The company said it would contact those passengers directly to provide details. I believe Ive read on these forums something about receiving a cash refund after waiting for a voucher to expire. Our original Viking cruise was booked for July 2020. The Viking Sea and Viking Star cruise ships in Santorini. IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERN THE BOOKING AND SALE OF YOUR CRUISE TOUR THROUGH VIKING RIVER CRUISES, INC., D/B/A VIKING CRUISES, VIKING OCEAN CRUISES AND . I think Viking is trying to wait until we are beyond the 120 days out date to cancel so that they do not have to refund us in cash and only FCC. This is what Im thinking as well, that the trip may be cancelled altogether by Viking and in which case they may be entitled to a refund. Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. 1) Viking like every other cruise line is in business to make money. Really!!! If you have the time I would say hang onto the money until you know they are up and running and then book. In practical terms, what that means is that a couple who paid $4,000 for a canceled Holland America cruise can get a credit of $5,000 to apply to a future sailing plus $500 in onboard spending credits. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. What are the pros and cons of a refundable cruise deposit? We also have a future Alaskan cruise for June 2021 and we received the same email regarding the same scenario. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. What's Next Now that the CDC Is Out of the Cruise Regulation Game? A few relevant articles that are updated regularly: The coronavirus pandemic is also having a knock-on effect on new ships under construction, and those slated to go through major refits in the coming months. Very very happy with their response. This offer covers all Viking reservations made between Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2021, on any 2021 or 2022 voyage. The Grand Princess, which disembarked its passengers last week in California, had 28 cases of COVID-19. CLIA cruise line members are voluntarily and temporarily suspending operations from the U.S. as we work to address this public health crisis, said Kelly Craighead, CLIA president and CEO in a statement. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. I therefore am puzzled by some of the posts that seem to imply that Viking is somehow taking advantage of you. Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Change fees can be incurred if you decide to change ship or sail date with a nonrefundable deposit option. For additional flexibility, if you are unable to use your voucher, we will automatically send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking after the voucher expires. I am writing today because the situation has now become such that operating as a travel company involves significant risks of quarantines or medical detentions, which could diminish the travel experiences for which our guests have been planning. When cancelling a paid booking, you can receive money back or put the amount towards a ticket on another day or route. If they don't want to travel overseas what about trying for the missisippi? They did not purchase travel insurance. We have a Viking river cruise embarking May 1 but our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in Prague. About 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from Viking. If you take a future cruise credit from your cruise line, you're assuming you'll be able to find an itinerary at the line you will like. Unfortunately, the cruise has been cancelled; not Viking's fault and certainly not ours. Do you want a future cruise credit, or are you interested in rebooking immediately on a new voyage? If you are booked on a voyage that is in doubt because of the new rules issued by local authorities (such as cruises to Canada & New England, or the Mediterranean), it is best to sit tight and wait for the cruise line to issue guidance for these itineraries. In recent days we have had an experience where a river cruise guest in Southeast Asia was exposed to COVID-19 while in transit on an international airline. I booked two excursions before they cancelled the cruise. Related: Could cruising resume in August? Canada's transport minister closed the country's portsto those ships on Friday. This Royal Caribbean Announcement Will Make You Cry - And We're Going to Get Up Close to Bring You More. Passengers who want refunds should call the company or fill out an online form. That's simply not sustainable long term. Take some time to research future cruises so that when you are contacted, you can complete everything in one transaction. Passengers who request the credit will receive it by email on April 13. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable (Peregrina?) That puts it as the first cruise after their cancellations. Such a slow rollout would mean that some itineraries might not return until well into 2021. Viking cruises have been canceled since March when it became the first major cruise line to cancel operations at the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. Royal Caribbean said it would conclude its sailings as scheduled. . Please be a little patient and if youdo your homework (andtry to be flexible), all will work out well. The price for next year is a little lower. Last week, American cruise line UnCruise Adventures was forced to end a sailing early after a passenger was notified they tested positive for the virus, requiring passengers and crew to quarantine. What was great? After 24 months, if you are unable to use your 125% Future Cruise Voucher, simply return your expired voucher to Viking and we will send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking to the original form of payment. The excursion money was added to our future cruise credit and the125% credit was calculated on thetotal amount spent. What was a bust? Our cruise in June was cancelled, of course. We'll make an effort to keep this current, but if you learn something we don't yet have posted please leave a comment below and let us know so we can keep things current. Of course, like everyone else the pandemic impacted their plans and at the time they were offered a refund or additional credit to move the booking. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegianand Celebrity suspended sailing operations to and from U.S. ports for 30 days because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group, announced Friday. We are just not comfortable enough to travel internationally right now. (Video), Royal Caribbean Cancels 4 Sailings Amid Omicron Spread What to Know, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises Cancel Cruises What to Know If You're Scheduled to Sail, Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Sailings Amid Omicron Spread What to Know If You've Booked One, I Took a Cruise Around the Mediterranean Over the Holidays Here's What It's Like to Be on a Ship Right Now, Here's One of the Only Ways to Cruise Alaska This Summer, Cruising Won't Resume in the U.S. Until at Least November, Cruise Association Confirms, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will Require Passengers to Wear Masks Indoors Due to Rising Onboard Cases, Royal Caribbean Temporarily Suspends New Cruise Bookings Until Jan. 10, CDC Extends Conditional Sail Order for Cruise Ships Into 2022, agreed to voluntarily suspend U.S. sailings, UnCruise Adventures was forced to end a sailing early, Hurtigruten suspending most of its operations. Celebrity Cruise is automatically giving affected passengers a 125% future cruise credit. Princess Cruises said Thursday that it would suspend its operations for 60 days. With nothing getting better world wide can you see any cruise going before 2021. So who knows. I imaginethat Viking will announce the May cancellations very soon. Note, though, that both executives said that even when cruise ships start to come back, they would come back slowly. As a private company we do not have to worry about quarterly profit expectations and that flexibility allows us the ability to do what is best for our guests and our employees. 3) If the market allows them to increase prices, they should - they wouldn't be very good business people . Started August 27, 2021, By In regulatory filings over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $1 billion a month. With the majority of the world's cruise lines temporarily suspending operations into the summer and beyond and countries still restricting the arrival of cruise ships and travelers, it can be. Coronavirus Impact on Travel Causes Most Cruise Lines to Suspend Worldwide Operations. I think Viking has been quite firm on their policy rules. FAQ: What Are the Latest Cruising Rules From the CDC. CC Help Jenn This is an unprecedented situation.". $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. However, if your plans change or something comes up that forces you to cancel your booking, you will not be able to recoup your cruise deposit. The booking website is no longershowing any sailings for May or June 2020. So who knows. As long as this continues they will continue to earn my business. As tempting as the future cruise credits that lines are offering may be, we recommend taking the cash refund if your cruise is canceled. Email ctate@usatoday.com. Who wouldn't want the chance to pick up free money? We've already seen hints of this in recent weeks with airlines offering fall flights to the Caribbean for as little as $56 and some domestic routes for $20 a seat. You can read more about how this all got started here. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Same friends on Princess booked for the first time with Viking for a March 2021 cruise and won't pay until September. Just got the email cancelling our Jun 27 Majestic Fjords sailing. fall flights to the Caribbean for as little as $56, Why you shouldn't expect bargain-basement pricing when cruising resumes, Heres how to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus, How to book a cruise with points and miles, Could cruising resume in August? You can see their letter to guests below: Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. Started August 27, 2021, By Until the order is lifted, cruisers only can travel home from U.S. ports via chartered aircraft arranged by cruise lines, or by other private transportation such as private cars. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. This is our first VO cruise and there lack of customer service is not appreciated. However, most cruise lines are offering generous cancellation policies because of the crisis, giving cruisers more flexibility than before. Since day one, it has been our mission to create experiences for our guests that focus on the destination and allow them to explore the world in comfort. In 2019, airlines canceled nearly 135,000 flights. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. Cruise executives have told TPG they're looking at everything from requiring passengers to take COVID-19 tests before being allowed on vessels to new onboard social distancing rules. My parents booked a Viking cruise in 2018 for a 2020 sailing. Bookings with refundable deposits are often eligible for price adjustment -- before the final payment date -- as well as changing to a different sail date or ship without penalty. ISHCruising, December 27, 2021 in Viking Ocean. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. Guests on affected departures . Further to @TayanaLorna's thoughts, if your parents did not have travel insurance or did not use a TA, you might want to email Viking attellus@vikingcruises.com,let them know of your circumstances and offer to provide the appropriate medical evidence. True, but we should look into all possibilities and let them tell us "no.". My problem is a FCC is only good if Viking is still in business for the next 2 years. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. I got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not so Wayne got us all conferenced in together. The Fosses rebooked their cruise for this April. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. You will have 24 months to use your Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. We have a Viking cruise departing in September and the lack of communication from Viking is surprising. Princess, which has been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is offering refunds and future cruise credits to passengers who booked and completed payment on or after Feb. 4. Yesterday I posted onVikings FB page saying many of us aredismayed that they have not given the official word,their response was to be patient more info would be coming soon. Viking will resume its operations on May 1. Carnival Corp. recently raised more than $6 billion in debt and equity sales. Best of luck in receiving your refund, I think you made the best decision. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By I too am anxious but I know I have to wait. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Help requested: Cancelling a Viking Cruise. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. In a research report sent to investors last month, leisure industry analyst Harry Curtis of Instinet suggested all three of the giant cruise companies that dominate cruising -- Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Cruises -- had enough liquidity and borrowing capacity to survive a period of near-zero revenues into 2021. Viking announced similar measures Wednesday. No real reason to plan a vacation if you can't get off the ship. But by then, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra $628. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. We rebooked for July 2021. Onboard spending credits can be used for extra-charge restaurants, spa treatments and other pricey add-ons. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Started June 21, 2021, By The Viking cancellation email states 'we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. In this full review of the maiden voyage of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise we share read more. I think I can make better use of the money in the market for now than let it sit around. Would you be willing to be flexible on where you sailed with the line? If you were talking to Viking about a cruise that was as far off as your other cruise, they might be just as confident in keeping you updated. By adding 25% to the value of what you originally paid, you now have the opportunity to enhance your trip such as choosing a longer itinerary; adding a Pre/Post cruise extension; upgrading your stateroom category; or even upgrading to business class air. BTW, earlier this year, Viking was offering 6 months to everyone. Cancellation Policy Due to COVID-19 In most cases, when you . We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. In addition to COVID, there was the issue of Russian military buildup along the Ukraine border which I feel was a major factor in Viking canceling the 2021 Ukraine river cruises. Viking has everyone's full payment 6 to 12 months out and they do not want to refund any of the cash they have from it's customers. No. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. CC Help Jenn The CDC has been pressing cruise lines to make some major changes to the way they operate to ensure there are no more major breakouts of the new coronavirus on ships. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. Our money was refunded by Tuesday. Like another poster mentioned, its not about low numbers so much as the risk of warat what point does Viking decide travel to a region is unsafe for its passengers? Further to the previous response. CC Help Jenn Eight Diamond Princess passengers have died. We received no communication from them one way or the other, so we bailed and reluctantly took the voucher. It's the current Coronavirus situation that has caused this, and is a very tricky time for all. Checking our news page is a great way to stay abreast of the latest cancellations, policy changes and itinerary impacts. If not, a cash refund may be the better bet. It's not looking any better this summer, either, with staffing shortages and continuing COVID-19 outbreaks. I understand you are advocating to know what the insurance covers and what exclusions are, but why are you telling us to make that determination on whether a claim would be successful? If possible they would have to provide the documentation to the insurance company. That's the downside. Carnival Corp. is the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America and six other major lines. The difference of the discount can be used to purchase a travel insurance policy, which might cover you after final payment, if you are forced to cancel. Future cruise credits can be used on any sailing through May 1, 2022. Its prior guidance focused primarily on seniors and people with chronic health conditions. Future Cruise Sales on Celebrity Solstice. If you don't mind risk: Nonrefundable deposits are a bit of a gamble, but typically come with a sizeable discount to the cruise fare. Started June 21, 2021, By Don't -- Chances are, your voyage will be one of dozens that are canceled at the same time. Viking, known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not alone when it comes to pausing operations. (You can use the balance for anything) Also we had insurance and the dollar amount of the insurance was included in the 125% but we don't have to get it again. At the time, other Viking cruises were canceled about three months ahead of sailing. Does anyone have any advice on how they might be able to be refunded? These options are usually bundled as a promotion, offering cruisers a savings or bonus in return for the financial commitment of a nonrefundable deposit. It's no fun talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it through the coronavirus crisis. Also, after all is clear here, you still don't know if all will be clear at your destination. Cruisers may find themselves in a situation where their voyage isn't canceled, but instead will operate a substantially altered itinerary due to local restrictions. For most cruise lines, as long as you cancel before your final payment date, there is no penalty. TPG values it at $1,600. Vouchers will be fully transferable, the company said. More than 700 passengers became infected, including 46 Americans. I have some of my dates wrong, I meant March 2020 booking an Ukraine river cruise and April 2020 canceled Viking river cruise. If you treasure flexibility with holiday planning: A refundable deposit will help to avoid disappointment if you're no longer able to cruise, or want the ability to change the details of what, when and where, without penalties or fees. Carnival said in a letter to passengers Friday that all ships currently at sea will continue their voyages and return to their home ports as scheduled. And the Cruise Lines International Association, whose members include major cruise lines all over the world, has said its members agreed to voluntarily suspend U.S. sailings through at least Oct. 31. Disney Cruises suspended its operations Friday. Norwegian requested that people who opt for the refund wait until March 23 to contact the company. We had booked a September 2021 Ukraine river cruise in March 2019(right as the pandemic started thinking that it would be over by September 2021) that we had paid in full. When Are Cruise Lines Around the World Expected To Resume Service? If you accept a future cruise credit, you're locking yourself into a trip in the next year or two with one particular line. Passengers have until Dec. 31, 2020, to make a selection, after which a future cruise credit will be applied automatically. The doctor would have to declare one or both unfit to travel. Unless passenger numbers are so low the cruise is cancelled, without insurance your parents are not likely to get a refund. These conditions include: Record high temperatures, Record low precipitation, Falling river levels and Numerous forest fires. 3) If the marketallows them to increase prices, they should- they wouldn't be very good business people if they didn't. Cruise Lines Modify Cancellation Policies For Better Flexibility, Coronavirus: Updated Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations. We are fronting them interest free money ----- what part of that is OK with you? They already have us figured for idiots. Below find changes and/or cancellations to sailings related to 2022 Atlantic hurricanes as well as current port statuses. Viking is our go to cruise line now. That's $1,500 in extra value -- a 37.5% return on the original payment of $4,000 -- just for letting the cruise company hold onto the original payment for another year or two. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Same terms for cruises cancelled in window. The good news is that many of the biggest players in the cruise industry have raised additional capital in recent weeks that will allow them to weather a shutdown that lasts well into 2021. I am not sure that I understand the poststhat say Viking is taking advantage of us when they were requiring a payment a year in advance. I realize that to this point Viking has. That's the new plan at Carnival. It's always best to comb . Difficult situation - hope it works out. As a private company with strong finances, we do not have to worry about quarterly profit expectations and that flexibility allows us the ability to do what is best for our guests and our employees, as we have always done. And our TA has been wrong about other things. Best they can do is gift the cruise so someone else can enjoy it. Idiots was probably the wrong word. SpaceX and NASA have called off an astronaut launch to the International Space Station after an issue with the rocket's ground system was detected. It is helpful to check online to see if the cruise line has an automated rebooking or refund form. Our cruise is May 2 out of London. Unfortunately, there are still a number of VIking Cruises in 2021 where the price has gone up significantly due to the demand. Maybe after a 2-year period? [CDATA[ That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. If you used a travel adviser, have them handle the details on your behalf -- though be aware that many agents are as overwhelmed as the cruise lines are at this moment, and rebooking, refunds or future cruise credits may take some time to be issued. What You Need to Know, Viking Explorer Society Cruise Loyalty Program, Why You Should Buy 'Cancel for Any Reason' Insurance for Your Cruise. Guests can change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees. Started June 21, 2021, By They may operate fewer of their ships in Asia, Europe and South America -- or refocus vessels in those regions to local markets. Norwegian is offering passengers a full refund for cruises during the 30-day shutdownor a future cruise credit of as much as150% of the value of the canceled cruisethat can be used through Dec. 31, 2022. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. Why Are Future Cruise Credits and Refunds Taking So Long? Separately, the remaining 28 guests will also be quarantined. If Viking cancels a pre- or post- cruise experience, a refund of monies paid will be available. While major cruise operators such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises arent tipping their hands yet on their comeback plans, were expecting to see a distinct shift to shorter, closer-to-home sailings at least initially. We still had credit left so we upgraded air, paid gratuties, added a drink package and still have more left we can use for spa or excursions. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Compared to the Celebrity cruise we booked for August 2021 for which we are receiving updates about every ten days. Two of its ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, have experienced outbreaks of coronavirus in recent weeks in Japan and California, respectively. Here's how long it will take, Good news for cruisers worried about strict new boarding rules, Some of the year's hottest new ships could be delayed, Stream these 13 movies and shows to get your cruise ship fix, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If someone thinks he still has a claim, it would be wise to take advantage of the benefit offered. We just got done re-booking for our cancelled mid June cruise. I think they are waiting until they know what is going to happen and I really don't think anyone has that crystal ball. Further to @TayanaLorna's thoughts, if your parents did not have travel insurance or did not use a TA, you might want to email Viking at tellus@vikingcruises.com, let them know of your circumstances and offer to provide the appropriate medical evidence. But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. They site the risk of quarantine, the spread of disease, as well as the challenges they're having providing excellent guest experiences as many ports and popular attractions are closed to visitors. But we don't know what other new rules for cruising could soon be in place. We will stand by our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us. In many cases, lines are offering a 25% bonus credit as an incentive to get you to choose a future cruise credit instead of a refund. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. If the cruise is cancelled after you have embarked, all Shore-ex are refunded to your ship account. Hoping third time is a charm and we go in January! And they're making the offers enticing. Antiquities and the Holy Land. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? CC Help Jenn KEY FACTS. Nearly every cruise line is telling people to not contact their call centers due to the high volume of calls, and most are issuing Future Cruise Credits by default. 1) Viking like every other cruise line is in business to make money. That means access to cash, not credits. In recent years though, some lines have changed this up and chose individuals representing more noble causes. Like they were when you first booked this cruise, so long ago and no one knew about the virus. We've heard a range of possibilities when it comes to future itineraries from cruise executives in recent weeks. "As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must wait," the cruise line's chairman said in a statement. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be subject . Powered by Invision Community. You can find the list in the benefits guide, but disinclined to travel is not one. The list of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). For those with flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 14 days prior to the date of flight departure. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Do they have any cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account? As a side note after reading the Viking Cruise Critic boards and the challenges many have experienced with regards to FCVs and the continued challenges with traveling internationally, we have not used our FCVs from the April 2019 canceled Viking cruise which are due to expire this April 2022. Woodland hills, CA 91367. Be careful that it is not tied to any pre-existing conditions.