Email ctate@usatoday.com. FAQ: What Are the Latest Cruising Rules From the CDC. CC Help Jenn Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination were also sent to long-term storage with no timeline for their return. Rest assured, our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125% of all monies paid to Viking. U.S. ships currently at sea will continue on schedule. Started August 27, 2021, By . MVJ is displaying an error message. As a guest whose cruise falls within this window of suspended operations, we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. We are a private, closely-held company, which means we do not have to rush the decision to return to service.. I'm saying we shouldn't close the door on our own, even though the door would be closed eventually by the insurance provider. Refund. What's Next Now that the CDC Is Out of the Cruise Regulation Game? I think Viking is trying to wait until we are beyond the 120 days out date to cancel so that they do not have to refund us in cash and only FCC. 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. That puts it as the first cruise after their cancellations. 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. (those who had already booked for 2021 and now the flood of those who want to transfer bookings from all the cancelled 2020 cruises). For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be subject . (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Since you seem to be skeptical, that's cash in hand. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. Will other lines follow? Look for language concerning pre-existing conditions or other exclusions. When Are Cruise Lines Around the World Expected To Resume Service? That's $1,500 in extra value -- a 37.5% return on the original payment of $4,000 -- just for letting the cruise company hold onto the original payment for another year or two. Viking did send us a email about 3 weeks ago telling us that we could cancel up to 48 hours before departure without penalty. Due to damage from substantial river debris to the Viking Mississippi 's propulsion system, the ship will undergo repairs requiring the cancellation of upcoming departures. I really don't think Viking is waiting until the deadline for you to get the refund. It's also possible cruises won't be among the best deals around. The company first paused operations on March 11. Powered by Invision Community. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. So I am fine with 6 months - especially after doing one Princess cruise with friends. Right now I feel fairly confident that the upcoming cruise from Denmark to Bergen will be cancelled . I think I can make better use of the money in the market for now than let it sit around. Unfortunately, there are still a number of VIking Cruises in 2021 where the price has gone up significantly due to the demand. 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. 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. $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. the CDC warned everyone to avoid cruise ships, Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group, announced Friday, Princess Cruises said Thursday that it would suspend its operations for 60 days, Carnival said in a letter to passengers Friday, Norwegian is offering passengers a full refund for cruises, Royal Caribbean is offering passengers a full refund, Carnival is offering either a full refund or a 100% future cruise credit, which has been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Refunds come with future cruise credits of 25% to 100%, delay contacting the company until later in the month, Viking will issue full refunds to affected passengers, Disney Cruises will offer full refunds or credits, Viking will resume its operations on May 1, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Our cruise in June was cancelled, of course. The US state department is not relevant to any of us. By adding 25% to the value of what you originally paid, you now have the opportunity to enhance your trip such as choosing a longer itinerary; adding a Pre/Post cruise extension; upgrading your stateroom category; or even upgrading to business class air. 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. It has for me 4 times over the past few years. 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. It sounds great, doesn't it? //