If the Omicron variant is giving you enough anxiety that delaying your cruise, there is usually an opportunity to cancel your cruise thanks to more flexible policies from the cruise lines. Posted November 19, 2020 (edited) Update now posted on Viking's website - all cancelled until end Jan 21 + other in later months due to regional issues. Historic Wittenberg, home to Martin Luther. ". With three Viking River Cruises under my belt, I thought it was high time to share why this is one of my favorite companies to travel with. Viking River Cruises canceled all Russian river cruises and its planned Kyiv, Black Sea & Bucharest routes this year due to the events. Even more so I hope for North America that the choice of several operators with - for you - favourable terms and conditions will remain after this crisis is over. Fairytale windmills of The . There are numerous ship repair/maintenance people onboard and they are taking up rooms. Brutal but true, as much as it hurts me to say that. The start of this story began in April 2021 when Viking CANCELED my July cruise to Norway and Iceland. Needless to say, my response did not include any of these qualities.. Hopefully when our lives return to a sense of normalcy there will still be a variety ofoptions to choose from when booking a river cruise. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. We understand that some of our guests might be hesitant about making a cruise reservation or traveling at this time. When I transferred it to a TA the agency movedthe payment up 2 weeks not a big deal. For your convenience, Viking offers a Travel Protection Plan. So some of the rooms are unavailable for these reasons.. If not worse in a time when the markets were growing. Of course there are unexpected circumstances that may necessitate setting aside policy. I have never sailed Viking and don't have first hand opinions about them - though I think they are one of the lines that will weather the storm better due to paying for their ships in cash. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-800-304-9616 or Contact Your Travel Advisor. I had one situation where I got SBC for paying at booking for a cruise 11 months out. I was angry last Wednesday.Related Articles Guests can feel comfortable knowing they are able to reschedule their cruise with our Cruise with Confidence program," the statement read. I am sorry that I see their demise and re-organization with lots of travelers left with only memories of the cruise that did not happen. Applies primarily to bookings containing 1-30 persons and bookings with conference made online and where none. The letters offered limited explanation except to say that the company wants to ensure its voyages are top quality, and challenging circumstances mean that the Viking Mississippi must sail at reduced capacity. Owned & operated fleet, with the best docking locations in Europe. Should you wish to change your reservation, you can choose which policy works best for you: Vikings Risk-Free Guarantee or standard cancellation policy. 733 0 obj <> endobj They also invited their good friends Deborah and Alvi Blankenship. Award-winning Viking Longships. %%EOF This guarantee is combinable with all other Viking offers available. . I understand your point. (Dave Kettering/Telegraph Herald via AP) A Viking river cruise ship heading . An additional four Arctic sailings have new itineraries. Future Cruise Vouchers valued at 125% are available exclusively for those guests whose cruise was cancelled due to, or associated with, our suspended operations. I hope not. "It's disappointing because St. Petersburg is one of the crown jewels of the Scandinavian itineraries," said Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, during the company's earnings call last Thursday. States further updates from the Chairman in December. hbbd```b``"WH R,>!"A$}&MP*%&H@q';bW2;?MLL9 n? The Pletchers arent the only couple who have been bumped from Vikings new Mississippi River cruises at the last minute. I realize it's too late if one already agreed to pay over a year in advance, but when booking future cruises with Viking, insist on a different final payment due date. Signature destinations include Central America, Panama Canal transit, USA West Coast, Hawaii, Transpacific crossing to New Zealand and Australia, Asia, Middle East, Suez Canal transit to Europe and the UK. I did end my post by wondering if it made a difference that we had a TA dealing with Viking for us. Its unclear how many reservations have been terminated with days to spare, but a Facebook community page created by a ticket-holder on July 1 Viking Mississippi Cruise has drawn dozens of comments, many of them from worried or unhappy reservation-holders. Reservation changes under the Risk-Free Guarantee will be reimbursed in the form of a Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 100% of all monies paid to Viking. "Our mission is to help Americans better know and understand our neighbors through travel," Steves wrote in a blog post from late February. Rejuvenate in a king-size bed with a soft duvet and goose-down pillows. Where Are Norwegian Cruise Ships Registered, When Is The Best Month To Cruise To Alaska, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Do Mississippi River Cruises Have Casinos, Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Reykjavik Iceland, What Cruise Line Goes Around Hawaiian Islands, announcements from other cruise operators, banned UK airlines from its airspace in response to the UK doing the same for Russian carriers, Crystal Cruises is reportedly shutting down US operations, Where Does Norwegian Cruise Lines Sail Out Of, Kings Bay Scenic Cruise From Crystal River, Are Gratuities Included On Viking River Cruises. The scenic route was a gentle way to ease back into cruising. I understand what the written policy is stating, however this was the offer to us. With today's news of Slovakia being in lockdown for the next two weeks, one has to wonder if the lines that haven't already cancelled the season should cancel the season. Calls to St. Petersburg will be replaced by destinations in Finland and Estonia. 15 days of eating, testing, visiting Christmas markets that are a regulated event with signs and barriers - when they are actually on - and not knowing if you will make it to Budapest on the ship you started in Amsterdam with, is not fun. But they did keep $300 total unrefunded - $100 each cancellation penalty plus $50 each air penalty. Call a Viking Expert at 1-800-2-VIKING or see your Travel Advisor. But to be honest, at this point in time, I would prefer it if tourists from outside of Europe did not come at all. Theyll refund the vouched amount to you. But, if youd rather have a refund for your canceled cruise, you need to request it from Viking before August 24, 2020. We will be doing the Rhine in December on Crystal. Sober home operators oppose regulations in MN House bill, state officials say changes necessary Christmas Markets seem to be falling away, I wonder what the chance is Viking will cancel cruise entirely? "Poseidon Expeditions Cancels 2022 Russia, North Pole Programs." March 15, 2022. Fortunately for us we booked last November and can cancel up to 24 hours before the cruise and get 100% FCC. So when they got a brochure to take a 15-day Viking cruise through the Panama Canal and Central America, Wasserman said his wife couldnt resist. A Viking spokesperson said: The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Therefore, as of today, we have canceled all 2022 tours that include a stop in Russia.". Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link, 8 days Calls to Viking for comment were not returned this week. Uefa moved footballs Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris and Formula One cancelled the Russian grand prix, which is reportedly potentially set to move to Turkey. When you are covered by the Risk-Free Guarantee you may change your cruise reservation with notification to Viking. In 2019 the parent company created the brand Viking Expeditions, with a newbuild fleet of two small-sized expedition vessels Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , plus 2 more same-designed units. Passengers have called the latter easier said than done as trips fill up years in advance. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), Viking Mississippi cancels some cruise passengers four days ahead of departure, Sober home operators oppose regulations in MN House bill, state officials say changes necessary, Ward 1 convention ends in walk-out, no endorsement after grueling 9 1/2 hours, After six decades of arts education, founder of St. Paul-based ArtStart to retire, Reporter who fled Taliban now writes for fellow refugees in St. Paul, For sale: A green thumbs house on Summit Avenue (with a conservatory! My opinion has not changed, I think it would have been better to not let this cruise go ahead. So far, only one line -- Avalon Waterways -- has cancelled its Main and Danube voyages for the rest of the year. Learn what to expect if you decide to cancel your booked sailing, rather than waiting to see if your cruise line cancels it. The voyage starts from Port Everglades on December 24, 2021, and ends in London City England. Also, what is the Viking "demise" you speak of? Menu. So I already received credit back for my deposit. But they did keep $300 total unrefunded - $100 each cancellation penalty plus $50 each air penalty. The longer/71-day itinerary visits 33 ports . By The 136-day itinerary visits 56 ports in 27 countries, with 11 port city overnights and 3x new for Viking cruise ports . The new ship is currently scheduled to start operations with a Viking World Cruise 2022-2023. It's been observed again and again, despite what Viking initially tells you. We can always rebook. If you continue to see this message, please call 138 747 (AU) OR 0800 447 913 (NZ). Viking, which operates both ocean and river cruises, has canceled all 2022 departures from its Kyiv, Black Sea and Bucharest itinerary. Viking said the news just came out and they are evaluating and to watch for email. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that such a measure is no longer necessary, citing that the pandemic has shifted to a new phase because of the effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics and high rates of immunity at the population level in the U.S. I think that was the air plus? that we paid for to have a say in our flights. Are you just speculating, or have you read something? Sharkster, I believethat you were able to delay your full payment,but our experience was entirely different. They would fly to Italy and take an 8-day Viking River Cruise called "Italian Sojourn," which would travel around Italy's . In this Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, photo, the Viking Mississippi cruise ship docks at the Port of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. The cruise lines should step up and just cancel the season. Is there Internet access on board the ship? Just a day before they cancelled the cruise because of the COVID-19 Pandemic I called to cancel and asked for a refund. Being a retired infection control nurse I would be very surprised to see European river cruises happening at all this summer. Since day one, it has been our mission to create experiences that focus on the destination and allow our guests to explore the world in comfort. TA's have no problem getting better terms. country, 12 days Guests will enjoy these unique and rarely visited destinations and immersive shore excursions to take in the rich cultures and breathtaking vistas of the Baltic.. Also Check: Do Alaskan Cruises Have Pools. "We have planned alternative ports and will communicate itinerary changes in the next few days to our guests and travel partners. Yesterday 8 countys in Bavaria were over 1,000, today its 10 - which means the stricter lockdown with closed hotels and restaurants. None of these would normally be on the ship. Recommended Reading: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Crete. Ive done Viking cruises on the Danube, the Rhine, and this was my last wish for travel. Others said their trips were roughly half full, carrying about 200 passengers. New Viking Ocean Cruise Ships: Viking Venus - Launched in 2021, the Viking Venus accommodates 930 passengers and features a variety of staterooms, including suites with balconies. If my health made such an option not possible, I would not come at all. Has anyone cancelled their Viking River cruise? I want the same policy from every agent.period! Local News | So far, only one line -- Avalon Waterways -- has cancelled its Main and Danube voyages for the rest of the year. But, again, this policy of full payment due with a very short time frame is costing us money we should have. It would be real interesting to see a movement by their customers against refusing to make full payment 1 and 2 years in advance. I believe the 125% FCC is for bookings through the end of April. I called immediately and was given very little information, only that we could reschedule for the trip during 2023 or 2024 with a 110 percent credit, said Richard Pletcher, who is in his 70s. Guests and their travel advisors on impacted departures have been notified directly by Viking customer relations. Then in 2022, they expect the debut of two new expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Rescheduling a trip three years from now sounds unlikely to her. Closer to home, Viking plans to build and launch their first ship to cruise the Mississippi river, Viking Mississippi. Today, 1/22/22 I contacted Viking Cruise lines about canceling a river cruise to France for this June, plenty of days before the cancellation date, and was told that I could not get ALL my money back. Fares started from USD 45000 per person with double occupancy. I had that same happy feeling till the last day of my cruise. Heres Why Im So Excited, Aurora Expeditions' Newest Ship Is Specifically Designed for Sailing Antarctica, The 8 Best Cruises for Solo Travelers of 2023, Hurtigruten Announces Three New Pole-to-Pole Cruises in 2023. We traveled last October, and our TA was told, without even having to ask for it, that final payment was due in May, 5 months from departure. 6 Russian stops on Viking's ocean itineraries will be modified, and impacted guests and travel advisors will be notified. Review of Viking Cruises. Thank you for this. mostly closed. It may be that you folks unfortunately booked during that period. Guests who prefer to forgo the added value voucher and request a refund, can call Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or their Travel Advisor bythe deadline provided in the communication notifying them of the cancellation of their cruise. Are they giving you the option of a refund if you cancelled due to the itinerary change? Both packages are priced from USD 50000 per person . Cancellation conditions 1. as I mentioned, the earliest we would be able to cruise if we don't end up doing our Oct '20 one is fall of '21, if there are any left, and at that point, Viking will have held my whole full payment for over 2 years. Generous closets, plentiful USB ports and US/EU outlets, plush robes and slippers add to your comfort. On February 24, Viking River Cruises cancelled all its 2022 departures with Ukraine river itineraries, and on 1 March, it also ceased all operations in Russia. Read Also: Which Cruise Line Is Best For Kids. Re: Viking River Cruise cancelling. Oceania Cruises, another Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand, said it too would remove Russian and Ukrainian ports from its 2022 sailings, according to an emailed statement. I would prefer a refund but can live with the FCC. Additionally, Viking highly recommends, but no longer requires, a pre-departure COVID-19 testunless one is required by the destination. Most cruise lines have enacted extremely fair and lenient refund policies for the time being. Forgot to use it? I am falling behind with the news. If we cancel we have to take a FCCso disappointed as weve had this booked since January 2019. We will see. Unfortunately, this means that some staterooms need to be cancelled, and we are contacting you today because yours is among them.. So far Passau and Regensburg are still a "go" but Vilshofen is in the county of Passau which is above 1,000 and has to go into strict lockdown. We were kind of excited about going with them because were close friends, Alvie Blankenship said. Despite the canceled 2020 cruise season, Viking has high hopes for 2021 and beyond. He came to the Pioneer Press in 2005 and brings a testy East Coast attitude to St. Paul beat reporting. Oceans; Expeditions; With Russias invasion of Ukraine creating an active war zone in the Baltic, Viking River Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises all canceled port stops or full itineraries in the region.
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