We just got back from our 30th anniversary trip on Viking River Cruises' "Rhine Getaway". (Amsterdam to Basel). We had an incredible time and do recognize that Diane's assistance helped us focus on enjoying the trip and not obsessing over the details (which is what I usually do). I started out booking with Viking, but thought I should work with an travel agent who could help guide me to the right room/ship/destination/airline/excursions. While we loved Viking, they definitely had their own agenda and way of doing things, and we needed someone who could spell out how that would impact our trip personally.
Here are a few of the many ways that Diane was an asset for us:
***Viking originally had us leaving the ship for the airport at 4 in the morning on the last day. When I questioned why we would have to leave so early, they said that was not unusual at all and most of the passengers would be flying home in the early hours. Diane, bless her soul, got us a noon flight. So, we didn't even have to put our bags out in the middle of the night---we just slept in, had a leisurely breakfast and the town car (she arranged) picked us up at 10 a.m. for the airport. We were the last to leave the ship. Most people did have flights in the middle of the night.
***Diane suggested we stay in Amsterdam for two days prior to the cruise to acclimate to the time zone and get to spend some time in the city. A walking tour was included and that was one of the best parts of the trip. The guide had great resources for things to do and we took her advice and loved exploring. Would not have thought to extend our trip without Diane. And she handled the flight/hotel etc.
***Diane met me prior to the trip at a Panera to answer all my questions and give me the paperwork. It came in a beautiful bag (that we used for our passports/boarding passes/pens) and had a glossy indexed booklet that included our itinerary from beginning to end with detailed information about our excursions, flights, hotel, important phone numbers, our insurance, tipping guideline, cruise ship info and city tips. Usually when I travel, I have dozens of printouts of everything I had researched for the trip----this was all in one place and DIANE DID THE WORK!!!!!!!
The cost for Diane's insight and services was ZERO. She is paid by the cruise line. She added value to the trip and we felt confident we had someone to call if anything went wrong. She got us travel insurance that was less expensive and just as comprehensive as Viking's.
My husband and I had an incredible trip---and while going on a European river cruise was a once in a lifetime splurge, we now know we have a professional in the business who can let us know when prices are low for when we want to go to Iceland or Greece---We trust her with our future vacations-- I would highly recommend her business. read more