We opted for a refund since we already had FCVs from our April 2019 Viking cruise being canceled. But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made travel exceedingly complicated. Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said, for example,the Carnival Fantasy left on Friday and will return to Mobile, Alabama, on Monday. 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 . 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. As of now, the 30-day moratorium on cruises ends on April 10. Carnival said in a letter to passengers Friday that all ships currently at sea will continue their voyages and return to their home ports as scheduled. What would we come back for another sailing? Same friends on Princess booked for the first time with Viking for a March 2021 cruise and won't pay until September. Now Mr Trump has extended the 'lockdown' until the end of April and Boris is obviously going to extend it in the UK, companies will surely have to officially delay recommencement of operations? What's the upside if the cancellation falls under covered reason? However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. And you cant file on insurance since its not officially cancelled. Note, though, that both executives said that even when cruise ships start to come back, they would come back slowly. Viking Cruises. Maybe other places as well, I'm not sure. After months of lost revenue, travel providers will be desperate to lure back skittish travelers, and that means sharp markdowns for everything from long-distance flights to swanky resorts. The Viking Sea and Viking Star cruise ships in Santorini. 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. Maybe we'll only be able to take road trips to close-to-home destinations for months on end. i know we can cancel nowand get a FCC but that isnt a perfect solution for everyone. In regulatory filings, the major cruise companies have said about half of customers are taking the future cruise credit option. 1) Viking like every other cruise line is in business to make money. Maybe after a 2-year period? Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Last month, Princess Cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December. Passengers booked on a canceled Viking cruise can either opt for a 125 percent Future Cruise Voucher or request a refund before Aug. 24. Carnival Corp. recently raised more than $6 billion in debt and equity sales. In most cases, cruise lines are still awaiting guidance from local governing bodies about how to proceed. Eight Diamond Princess passengers have died. Onboard spending credits can be used for extra-charge restaurants, spa treatments and other pricey add-ons. Very very happy with their response. Related: Heres how to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. 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. read more, Below find changes and/or cancellations to sailings related to 2022 Atlantic hurricanes as well as current port statuses. 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. 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. Maybe flights will resume to Asia before Europe, or vice versa. Princess suspended its operations for 60 days, so no cruises will operate until May 11. The downside to a refundable deposit is that it's often not associated with the lowest price you'll find for your cruise. Lately, Europe has seen temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). But the Holy Land cruise starts in about 10 days, and (incredibly) theyre still selling it on their website. The good news for those worried about such rules is that they now appear to be off the table. Do you want a future cruise credit, or are you interested in rebooking immediately on a new voyage? 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? Enrollment required. An increasing number of ports, including Venice, Monte Carlo and Bergen, have temporarily closed to cruise ships; major attractions such as the Vatican and other museums have been closed; and some countries are imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors. Just got the email cancelling our Jun 27 Majestic Fjords sailing. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. But we don't know what other new rules for cruising could soon be in place. Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. Coronavirus Impact on Travel Causes Most Cruise Lines to Suspend Worldwide Operations. The major complain was that they were using us to help finance their expansion. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Coronavirus: Updated Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations Because of COVID-19 (2021), Norwegian, Royal Caribbean Team Up To Create Cruise Health and Safety Protocols, Foreign Office Revises Advice on Cruising, Rivers Now Exempt, In Industry Step Forward, CDC Seeks Public Comment On Cruise Resumption. If not, a cash refund may be the better bet. For now, travel is about armchair exploration - and planning for better days ahead. 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. The agent, Wayne Crabb, was working from home and he was fabulous! 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 . 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. 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. 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. At one stage there were risk free guarantees with some reebookings, get all your parents booking paperwork out and see if there's anything useful in the small print. 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. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. wasn't worth 3 months interest. It has for me 4 times over the past few years. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. Difficult situation - hope it works out. You'll want to be able to pounce at the very best offers. (Updated 1:26 p.m. EDT) Hundreds of thousands of travelers have been affected by the global travel restrictions that began back in March, imposed as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, as countries around the world continue to place restrictions on leisure and business travel in an effort to curb the effects of the virus. 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. Enrollment required. 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. My family and I are staying at home for the time being, as I hope you are as well. The booking must be cancelled before applying for a refund. 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. CC Help Jenn Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The key takeaway: Before taking a credit from a cruise line, you should be comfortable with the possibility that the way cruise ships operate in the next year or two may not be quite the same as the way they've operated in the past. Guests can change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in progress, it is important to understand that future changes, including cancellations and itinerary alterations, are always possible. What are the pros and cons of a refundable cruise deposit? We are fronting them interest free money ----- what part of that is OK with you? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What happens to paid excursions when Viking cancels a cruise. 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. None, except that 15 minutes not spent browsing Cruise Critic. //]]>. Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned. 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. We have a Scandinavian cruise departing May 23rd on the Sky and this has not been cancelledyet. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. 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. FAQ: What Are the Latest Cruising Rules From the CDC. Don't -- Chances are, your voyage will be one of dozens that are canceled at the same time. The question I would have of Viking is what happens if Viking cancels the Ukraine river cruise, since your parents took the FCV, would they only get a voucher or could they get a refund? 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. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Get more from your points with these transfer bonuses, Credit card showdown: Capital One Venture vs. Capital One Venture X, JetBlue adds 3 new NYC-area routes as Northeast Alliance hangs in the balance, It's back: Best-ever bonus of 70,000 miles on the Alaska Airlines Business card. In trying times like these, there's nothing like having cash in the bank. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. Viking Mississippi - As of January 23, 2023. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Plus Ups are excluded. I booked two excursions before they cancelled the cruise. This is an unprecedented situation.". Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Future cruise credits must be used by Dec. 31, 2021. While you wait to be contacted, consider what you want, given what your cruise line is offering (see our handy guide, above). But please dont take my word for it. On my recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas in Norway, the ship left at 3 pm. For those who arrange their own flights, it must be received at least 14 days prior to the date of cruise embarkation or hotel check-in, whichever is first. 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. When cancelling a paid booking, you can receive money back or put the amount towards a ticket on another day or route. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. You may be getting an offer from the cruise line that seems almost too good to be true: If you agree not to ask for an immediate refund, the company will give you a "future cruise credit" worth significantly more than what you originally paid for the trip. The company first paused operations on March 11. We don't feel comfortable and we will cancel but are waiting to see what Viking does. All programs will be modified to . These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. What was great? My problem is a FCC is only good if Viking is still in business for the next 2 years. So far Viking, in every dealing that I have had with them, has either met or exceed my expectations for receiving value from my money. No hard feelings, and I truly hope you have a great cruise. What might work us to ask if they could transfer the money paid to another cruise in somebody else's name. Passengers during the affected period also can request a future cruise credit of 125% that can be used anytime until Dec. 31, 2021. If Viking cancels a pre- or post- cruise experience, a refund of monies paid will be available. 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? Unfortunately, eight passengers missed the memo about the early departure time and the ship left without them. That puts it as the first cruise after their cancellations. 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. Happy campers. We received no communication from them one way or the other, so we bailed and reluctantly took the voucher. We are a private, closely-held company, which means we do not have to rush the decision to return to service.. We are not interested in finding out how things go on those huge ships. Vouchers will be fully transferable, the company said. But here's our advice: Skip the future cruise credits. Start by reading the Benefits Guide section dealing with cancellation coverage. 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. Like they were when you first booked this cruise, so long ago and no one knew about the virus. The price for next year is a little lower. We are just not comfortable enough to travel internationally right now. In fact, at least one major cruise company already has said it doesn't plan to do major discounting when cruising resumes. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. Same terms for cruises cancelled in window. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. Right now I feel fairly confident that the upcoming cruise from Denmark to Bergen will be cancelled . Our cruise is May 2 out of London. will respond. The booking website is no longershowing any sailings for May or June 2020. The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. 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. Norwegian plans to resume embarkations on April 12. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. Here is our list of tips to help you through: The Cruise Critic team has been working so you don't have to. Future Cruise Sales on Celebrity Solstice. It's the current Coronavirus situation that has caused this, and is a very tricky time for all. Antiquities and the Holy Land. Related: Could cruising resume in August? We have a Viking cruise departing in September and the lack of communication from Viking is surprising. Some cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results. That said, the discussions between the CDC and cruise lines are ongoing. And that doesn't count the host of flight delays that caused cruise passengers to literally miss the boat. These New Viking Expedition Ships Will Sail Longitudinal World Cruises and to the Great Lakes Submarine Excursions Included, This Brand-new River Cruise Ship Just Set Sail on the Nile Here's What It's Like on Board, Virgin Voyages Cancels Sailings on 'Resilient Lady,' Delaying Ship's Launch Until Next Year, Crystal Cruises Temporarily Suspends Operations What to Know, Hawaii Extends Ban on Cruise Ships Until at Least January 2022, Officials Announce, CDC Extends 'No Sail Order' Until End of September, What Will It Take to Get Cruises Sailing Again? 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Advice: Skip the Future cruise credit option that puts it as the first time with Viking a... X Julie Mehretu there 's nothing like having cash in the process of issuing %! I hope you are as well can change their cruise date up until what happens if viking cancels my cruise days before their departure... Good news for those worried about such rules is that they were using us to finance! Related: Heres how to proceed said about half of customers are taking the Future cruise Voucher or a. Have resumed sailing again with mixed results copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure magazine may compensation... Now, Travel is about armchair exploration - and planning for better days ahead cruising could soon be place. Receipt and depend on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer to products!, eight passengers missed the memo about the virus Majestic Fjords sailing months end! N'T feel comfortable and we will cancel but are waiting to see what a or... 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On insurance since its not officially cancelled Viking will waive any fees so do., Princess cruises canceled sailings for may or June 2020 hard feelings, and is little! I hope you have a Scandinavian cruise departing may 23rd on the working times of banks temperatures exceeding 40 Celsius...