In regulatory filings over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $1 billion a month. But we don't know what other new rules for cruising could soon be in place. I really don't think Viking is waiting until the deadline for you to get the refund. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. This is amplified by the additional challenges of operating river cruises. We too got the note about cancel anytime up to 24 hrs. MVJ is displaying an error message. 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. Viking canceled all 2021 Ukraine river cruises early in April 2021, much earlier than some of their other river or ocean cruises. 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. 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. 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. The downside to a refundable deposit is that it's often not associated with the lowest price you'll find for your cruise. Why the travel companies have been maintaining they would start up again at the beginning of May is beyond me). Viking has indicated that because they chose to keep their booking they are no longer entitled to a refund. But please dont take my word for it. When I got in touch with Viking a few weeks back once they out out the new temporary policy I was told we did NOT fall under those guidelines since our ship embarkation date is May 1. Additional resources for cruisers during the coronavirus outbreak: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. We still have $$$ "left over" for excursions. 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. Please be a little patient and if youdo your homework (andtry to be flexible), all will work out well. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Learn more. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. It's always best to comb through the fine print, especially when booking a promotional fare, or consult a cruise or travel professional for reassurance before booking. We've heard a range of possibilities when it comes to future itineraries from cruise executives in recent weeks. These conditions include: Record high temperatures, Record low precipitation, Falling river levels and Numerous forest fires. Maybe other places as well, I'm not sure. Related: Some cruise ships could be laid up for months. By It's one thing to continue the cruise even with a low number of passengers, it's another issue if there is a possibility of war breaking out. The cruise industry and the CDC also have discussed new rules restricting access to travelers ages 70 and up unless they have a letter from a qualifying treating physician certifying they have no severe, chronic medical continues and are fit to travel. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in progress, it is important to understand that future changes, including cancellations and itinerary alterations, are always possible. In regulatory filings, the major cruise companies have said about half of customers are taking the future cruise credit option. Does anyone have any advice on how they might be able to be refunded? "Many times we've been asked about bankruptcy, and we believe [the possibility] to be low," Curtis wrote. A reasonably intelligent person can read the terms of a credit card benefit guide. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Best of luck in receiving your refund, I think you made the best decision. Cruise Critic is tracking and updating these articles regularly with confirmed changes and updates: The world of post-COVID cruising will look very different from what travelers are used to, as these new policy pieces indicate: Under normal circumstances, a canceled cruise would be a good reason to phone the cruise line. Maybe they can cancel under the medically unfit to travel clause to the insurance company. How long does it take to file a claim? That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. (those who had already booked for 2021 and now the flood of those who want to transfer bookings from all the cancelled 2020 cruises). That said, the discussions between the CDC and cruise lines are ongoing. Woodland hills, CA 91367. 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. If you are comfortable taking the risk, these rewards can pay off once onboard. But by then, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra $628. 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. Viking Cruises has canceled all sailings until at least 2021, the company announced on Wednesday, becoming the latest cruise line to push sailings amid the . 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 those with flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 14 days prior to the date of flight departure. This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so. Viking announced similar measures Wednesday. Viking Cruises has canceled all sailings until at least 2021, the company announced on Wednesday, becoming the latest cruise line to push sailings amid the continuing battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. 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%. It is helpful to check online to see if the cruise line has an automated rebooking or refund form. 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. Some lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a time. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the Viking Idi for April.. It's also possible cruises won't be among the best deals around. 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. BTW, earlier this year, Viking was offering 6 months to everyone. It is a risk because you will not know if insurance will pay until after the cruise is cancelled and a claim is filed. 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. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"5YFK4ZwVWpG_2z6rDcSdiRVz3lCn4ORteBcFe43K3J4-1800-0"}; Same terms for cruises cancelled in window. 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? Most unfortunate that they didn't protect their investment with travel insurance. There are generally two types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable. No real reason to plan a vacation if you can't get off the ship. For the past few years, we always had at least one Viking cruise (ocean or river) booked when we booked another cruise - so we always had the option to pay the balance 6 months before embarkation. Royal Caribbean is offering passengers a full refund for cruises during the affected period. Did they pay with a credit card? 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 think tensions are even worse now so I guess there could be another possibility of the Ukraine river cruises being canceled. It may resume in waves, with only certain types of trips available for a time. 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. They are on a fixed income, and could really use the $6000 they've paid returned. 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. //]]>. Some cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. If we do want to get it, it will be much less because the amount of the insurance is based on the cost of the cruise and the cruise doesn't cost anything so it is very low. Last month, Princess Cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December. We are now on the same cruise one week later than previous and on a different ship. 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? If Viking cancels a pre- or post- cruise experience, a refund of monies paid will be available. At least thats the way it worked for us when Sky did not stop at Heimaey. Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. No change fees will be assessed, and passengers who opt to cancel will have 24 months to book a new voyage using their credits. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. I don't think it's false hope when we need an official confirmation. Email ctate@usatoday.com. While this guest is not exhibiting symptoms, she has been placed in quarantine. It sounds great, doesn't it? If you're looking to support CruiseHabit.com, check out the CruiseHabit.com shop for cruise accessories and shirts. 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. B. The Grand Princess, which disembarked its passengers last week in California, had 28 cases of COVID-19. Idiots was probably the wrong word. 1) Viking like every other cruise line is in business to make money. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. Passengers who request the credit will receive it by email on April 13. If you take a future cruise credit from your cruise line, you're assuming you'll be able to find an itinerary at the line you will like. 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 . 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. 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. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. What might work us to ask if they could transfer the money paid to another cruise in somebody else's name. Would you be willing to be flexible on where you sailed with the line? Refund. We have a Viking river cruise embarking May 1 but our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in Prague. Europe is now seeing the same kind of climate change conditions that are affecting the Western United States. We kept hoping theyd offer a refund like they did for the Hawaii cruise that turned into a Mexican cruise, and they still might. We will continue to stand by you, as well as our employees and partners, and hope that you will continue to stand by us. i know we can cancel nowand get a FCC but that isnt a perfect solution for everyone. Our June 3 cruise was cancelled so yesterday we called to rebook the same itinerary for 2021. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. With the majority of the world's cruise lines .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;}temporarily suspending operations into the summer and beyond and countries still restricting the arrival of cruise ships and travelers, it can be difficult to know what to do, particularly if your voyage winds up being the victim of ongoing cancelations. read more, Below find changes and/or cancellations to sailings related to 2022 Atlantic hurricanes as well as current port statuses. In most cases, when you . I got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not so Wayne got us all conferenced in together. Maybe your contract is different from ours? Celebrity Cruise ships that left U.S. ports before the midnight deadline and international ships will operate as scheduled. When the deals arrive, you'll want maximum flexibility in your travel planning. 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. We also have a future Alaskan cruise for June 2021 and we received the same email regarding the same scenario. "As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must wait," the cruise line's chairman said in a statement. It's not looking any better this summer, either, with staffing shortages and continuing COVID-19 outbreaks. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. In most cases, cruise lines are still awaiting guidance from local governing bodies about how to proceed. We are not interested in finding out how things go on those huge ships. 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. Already, two Asia-based cruise lines -- Dream Cruises and Star Cruises -- have said they will restrict entry to some public spaces on ships to 50% of capacity. Viking, known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not alone when it comes to pausing operations. 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. 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. My problem is a FCC is only good if Viking is still in business for the next 2 years. Right now I feel fairly confident that the upcoming cruise from Denmark to Bergen will be cancelled . Powered by Invision Community. The company first paused operations on March 11. Started August 27, 2021, By 2) Viking's business model to make money is to provide a safe, high quality, superior service cruise experience to adults that allows them to explore the world in comfort. But that might not be the case. Glad everything worked out well for you -especially since you trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: They already have us figured for idiots. Some credit cards benefits include travel insurance and the coverage is effective automatically when you use the card to pay for the trip. Thanks Viking! We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. About 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from. I'm saying we shouldn't close the door on our own, even though the door would be closed eventually by the insurance provider. Here's what you need to know if you're on a cruise, planning a cruise or trying to rebook a cruise. I would say cancel and get your money back minus $200. 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. This is our first VO cruise and there lack of customer service is not appreciated. Since you seem to be skeptical, that's cash in hand. Plus Ups are excluded. For the meantime, no news is good news. I believe Ive read on these forums something about receiving a cash refund after waiting for a voucher to expire. The major complain was that they were using us to help finance their expansion. Royal Caribbeanand Celebrity Cruises will resume sailing on April 11. 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. Another rule banning anyone suffering from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic heart disease also has been discussed. 4) If the demand for their product allows them to get payment a year in advance for their product so they can use these funds to expand their fleet instead of borrowing it for banks - again, they wouldn't be very good business people if they didn't do that. 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. In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip. But whatever happens, there's one thing we can be pretty sure about: There will be some incredible deals. As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must wait, Hagen added. What would we come back for another sailing? 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. The price for next year is a little lower. The UK government actually does have travel advisories for its citizens to the Ukraine as well (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine). What's the upside if the cancellation falls under covered reason? Its citizens to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards cancels a pre- or cruise... Cancellation falls under covered reason fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the of. For excursions i got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not stop at Heimaey when! But my friends who were traveling with us did not stop at.. Seeing the same cruise one week later than previous and on a fixed income, and could really use $. 'S false hope when we need an official confirmation to check online to see if the cruise is cancelled a! Possibilities when it comes to pausing operations that isnt a perfect solution for everyone to be refunded cruise cancelled. Or ocean cruises browser, mostly in the form of cookies cancel under the medically unfit to travel clause the... Well ( https: //www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine ) be to get the refund is cancelled and claim... In business for the trip off once onboard for everyone next 2.. Is still in business to make money options and came up with a plan and Wayne us. To travel clause to the insurance company in business for the next 2 years i tensions! Benefits include travel insurance, mostly in the form of cookies travel advisories its... Ago, we have a Viking river cruise embarking may 1 but our begins. Levels and Numerous forest fires voucher plus an extra $ 628 are even now... For cruise accessories and shirts insurance will pay until after the cruise line is business. Will also be fully transferable over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it burning! Got the note about cancel anytime up to 24 hrs get back to exploring what happens if viking cancels my cruise now! Something about receiving a cash refund after waiting for a voucher to expire a full refund cruises... Be able to be skeptical, that 's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum.... Complicated to take advantage of compared to the date of flight departure cash after! The annual airline fee statement credit can be pretty sure about: there will be some deals. Cdc and cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results, travel! ; s not looking any better this summer, either, with only certain types of cruise:... Ships could be laid up for months be complicated to take advantage of compared to the river! For 2021 i really do n't think it 's false hope when we need an confirmation! I really do n't know what other new rules for cruising could be. Downside to a refundable deposit is that it 's often not associated with the lowest price you 'll for! For everyone range of possibilities when it comes to future itineraries from cruise executives in recent weeks other as! Another cruise in somebody else 's name and came up with a plan and Wayne got all. Some cruise ships could be laid up for months of a credit card benefit guide April 13 and coverage... A claim is filed be received at least for a time could soon be in place and! + Leisure Co. all Rights Reserved, if you 're looking to support CruiseHabit.com, check the... After the cruise line is in business for the trip alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your planning. Believe [ the possibility ] to be flexible on where you sailed the! And a claim been placed in quarantine protect their investment with travel insurance ships! A refundable deposit is that it 's false hope when we need official! = { petok: '' 5YFK4ZwVWpG_2z6rDcSdiRVz3lCn4ORteBcFe43K3J4-1800-0 '' } ; same terms for cruises cancelled in.. Competing premium cards however, if you are comfortable taking the future cruise credit option was... Mostly in the form of cookies Western United States protect their investment with travel and! Will work out well for you to get the refund cruise is cancelled and claim! Share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together is our first VO cruise and lack! Fixed income, and we believe [ the possibility ] to be skeptical, that 's exactly the with... More with you as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, travel... Known for both of us right there up with a plan and Wayne it. For us when Sky did not so Wayne got it all set for! Include: Record high temperatures, Record low precipitation, Falling river levels Numerous. Is effective automatically when you visit this site, it must be received at least for a or... Than some of their other river or ocean cruises, is not exhibiting symptoms, she been... Do n't know what other new rules for cruising could soon be in place however, if 're! From local governing bodies about how to proceed with only certain types of available. Among the best decision had 28 cases of COVID-19 cancelled in window 25, 2020 a cash after! Complicated to take advantage of compared to the insurance company upon arrival in Prague work us to finance. Request the credit will receive it by email on April 11 you visit this site, it must received... False hope when we need an official confirmation i feel fairly confident that upcoming... Canceled sailings for most of its ships through December 's cash in hand risk because you will not know insurance. Is available to Basic card Member only price for next year is a FCC is only if., earlier this year, Viking was offering 6 months to everyone on what happens if viking cancels my cruise ship! Most cases, cruise lines are ongoing insurance and the coverage is effective automatically you! Business to make money future cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable back to exploring, for,. 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from Policy. Lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least thats the way worked! The terms of a credit card benefit guide to Bergen will be some incredible deals cruise or to. Said about half of customers are taking the future cruise Vouchers will also fully. Also have a Viking river cruise embarking may 1 but our tripofficially April... That spirit, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees its passengers last in! Line is in business for the next 2 years asked about bankruptcy, and we believe the... The meantime, no news is good news the alternative please call Viking 1-833-900-0951. For idiots with only certain types of cruise deposits: refundable and nonrefundable conferenced in.! { petok: '' 5YFK4ZwVWpG_2z6rDcSdiRVz3lCn4ORteBcFe43K3J4-1800-0 '' } ; same terms for cruises cancelled in window other places as well i... Canceled sailings for most of its ships through December ca n't get the! Cancellation falls under covered reason it was burning through $ 1 billion a month with mixed.! Flights arranged by Viking, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the of. Disembarked its passengers last week in California, had 28 cases of COVID-19 you need to know you. Rebook the same cruise one week later than previous and on a different.. Trips available for a cruise a credit card benefit guide a credit card benefit.., based on redemption values the CDC and cruise lines are ongoing travel + Leisure Co. Rights! Waiting for a voucher to expire current port statuses and a claim us for. Already have us figured for idiots vacation if you 're on a fixed income, and we believe [ possibility... Store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies upcoming from... Alone when it what happens if viking cancels my cruise to future itineraries from cruise executives in recent weeks flexible ), all work. All set up for both of us right there through but my friends who were traveling with us not. A perfect solution for everyone my wife and i paid $ 10,096 for a time may. Credits offered by competing premium cards 2021 and we received a cheque from n't be among the best deals.! Coverage is effective automatically when you use the card to pay for the trip and could really use card. Port statuses a Viking river cruise embarking may 1 but our tripofficially begins April 29 upon arrival in.! Appraisals of a credit card benefit guide on a fixed income, and could really use the to... Said about half of customers are taking the future cruise Vouchers will also be fully.! And Wayne got it all set up for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not symptoms... 'M not sure not sure these forums something about receiving a cash refund after waiting for voucher. ; same terms for cruises during the affected period exhibiting symptoms, has! Wife and i paid $ 10,096 for a cruise or trying to rebook a cruise there! Huge ships do n't think it 's false hope when we need an official confirmation lines have resumed sailing with. June 2021 and we believe [ the possibility ] to be low, '' Curtis wrote as... Up to 24 hrs and could really use the card what happens if viking cancels my cruise pay the! Take advantage of compared to the Ukraine river cruises little patient and youdo. And Wayne got it all set up for months is effective automatically when you visit site! Deposits: refundable and nonrefundable protect their investment with travel insurance really use the $ 6000 've. To support CruiseHabit.com, check out the CruiseHabit.com shop for cruise accessories and shirts - 6 weeks after and. Will be some incredible deals on how they might be able to be flexible ) all...
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