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. $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. Celebrity Cruise ships that left U.S. ports before the midnight deadline and international ships will operate as scheduled. CC Help Jenn 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. Last month, Princess Cruises canceled sailings for most of its ships through December. Author: bill March 11, 2020, Updated: May 2, 2020. Learn more. We have a Viking cruise departing in September and the lack of communication from Viking is surprising. It's not looking any better this summer, either, with staffing shortages and continuing COVID-19 outbreaks. Coronavirus: Which Cruise Ports Are Closed? Viking announced similar measures Wednesday. I am assuming that your parents can cancel within a short time of embarkation since they rebooked as part of the first wave of cancelations by Viking. True, but we should look into all possibilities and let them tell us "no.". Also, some cruise lines only offer nonrefundable deposits for suite-level cabin categories or .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;}guarantee rooms. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. For those with flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 14 days prior to the date of flight departure. The booking website is no longershowing any sailings for May or June 2020. Vouchers will be fully transferable, the company said. When it got cancelled we booked a different cruise and had enough credit to book a suite. Eight Diamond Princess passengers have died. Be careful that it is not tied to any pre-existing conditions. Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. Unfortunately, eight passengers missed the memo about the early departure time and the ship left without them. We are very pleased. U.S. ships currently at sea will continue on schedule. Woodland hills, CA 91367. 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. Passengers have until Dec. 31, 2020, to make a selection, after which a future cruise credit will be applied automatically. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Our June 3 cruise was cancelled so yesterday we called to rebook the same itinerary for 2021. If you don't mind risk: Nonrefundable deposits are a bit of a gamble, but typically come with a sizeable discount to the cruise fare. Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. 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. We hope they can make it through this. And they're making the offers enticing. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Best of luck in receiving your refund, I think you made the best decision. Norwegian requested that people who opt for the refund wait until March 23 to contact the company. If you are comfortable taking the risk, these rewards can pay off once onboard. As long as this continues they will continue to earn my business. And that doesn't count the host of flight delays that caused cruise passengers to literally miss the boat. Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. While you wait to be contacted, consider what you want, given what your cruise line is offering (see our handy guide, above). Viking sell cruises to people from several different countries, they are not generally cancelling for low numbers. That's the downside. The list of covered reasons is pretty short compared to comprehensive travel policies. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. 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. 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. You each determine what your own personal price to value ratio is and probably act accordingly. However, if you would prefer the alternative please call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or contact your Travel Agent by March 25, 2020. Bookings with refundable deposits are often eligible for price adjustment -- before the final payment date -- as well as changing to a different sail date or ship without penalty. 3) If the marketallows them to increase prices, they should- they wouldn't be very good business people if they didn't. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. They site the risk of quarantine, the spread of disease, as well as the challenges they're having providing excellent guest experiences as many ports and popular attractions are closed to visitors. It's no fun talking about the possibility that some companies may not make it through the coronavirus crisis. 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. Viking is our go to cruise line now. If not, a cash refund may be the better bet. You'll want to be able to pounce at the very best offers. The price for next year is a little lower. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. Some lines are offering even more. Find the right card for you. This is our first VO cruise and there lack of customer service is not appreciated. 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. I don't think it's false hope when we need an official confirmation. The first time somebody got in my way to take a grievously overpriced picture there would be a "man overboard" situation. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable (Peregrina?) Why you might want to wait to change or cancel your flight or cruise. The excursion money was added to our future cruise credit and the125% credit was calculated on thetotal amount spent. 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. Hoping third time is a charm and we go in January! If you're looking to support CruiseHabit.com, check out the CruiseHabit.com shop for cruise accessories and shirts. Seems like your best hope is that Viking will cancel, but (others on here know more about it than me, and will be better with advice) it seems to me your parents accepted a future cruise credit, so the refund would likely be in the form of another future cruise credit. Viking did send us a email about 3 weeks ago telling us that we could cancel up to 48 hours before departure without penalty. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By About 4 - 6 weeks after disembarkation and returning home we received a cheque from. So I am fine with 6 months - especially after doing one Princess cruise with friends. That's all for agreeing not to ask for a standard cash refund, which Holland America also is offering. The downside to a refundable deposit is that it's often not associated with the lowest price you'll find for your cruise. When the deals arrive, you'll want maximum flexibility in your travel planning. For the meantime, no news is good news. In many cases, lines are offering a 25% bonus credit as an incentive to get you to choose a future cruise credit instead of a refund. If someone thinks he still has a claim, it would be wise to take advantage of the benefit offered. These Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable. Our money was refunded by Tuesday. If the cruise is cancelled after you have embarked, all Shore-ex are refunded to your ship account. CC Help Jenn 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. 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. Refunded to your credit card. Check here before booking an award fare. Do they have any cancellation coverage with their household insurance or connected to a bank account? The agent, Wayne Crabb, was working from home and he was fabulous! This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Email ctate@usatoday.com. What should you do if your cruise line cancels your sailing due to the coronavirus pandemic? 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. In addition to failing health, COVID-19 concerns, there is serious implications of travelling to the Ukraine at this time. The CDC cited the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined last month of the coast of Japan. 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. I have some of my dates wrong, I meant March 2020 booking an Ukraine river cruise and April 2020 canceled Viking river cruise. Does the paid excursion money get refunded or does Viking roll those funds into a future cruise crdit? 10 to 15 minutes. In the time since that announcement, many of you have expressed concern for our crew, and I want to reassure you that we are taking good care of them. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Glad everything worked out well for you -especially since you trashed Vikingin another thread yesterday: They already have us figured for idiots. 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? We too got the note about cancel anytime up to 24 hrs. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. 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? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What happens to paid excursions when Viking cancels a cruise. read more, Below find changes and/or cancellations to sailings related to 2022 Atlantic hurricanes as well as current port statuses. Some cruise lines have resumed sailing again with mixed results. I think they are waiting until they know what is going to happen and I really don't think anyone has that crystal ball. Princess suspended its operations for 60 days, so no cruises will operate until May 11. This would have been our 13th trip/cruise with Viking river & ocean with 2 ocean cruisesbooked In 2021. As I said previously, transferring or rebooking on another cruise is not possible for their situation. Powered by Invision Community. KEY FACTS. 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. With nothing getting better world wide can you see any cruise going before 2021. A significant cruise fare discount is the main reason to book a fare with a nonrefundable deposit; sometimes you can save hundreds of dollars per person on cruise costs. Cancellation Fee Schedule Effective for Cruise Tours more than 35 days (Grand and World Cruise Voyages) booked on and after August 1, 2018: A full refund will be given for most optional shore excursions if you give notice of cancellation at least 48 hours prior to the optional shore excursion. Cancellation Policy Due to COVID-19 Del Rio told TPG the company might only bring back five or six of its 28 ships initially. Royal Caribbean said it would conclude its sailings as scheduled. Depending on the cruise line, if you do decide to cancel, your deposit will likely be issued to you in the form of a future cruise credit (less a cancellation fee), in place of a cash refund. CC Help Jenn 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. By No real reason to plan a vacation if you can't get off the ship. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. 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. 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. Future Cruise Sales on Celebrity Solstice. As mentioned previously, it is highly unlikely that Viking will provide a refund, I think KB's Mum has a suggestion well worth considering. 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. 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. Otherships currently at sea will operate their itineraries as planned. 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. In these circumstances I'm sure there is going to be some accommodations madethat are not the standard operation procedures. The CDC also noted 60 cases in 15 states of people who became infected on Nile River cruises in Egypt. This has always been Viking's ambition and will remain so. Viking will resume its operations on May 1. 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. It's also possible cruises won't be among the best deals around. 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. TPG values it at $1,600. Same terms for cruises cancelled in window. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"5YFK4ZwVWpG_2z6rDcSdiRVz3lCn4ORteBcFe43K3J4-1800-0"}; 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Help requested: Cancelling a Viking Cruise. Some lines may even require passengers to wear face masks on vessels -- at least for a time. 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. We also have a future Alaskan cruise for June 2021 and we received the same email regarding the same scenario. Happy campers. 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. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. Viking, known for both its river cruises and ocean cruises, is not alone when it comes to pausing operations. On April 4, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said cruise passengers no longer could fly on commercial aircraft when returning home from cruise ships docking at U.S. ports. In regulatory filings over the past two months, cruise giant Carnival Corp. has said it was burning through $1 billion a month. Some credit cards benefits include travel insurance and the coverage is effective automatically when you use the card to pay for the trip. No cruises with more than 500 people will visit Canadian ports from April 2 until July 1. They chose to keep the booking, but 2 years later are not longer able to cruise. 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 . Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. 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. //]]>. Really!!! Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. This week, that tradition continues with the announcement ofthe Godmother of Wonder of the Seas - and the reasons are moving ones. We will stand by our guests, employees and partners in these challenging times and hope that they in turn will stand by us. 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. 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. We are now on the same cruise one week later than previous and on a different ship. //