My clients often inquire whether a time-limited, “must buy now” River Cruise offer is an especially good deal, and whether they should jump at the current promotion so they don’t miss out.
Normally, I answer that while the current promotion will finish at the end of this month, the first day of the next month will likely have an equally compelling offer.
The river cruise companies frequently offer “free” or discounted air that has dozens of footnotes that explain why it’s not exactly as advertised. They also often advertise 2-for-1, or 50% off cruise fares that are more amazing tricks in math than they are amazing deals.
So my normal advice is to choose the river cruise that is right for you, and book it as early as possible once you’ve made that decision.
However, every now and then I see a promotion that runs contrary to this advice. The current promotion with Viking River Cruises falls into this category.
I don’t normally comment on specific promotions by the cruise lines, but I strongly believe that this one is a deal worth acting on!
Until March 31st, Viking is offering a 50% early booking discount for its 2018 Grand European Tour sailings that is well worth considering if you’re contemplating such a trip. It includes free air that IS actually FREE from over 150 airports in the United States.
Also, normally you are required to make payment in full by the end of the month in which you book (essentially, payment in full at time of booking). With this promotion, after your deposit is paid, the balance is not due until a much more reasonable 9 months prior to departure.
As always, you can save an additional 3.3% if you don’t use your credit card to pay, and use Viking’s E-Check option instead (this is basically a direct withdrawal from your bank account).
The Grand European Tour is the most popular itinerary for European river cruises, travelling between Amsterdam and Budapest over 14 nights. Click here to read more about Viking’s Grand European Tour.
Here’s an example of the cost breakdown:
Viking’s Grand European Tour (14 nights, Amsterdam to Budapest):
• French Balcony: $5899 including taxes and fees
• Air: FREE!
• Optional Insurance: $619
• Optional 2-day pre-cruise package: $549
Total per person: $7067
(Note that pricing will vary depending on the date you select)
If your bucket list includes a 2018 river cruise on Europe’s Danube, you won’t get a better price than this. You’ll want to act quickly, as Viking’s 2-For-1 Cruise and FREE Air promotion ends on March 31, 2017.
Planning a Cruise? I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
Sue Bradley
