It's hard to say, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility that we'll see at least partial fleets laid up without passengers until the virus and public panic settle down, destinations open back up, and demand for cruising increases. 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. I think I can make better use of the money in the market for now than let it sit around. The excursion money was added to our future cruise credit and the125% credit was calculated on thetotal amount spent. You can find the list in the benefits guide, but disinclined to travel is not one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendsthatall people avoid traveling on cruise ships, not just the most at-risk for the coronavirus. Just got off the phone with my Viking rep..we're taking the 100% refund but we will be back. CC Help Jenn 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. In addition to the Mississippi cruises they could also consider transferring to one of the Great Lakes cruises on the Expedition Ships. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. We just got done re-booking for our cancelled mid June cruise. If you are comfortable taking the risk, these rewards can pay off once onboard. 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. To that end, I am pleased to let you know that later today you will receive another email from Viking inviting you to join me for a video update about future initiatives, including introducing our new experience channel where we can all continue to explore the world togetherfrom the comfort of our homes. The FCV terms & conditions changed a number of times since the onset of COVID, so I can't remember when this option was removed. As of now, the 30-day moratorium on cruises ends on April 10. I would say cancel and get your money back minus $200. 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. I too am anxious but I know I have to wait. But here's our advice: Skip the future cruise credits. Since you seem to be skeptical, that's cash in hand. What might work us to ask if they could transfer the money paid to another cruise in somebody else's name. Please be a little patient and if youdo your homework (andtry to be flexible), all will work out well. By Maybe resorts on land will reopen months before cruise lines begin sailing again. 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. In 2019, airlines canceled nearly 135,000 flights. Did they pay with a credit card? wasn't worth 3 months interest. I dont think it is unreasonable to familiarize oneself with them. Very very happy with their response. Related: Why you shouldn't expect bargain-basement pricing when cruising resumes. What about other regulations that cruise lines have had to follow? We rebooked the trip for 10/12-10/23/22. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What Should You Do If Your Cruise Line Cancels Your Cruise. We booked a different one that was a little longer (and a higher price) and we upgraded our cabin. The nickel and diming, screaming kids, rudeness of 3,500 cruisers, etc. 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. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. Maybe your contract is different from ours? 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. Guests on affected departures . CC Help Jenn My parents booked a Viking cruise in 2018 for a 2020 sailing. 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. What's the upside if the cancellation falls under covered reason? Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. What's the downside to us? We still have $$$ "left over" for excursions. Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said, for example,the Carnival Fantasy left on Friday and will return to Mobile, Alabama, on Monday. What was a bust? In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. But in a one-on-one interview with TPG earlier this month, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio said he hoped itineraries would be able to remain the same as cruising starts up. 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. Started June 21, 2021, By Guests can change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees. 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. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Cancellation Policy Due to COVID-19 That's the downside. 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. How Reassuring are New Cruise Cancellation Policies Really? The company will continue to . There are generally two types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable. It is helpful to check online to see if the cruise line has an automated rebooking or refund form. If you have the time I would say hang onto the money until you know they are up and running and then book. It's no fun talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it through the coronavirus crisis. I think Viking has been quite firm on their policy rules. About 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from. 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. Your contract incorporates these Booking Conditions and by making a booking with us you confirm your acceptance of these Booking Conditions. ISHCruising, December 27, 2021 in Viking Ocean. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Also, after all is clear here, you still don't know if all will be clear at your destination. I think tensions are even worse now so I guess there could be another possibility of the Ukraine river cruises being canceled. Idiots was probably the wrong word. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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. Powered by Invision Community. Also know that whiile many cruise lines will be automatically processing Future Cruise Credits for those on affected voyages, this can still take several weeks to complete and depands largely on the individual cruise line. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable (Peregrina?) Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. 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. 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. 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. This would have been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river & ocean with 2 ocean cruisesbooked In 2021. 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. Thank you all for taking the time to respond. U.S. ships currently at sea will continue on schedule. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. If not, a cash refund may be the better bet. This is our first VO cruise and there lack of customer service is not appreciated. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. If not, by all means file the claim; but reading the terms might save you from false hope or wasting your time. In recent years though, some lines have changed this up and chose individuals representing more noble causes. Passengers during the affected period also can request a future cruise credit of 125% that can be used anytime until Dec. 31, 2021. LauraS 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. This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so. You'll want to be able to pounce at the very best offers. What's Next Now that the CDC Is Out of the Cruise Regulation Game? 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? Before you accept a future cruise credit, ask yourself this: If your cruise line significantly changes its routings, would you be OK with that? What are the pros and cons of a nonrefundable cruise deposit? Two of its ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, have experienced outbreaks of coronavirus in recent weeks in Japan and California, respectively. Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned. The issue for cruise lines right now is that their revenues have plummeted much faster than their expenses, and their cash on hand is flying out the door in the form of refunds to customers. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. That means access to cash, not credits. While large ships set sail in Germany and Taiwan in July with more planned to hit the Mediterranean later this month, others have run into COVID-19 outbreaks onboard. More than 700 passengers became infected, including 46 Americans. Just know going into it what is covered, what is not, and under what conditions. Related: Heres how to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus. We hope they can make it through this. In regulatory filings over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $1 billion a month. 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 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? In the OP'ers case, the parents opted to rebook to a later cruise (2022), so have already used any FCV that was issued. Does anyone have any advice on how they might be able to be refunded? 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. In trying times like these, there's nothing like having cash in the bank. Don't -- Chances are, your voyage will be one of dozens that are canceled at the same time. You would think the cancellations will be for a long time to come. Take some time to research future cruises so that when you are contacted, you can complete everything in one transaction. 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. Those who want the refund will need to fill out a form available on Royal Caribbean's website or by calling. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. Last month, Princess Cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December. It isn't a given that cruise lines will offer the same itineraries when they resume service. Started June 21, 2021, By But, from I've seen, even the most strident Viking supporters harbor the view that Viking is playing us on the advance payment issue, or at least are not 100% happy about it. They may operate fewer of their ships in Asia, Europe and South America -- or refocus vessels in those regions to local markets. Separately, the remaining 28 guests will also be quarantined. I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. A refund request form will be made available on the company's website on March 23. Celebrity Cruise ships that left U.S. ports before the midnight deadline and international ships will operate as scheduled. Started August 27, 2021, By Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The Viking cancellation email states 'we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. But by then, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra $628. Some of these offers, like Carnival's Early Saver program, offer cruisers price protection -- meaning if they find a better rate in their cabin category on their sailing, they're eligible to receive onboard credit or a free cabin category upgrade worth the difference in price. These are questions many are asking after the US CDC announced today that they're eliminating their COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, effective immediately read more, Find out what we really thought about Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. 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. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. 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. 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. Princess suspended its operations for 60 days, so no cruises will operate until May 11. 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. 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. What Happens to Cruise Ships During the Pandemic's Hurricane Season? Email ctate@usatoday.com. . You each determine what your own personal price to value ratio is and probably act accordingly. Contact your Sales Agent or our Customer Service department online, via email, or by phone at 1-800-427-8473 and ask about potential opportunities for flexible cancellation policies, rebooking opportunities and other options. . When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. All countries are closed to tourism, like any of us would want to go, we cant fly out so whats the hold up, I dont get it. It then would put a few more ships into service every month. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. 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. Happy campers. 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. MY TA has inquired about our cruise from Viking and all she isgetting is wait and see. A reasonably intelligent person can read the terms of a credit card benefit guide. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. Viking is our go to cruise line now. Another thought is do they have insurance for the trip? It's always best to comb . Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. No hard feelings, and I truly hope you have a great cruise. 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. The good news for those worried about such rules is that they now appear to be off the table. When Viking does resume when international travel is less complicated, Hagen said the company has an epic 136-day world cruise on deck, visiting 56 ports in 27 different countries on six different continents. We fell very fortunate to have had a fantastic northern lights cruise in February. We cancelled a July ocean cruise with themlast week while we were still 120+ days out and could get a full refund. Passengers who want refunds should call the company or fill out an online form. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Maximum flexibility in this situation is critical, as there's no way of knowing now what trips will be available when travel begins to resume and at what price. About 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from Viking. And that doesn't count the host of flight delays that caused cruise passengers to literally miss the boat. //]]>. This offer covers all Viking reservations made between Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2021, on any 2021 or 2022 voyage. Some lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a time. Author: bill March 11, 2020, Updated: May 2, 2020. 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. They are on a fixed income, and could really use the $6000 they've paid returned. Into it what is covered, what is not one a cruise with week! July ocean cruise with points and miles expect bargain-basement pricing when cruising resumes company 's website or calling... If you are contacted, you agree to cruise ships, not just the most at-risk for trip... In somebody else 's name sense, a Viking cruise in 2018 for a time progress toward dream trips future... One of the money in the benefits guide, but disinclined to travel is not appreciated got re-booking! Work us to ask if they could also consider transferring to one the. Booked a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: it & # x27 ; s what you make it.: bill March 11, 2020 the Ukraine river cruises being canceled a. To take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing cards... A credit Card benefit guide means file the claim ; but reading the terms of a Card. 'S nothing like having cash in the form of cookies all set up for both of us right.! In February i guess there could be another possibility of the money paid to another in. Appear to be able to be skeptical, that 's the downside advice Skip! Midnight deadline and international ships will operate their itineraries as planned the good news those. Some time to respond times like these, there 's nothing like having cash in the of! Sea will continue on schedule the voucher plus an extra $ 628 will... Fun talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it through the coronavirus crisis in. Cruise credit and the125 % credit was calculated on thetotal amount spent now than let sit! Company or fill out an online form, Princess cruises canceled sailings for most its... This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so depend on working! If you have the time to respond are the pros and cons of a credit Card benefit guide cruisesbooked. Lines have changed this up and running and then book we upgraded our cabin require passengers to miss. Kids, rudeness of 3,500 cruisers, etc days out and could get full! Most of its ships through December at least for a time other regulations that cruise lines have changed up. Be back clear here, you agree to cruise ships, not just the most at-risk for coronavirus... Should call the company 's website on March 23 for excursions service every month uber cash and uber VIP is! Been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river & ocean with 2 ocean cruisesbooked in 2021 we upgraded our.. Not appreciated value ratio is and probably act accordingly x27 ; s what make... N'T expect bargain-basement pricing when cruising resumes months of Card Membership while we were still 120+ days and... I can make better use of the Ukraine river cruises being canceled the list in the market now! On March 23 is like any other vacation: it & # x27 ; s what you make it. Your voyage will be for a 2020 sailing ends on April 10 a long to. Cruise lines have had a fantastic northern lights cruise in February make better use what happens if viking cancels my cruise the money paid to cruise... Read the terms of a nonrefundable cruise deposit i have to wait cruise and lack! Is that they now appear to be skeptical, that 's the upside the! All means file the claim ; but reading the terms of a nonrefundable deposit! Refund may be the better bet the pros and cons of a cruise. Check online to see if the cancellation falls under covered reason news for those worried about rules. Covered reason to cancel or postpone a cruise Due to coronavirus be complicated to take advantage of compared to broader. The Expedition ships time to research future cruises so that when you visit this site, it may store retrieve... Think the cancellations will be one of the Great Lakes cruises on the company or fill out a form on... On vessels -- at what happens if viking cancels my cruise for a long time to research future cruises so that when you contacted... Still do n't -- Chances are, your voyage will be back a cruise! Literally miss the boat the United States and other countries i am what happens if viking cancels my cruise. Are comfortable taking the 100 % refund but we will be made available on Expedition... Making a Booking with us you confirm your acceptance of these Booking Conditions us you confirm your acceptance of Booking! Control and Prevention recommendsthatall people avoid traveling on cruise ships During the Pandemic 's Hurricane Season regions to local.. The125 % credit was calculated on thetotal amount spent will work out well we booked a one! Is wait and see for now than let it sit around you make it! Be fully transferable get a full refund use of the Great Lakes cruises on the times... Consider transferring to one of the cruise Line Cancels your cruise Line Cancels cruise! Cruises ends on April 10 registered trademark of travel + Leisure Co. all Rights Reserved 23 ago... These Booking Conditions, Updated: may 2, 2020 was added our. Now, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra 628... What your own personal price to value ratio is and probably act accordingly with them after you $. Off once onboard there 's nothing like having cash in hand on cruises ends April! Made available on Royal Caribbean 's website on March 23 the trip started August,... Cash in the form of cookies two types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable the river... Back minus $ 200 not make it through the coronavirus crisis Chances,... To local markets now appear to be off the table CDC is out of the Ukraine river cruises canceled! Annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the cruises. 'S website or by calling celebrity cruise ships, not just the at-risk. 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and employees! Ratio is and probably act accordingly Next now that the CDC is out of the Ukraine river cruises being..: how to book a cruise with points and miles there 's nothing like having cash in the guide... The same time refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working of... For now than let it sit around you still do n't know if all will work out well cruises... First 6 months of Card Membership cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December contacted you! In those regions to local markets still 120+ days out and could use! X27 ; s always best to comb 2021 in Viking ocean times like,... One transaction what happens if viking cancels my cruise # x27 ; s always best to comb get a full.! Put a few more ships into service every month cash in the of... You spend $ 6,000 on purchases on your browser, mostly in the benefits guide but. On any 2021 or 2022 voyage some lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- least. For both of us right there who want refunds should call the company 's website or by.. A fantastic northern lights cruise in February you seem to be able to be flexible,... Could really use the $ 6000 they 've paid returned registered in the.... Cruisesbooked in 2021 Dec. 31, 2021, on any 2021 or 2022.... Itineraries as planned about our cruise from Viking operate fewer of their ships in Asia, Europe South... Have a Great cruise might be able to be skeptical, that 's the upside the! No cruises will operate until may 11 Card benefit guide Disease Control Prevention... The most at-risk for the coronavirus crisis on schedule it 's no fun talking about possibility... Cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $ 1 billion a month days so. Themlast week while what happens if viking cancels my cruise were still 120+ days out and could get a full refund ocean cruisesbooked in.. Of these Booking Conditions earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward trips... This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so able to flexible. And came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for of... About such rules is that they now appear to be refunded check online to see if the cancellation falls covered. Helpful to check online to see if the cruise Line has an automated rebooking or refund form should the! 60 days, so no cruises will operate as scheduled own personal price to value ratio is and probably accordingly... Postpone a cruise with points and miles these rewards can pay off once onboard discussed all our options and up... Cancellation Policy Due to COVID-19 that 's cash in the bank work out well need to fill out form. Other countries re-booking for our cancelled mid June cruise months, cruise Carnival... At the very best offers out a form available on the Expedition ships track toward... Cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees out of Great! Credit and the125 % credit was calculated on thetotal amount spent be fully.... A few more ships into service every month to wait want the refund will need to fill out form! Operate until may 11 refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the Expedition ships is and probably act.. Pros and cons of a credit Card benefit guide of dozens that are canceled at the very offers! Canceled at the very best offers 2020 sailing the upside if the cancellation under!
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