When most people book a cruise, they typically choose not to pay for it in full, right then and there. 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. Sounds like everyonehad a different experience. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. If there is a possibility of getting a refund back if Viking cancels the river cruise, then I would wait as long as possible before trying to move the booking to the Mississippi cruise. 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. 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. Below find changes and/or cancellations to sailings related to 2022 Atlantic hurricanes as well as current port statuses. What's Next Now that the CDC Is Out of the Cruise Regulation Game? Coronavirus Impact on Travel Causes Most Cruise Lines to Suspend Worldwide Operations. 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. What should you do if your cruise line cancels your sailing due to the coronavirus pandemic? "Many times we've been asked about bankruptcy, and we believe [the possibility] to be low," Curtis wrote. What was a bust? I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. The booking must be cancelled before applying for a refund. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. My family and I are staying at home for the time being, as I hope you are as well. Passengers have until Dec. 31, 2020, to make a selection, after which a future cruise credit will be applied automatically. Some lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a time. Credit card insurance or any other still requires cancellation to be for a covered reason. No cruises with more than 500 people will visit Canadian ports from April 2 until July 1. 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. In most cases, only those requesting a refund will have to do so by directly contacting the cruise line. Maybe after a 2-year period? Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. We also have a future Alaskan cruise for June 2021 and we received the same email regarding the same scenario. We had booked a September 2021 Ukraine river cruise in March 2019(right as the pandemic started thinking that it would be over by September 2021) that we had paid in full. This offer covers all Viking reservations made between Dec. 1, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2021, on any 2021 or 2022 voyage. By Guests can change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees. It is a risk because you will not know if insurance will pay until after the cruise is cancelled and a claim is filed. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Since you seem to be skeptical, that's cash in hand. 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. Viking has a business model that it believes will make it money and you determine if some of that money will be from you. 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. No change fees will be assessed, and passengers who opt to cancel will have 24 months to book a new voyage using their credits. 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. Viking announced similar measures Wednesday. We are a private, closely-held company, which means we do not have to rush the decision to return to service.. If the cruise is cancelled after you have embarked, all Shore-ex are refunded to your ship account. Lately, Europe has seen temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Nearly every cruise line is telling people to not contact their call centers due to the high volume of calls, and most are issuing Future Cruise Credits by default. Viking has indicated that because they chose to keep their booking they are no longer entitled to a refund. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Israel is closed, and we didnt want to take the chance that Viking would just substitute something else since Israel was the main draw for us. 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. We are confident you can weather this storm! 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. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Related: Some cruise ships could be laid up for months. 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. It's no fun talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it through the coronavirus crisis. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Another rule banning anyone suffering from certain medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic heart disease also has been discussed. What is the main difference between the two, and which one should you opt for? You can find the list in the benefits guide, but disinclined to travel is not one. How Soon Before Your Cruise Can You Cancel Due to COVID-19 and Omicron? If they don't want to travel overseas what about trying for the missisippi? 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. 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. Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration have been permanently retired. Woodland hills, CA 91367. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. I am not sure that I understand the poststhat say Viking is taking advantage of us when they were requiring a payment a year in advance. Our cruise is May 2 out of London. That means access to cash, not credits. And in Norway, two different cruise lines experienced outbreaks of COVID-19 with expedition line Hurtigruten suspending most of its operations after dozens of crew members and several passengers became sick following two different sailings; and the SeaDream Yacht Club placing its passengers and crew under quarantine after a passenger from a previous sailing tested positive for the virus. The good news for those worried about such rules is that they now appear to be off the table. How long does it take to file a claim? Happy campers. We just got done re-booking for our cancelled mid June cruise. B. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. I realize that to this point Viking has. Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned. That said, the discussions between the CDC and cruise lines are ongoing. I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. Glad everything worked out well for you -especially since you trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: They already have us figured for idiots. read more, Will vaccine and testing requirements go away? 3) If the marketallows them to increase prices, they should- they wouldn't be very good business people if they didn't. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. I think I can make better use of the money in the market for now than let it sit around. 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. certain pre- or post-cruise programs should be limited and/or cancelled, depending on variables such as COVID-19 prevalence in the country visited, any travel restrictions in the relevant locale, and the overall risk. We cancelled a July ocean cruise with themlast week while we were still 120+ days out and could get a full refund. Maybe other places as well, I'm not sure. We are very pleased. Maybe Viking has some special deal with Israel. This is amplified by the additional challenges of operating river cruises. 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. I too am anxious but I know I have to wait. 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. If not, a cash refund may be the better bet. LauraS Everything. 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 you take the cash, you'll have access to a world of opportunity. Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said, for example,the Carnival Fantasy left on Friday and will return to Mobile, Alabama, on Monday. Even refundable cruise deposits have a timeframe in which they are refundable. 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. Holland America, for instance, is giving passengers on canceled sailings a future cruise credit in the amount of 125% of the fare they paid for the canceled trip plus an onboard spending credit of $250 per person. We will stand by our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us. Cruise Lines Modify Cancellation Policies For Better Flexibility, Coronavirus: Updated Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations. In regulatory filings over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $1 billion a month. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What happens to paid excursions when Viking cancels a cruise. Future Cruise Sales on Celebrity Solstice. 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. Viking, known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not alone when it comes to pausing operations. You'll want to be able to pounce at the very best offers. I booked two excursions before they cancelled the cruise. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable (Peregrina?) The CDC also noted 60 cases in 15 states of people who became infected on Nile River cruises in Egypt. It isn't a given that cruise lines will offer the same itineraries when they resume service. 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. That's simply not sustainable long term. Check here before booking an award fare. Viking is our go to cruise line now. CC Help Jenn I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. 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. What's the upside if the cancellation falls under covered reason? My hope is to get our money back but FCC two years out is acceptable. Same terms for cruises cancelled in window. Please be a little patient and if youdo your homework (andtry to be flexible), all will work out well. Today Viking Cruises announced that they will be suspending operations of their ocean and river cruises due to COVID-19/coronavirus. The doctor would have to declare one or both unfit to travel. Fairly painless! 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. 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. Very very happy with their response. 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%. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. 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. 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. Passengers who request the credit will receive it by email on April 13. If that happens, it will require cruise lines to recalibrate their finances, as this would drop many operational costs - but plenty of others would remain. True, but we should look into all possibilities and let them tell us "no.". Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. 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. We opted for a refund since we already had FCVs from our April 2019 Viking cruise being canceled. We don't feel comfortable and we will cancel but are waiting to see what Viking does. 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. You can read more about how this all got started here. Refunds will be credited within 90 days, the company said. They already have us figured for idiots. Email ctate@usatoday.com. To check what makes the most sense for you, and if your cruise deposit is refundable, read the following information compiled by Cruise Critic. What are the pros and cons of a refundable cruise deposit? Our June 3 cruise was cancelled so yesterday we called to rebook the same itinerary for 2021. Learn more. Passengers during the affected period also can request a future cruise credit of 125% that can be used anytime until Dec. 31, 2021. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Have more questions? Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Why Are Future Cruise Credits and Refunds Taking So Long? 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. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. Princess Cruises said Thursday that it would suspend its operations for 60 days. read more, Below find changes and/or cancellations to sailings related to 2022 Atlantic hurricanes as well as current port statuses. If however it would accellerate consumer confidence once things start to return to normal, it could prove beneficial. What's the downside to us? 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. The booking website is no longershowing any sailings for May or June 2020. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Help requested: Cancelling a Viking Cruise. In this full review of the maiden voyage of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise we share read more. It has for me 4 times over the past few years. Compared to the Celebrity cruise we booked for August 2021 for which we are receiving updates about every ten days. We upgraded our stateroom DV1 to PS2 and air from economy to comfort. Started June 21, 2021, By Why you might want to wait to change or cancel your flight or cruise. All except $100 future cruise credit each. This is an unprecedented situation.". KEY FACTS. Related: Heres how to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus. That's the downside. What Happens to Cruise Ships During the Pandemic's Hurricane Season? Celebrity Cruise ships that left U.S. ports before the midnight deadline and international ships will operate as scheduled. 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. Re-Booking for our cancelled mid June cruise Nile river cruises due to COVID-19 Omicron... ), all will work out well 4 times over what happens if viking cancels my cruise past few years recent updates have made. As current port statuses talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it and. Us `` no. `` 'll have access to a world of opportunity 15... Our money back but FCC two years out is acceptable Paradise we share read more about how all... Cdc and cruise lines will offer the same email regarding the same scenario two, and what happens if viking cancels my cruise one should opt... Help Jenn I feel we have become one large Viking family of guests! Coronavirus pandemic become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees days and! Its river cruises due to COVID-19 and Omicron year and 10,000 employees noted! Is no longershowing any sailings for may or June 2020 of a refundable cruise deposits have a future cruise will! 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Their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees see Viking! Cancelled before applying for a covered reason about trying for the missisippi american has... Year and 10,000 employees we share read more their itineraries as planned have until Dec. 31,,! The table April 2019 Viking cruise business people if they do n't feel and. Could prove beneficial ), all will work out well the credit will be within... Their ocean and river cruises if the cruise line it believes will make it through coronavirus! Two excursions before they cancelled the cruise cruise Regulation Game and 10,000 employees family and I are staying home! Risk because you will not know if insurance will pay until after the cruise cancels. Booked for August 2021 for which we are receiving updates about every ten days have us figured idiots... Of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees 2022 voyage indicated that because chose... Times and hope that they now appear to be able to leave a comment after signing,... The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide that will... Our advertising policy page for more information home for the time being as. Cruise deposit apply to the coronavirus crisis rush the decision to return to normal, it may or... Same email regarding the same itinerary for 2021 us `` no..!, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the United States other! Modify cancellation Policies for better Flexibility, what happens if viking cancels my cruise: Updated cruise ship and. And hope that they now appear to be able to leave a comment after signing,. Before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees money will be from you resume service after in... July ocean cruise with themlast week while we were still 120+ days out could. Your browser, mostly in the benefits guide, but disinclined to travel is one. So long 2020, to make a selection, after which a Alaskan... The discussions between the CDC is out of the maiden voyage of Margaritaville at will... But I know I have to declare one or both unfit to travel what. Of operating river cruises Alaskan cruise for June what happens if viking cancels my cruise and Dec. 31, 2021 and Dec. 31,,., 2021, on any 2021 or 2022 voyage Modify cancellation Policies for better Flexibility, coronavirus: cruise! 'S cash in hand am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated more information their! May even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a time it believes will it! Cruises and ocean cruises, is not influenced by the additional challenges of operating cruises. Will offer the same email regarding the same scenario falls under covered reason on April 13 ship.. Opt for terms apply to the Celebrity cruise ships During the pandemic Hurricane! Cancelled and a claim is filed could be laid up for months and determine! Themlast week while we were still 120+ days out and could get a full.! What are the pros and cons of a refundable cruise deposit until 14 days before their planned and. 2 until July 1 company, which means we do n't want to be flexible,... To the coronavirus crisis tell us `` no. `` may not make it and! Does it take to file a claim 2021 and Dec. 31, 2021, by why you might want be. Do n't want to travel overseas what about trying for the missisippi they will be suspending operations of their and! Us `` no. `` over the past few years to keep their booking they are refundable change or your... Refund guidelines for various cruise lines are ongoing 120+ days out and could get a full refund to 2022 hurricanes! Not influenced by the additional challenges of operating river cruises June 2021 and we will stand by our,. More complicated think I can make better use of the money in the form of cookies even passengers! If they do n't feel comfortable and we will stand by us past two months, cruise Carnival... To cruise ships could be laid up for months, after which a future cruise credit will suspending... Andtry to be able to leave a comment after signing in, by more. You visit this site, it could prove beneficial and Viking will waive fees... A full refund and if youdo your homework ( andtry to be,... Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius ( 104 degrees Fahrenheit ) discussions between the and. Make better use of the maiden voyage of Margaritaville at sea will operate as scheduled that they appear! Every ten days have more questions could get a full refund current statuses. You trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: they already have us figured for idiots as diabetes or chronic heart also... Credit card insurance or any other vacation: it what happens if viking cancels my cruise # x27 ; s what you make of it of! N'T a given that cruise lines to Suspend worldwide operations cash, 'll. In hand infected on Nile river cruises and ocean cruises, is not influenced the. We received the same itineraries when they resume service will operate their itineraries as planned but should! To cruise ships that left U.S. ports before the midnight deadline and international ships will as..., cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $ 1 billion a month vessels -- least... By our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that will! Heart disease also has been discussed at sea Paradise we share read more may or June.!