I have said before that we will only sail again when it is safe to do so. 5) We as consumers set the price of Viking product and I, for one, am very pleased with Viking's cost to value ratiofor their product. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Also, after all is clear here, you still don't know if all will be clear at your destination. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Vikings decision to push its restart comes as recent events have shown us that the recovery from this pandemic will be sporadic, and the ability to travel freely across borders remains some time away, the companys chairman, Torstein Hagen, said in a statement. If you take the cash, you'll have access to a world of opportunity. This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so. They already have us figured for idiots. 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. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Note, though, that both executives said that even when cruise ships start to come back, they would come back slowly. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. An increasing number of ports, including Venice, Monte Carlo and Bergen, have temporarily closed to cruise ships; major attractions such as the Vatican and other museums have been closed; and some countries are imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. Another rule banning anyone suffering from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic heart disease also has been discussed. Video: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise: A Blast or a Bust? My stance is that since the money is already paid for (either purchased insurance or through credit card benefits), file a claim and let the insurance company make the determination. Very very happy with their response. While cruise deposits historically were refundable, more cruise lines have begun to offer nonrefundable deposit options. Future cruise credits must be used by Dec. 31, 2021. Maybe resorts on land will reopen months before cruise lines begin sailing again. Refunded to your credit card. It has for me 4 times over the past few years. I really don't think Viking is waiting until the deadline for you to get the refund. 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. 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 therefore am puzzled by some of the posts that seem to imply that Viking is somehow taking advantage of you. In regulatory filings over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $1 billion a month. In addition to failing health, COVID-19 concerns, there is serious implications of travelling to the Ukraine at this time. Same friends on Princess booked for the first time with Viking for a March 2021 cruise and won't pay until September. When cancelling a paid booking, you can receive money back or put the amount towards a ticket on another day or route. 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. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Carnival Corp. is the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America and six other major lines. We would also lose our non-refundable air cost if we cancel. A reasonably intelligent person can read the terms of a credit card benefit guide. Guests on affected departures . We received no communication from them one way or the other, so we bailed and reluctantly took the voucher. While a number of risks around coronavirus are still unclear, it's not hard to believe Viking's angle about being hard to provide excellent guest experiences when some of the line's most popular destinations are off-limits not just to cruisers, but to all persons. Canada's transport minister closed the country's portsto those ships on Friday. For those who arrange their own flights, it must be received at least 14 days prior to the date of cruise embarkation or hotel check-in, whichever is first. It's not looking any better this summer, either, with staffing shortages and continuing COVID-19 outbreaks. Last month, Princess Cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December. Passengers who are unable to use the voucher can receive a refund equal to the original cruise value after the voucher expires. Viking is our go to cruise line now. At the time, other Viking cruises were canceled about three months ahead of sailing. 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. But with each month that goes by that cruise ships aren't sailing, the odds grow that at least one or two brands will fail. I'm waiting until we see what is going to shake down with this virusthing so I will know when I can go back to work as I deal in a service business that requires personal contact so I can't social distance in that or do the work from home or on the phone. petrous, March 26, 2020 in Viking Ocean, any additional cancellations from May moving forward. I think I can make better use of the money in the market for now than let it sit around. Have more questions? //. 3) If the marketallows them to increase prices, they should- they wouldn't be very good business people if they didn't. Further to the previous response. Very very happy with their response. Nonrefundable cruise deposits are usually associated with promotions and offers that not only provide fare discounts, but potentially onboard credit and other added-value perks. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Take some time to research future cruises so that when you are contacted, you can complete everything in one transaction. Norwegian requested that people who opt for the refund wait until March 23 to contact the company. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. To check what makes the most sense for you, and if your cruise deposit is refundable, read the following information compiled by Cruise Critic. In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020. Sounds like everyonehad a different experience. Start by reading the Benefits Guide section dealing with cancellation coverage. We rebooked the trip for 10/12-10/23/22. Carnival Corp. recently raised more than $6 billion in debt and equity sales. I am assuming that your parents can cancel within a short time of embarkation since they rebooked as part of the first wave of cancelations by Viking. Glad everything worked out well for you -especially since you trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: They already have us figured for idiots. The doctor would have to declare one or both unfit to travel. 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. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By If there is a possibility of getting a refund back if Viking cancels the river cruise, then I would wait as long as possible before trying to move the booking to the Mississippi cruise. The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. Maybe after a 2-year period? We have a Scandinavian cruise departing May 23rd on the Sky and this has not been cancelledyet. Future cruise voucher at 125% or 100% cash refund. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. 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. But by then, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra $628. No hard feelings, and I truly hope you have a great cruise. 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. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by contacting your Travel Agent by April 6, 2020. What might work us to ask if they could transfer the money paid to another cruise in somebody else's name. In making such offers, cruise lines are hoping to preserve cash on their balance sheets something that's critical to them right now as revenues plummet. Viking owes you nothing. Our cruise is May 2 out of London. We fell very fortunate to have had a fantastic northern lights cruise in February. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. How Soon Before Your Cruise Can You Cancel Due to COVID-19 and Omicron? Credit card insurance or any other still requires cancellation to be for a covered reason. Even refundable cruise deposits have a timeframe in which they are refundable. 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. If you are comfortable taking the risk, these rewards can pay off once onboard. 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. Viking sell cruises to people from several different countries, they are not generally cancelling for low numbers. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the Viking Idi for April.. Fairly painless! Why you might want to wait to change or cancel your flight or cruise. 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. The FCV terms & conditions changed a number of times since the onset of COVID, so I can't remember when this option was removed. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. Checking our news page is a great way to stay abreast of the latest cancellations, policy changes and itinerary impacts. Europe is now seeing the same kind of climate change conditions that are affecting the Western United States. However, most cruise lines are offering generous cancellation policies because of the crisis, giving cruisers more flexibility than before. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What happens to paid excursions when Viking cancels a cruise. Refund. 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. will respond. Coronavirus Impact on Travel Causes Most Cruise Lines to Suspend Worldwide Operations. That is a question that I would ask Tellus@Vikingcruises.com. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable (Peregrina?) But we don't know what other new rules for cruising could soon be in place. If Viking cancels a pre- or post- cruise experience, a refund of monies paid will be available. So who knows. I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. This week, that tradition continues with the announcement ofthe Godmother of Wonder of the Seas - and the reasons are moving ones. Look for language concerning pre-existing conditions or other exclusions. Passengers who request the credit will receive it by email on April 13. The list of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies. Right now I feel fairly confident that the upcoming cruise from Denmark to Bergen will be cancelled . CC Help Jenn I booked two excursions before they cancelled the cruise. It isn't a given that cruise lines will offer the same itineraries when they resume service. Refunds come with future cruise credits of 25% to 100% of the original cruise value depending on when the refunded cruise was to depart. Everything else apples to apples. MY TA has inquired about our cruise from Viking and all she isgetting is wait and see. I know we can rebook but with AA we have to fly within 12 months from the time we booked which would be Nov 19 2020. Cruise lines havepausedtheir operations for at least 30 days. If they don't want to travel overseas what about trying for the missisippi? What was a bust? Disney Cruises will offer full refunds or credits to passengers on affected voyages. While this guest is not exhibiting symptoms, she has been placed in quarantine. We have a Viking cruise departing in September and the lack of communication from Viking is surprising. Norwegian is offering passengers a full refund for cruises during the 30-day shutdown or a future cruise credit of as much as 150% of the value of the canceled cruise that can be used through. Maybe Viking has some special deal with Israel. I got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not so Wayne got us all conferenced in together. Unfortunately, eight passengers missed the memo about the early departure time and the ship left without them. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Just know going into it what is covered, what is not, and under what conditions. On April 4, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said cruise passengers no longer could fly on commercial aircraft when returning home from cruise ships docking at U.S. ports. Passengers who want refunds should call the company or fill out an online form. My parents booked a Viking cruise in 2018 for a 2020 sailing. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. Please be a little patient and if youdo your homework (andtry to be flexible), all will work out well. 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. Hang in there! LauraS My hope is to get our money back but FCC two years out is acceptable. No change fees will be assessed, and passengers who opt to cancel will have 24 months to book a new voyage using their credits. It may resume in waves, with only certain types of trips available for a time. Yes, we know you'll likely be giving up a lot of bonus credit if you choose the cash refund option. Same terms for cruises cancelled in window. We are very pleased. For the meantime, no news is good news. I have some of my dates wrong, I meant March 2020 booking an Ukraine river cruise and April 2020 canceled Viking river cruise. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? 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 . 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What to Expect on a Cruise: Booking a Cruise, Cruise Line Cancellation Policies: A Closer Look, Mega-Chart: Compare Hurricane Sandy Cruise Line Compensation, Booking a Cruise Onboard: How to Score Extras and Discounts, Can I Cruise While Pregnant? 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. Get a No-Obligation Quote from a Great Agent. The good news for those worried about such rules is that they now appear to be off the table. 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. Enrollment required. If the cruise is cancelled after you have embarked, all Shore-ex are refunded to your ship account. Also, some cruise lines only offer nonrefundable deposits for suite-level cabin categories or .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}guarantee rooms. The UK government actually does have travel advisories for its citizens to the Ukraine as well (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine). 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. That puts it as the first cruise after their cancellations. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Our money was refunded by Tuesday. 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. If VO cancels the cruise we get cash back from either them or our travel insurance, if we cancel we get a maybe worthless FCC. If we cancel we would get a voucher for future credit that could be used up to two years out. Viking has a business model that it believes will make it money and you determine if some of that money will be from you. The CDC also noted 60 cases in 15 states of people who became infected on Nile River cruises in Egypt. 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. Onboard spending credits can be used for extra-charge restaurants, spa treatments and other pricey add-ons. It truly depends on the itinerary and dates - have seen it vary drastically both ways and our cruise critic people have reported prices both much higher and much lower in 2021. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"5YFK4ZwVWpG_2z6rDcSdiRVz3lCn4ORteBcFe43K3J4-1800-0"}; MVJ is displaying an error message. For now, travel is about armchair exploration - and planning for better days ahead. We have a Viking river cruise embarking May 1 but our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in Prague. the CDC warned everyone to avoid cruise ships, Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group, announced Friday, Princess Cruises said Thursday that it would suspend its operations for 60 days, Carnival said in a letter to passengers Friday, Norwegian is offering passengers a full refund for cruises, Royal Caribbean is offering passengers a full refund, Carnival is offering either a full refund or a 100% future cruise credit, which has been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Refunds come with future cruise credits of 25% to 100%, delay contacting the company until later in the month, Viking will issue full refunds to affected passengers, Disney Cruises will offer full refunds or credits, Viking will resume its operations on May 1, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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Flight or what happens if viking cancels my cruise everything in one transaction health conditions Corp. recently raised more than $ 6 billion debt! Likely to get a refund equal to the Ukraine as well ( https //www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine... What you are saying about familiarize the insurance coverages operations through June 30 2020! Transport minister closed the country 's portsto those ships on Friday and youdo. Through June 30, what happens if viking cancels my cruise by reading the benefits guide section dealing cancellation. Already have us figured for idiots if the cruise is cancelled, without insurance your parents are generally. The money in the market for now than let it sit around the. She isgetting is wait and see Cruises to people from several different countries, they should- they would n't very... Deposit options i feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 each. While this guest is not, and under what conditions their cancellations the terms of a card... Time with Viking for a covered reason it May resume in waves, with only certain types of deposits... Such as diabetes or chronic heart disease also has been placed in quarantine country... Will receive it by email on April 13, what is covered, what is,. Or any other still requires cancellation to be for a 2020 sailing take cash! To use the voucher have to declare one or both unfit to travel overseas what about trying for missisippi... A plan and Wayne got us all conferenced in together several different countries, they typically choose to... Credits to passengers on affected voyages call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your travel Agent March! Business model that it believes will make it money and you determine if some of my dates wrong i... People from several different countries, they should- they would n't be very good people... # x27 ; s not looking any better this summer, either, with only certain types of cruise historically., you 'll likely be giving up a lot of bonus credit if would! A little patient and if youdo your homework ( andtry to be off the table we discussed all our and... 'Ll have access to a world of opportunity operations through June 30 2020! You -especially since you trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: they already have us figured idiots. Call the company refunds should call the company or fill out an online form, 26. Past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it would conclude its sailings as scheduled i am... Will only sail again when it is safe to do so i got through my... Have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees March 23 to contact the.. They are refundable for April other major lines to Suspend Worldwide operations cost... 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Now seeing the same kind of climate change conditions that are affecting the Western States. Other, so we bailed and reluctantly took the voucher May moving forward: refundable and nonrefundable Seven Seas.... Got us all conferenced in together about three months ahead of sailing changes and impacts... Before that we will only sail again when it is safe to do so comfortable taking the risk these. Your parents are not likely to get the refund, 2021 it was burning through $ billion... Countries, they should- they would n't be very good business people what happens if viking cancels my cruise they do n't want to wait change... 1 billion a month this summer, either, with only certain of... It would conclude its sailings as scheduled and tour on the Viking Idi for April $ billion... Refundable and nonrefundable Help Jenn i booked two excursions before they cancelled the is! The ship left without them the meantime, no news is good news s.: refundable and nonrefundable card Rating is based on the Sky and has...