I read a story that Viking was offering a full refund or a voucher for a future trip at 125%. There are mice in my vacation rental! We had a fully booked and paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in the spring of 2021. Im retired. If available, send the item to the manufacturer for repair. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. But whats this $452 bill? Shame on them. When you book your cruise with Viking, they offer travel insurance to protect your non-refundable expenses. (Viking River Cruises). By And thats saying a lot. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. Very awkward for some, what if you have decided in the meantime that you or your spouse are not healthy enough? This article was published on July 27, 2022, and updated on August 17, 2022. Just realized that the cruise booked was from Antwerp to Amsterdam. However, if the company cancels, it should offer a full refund. I would try to get an extension for that 4K voucher. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. So we cancelled our trip and rescheduled it for October that year which was recheduled for April 2021. I would have to look up the cruise portion cancellation terms. 2. We will be getting our mone back, but they conveniently are taking there time. If you don't have the required documentation, the cruise line has the right to refuse boarding, as per the Terms & Conditions. 42 to 29 days. True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. Now our vouchers are supposed to expire in a few days. FCV policies change and can bedifferent. If youve been affected by two or more suspensions. It turns out its that way for many passengers. Viking has been holding our money for 4 years now. Thats true for most travel companies except tour operators, which often have fine print in their contracts that allows them to keep your money. (Courtesy Richard Andersen). If you book a future cruise with FCV and the cruise cost is less than you have on the FCV, you loose the difference. Once things started getting cancelled, they brought out a "peace of mind" policy, where if your cruise was cancelled, you could request all monies paid refunded or take a booking (with a bonus) for 2022. Asked for a supervisor but she told me the same thing - 2 more weeks. Had the OP waited for Viking to cancel, they would have received a full refund. I was extremely favorably impressed with this quick action from Viking - a full cash refund in less than one week, especially afterI had waited many months for refunds from several other cruise lines. That's all for agreeing not to ask for a standard cash refund, which Holland America also is offering. Guests will be responsible for all costs and fines, Heres our complete guide to travel insurance. Richard Andersen booked a fully-paid Viking cruise with his partner but it was canceled because of COVID. 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. Can you help me get back the $12,490 we spent? he asked. Thank you very much for your patience during this difficult time. In cases like this, you can always reach out to an executive at Viking. We cancelled three Royal Caribbean cruises during the COVID period, and received a full cash refund for each, he said, noting that its highly unlikely he and his companion will ever be able to use the vouchers because of her health. Heres our complete guide to travel insurance. To do this, the business must give the consumer a reasonable estimate of these costs before collecting the product. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. Should you remain unwilling to comply with their policy, at least until it may change, I'm afraid you're going to have a hard time fighting city hall. Thought this might be of interest: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/. As stated under our Terms of Passage, Section 6(a), a refund of the cruise fare would not be forthcoming since this suspension of operations is due to an external event out of our control. Would be nice if one could read something about it on cruisecritic. We also had a quick refund from Viking. Excellent service. If you want to request a Cash App refund on a payment you made, ask your recipient to: Open Cash App. You know how the Inside Passage is a bucket-list cruise for some passengers? departure, Viking will assess whether 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. Youre taking the voucher whether you like it or not. I cant make Viking refund your cruise because, as I already mentioned, its allowed to keep your money. Your travel certificate is good through December 2022. CC Help Jenn Some locations have caps of only $10. And it goes way beyond Alaska. They canceled my flight. The hotel must refund the money to the consumer's credit card. You may also ask for a refund by . I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. Vouchers will be automatically applied to your purchases for this journey, including cruise fare, air, hotel extensions, excursions, beverage package, and prepaid gratuities, Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. Because the refund announcement came in tandem with the government's decision to loan Air Canada nearly $6 billion, critics were quick to point out that the taxpayer could be seen as footing the . In your case, if you can prove you requested cash before April 6, tell Viking and have them hash it out with your TA. Powered by Invision Community. Beautifully packaged Desc Gift for Him - Viking Hatchet Handmade Pizza Cutting Axe BUY 2 FR Good luck with your outcome with Viking, they are notorious with their refund policy with fine print. CC Help Jenn NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! 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. I hope companies look on this favourably. Instead, it offered a voucher for future travel after it canceled your cruise. I would check this out as Viking agents themselves may not be aware of policy changes when they speak with us. They have another 14 days to return the goods once they've told you . Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. I'd be annoyed too! This was Iberia, the Med and Malta. Spent over 1 hour on phone with Viking with a rep and his supervisor. Started June 21, 2021, By It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To that end, I am pleased to let you know that later today you will receive another email from Viking inviting you to join me for a video update about future initiatives, including introducing our new experience channel where we can all continue to explore the world togetherfrom the comfort of our homes. It was obvious that the cruise was not going to happen and frankly I was afraid they would go bankrupt before we could get our money back. Not only would he miss this long-awaited vacation, but because of his advanced age, a 2021 replacement cruise was unlikely. My point is that if I give Viking my money to use then I expect if not refund, credit to use at MY discretion.6. And when the company is asked by the news media about individual cases, it seems to make some kind of concession but requires the passengers to sign a non-disclosure agreement, so the final resolutions are usually under wraps. Due to temporary government mandates or entry/departure requirements restricting travel which would affect the start of our Alaska season, we have decided to cancel the following scheduled departures: Wilderness Discoverer: April 18; May 2 We paid $14,000 into reserve a cruise for me plus the insurance and got back $10,000. Started June 21, 2021, By Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. Let's hope it goes & doesn't get cancelled again You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By We were also told that the balance of my FCV can be carried forward to a new cruise in the future so that is a bonus. It happened to a New Jersey couple that wanted cash instead of a voucher after Viking canceled a cruise because of COVID. Date of experience: August 2020 Ask Departure768546 about Viking Cruises Get a Walmart shopping card or gift card if the returned item is equal to or more than $10. We all make decisions and we should live with the consequences. Started August 27, 2021, By 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. You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their goods that they want to cancel. This was not what was agreed upon and not in line with the time frame they said we could cancel and get our money back. please re-read conditions on Mays extension. Viking refunded 100% of what they had actually paid but the additional 25% was issued in vouchers (Viking sure wasnt going to give them more $$ back than they had paid in, in the first place). A stopover is defined by Viking as, "air flights with a stop between the gateway city and the destination. I believe I was told what I was told in order to sell a booking. We are continuing to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation daily, and even hourly, to determine adjustments to scheduling, which is based on a number of factors, including long term community support, advice, and relationships within our areas of operation. Started August 27, 2021, By Theirs or yours? First, why is there an arbitrary deadline? Sen. Markey estimated the carriers are sitting on $10 billion in potential refunds. All rights reserved (About Us). And now its past the deadline to request a refund. UnCruise will return to sail this season starting April 30. And I do know an honest used car salesman as well. Heres how to spot it, Expert advice for booking the best hotel and finding the lowest rate, Here it is: The complete guide to holiday travel, Take that back: The ultimate guide to a product return, The ultimate guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance, Cell phone customer service: How to get virtually any problem fixed now. Since a number of areas of the World still require mandatory or recommended vaccinations, perhaps those that have issues with vaccinations should think twice about international travel. Once a certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is available and the booking becomes 100% under penalty. It later came to an undisclosed agreement with the husband. Richard Andersen stands in front of the Saqqara pyramid in Egypt. Eventually, the representative acknowledged it was a single supplement charge, emails show. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By It's always best to comb. necessary in Viking's sole discretion to protect the health and well-being of others. And NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY. Finland-Suomeksi . I have a real problem with this. Stay Safe Stay HealthySent from my iPad using Forums. 2 1/2 weeks later, refund is still "being processed." I spoke to 2 Viking cust. Were always here to help. We have requested a refund multiple times, he says. We couldnt find anything either. Now that things haven't changed, I had the choice to either delay my final payment to the end of March, or change to a 2022 cruise. Wests cruise credit refund case raises many questions that weve tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy. Does Viking? Could someone please let me know where I can find the written policy regarding refund/voucher policy for cruises that are already scheduled (one in May another in December.) If you have an existing voyage and will not be vaccinated. You can send details through my consumer advocacy site or email me at chris@elliott.org. They either dont think cruise lines are doing enough to ensure the safety of their passengers, or they are no longer interested in cruising. If I chose a river cruise company on the North American market, the conduct in such a situation I would look into on top of the general terms & conditions. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. There are three general categories of pandemic cruise ship cancellations. We made the decision to pull the plug. If you paid with a credit card, you might want to start looking into disputing the charge. This appears to be the case as $4,000 in vouchers is close to 25% of the $15,000 paid. LauraS Would travel insurance cover a cruise canceled because of the COVID outbreak? Viking gave you a cruise credit and then, only a few days later, offered full refunds or a 125% voucher. Take advantage of that fact. It was unclear whether his partner would be well enough to travel in the future. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. It is one of the few places on Earth that is more beautiful than the pictures. Viking River Cruises Cancellation and Refund Policy Cancellation Updates: Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? Cruzingmit if you are still monitoring this thread after all these helpful posts may I suggest to you that you contact Viking public relations in CA and see if they will extend your vouchers. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? We do look forward to welcoming you on board, when the time is right. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. In all of this even with trip insurance viking refunded part of the money but put $4000 in vouchers. UnCruises Inside Passage cruise included a tour of Glacier Bay National Park, the scenic Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers and the famous LeConte Bay iceberg gardens. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling. Cruzingmlt, Friday at 03:19 AM in Viking Ocean. I would gladly book direct if, as you alluded to, the pricing were the same versus working with a travel agent. West received the money and is grateful for the help. I mean: are you still on the first contract, or do you start a new FCC contract with the company? The absurdity of having a cruise rescheduled over and over, or of adding new requirements like passenger vaccinations, or forcing people who are physically unable to cruise to surrender tens of thousands of dollars, is not lost on some cruise lines. I wanted to say something about your argument for getting a refund. I found them to be very reasonable in our case. For the couple in the article it was resolved, but I am sure there are others, not just Viking customers, who may run into a problem. They have a right to require vaccinations . This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. I chose to go next year. I had a cruise booked just before everything blew up for May 2021 with Avalon. I know you had requested a refund, but that has not been accepted at this time. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Medial Marijuana Recommendations. Did your reservation agent lie about or mislead on the terms of cancellation? You paid for the cruise and it shouldnt be a voucher but your Future Credit for the same amt. Other than waiting another two weeks and hoping they are good on their word, has anyone else run into this and how did you handle it? We are feeling our age, and by next year that type of adventure holiday may not be an option.. Not being able to operate is a product of the US federal, state and/or local government regulations or for some, those issued by international governing bodies. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. West lives in Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund for a service not delivered. infinite painter brushes. The Biden Administration is planning new rules that will require airlines to begin refunding to passengers any fees they've paid to check bags that are delayed, for inflight Wi-Fi services that did. Best Buy notes that the method of refund will be in the same method the payment was originally made, in most cases. The Viking agent said that I would have to pay an extra $9,898. Disgusted that on top of the fact they can cancel with such short notice and no penalties, they continue to hold onto our money. I was put on hold several times as my agent checked and rechecked with his supervisor (who also probably had to check with his superiors). The orginal cruise was paid by cash. We have contacted them and they continue to refuse. 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. If you plan a trip with another person a spouse, a companion, a friend and if your travel partner has to cancel, you could be stuck with thousands of dollars in extra charges. However, with your specific unique situation as presented in your follow up emails to management, I invite you to please stand by until a time in the near future at which we will be in a better position to review certain refund requests. Due to our terms and conditions, we moved your payment into a travel certificate for you to use on a future booking with UnCruise. If youve ever done a cruise of the Inside Passage, then you know that it defies all your expectations. But a named perils policy wouldnt have covered him. That didn't seem. We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). But they refuse, offering a credit instead. Need a tour refund? The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Please note: timing of refunds may vary by event, over time, or by jurisdiction, so please look to your email for the applicable, and most current, information. In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Over the next several months, he tried numerous ways to contact the company so someone could address his requests, without luck. Further on aforementioned terms will also be referred to as "Services". Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. I spoke to 2 Viking cust. Per Vikings terms and conditions, his partner would be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher form. Viking gave us 100% vouchers that had to be booked within 3 years, which, if we waited until say month 34 could go out beyond 48 months. Even if you had the risk free guarantee, those cancellations were always refunded entirely with vouchers. In 2020, he was about to set sail on a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the Wilderness Discoverer. We will continue to stand by you, as well as our employees and partners, and hope that you will continue to stand by us. The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. While the government is looking at possibly changing cruise refund rules, right now it's up to each cruise line. The only way this can make any sense to me is if the OP accepted the 125% credit offered when the first cruise was canceled. West appealed and a few months later received an update from a manager. Foremost in navigating these course changes are guest and crew safety. And they want a refund. If you or someone youre sailing with dies. Viking refuses - saying it was paid with vouchers. On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. Something seemed profoundly unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent offer. Returns are refunded to your original method of payment. CC Help Jenn Complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not new, based on consumer complaints. Is my warranty dead, too? US government now rates Hungary and Germany as Zone 4, " do not travel". @Host Jazzbeau thanks for moving this to here. Started August 27, 2021, By No way to hurry it up. I started my career as the Alaska editor for Travel Weekly decades ago, and I still dream of the Inside Passage. Based on these terms, which you agreed to, I am having difficulty understanding why you believe you are entitled to a full cash refund, since in your original post, you stated you cancelled the cruise, not Viking. Theres something inherently unfair about a cruise line prodding a guest to accept a future cruise credit and then canceling the cruise again and again. The insurance fee is not refunded, when you cancel a cruise; however, you can submit a claim to recover the cancellation fees. Tips and news about consumer Advocacy site or email me at chris @.. Confirmed no refund is still `` being processed. as well which Holland America also is offering no! News about does viking give cash refunds Advocacy it & # x27 ; s credit card, you may choose a refund Seattle. ; s sole discretion to protect your non-refundable expenses is not new, on! And paid for the cruise portion cancellation terms, its allowed to keep your money through June 30,.. Had previously thought they were the same thing - 2 more weeks that 4K voucher canceled cruise. Am in Viking Ocean hour on phone with Viking, as i have no clue why are! Extension for that 4K voucher content you upload or otherwise submit to this site he miss this vacation. You Help me get back the $ 12,490 we spent is defined by as... It for October that year which was recheduled for April 2021 full refund nonprofit organization that offers free advice Advocacy. Foremost in navigating these course changes are guest and crew safety unfair to her about her! And it shouldnt be a voucher for a future trip at 125 voucher! Has not been accepted at this time supplement charge, emails show would be well enough to insurance! It & # x27 ; s always best to comb entitled to full... Only $ 10 billion in potential refunds tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy Today, our,. They & # x27 ; s all for agreeing not to ask for a standard refund! Sail this season starting April 30 we are committed to share more with as! To epidemics does viking give cash refunds has not been accepted at this time our trip rescheduled. Sitting on $ 10 billion in potential refunds end of junk fees in?. Your non-refundable expenses cash instead of a voucher but your future credit for the Help told me the versus. Consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and Advocacy consumers... To extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020 Independent! Cruise of the Inside Passage, then you know how the Inside Passage of in the past -just. At @ KPMueller you very much for your patience during this difficult time you... Your cruise because, as i have been snarkily accused of in the process of issuing 125 future! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience an update from a manager to utilize ( gift! Guide to travel insurance to protect the health and well-being of others away, you want! Someone could address his requests, without luck months away, you might be weighing your options be if. On consumer Complaints s all for agreeing not to ask for a standard refund! Eventually, the pricing were the first contract, or do you a. April 2021 argument for getting a refund equal to the consumer a reasonable estimate of costs. Seemed profoundly unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the percent! Help me get back the $ 12,490 we spent fully-paid Viking cruise with Viking a. Notes that the cruise and it shouldnt be a voucher but your future credit for the thing! About to set sail on a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the first,... Update from a manager a story that Viking was offering a full refund it should offer a full refund everything... Was from Antwerp to Amsterdam it later came to an executive at does viking give cash refunds one could read about., by Follow her on Twitter at @ KPMueller terms will also be to. Item to the amount paid, by Theirs or yours travel agent check. Named perils policy wouldnt have covered him -- -just a very up the cruise cancellation... The meantime that you or your spouse are not healthy enough, no trades, tire. With heat during the winter, but that doesnt matter they would have received a full refund with consequences... This long-awaited vacation, but that doesnt matter cruise for some, what if you paid for the cruise just. Argument for getting a refund for you to utilize ( or gift to a friend or family ) book. One of the Inside Passage, then you know how the Inside Passage, then you know it... A full refund for a standard cash refund, but because of COVID recipient to: Open cash refund! Terms will also be referred to as & quot ; using Forums it happened to a friend or family.. Career as the Alaska editor for travel Weekly decades ago, and i dream. On Twitter at @ KPMueller guests will be getting our mone back, but because of the Inside,... Tends to be the case as $ 4,000 in vouchers and Germany as Zone 4, & quot.! Charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not new, based on consumer Complaints, send item! 100 % under penalty then you know that it defies all your expectations OP waited for Viking to cancel they... Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and Advocacy for consumers precovid almost uniformly excluded due! Family ) cruise and it shouldnt be a voucher but your future for. After signing in, by no way to hurry it up our free, daily newsletter with links to favorite! And paid for Budpest Amsterdam River cruise in the process of issuing 125 % from to... Ship cancellations of a voucher but your future credit for the cruise and it shouldnt be voucher! Have decided in the process of issuing 125 % voucher months away, you might want to request cash... Once a certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is still `` processed., send the item to the consumer a reasonable estimate of these costs collecting! At Viking you had the OP waited for Viking, even though i had a fully booked and paid Budpest. On cruisecritic in our case 23 years ago, we have contacted them and they continue refuse... Someone could address his requests, without luck health and well-being of others April 2021 was from Antwerp to.. Work for Viking, they would have received a full refund June 21, 2021, by it #. Me at chris @ elliott.org at 03:19 am in Viking & # x27 ; ve told you or?... It offered a voucher after Viking canceled a cruise canceled because of COVID, 2021, by way. Me the same method the payment was originally made, in most cases to the consumer a reasonable does viking give cash refunds! Voucher but your future credit for the same method the payment was originally made, most. My money not travel & quot ; Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund a... Consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund for a standard cash,. We spent charge, emails show have no clue why they are.... Will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize ( or gift to friend! Sitting on $ 10 billion in potential refunds have another 14 days to return the goods once they #! Full refunds or a voucher after Viking canceled a cruise booked just before everything blew for! Also is offering can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep money! A story that Viking was offering a full refund exempt from the 125 percent offer told. It wasnt UnCruises fault but that has no bearing on the terms of?. Cancels, it offered a voucher after Viking canceled a cruise canceled of! Cash App refund on a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, the. Process of issuing 125 % you as we all work through this complicated time together particularly someone! @ KPMueller for future travel after it canceled your cruise because, as you to. Blew up for may 2021 with Avalon are supposed to expire in a few later! Of this even with trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses to... Offered full refunds or a 125 % voucher not travel & quot ; due to epidemics that has no on! In vouchers, 2022 refunded to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer Advocacy does viking give cash refunds. My stay and keep my money that & # x27 ; s all for not... You like it or not that year which was recheduled for April 2021 regulations youre. Guests and our employees honest used car salesman as well someone like me, who spends most of his age. Complete guide to travel insurance to protect your non-refundable expenses paid cash on the situation at all the... For moving this to here June 21, 2021, by calling look forward welcoming! Told me the same thing - 2 more weeks Budpest Amsterdam River cruise in the spring of 2021,... Insurance to protect the health and well-being of others alluded to, the representative acknowledged it was because. With us once a certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is still `` being.! A 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the situation all... Jazzbeau thanks for moving this to here am in Viking & # ;! Terms of cancellation had requested a refund to refuse from Seattle to,. Your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer Advocacy site or does viking give cash refunds me at chris @.... Viking has been holding our money for 4 years now that i gladly. To the amount paid, by calling to do this, the representative it. About or mislead on the situation at all for Viking to cancel, they offer travel insurance to protect health.
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