Tuesday, October 30, 2018: Flight upgrade; cabin companion

Maxine had upgraded my flights to/from Lisbon to Economy Plus. After my last trip to Europe flying Economy, I asked her what options I had to upgrade to Business. She contacted both Viking and United. Viking said it would cost me an additional $4,500 to upgrade. United said that they would put me on a waiting list for 40,000 mile/points plus $550. If I don't get the upgrade, I get the points and the money back. I told her I'd go with the United proposal.

I also asked Maxine if there was a cutoff point with regards to adding someone to my cabin. Maxine said I could add someone to the cabin up to a week before the tour begins on May 5, but I should probably make a decision by 90 days before due if we intend to book air flights using the Viking service. That would be by February 4, 2019.

I am paying double fare since I am traveling alone. On June 5, 2018, before even committing to the cruise, I sent out an email to friends and family (12 in all) to see if anyone would like to join me. I would pay for the cruise and anyone who joined me would be responsible for either own airfare. I got responses from only four people. Three thanked me for the invite but declined. One said maybe. The one was my next door neighbor, Morgan.

Despite his liberal politics, I think Morgan would be a good travel companion. I will hold off  until after the first of the year to see if any relatives decide to join me.

Plans

When I got home from my Portugal/Spain hike in May, Maxine asked if I might be interested in a Portuguese river cruise in May 2019. Apparently, several of her friends were interested in going and she thought I might be interested. I reminded her that Laura and I were booked to begin our China tour in late May. Maxine assured me I would home in time to make that trip. The trip she had in mind starts in Lisbon on May 5 and ends in Porto on May 14. We don't fly out for our China tour until May 26.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/portugals-river-gold/2019-porto-pinhao-porto/index.html

I thought about it for several hours before telling her to go ahead and book me. They (Viking) were offering a two-for-one sale that expired in a couple of weeks. I will be traveling on the VIKING OSFRID, Veranda Suite, #312