus load quarantining if one person tests positive.  You will need to stay in your room until your Covid test result arrives anyways.  Do let Viking know if you are not using transfer and do what you feel best for you.

[StuLaurie]

2 hours ago, TayanaLorna said:

Taxis are about $30 plus they charge for each piece of luggage.  Your time of arrival will have heavier traffic going out of rather then coming into OSJ.  You won't get your contact tracing devise until check in at the terminal but they will have a list of who is on what transfer bus.  Haven't heard anything about entire transfer bus load quarantining if one person tests positive.  You will need to stay in your room until your Covid test result arrives anyways.  Do let Viking know if you are not using transfer and do what you feel best for you.

Thank you, we might just talk to the Viking rep on arrival and see how long the wait is/how many are on the bus and then make a decision. 
 

 

[molymoo]

FWIW ... we have done 18 cruises with Viking (river and ocean) and have always used their transfers.  We waited for an hour once in Budapest after arriving on a very early morning flight.  Otherwise our waits have been minimal ... we even got a ride to a Paris hotel (a pre-extension) in a Mercedes Limo all to ourselves with a very handsome driver who narrated the route the entire way!