Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. CLIA cruise line members are voluntarily and temporarily suspending operations from the U.S. as we work to address this public health crisis, said Kelly Craighead, CLIA president and CEO in a statement. Norwegian requested that people who opt for the refund wait until March 23 to contact the company. Did they pay with a credit card? Would you be willing to be flexible on where you sailed with the line? The company first paused operations on March 11. Fairly painless! That said, the discussions between the CDC and cruise lines are ongoing. (those who had already booked for 2021 and now the flood of those who want to transfer bookings from all the cancelled 2020 cruises). Two of its ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, have experienced outbreaks of coronavirus in recent weeks in Japan and California, respectively. 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. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the Viking Idi for April.. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. When Are Cruise Lines Around the World Expected To Resume Service? While you wait to be contacted, consider what you want, given what your cruise line is offering (see our handy guide, above). What should you do if your cruise line cancels your sailing due to the coronavirus pandemic? I realize that to this point Viking has. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. 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. I would say they are being more than fair. Disney Cruises suspended its operations Friday. In the past, cruise ship godmothers have been celebrities, cruise industry executives, or even family members. Viking is our go to cruise line now. Carnival Corp. is the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America and six other major lines. 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. By While major cruise operators such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises arent tipping their hands yet on their comeback plans, were expecting to see a distinct shift to shorter, closer-to-home sailings at least initially. But that might not be the case. MY TA has inquired about our cruise from Viking and all she isgetting is wait and see. To check what makes the most sense for you, and if your cruise deposit is refundable, read the following information compiled by Cruise Critic. In 2019, airlines canceled nearly 135,000 flights. For the meantime, no news is good news. We have a Scandinavian cruise departing May 23rd on the Sky and this has not been cancelledyet. On Sunday, the CDC warned everyone to avoid cruise ships, including river cruises, because of the risk of transmission of the coronavirus. LauraS I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. 3) If the market allows them to increase prices, they should - they wouldn't be very good business people . You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By The CDC also noted 60 cases in 15 states of people who became infected on Nile River cruises in Egypt. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. 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. We would also lose our non-refundable air cost if we cancel. That is a question that I would ask Tellus@Vikingcruises.com. The list of covered reasons is pretty specific as are the exclusions so it should be fairly obvious if your situation meets the criteria. Do they have any cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account? They may operate fewer of their ships in Asia, Europe and South America -- or refocus vessels in those regions to local markets. Everything else apples to apples. Just know going into it what is covered, what is not, and under what conditions. 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? We are a private, closely-held company, which means we do not have to rush the decision to return to service.. Unfortunately, there are still a number of VIking Cruises in 2021 where the price has gone up significantly due to the demand. 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. 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. The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. The price for next year is a little lower. LauraS Viking will issue full refunds to affected passengers or a 125% future cruise voucher that must be used within 24 months. I got through but my friends who were traveling with us did not so Wayne got us all conferenced in together. 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. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. I imaginethat Viking will announce the May cancellations very soon. Right now I feel fairly confident that the upcoming cruise from Denmark to Bergen will be cancelled . Powered by Invision Community. 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's what you need to know if you're on a cruise, planning a cruise or trying to rebook a cruise. The Viking cancellation email states 'we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. 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. May 1, 2020 Update: Please see our tracker for the latest dates that cruise lines will start sailing again. Author: bill March 11, 2020, Updated: May 2, 2020. wasn't worth 3 months interest. What's Next Now that the CDC Is Out of the Cruise Regulation Game? We will stand by our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us. 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. Just got off the phone with my Viking rep..we're taking the 100% refund but we will be back. Refunded to your credit card. The company will continue to . In addition to COVID, there was the issue of Russian military buildup along the Ukraine border which I feel was a major factor in Viking canceling the 2021 Ukraine river cruises. Related: Some cruise ships could be laid up for months. We've seen this before. 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. Same friends on Princess booked for the first time with Viking for a March 2021 cruise and won't pay until September. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Since you seem to be skeptical, that's cash in hand. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). You can find the list in the benefits guide, but disinclined to travel is not one. This has always been Viking's ambition and will remain so. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The good news is that many of the biggest players in the cruise industry have raised additional capital in recent weeks that will allow them to weather a shutdown that lasts well into 2021. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. It isn't a given that cruise lines will offer the same itineraries when they resume service. 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. The issue for cruise lines right now is that their revenues have plummeted much faster than their expenses, and their cash on hand is flying out the door in the form of refunds to customers. Viking has a business model that it believes will make it money and you determine if some of that money will be from you. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. 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. Guests can change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departure and Viking will waive any fees. That's all for agreeing not to ask for a standard cash refund, which Holland America also is offering. CC Help Jenn 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 . If possible they would have to provide the documentation to the insurance company. 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. Started August 27, 2021, By Onboard spending credits can be used for extra-charge restaurants, spa treatments and other pricey add-ons. And you cant file on insurance since its not officially cancelled. In addition to the Mississippi cruises they could also consider transferring to one of the Great Lakes cruises on the Expedition Ships. Future cruises must be taken before Dec. 31, 2022. Thanks Viking! Until the order is lifted, cruisers only can travel home from U.S. ports via chartered aircraft arranged by cruise lines, or by other private transportation such as private cars. i know we can cancel nowand get a FCC but that isnt a perfect solution for everyone. Why you might want to wait to change or cancel your flight or cruise. 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. Related: Could cruising resume in August? We hope they can make it through this. And, at the beginning of April 2020, we will announce our newest river voyages closer to home, in America's heartland. By SpaceX and NASA have called off an astronaut launch to the International Space Station after an issue with the rocket's ground system was detected. Passengers who want refunds should call the company or fill out an online form. Take the cash. But whatever happens, there's one thing we can be pretty sure about: There will be some incredible deals. Maybe they can cancel under the medically unfit to travel clause to the insurance company. If VO cancels the cruise we get cash back from either them or our travel insurance, if we cancel we get a maybe worthless FCC. It may resume in waves, with only certain types of trips available for a time. Refunds are made based on the cancellation conditions. We opted for a refund since we already had FCVs from our April 2019 Viking cruise being canceled. This claim would have nothing to do with Viking. Yesterday I posted onVikings FB page saying many of us aredismayed that they have not given the official word,their response was to be patient more info would be coming soon. will respond. Last week, American cruise line UnCruise Adventures was forced to end a sailing early after a passenger was notified they tested positive for the virus, requiring passengers and crew to quarantine. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. KEY FACTS. As of now, the 30-day moratorium on cruises ends on April 10. In addition to our many award-winning river and ocean cruises, in early 2022 we will launch our expedition journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as North America's Great Lakes. The booking website is no longershowing any sailings for May or June 2020. In most cases, when you . Maybe other places as well, I'm not sure. This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so. 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. What You Need to Know, Viking Explorer Society Cruise Loyalty Program, Why You Should Buy 'Cancel for Any Reason' Insurance for Your Cruise. Why Are Future Cruise Credits and Refunds Taking So Long? I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made travel exceedingly complicated. CC Help Jenn CC Help Jenn It's always best to comb . $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. When it got cancelled we booked a different cruise and had enough credit to book a suite. 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. 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. 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? 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 . I too am anxious but I know I have to wait. For those guests whose cruise falls within this window of suspended operations, we are offering the choice of a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking or a refund equal to the amount paid. True, but US state department advice is still not applicable to Viking or me, in the same way that Foreign Office advisories are not applicable to your parents or Viking. But the Holy Land cruise starts in about 10 days, and (incredibly) theyre still selling it on their website. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. Still, in an environment such as the current one, with the length of the travel shutdown still unknown, you may want to think twice before allowing your money to be tied up unnecessarily with a travel company. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration have been permanently retired. And they're making the offers enticing. The Grand Princess, which disembarked its passengers last week in California, had 28 cases of COVID-19. Maybe after a 2-year period? Your contract is with Viking River Cruises UK Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (Co. No.01283655) whose registered office is at Nelsons House, 83 Wimbledon Park Side, London, SW19 5LP. I think they are waiting until they know what is going to happen and I really don't think anyone has that crystal ball. Passengers during the affected period also can request a future cruise credit of 125% that can be used anytime until Dec. 31, 2021. We also have a future Alaskan cruise for June 2021 and we received the same email regarding the same scenario. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Future cruise voucher at 125% or 100% cash refund. Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. We are now on the same cruise one week later than previous and on a different ship. 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. 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. Passengers have until Dec. 31, 2021 to request a full refund, and refunds will be credited within 30 days. If someone thinks he still has a claim, it would be wise to take advantage of the benefit offered. Check here before booking an award fare. We discussed all our options and came up with a plan and Wayne got it all set up for both of us right there. Cruise lines havepausedtheir operations for at least 30 days. Refunds will be credited within 90 days, the company said. Antiquities and the Holy Land. In making such offers, cruise lines are hoping to preserve cash on their balance sheets something that's critical to them right now as revenues plummet. Last month, Princess Cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. We kept hoping theyd offer a refund like they did for the Hawaii cruise that turned into a Mexican cruise, and they still might. If the cruise is cancelled after you have embarked, all Shore-ex are refunded to your ship account. Enrollment required. Email ctate@usatoday.com. Powered by Invision Community. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination were also sent to long-term storage with no timeline for their return. Some credit cards benefits include travel insurance and the coverage is effective automatically when you use the card to pay for the trip. Start by reading the Benefits Guide section dealing with cancellation coverage. 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. 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. 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