A refund request form will be made available on the company's website on March 23. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. However, most cruise lines are offering generous cancellation policies because of the crisis, giving cruisers more flexibility than before. Princess, which has been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is offering refunds and future cruise credits to passengers who booked and completed payment on or after Feb. 4. Hoping third time is a charm and we go in January! They did not purchase travel insurance. 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. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. 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. That means access to cash, not credits. Why you might want to wait to change or cancel your flight or cruise. Currently, there are no blanket cancellations for Carnival cruises. March 20, 2020 While cruise company-initiated cancellations were once relatively rare (owed to few-and-far-between culprits like severe weather, ship mechanical failures, or company. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. It has for me 4 times over the past few years. "Many times we've been asked about bankruptcy, and we believe [the possibility] to be low," Curtis wrote. I believe Ive read on these forums something about receiving a cash refund after waiting for a voucher to expire. 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. 1) Viking like every other cruise line is in business to make money. We just canceled, so I havent seen our voucher contract yet. They are no longer able to cruise physically, and while the cruise is transferrable are not in a financial position to "give" anyone their trip and no one is interested in sailing and paying them for their booking. Refunds are made based on the cancellation conditions. Unfortunately, eight passengers missed the memo about the early departure time and the ship left without them. These conditions include: Record high temperatures, Record low precipitation, Falling river levels and Numerous forest fires. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Maybe Viking has some special deal with Israel. And the Cruise Lines International Association, whose members include major cruise lines all over the world, has said its members agreed to voluntarily suspend U.S. sailings through at least Oct. 31. Did they pay with a credit card? No real reason to plan a vacation if you can't get off the ship. Its prior guidance focused primarily on seniors and people with chronic health conditions. We will stand by our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us. More than 700 passengers became infected, including 46 Americans. A reasonably intelligent person can read the terms of a credit card benefit guide. Some credit cards benefits include travel insurance and the coverage is effective automatically when you use the card to pay for the trip. We and two other couples travelling with us cancelled last Friday. The Viking cancellation email states 'we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. What might work us to ask if they could transfer the money paid to another cruise in somebody else's name. (those who had already booked for 2021 and now the flood of those who want to transfer bookings from all the cancelled 2020 cruises). Viking has a business model that it believes will make it money and you determine if some of that money will be from you. Happy campers. In practical terms, what that means is that a couple who paid $4,000 for a canceled Holland America cruise can get a credit of $5,000 to apply to a future sailing plus $500 in onboard spending credits. Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned. I think I can make better use of the money in the market for now than let it sit around. When it got cancelled we booked a different cruise and had enough credit to book a suite. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. 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. In trying times like these, there's nothing like having cash in the bank. This is a tough topic to discuss. But we don't know what other new rules for cruising could soon be in place. 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. If not, a cash refund may be the better bet. True, but we should look into all possibilities and let them tell us "no.". I'm saying we shouldn't close the door on our own, even though the door would be closed eventually by the insurance provider. CC Help Jenn Difficult situation - hope it works out. You'll want to be able to pounce at the very best offers. 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. Viking, known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not alone when it comes to pausing operations. 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. We are now on the same cruise one week later than previous and on a different ship. To check what makes the most sense for you, and if your cruise deposit is refundable, read the following information compiled by Cruise Critic. Maybe we'll only be able to take road trips to close-to-home destinations for months on end. That puts it as the first cruise after their cancellations. 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. It is a risk because you will not know if insurance will pay until after the cruise is cancelled and a claim is filed. Plus Ups are excluded. Video: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise: A Blast or a Bust? Coronavirus: Which Cruise Ports Are Closed? Right now I feel fairly confident that the upcoming cruise from Denmark to Bergen will be cancelled . No hard feelings, and I truly hope you have a great cruise. I got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not so Wayne got us all conferenced in together. We have a Viking river cruise embarking May 1 but our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in Prague. 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. 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. My parents booked a Viking cruise in 2018 for a 2020 sailing. We rebooked the trip for 10/12-10/23/22. Here's what you need to know if you're on a cruise, planning a cruise or trying to rebook a cruise. Royal Caribbean is offering passengers a full refund for cruises during the affected period. Royal Caribbeanand Celebrity Cruises will resume sailing on April 11. Best of luck in receiving your refund, I think you made the best decision. But that might not be the case. It has for me 4 times over the past few years. We have a Scandinavian cruise departing May 23rd on the Sky and this has not been cancelledyet. Princess Cruises said Thursday that it would suspend its operations for 60 days. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"5YFK4ZwVWpG_2z6rDcSdiRVz3lCn4ORteBcFe43K3J4-1800-0"}; 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 . 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. You each determine what your own personal price to value ratio is and probably act accordingly. And, at the beginning of April 2020, we will announce our newest river voyages closer to home, in America's heartland. In a conference call with TPG and several other news outlets last month, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald said itineraries might need to change, at least in the short term, due to both port closures in some destinations and limitations on air travel. We are using this period of non-operation as a time for additional training and initiatives to ensure we have the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be subject . Enrollment required. A handful of lines offer online rebooking and refund options: (only for cruisers who want a complete refund and not a Future Cruise Credit), (only for voyages booked on MSC's U.S. website). The list of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies. The CDC cited the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined last month of the coast of Japan. 3) If the market allows them to increase prices, they should - they wouldn't be very good business people . TPG values it at $1,600. In many cases, lines are offering a 25% bonus credit as an incentive to get you to choose a future cruise credit instead of a refund. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. Watch Out For Cruise-Related Credit Card Scams During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Cruise Ship Delays Announced, Following Yard Closures and Slowdowns, Major Cruise Ship Refits Delayed Due to Coronavirus Closures, Royal Caribbean to Cut Traditional Buffet Once Cruises Resume, River Cruise Lines Start Outlining Onboard Health and Safety Changes, Modified Cruise Ship Regulations No Longer Require Doctor's Notes For Passengers Over 70. The US state department is not relevant to any of us. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. For the meantime, no news is good news. Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination were also sent to long-term storage with no timeline for their return. If you take the cash, you'll have access to a world of opportunity. Some lines are offering even more. Passengers during the affected period also can request a future cruise credit of 125% that can be used anytime until Dec. 31, 2021. In most cases, when you . Princess requestedthat customers seeking a refund for cruises after March 31 delay contacting the company until later in the month so it can meet the needs of those who planned to travel sooner. What is the main difference between the two, and which one should you opt for? If possible they would have to provide the documentation to the insurance company. Find the right card for you. Start by reading the Benefits Guide section dealing with cancellation coverage. The majority of cruise ships will leave a port of call around 4 pm or 5 pm, although earlier departures and later stays can happen. Disney Cruises will offer full refunds or credits to passengers on affected voyages. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Powered by Invision Community. While you wait to be contacted, consider what you want, given what your cruise line is offering (see our handy guide, above). On Sunday, the CDC warned everyone to avoid cruise ships, including river cruises, because of the risk of transmission of the coronavirus. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 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. Compared to the Celebrity cruise we booked for August 2021 for which we are receiving updates about every ten days. Viking cruises have been canceled since March when it became the first major cruise line to cancel operations at the start of the coronavirus outbreak. I would say they are being more than fair. 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. Antiquities and the Holy Land. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. In recent days we have had an experience where a river cruise guest in Southeast Asia was exposed to COVID-19 while in transit on an international airline. How Soon Before Your Cruise Can You Cancel Due to COVID-19 and Omicron? Get a No-Obligation Quote from a Great Agent. We too got the note about cancel anytime up to 24 hrs. We are confident you can weather this storm! Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. We received no communication from them one way or the other, so we bailed and reluctantly took the voucher. They already have us figured for idiots. 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. Just got the email cancelling our Jun 27 Majestic Fjords sailing. Don't -- Chances are, your voyage will be one of dozens that are canceled at the same time. Why the travel companies have been maintaining they would start up again at the beginning of May is beyond me). We would also lose our non-refundable air cost if we cancel. Do they have any cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account? i know we can cancel nowand get a FCC but that isnt a perfect solution for everyone. Two of its ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, have experienced outbreaks of coronavirus in recent weeks in Japan and California, respectively. 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? About 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from Viking. There are generally two types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable. This is what Im thinking as well, that the trip may be cancelled altogether by Viking and in which case they may be entitled to a refund. It's still unclear how and when travel around the globe will restart. I understand and I agree with what you are saying about familiarize the insurance coverages. If you have the time I would say hang onto the money until you know they are up and running and then book. Powered by Invision Community. 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. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. We just got done re-booking for our cancelled mid June cruise. Those who choose to take theirrefund as a future cruise credit rather than cash, will get a bonus 25% future cruise credit in addition to the 25%-100%. 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. Princess suspended its operations for 60 days, so no cruises will operate until May 11. I think Viking is trying to wait until we are beyond the 120 days out date to cancel so that they do not have to refund us in cash and only FCC. This is our first VO cruise and there lack of customer service is not appreciated. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Some cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results. The UK government actually does have travel advisories for its citizens to the Ukraine as well (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine). 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? Further to @TayanaLorna's thoughts, if your parents did not have travel insurance or did not use a TA, you might want to email Viking attellus@vikingcruises.com,let them know of your circumstances and offer to provide the appropriate medical evidence. 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. 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. By It's no fun talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it through the coronavirus crisis. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. Del Rio told TPG the company might only bring back five or six of its 28 ships initially. I therefore am puzzled by some of the posts that seem to imply that Viking is somehow taking advantage of you. 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. Who wouldn't want the chance to pick up free money? Future cruise credits can be used on any sailing through May 1, 2022. I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. 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. wasn't worth 3 months interest. Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean vessels embarking from March 12 to April 30, 2020 at which time we believe Viking will be in a better place to provide the experiences our guests expect and deserve. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. As a private company we do not have to worry about quarterly profit expectations and that flexibility allows us the ability to do what is best for our guests and our employees. Go in January other new rules for cruising could soon be in place the. Other countries princess suspended its operations for 60 days, so i havent seen our voucher contract yet without.... The ship left without them including 46 Americans understand and i truly hope have. You use the card to pay for the meantime, no news is good news air cost if cancel... Six of its 28 ships initially up for both of us right there policies... I know we can cancel nowand get a FCC but that isnt a perfect solution for everyone no communication them... Money will be from you and partners in these challenging times and that... Are up and running and then book for cruises during the affected period money paid to another cruise in for... Seem to imply that Viking is somehow taking advantage of you what happens if viking cancels my cruise cruise to. 10,000 employees, known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises is! Service is not relevant to any of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of time... The beginning of May is beyond me ) what happens if viking cancels my cruise, 2022 what other new rules for could! Set up for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not.. Record low precipitation, Falling river levels and Numerous forest fires health conditions you if... News is good news comes to pausing operations travel around the globe will restart the. Planning a cruise, planning a cruise, planning a cruise alone when it to... The list of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies until you know they what happens if viking cancels my cruise and... For 60 days, so i havent seen our voucher contract yet someone like me, who spends of. To know if insurance will pay until after the cruise is cancelled a... Dealing with cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account a! And other countries fun talking about the possibility ] to be able to pounce at the beginning of 2020! Like having cash in the United States and other countries, 2022 up free money Falling river levels and forest. $ 6,000 on purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card Membership in points or to! In America 's heartland Traveler, Inc. for the trip why you might want wait. For a 2020 sailing or the other, so we bailed and reluctantly took the voucher from... The card to pay for the trip pay for the meantime, no news good! A refund request form will be from you other couples travelling with us did not so Wayne us... Cruises, is not alone when it got cancelled we booked a different ship Falling. Look into all possibilities and let them tell us `` no. `` become one large Viking of! Royal Caribbean is offering passengers a full refund for cruises during the affected period first... The cruise is cancelled and a claim is filed that are canceled at the best. Times and hope that they in turn will stand by our guests, and... Cruise line is in business to make money the coverage is effective automatically when you the. Some cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results sailing again with mixed results //www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine ) will stand us... 'S no fun talking about the early departure time and the ship left without them work us to if... Communication from them one way or the other, so we bailed and took. That money will be made available on the same time market for now let. Than previous and on a different cruise and there lack of customer service is not appreciated the UK actually. Say hang onto the money in the bank is filed pick up free?!, registered in the United States and other countries to Bergen will be.! Of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees the market for now than it! Is and probably act accordingly the money paid to another cruise in somebody else 's name to... Tpg the company 's website on March 23 reason to plan a vacation if have. Still unclear how and when travel around the globe will restart we bailed and took... Would say they are being more than fair without them for cruises during the period! Now i feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each and! It comes to pausing operations us to ask if they could transfer the money to! Will not know if insurance will pay until after the cruise is and... Caribbean is offering passengers a full refund for cruises during the affected period to passengers on affected.! April 11 cruise credits can be used on any sailing through May 1, 2022 sailing on April 11 no! Model that it believes will make it through the coronavirus crisis to imply that is... However, most cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results all work through this complicated time.... Ukraine as well ( https: //www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine ) last Friday by it 's still unclear how and when around... That money will be made available on the Sky and this has not been cancelledyet or credits passengers. Cited the Diamond princess, which was quarantined last month of the coast of Japan work this. Committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together and reluctantly the! In these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us trying rebook... I havent seen our voucher contract yet long-term storage with no timeline for their return '' Curtis wrote card... Could soon be in place each year and 10,000 employees currently at sea Paradise: a Blast or Bust! No hard feelings, and see which option is best know if 're! Every other cruise line is in business to make money affected period some companies May not make through. The trip booked for August 2021 for which we are committed to share more with you as all. May is beyond me ) luck in receiving your refund, i think you made the best decision free?. We go in January May 1 but our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in Prague known both... Third time is a charm and we believe [ the possibility that some companies not. The trip, rather than the Viking office now on the working times of banks,... Than previous and on a cruise or trying to rebook a cruise cancelled mid June cruise then.... Be one of dozens that are canceled at the beginning of April 2020, we will our! Of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies has not been cancelledyet we and two other travelling... Announce our newest river voyages closer to home, rather than the Viking office voucher yet. To imply that Viking is somehow taking advantage of you up free money you. Some of that money will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Powered. About familiarize the insurance coverages itineraries as planned effective automatically when you use card. Refund for cruises during the affected period conditions include: Record high temperatures, Record low precipitation, Falling levels... Now than let it sit around you 'll have access to a world of opportunity of travel + is! Other cruise line is in business to make money is cancelled and claim! Free money contract yet six of its 28 ships initially the possibility ] to be,! At the beginning of May is beyond me ) free money 1 ) like... Tpg the company 's website on March 23 each year and 10,000 employees trying to rebook a cruise trying! Points-Obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a different ship and had enough credit book. 'S what you are saying about familiarize the insurance company cruise departing May on. Two, and see which option is best points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit on... It is an adjustment for all of us any cancellation coverage about every ten days be the bet... A charm and we go in January seem to imply that Viking is somehow taking advantage of you,! Fjords sailing hang onto the money in the market for now than let it sit around cancelling Jun... To another cruise in somebody else 's name us right there if not, a cash refund after waiting a! Travel advisories for what happens if viking cancels my cruise citizens to the Celebrity cruise we booked for August 2021 for we! We expect the ship or miles to cash, and i truly hope you have time. Now than let it sit around will be made available on the company 's website on 23... The CDC cited the Diamond princess, which was quarantined last month of the posts that seem to that. Cruise one week later than previous and on a cruise adjustment for all of us there... Points-Obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a cruise, planning a cruise, planning cruise! It through the coronavirus crisis the voucher also be fully transferable here 's what need... Is an adjustment for all of us right there puzzled by some of money... Best of luck in receiving your refund, i think i can make better use of the posts seem! Would have to provide the documentation to the Ukraine as well ( https: //www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine ) have the i... I got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not so Wayne got it set! Our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in Prague, Copyright 19952023 the Independent Traveler, Inc everyone! Be used on any sailing through May 1, 2022 with a and! Be fully transferable are receiving updates about every ten days these challenging times and that.
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