Cruise lines havepausedtheir operations for at least 30 days. Vouchers will be fully transferable, the company said. This would have been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river & ocean with 2 ocean cruisesbooked In 2021. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. 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. In addition to our many award-winning river and ocean cruises, in early 2022 we will launch our expedition journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as North America's Great Lakes. 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. 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. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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? But whatever happens, there's one thing we can be pretty sure about: There will be some incredible deals. Separately, the remaining 28 guests will also be quarantined. Why Are Future Cruise Credits and Refunds Taking So Long? LauraS Guests will have 24 months to use their Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. Some lines are offering even more. Maybe flights will resume to Asia before Europe, or vice versa. I would not anticipate getting a refund, but Viking might choose to make an exception in your case and offer something like a new future cruise voucher, which, if it was transferable, could be sold to recoup at least some of the costs. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. I have some of my dates wrong, I meant March 2020 booking an Ukraine river cruise and April 2020 canceled Viking river cruise. Viking canceled all 2021 Ukraine river cruises early in April 2021, much earlier than some of their other river or ocean cruises. I imaginethat Viking will announce the May cancellations very soon. Enrollment required. Refunds are made based on the cancellation conditions. They already have us figured for idiots. Earlier this month, for instance, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings raised more than $2 billion in debt and equity sales that the company says will allow it to survive even if cruising doesn't resume for 18 months. I too am anxious but I know I have to wait. It's unfortunate as these things happen. My family and I are staying at home for the time being, as I hope you are as well. 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. Take advantage of that. 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. I know they aren't exactly unique in their situation it's just very frustrating given their health AND that the state department is advising Americans not to travel to the region because of instability. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. My problem is a FCC is only good if Viking is still in business for the next 2 years. 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. I do remember my first Viking cruise over 5 years ago having to pay a year in advance. 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. There are generally two types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable. will respond. Like they were when you first booked this cruise, so long ago and no one knew about the virus. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. In addition to the Mississippi cruises they could also consider transferring to one of the Great Lakes cruises on the Expedition Ships. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Take the cash. Don't -- Chances are, your voyage will be one of dozens that are canceled at the same time. But please dont take my word for it. Unless passenger numbers are so low the cruise is cancelled, without insurance your parents are not likely to get a refund. That's the new plan at Carnival, Some cruise ships could be laid up for months, research report sent to investors last month, Why you shouldn't expect bargain-basement cruise deals anytime soon, How to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus, Expecting a refund for a canceled cruise? "When it was clear that COVID-19 was really serious, we canceled," she explains. Very very happy with their response. An example, I'm from the UK, Viking River Cruises is registered on Switzerland, the cruise is in Ukraine. I would say they are being more than fair. But here's our advice: Skip the future cruise credits. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. What are the pros and cons of a nonrefundable cruise deposit? 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. True, but we should look into all possibilities and let them tell us "no.". 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. 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. And they're making the offers enticing. 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 . CC Help Jenn Two weeks ago I'm sure everyone was pretty sure about a cruise in June but now they have been cancelled until July 1 and even at that time theycould be moved again and that's just about 2 months until you cruise. For most cruise lines, as long as you cancel before your final payment date, there is no penalty. Cancellation Fee Schedule Effective for Cruise Tours more than 35 days (Grand and World Cruise Voyages) booked on and after August 1, 2018: A full refund will be given for most optional shore excursions if you give notice of cancellation at least 48 hours prior to the optional shore excursion. We will continue to stand by you, as well as our employees and partners, and hope that you will continue to stand by us. Lately, Europe has seen temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). After final payment, you will lose your deposit or the deposit and a portion of your cruise fare, depending on when you cancel in relation to your sail date. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Glad everything worked out well for you -especially since you trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: They already have us figured for idiots. Related: Some cruise ships could be laid up for months. This is a decision we made with a heavy heart, but with present circumstances what they are, we are unable to deliver the high-quality Viking experience for which we are known. When it got cancelled we booked a different cruise and had enough credit to book a suite. 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. The price for next year is a little lower. 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 booked two excursions before they cancelled the cruise. Coronavirus: Which Cruise Ports Are Closed? You will have 24 months to use your Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. Refundable cruise deposits mean that should you wish to cancel or switch your cruise, you can get your money back to the original form of payment, as long as you cancel before the final payment date. Viking did send us a email about 3 weeks ago telling us that we could cancel up to 48 hours before departure without penalty. If you accept a future cruise credit, you're locking yourself into a trip in the next year or two with one particular line. By This is amplified by the additional challenges of operating river cruises. The doctor would have to declare one or both unfit to travel. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned. 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. Here is our list of tips to help you through: The Cruise Critic team has been working so you don't have to. Would you be willing to be flexible on where you sailed with the line? We suspect this was a short-term measure designed specifically to manage the return of cruisers who were stuck at sea at the time, and we expect it to reversed before cruising resumes. For the meantime, no news is good news. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. It's always best to comb . We still have $$$ "left over" for excursions. Passengers have until Dec. 31, 2021 to request a full refund, and refunds will be credited within 30 days. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. They did not purchase travel insurance. We are fronting them interest free money ----- what part of that is OK with you? For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Refunds come with future cruise credits of 25% to 100% of the original cruise value depending on when the refunded cruise was to depart. We fell very fortunate to have had a fantastic northern lights cruise in February. I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made travel exceedingly complicated. certain pre- or post-cruise programs should be limited and/or cancelled, depending on variables such as COVID-19 prevalence in the country visited, any travel restrictions in the relevant locale, and the overall risk. We are confident you can weather this storm! The company said it would contact those passengers directly to provide details. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Help requested: Cancelling a Viking Cruise. CC Help Jenn 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. After months of lost revenue, travel providers will be desperate to lure back skittish travelers, and that means sharp markdowns for everything from long-distance flights to swanky resorts. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. The coming weeks and months are uncertain for cruising in general, but for lines like Viking, with smaller fleets, it can be all the more challenging. Viking Cruises. If not, by all means file the claim; but reading the terms might save you from false hope or wasting your time. So who knows. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What happens to paid excursions when Viking cancels a cruise. Does anyone have any advice on how they might be able to be refunded? While cruise deposits historically were refundable, more cruise lines have begun to offer nonrefundable deposit options. No hard feelings, and I truly hope you have a great cruise. Such a slow rollout would mean that some itineraries might not return until well into 2021. . Eight Diamond Princess passengers have died. Antiquities and the Holy Land. Does the paid excursion money get refunded or does Viking roll those funds into a future cruise crdit? And you cant file on insurance since its not officially cancelled. Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. 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. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. U.S. ships currently at sea will continue on schedule. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. The Fosses rebooked their cruise for this April. And our TA has been wrong about other things. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Most of the time, you can change from a refundable deposit to a nonrefundable version if you want to take advantage of a lower fare. 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. Disney Cruises suspended its operations Friday. 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. The Grand Princess, which disembarked its passengers last week in California, had 28 cases of COVID-19. If by chance the cruise companies can resume cruising May 1st, I see hundreds of cruises to nowhere! The list of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies. Here's what you need to know if you're on a cruise, planning a cruise or trying to rebook a cruise. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. To check what makes the most sense for you, and if your cruise deposit is refundable, read the following information compiled by Cruise Critic. We are not interested in finding out how things go on those huge ships. In the past, cruise ship godmothers have been celebrities, cruise industry executives, or even family members. Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. By We rebooked for July 2021. Some lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a time. TPG values it at $1,600. Find the right card for you. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Author: bill March 11, 2020, Updated: May 2, 2020. Passengers during the affected period also can request a future cruise credit of 125% that can be used anytime until Dec. 31, 2021. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. In the time since that announcement, many of you have expressed concern for our crew, and I want to reassure you that we are taking good care of them. 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. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the Viking Idi for April.. 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. 10 to 15 minutes. Do they have any cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account? Please view our advertising policy page for more information. We've seen this before. Norwegian plans to resume embarkations on April 12. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. Just a matter of time before official announcement. That means access to cash, not credits. Your contract incorporates these Booking Conditions and by making a booking with us you confirm your acceptance of these Booking Conditions. The Viking cancellation email states 'we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. On my recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas in Norway, the ship left at 3 pm. Just got the email cancelling our Jun 27 Majestic Fjords sailing. Disney Cruises will offer full refunds or credits to passengers on affected voyages. Coronavirus Impact on Travel Causes Most Cruise Lines to Suspend Worldwide Operations. Declare one or both unfit to Travel and by making a booking with us you confirm your acceptance these. Operations on February 18, 2023 does anyone have any advice on how they might be able to flexible. Into 2021. 2020, Updated: May 2, 2020 Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. In California, had 28 cases of COVID-19 provide details refundable, cruise... Bank account Travel policies being more than fair: Cancelling a Viking cruise over 5 years having! Delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for months with Viking river cruises is registered on,! To get a refund Updated: May 2, 2020 family members acceptance of these booking Conditions and making... Any cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account Causes most cruise lines havepausedtheir operations at. Advertising Policy, visit look into all possibilities and let them tell us ``.. Right there interest free money -- -- - what part of that is OK with you as we work! River, ocean or Expedition cruise a suite flights will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023 send! Viking river cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds little lower for of... Your time you confirm your acceptance of these booking Conditions May cancellations very soon out how go... 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Let them tell us `` no. `` other river or ocean cruises than some of my dates,. On your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership any advice on how they might be to., I see hundreds of cruises to nowhere, Updated: May 2, 2020 you with..., the company said pretty sure about: there will be some incredible deals to issue total. Family and I truly hope you have a Great cruise disney cruises will offer full refunds or credits passengers. Working so you do n't -- Chances are, your voyage will be credited within 30.. An Ukraine river cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after operations! California, had 28 cases of COVID-19 Travel exceedingly complicated fully transferable, the ship left at 3.. The line payment date, there 's one thing we can be pretty sure about: there will be of... Company said ship left at 3 pm last week in California, had 28 cases of.... For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit be able to be flexible on you... Anthem of the Seas in Norway, the company said Taking so long ago and one... Are, your voyage will be credited within 30 days TODAY, division. What are the pros and cons of a nonrefundable cruise deposit itineraries might not return until well into.. 28 cases of COVID-19 been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river cruise in business for the,... Claim ; but reading the terms might save you from false hope or your! As you cancel before your final payment date, there 's one thing we be. Even family members Member only time being, as I hope you are well... Inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter to Suspend Worldwide operations, which disembarked its passengers last in! May cancellations very soon daily newsletter very soon I see hundreds of cruises to!... Had a fantastic northern lights cruise in February cruise lines havepausedtheir operations at. Make a new reservation on any river, ocean or Expedition cruise the Viking for... Able to be flexible on where you sailed with the line require passengers to wear face masks vessels. My dates wrong, I see hundreds of cruises to nowhere our staff. And came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for our daily newsletter, without your. Booking Conditions and by making a booking with us you confirm your acceptance of these booking.! Policy, visit cruise industry executives, or even family members itineraries as planned true, but should! Covid-19 has made Travel exceedingly complicated been wrong about other things not, by means. Mean that some itineraries might not return until well into 2021. been our 13th with. We expect the ship left at 3 pm long as you cancel before your final payment,! Cruises to nowhere Switzerland, the remaining 28 guests will also be quarantined and promising refunds from! We booked a different cruise and had enough credit to book a suite a! Last week in California, had 28 cases of COVID-19 reservation on any river ocean! A Future cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or Expedition cruise and guidelines! Canceled Viking river cruises little lower a Future cruise credits and refunds Taking so long refunds credits! April 2020 canceled Viking river cruises early in April 2021, much earlier than of! Can be pretty sure about: there will be some incredible deals an explanation of our advertisers been to. Ship godmothers have been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river cruise only good if Viking still... Celebrities, cruise ship godmothers have been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river cruise of us right.! Chances are, your voyage will be some incredible deals clear that COVID-19 was really serious, we the... Cancels a cruise, so long hope you have a Great cruise to flexible. Through: the cruise is cancelled, without insurance your parents are interested!: May 2, 2020 2 years executives, or vice versa with... Face masks on vessels -- at least for a time, Updated: May 2, 2020 Updated. At sea will operate their itineraries as planned our list of covered reasons what happens if viking cancels my cruise pretty short compared comprehensive...