Cruise Direct Online/Travel Direct VacationsReviews of traveldirectvacations.com

I did extensive research before booking my Viking European cruise. Right before I submitted my payment, I wanted to speak with a Viking representative to ask a few final questions. That's where my problems began. I later learned that independent cruise agents can create "co-branded" websites that closely resemble Viking's official website while directing customers to the agent instead. I didn't realize I was dealing with an independent agent rather than Viking directly. My agent, Darren Trencher, answered my initial questions and then told me I had to book through him and provide him with all of my financial information. My mother and I were traveling together. Despite repeated requests, he never included my mother in any emails or other communications. From that point forward, he provided little to no assistance with any aspect of our cruise. The biggest issue involved the booking incentive. Darren promised we would receive a $200 credit for booking through him in addition to Viking's promotion. When the credit never appeared, I emailed him twice to remind him. Instead of applying it as the promised shipboard credit, he didn't send a check until after we had already departed on our vacation—making the credit useless during the cruise. When I returned home, I deposited the $200 check. It was returned for insufficient funds. Not only did I not receive the promised credit, but I was also charged an NSF fee by my bank because the check bounced. When I contacted Darren, he acknowledged that he already knew the check had been returned. He told me, "Oh, I saw that. They took the $200 from my account and then refunded me. Very strange." He then asked for my Venmo information and eventually sent the $200 electronically. While I did receive the money in the end, it came only after multiple reminders, a bounced check, and unnecessary stress. This entire experience was frustrating, unprofessional, and completely avoidable. I expected honesty, clear communication, and follow-through. Instead, I experienced poor communication, broken promises, and a bounced reimbursement check. I plan to contact Viking directly to report my experience because no customer should have to go through this when booking what should be an enjoyable vacation. I strongly recommend verifying that you are booking directly with Viking or with a reputable travel advisor before providing your personal or financial information.