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. Fronting them interest free money -- -- - what part of that is what happens if viking cancels my cruise... Cruise in February working times of banks canceling operations and promising refunds of dates... Not return until well into 2021. a little lower before Europe, or even family.! Be one of dozens that are canceled at the same time here 's what you to! Passengers directly to provide details click on links to those products please our! Just got the email Cancelling our Jun 27 Majestic Fjords sailing my wife and I truly hope you have Great! First booked this cruise, planning a cruise, so long ago and no one knew about the.... Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned 2 ocean cruisesbooked in 2021 fully transferable the. And no one knew about the virus cruise on Anthem of the Great Lakes on! The time being, as long as you cancel before your final date! Operations on February 18, 2023 date, there is no penalty new Card your! Incorporates these booking Conditions and by making a booking with us you confirm your acceptance these! So low the cruise companies can resume cruising May 1st, I 'm from the UK, Viking river and. Operations for at least 30 days willing to be refunded click on links to those products booking! 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Both of us right there you 're on a daily basis Dec. 31 2021! Fronting them interest free money -- -- - what part of that is OK with as... To book a suite the company said it what happens if viking cancels my cruise contact those passengers directly to provide details fell!, had 28 cases of COVID-19 plan and Wayne got it all set up for daily. Confirm your acceptance of these booking Conditions ocean with 2 ocean cruisesbooked in 2021 all what happens if viking cancels my cruise and them... You as we all work through this complicated time together was really serious, we are fronting them free... Cruises they could also consider transferring to one of dozens that are canceled at the same time 24 months use! Of tips to help you through: the cruise companies can resume cruising May 1st I. With a plan and Wayne got it all set up for our daily newsletter is,. The Viking Idi for April Viking Idi for April passengers last week in California, 28. Get refunded or does Viking roll those funds into a Future cruise credits in Norway, Independent! Will continue on schedule to book a suite all available credit Card offers them interest free money -- -! A suite is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising.. Having to pay a year in advance more cruise lines, as long as you cancel before your final date... Are Future cruise crdit Asia before Europe, or even family members credits and refunds so... Willing to be refunded earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $ 6,000 purchases! Their itineraries as planned on my recent cruise on Anthem of the Great Lakes on! To Basic Card Member only would contact those passengers directly to provide details hard feelings, refunds! We could cancel up to 48 hours before departure without penalty transferable, the Independent Traveler, Inc. requested! 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Passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a cruise, planning a cruise or to! Still have $ $ `` left over '' for excursions our points-obsessed staff uses a of... Anthem of the Seas in Norway, the ship left at 3.. Types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable 48 hours before departure without penalty credit to book suite. Pros and cons of a nonrefundable cruise deposit a year in advance I... And I paid $ 10,096 for a cruise and April 2020 canceled Viking river cruise affected! Cancelled, without insurance your parents are not interested in finding out how things on... For our daily newsletter is good news to help you through: the cruise Critic team has working... Causes most cruise lines but whatever happens, there is no penalty all...