You dont cruise in Egypt in June/July because its too hot. I also booked this trip years ago when there was not a vaccine mandate.They will not return my money of around $22000.00 They told me I did not need vaccinations for 2022 ,now I found out we do .We do not believe in the vaccinations and I told them that right out front. The river cruise lines will tell you that low water levels are rare, and that few sailings are altered due to water levels but the truth is the risk is always present. 1. We rebooked yet again and we're told that we had to have the vaccine before we would be able to take our trip. 2022. My family of 4 has booked a Viking cruise with a pre and post cruise excursion. What? Under our flexible deposit policy, qualified guests can cancel their booking before final payment due date and receive deposit back in the form of a future cruise voucher. I ask if I could have the number to her managers boss she said no. We opted for the voucher. This was really Viking Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Viking River Cruises "They disembark in the morning, they go on the shore excursion, and they come back on the other side on the sister ship. Viking Cruises | Cruise Ship List - Cruises Only If you book a river cruise, you acknowledge that you might not get the exact itinerary you signed up for. The typical characteristics of river boats regardless of cruise line are about the same. We called our AAA travel agent and she notified Viking on September 17,2022, we were scheduled to leave on September 22,2022. International Association of Better Business Bureaus. On 11/22 we received an email from Trip Mate regarding the resolution of our claim. I'm now wondering what the cozy deal is between Viking and Trip Mate, considering the vast number of Trip Mate complaints from Viking Cruise customers. Cruise restart dates: when do cruise lines start again? It is the standard architecture that gives the river boat some leeway with rising and falling river levels. The only problem was it WAS VERY NOISY, couldnt get a full night sleep due the engine and the bed shaking.We will go back to the other suites.The staff was great! My bag is still missing and I will request (!) Viking River Cruises, Inc. | Complaints | Better Business Bureau Profile Companies will need more ships to carry the same amount of cargo, increasing transportation costs all of which have a negative impact on the European economy. Thank you. Story Update (September 5, 2022) Viking river cruises have posted an advisory from Danube River cruises that ship swapping may occur. - Refusal to honor its cancellation policy, Viking trip shortened due to weather, no refund. In times of high water, river boats can reduce their height by: Another aspect of river cruising is how much water does the ship draft? Trip value now ********** On 12 November 2020 we booked another cruise and added an additional ******** to bring our out of pocket total to ********** All transactions took place before before the rollout of a "vaccine", vaccine cards, a Presidential and CDC mandates. This is our third time to book a trip, and in 2023, the medical requirement is still in place. To go on the cruise people do not have to supply a negative covid test so you still go on the cruise in theory even if you have covid. When we got this schedule yesterday, we asked her ********** if she could rearrange things to take this cruise. When I called to cancel they said we did not purchase the insurance. Desired outcome: Viking Ocean Cruises. The vaccinations mean nothing anyway. On top of that, they are asking for me to pay additional same $ 9,000. amount for me to go on this journey alone! Contact your Sales Agent or our Customer Service department online, via email, or by phone at 1-800-427-8473 and ask about potential opportunities for flexible cancellation policies, rebooking opportunities and other options. Media Center - Press Releases - Viking Cruises The cruise lines plan their itineraries to mitigate this risk. The ship can welcome up to 386 passengers, and. By March 2020 Viking announced cancellations due to covid, with an additional 25% for a future booking. Sure we were free but that's no excuse. I was never informed that the vaccine would be required to sail and that our money would not be eligible for a refund. Cancellation conditions 2. 2. Instead, in the most extreme cases, AmaWaterways will create a new itinerary. We again purchased Vikings trip insurance through Trip Mate to cover the cost of the trip. They have a working relationship with Lufthansa but insist the flight has nothing to do with them, That is a strong cop out. them to clean my clothes again and every night I am on the cruise, Read full review of Viking River Cruises and 1 comment, 16 years' experience in successful complaint resolution, Each complaint is handled individually by highly qualified experts, Last but not least, all our services are absolutely free. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. Disappointed with Viking Cruises cancellation policy. Wouldnt that booking choice make it clear to Viking that pre and post excursion bookings would also require separate beds? Special Cruise Savings | Viking Ocean Cruises Each time I received a pro forma answer saying "it is company policy that future cruise credits have no cash value and cannot be refunded or exchanged once booked." Cruises beginning in 2009, this is not the first error and being loyal TPG values it at $1,600. An insult! I had insurance and filed a claim. Viking European River Cruises - 6 Key Must-Knows Before You Go Where the European rivers have locks and dams to control water levels, ships can still sail problem-free. We promise not to send you any unrelated messages, Click here if youd like to unsubscribe from notifications about new complaints of Viking River Cruises. Sheila Davies is a retired gas industry professional based in Northumberland, England. by Steve CaseLast updated September 6, 2022. Coach would have been better. In the end, you will have a fantastic vacation and you will get a future cruise credit according to what you miss., He added: Its better than canceling and sitting at home and not doing anything.. When you are covered by the Risk-Free Guarantee you may change your cruise reservation with notification to Viking. 05 Aug 2022. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. They refuse to accept the fact that they changed the terms of the contract. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. As compensation we have been offered a derisory 200 voucher towards a future cruise. The sailings. We have had to cancel our river cruise because of their ludicrous covid policy. Viking's treatment of it's customers makes no sense.they combined two of my trips (without asking) into one "butterfly trip" which meant when I had to cancel the first, it cancelled the 2nd. For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Global warming is indeed having an effect on European rivers. The bottom line is, we have ********* at VRC. Key West was on the itinerary but Viking told us 5 months before they would not be docking. We feel we should get the $3,494 dollars refunded to us. Our flexible deposit policy applies to new reservations only made between 17 December 2022 to 31 March 2023 and is combinable with all other Viking offers available. We were given misinformation by their employee, to which their supervisor stated that verbal statements do not count. 140 complaints closed in the last 12 months. This will surely increase the credibility of your complaint. In November ******************************************* She had major surgery December 12th. Looks like our September cruise to the Fjords is in the process of being cancelled! In a statement issued to the Star Tribune, Viking confirmed that some of the ship's first scheduled departures were canceled this summer, and that the luxury vessel is temporarily operating. River cruise cancellation fears loom as Rhine threatens closure Desired outcome: Multiple tests were run, including a Covid test, which came back positive. This met the 11/30 deadline for a "risk free guarantee" enabling change of plans up to 24 hours before sailing. Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, My husband and I took an Antarctica cruise with Viking Octantis Dec 25 to Jan 7' as an all inclusive trip, all airfares and transportations were included . I even requested they review the phone call and they refused. We are older and don't want to keep rescheduling this with the hopes of one day being permitted to board their ship. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Viking Cruises has ceased all operations in Russia this year in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The line confirmed the steps to TTG on Wednesday (2 March) and said it was "deeply opposed" to the . Taking over the Hilton in Taupo NZ, they were obnoxious. Premium Air. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 on any 2022 voyage. Check here before booking an award fare. Weve canceled one cruise on the Danube and have made a few mostly minor alterations to a small handful of cruises on the Rhine, a Tauck spokesman told TPG when asked about this years cruises. Planning a cruise? Voyages offering the excursion to Floriade 2022 operate between July 16 and August 27, 2022 aboard River Empress. I have had the cruise booked for probably a year but only now would the allow me the opportunity to purchase the spoils. . NEW! During our Antarctica cruise, as suggested by the on board customer services, we submitted our request for the reimbursement with receipts. What does Viking do Nothing. In May, Viking canceled that cruise. Booked a trip just before covid hit which had to be canceled for obvious reasons. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. However, the most important part of any cruise, for me is the excursion choice. Schreiner does not hold with that assertion because river cruise lines simply adjust their schedules year after year for optimal weather conditions. That trip was cancelled do to covid, and we were assured by Viking that everything was fine and we rebooked for Jan 2022. Since the ships are nearly identical, if you do transfer to another ship, you should be in a similar stateroom as the original ship. Viking River Cruises The line is canceling all 2022 departures of its Kyiv, Black Sea and Bucharest itinerary. This site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. It is obvious to the casual observer that VRC is not in financial distress as they have added ships to their fleet and the CEO is listed a a billionaire. Obviously a 2 week notice was impossible in our situation. The difference between what they gave us as a credit for a 2023 cruise (which we booked so we didn't lose all of our money) and what we originally paid is $3,494 dollars. The key dimensions of the Avalon Vista are: River boats are built in such a way that for bridge clearance, the mast, pilot house, and sun shades can be lowered. Obviously, we cannot go on the trip. Due to Covid pandemic our cruise got cancelled. However, I believe the policy is rather onerous. Like most cruise lines, Viking canceled all of its sailings during the pandemic. The river flows are falling so if you are booked for a cruise this year, check with your cruise line and obtain their current assessment of operating conditions. Having trip insurance may pay you in full depending on your coverage. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. We booked a river cruise with Viking which we cancelled due to Covid and received travel vouchers from Viking for the amount of the trip. It is February 1st today and I went online to book excursions for a trip almost 3 months from now. The departure flight from ******* was delayed due to the storm. How could we?? At the time we did we also asked that trip insurance be added. In 2021, the cruise line plans to launch their seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus. If you happen to be in the same position there is a group forming to file a class action law suit against Viking. #6339759. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. It's been three years now that Viking has held my family's money hostage because we don't wish to take the jab. #1. On July 10th, 2022 my husband called Viking to inquire when the schedule becomes available. We were given the option of a voucher or cash This requirement was enacted after we booked this trip . I told a member of staff about this and was directed to use a toilet on the top deck. January 27, 2018. Schreiners advice is simple: Just go. Europe Is Reopening For Vaccinated Travelers: See It Via These Viking "The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority," a Viking representative told Travel Market Report. The first example of river distress is the Po River in Northern Italy. For Further Assistance If you have any questions or need further information please contact Reservations at 1-877-523-0579 or email customerrelations@vikingcruises.com, Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, PT. 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. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Later after giving our deposit (another $8,000) we found out that ******** become a requirement to sail.My husband and I, both for health reasons can not get the vaccines and Viking to this time has been holding our money ($11,367.50) for 3 years (going to the 4th) even when we have requested several times and even hired an attorney to get our money back.When we booked the 2nd cruise, no one told us that we will loose our chance to get a refund. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Viking Mississippi cancels Oct. 15 cruise due to low river levels Part refund, at least 25%. Share. Expected weather conditions during the cruise. Please Note: 1) Terms & Conditions for Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Vouchers can be found here. Schreiner says that the last time Europe experienced extremely low water levels, in 2018, the economic impact was around 5.4 million euros ($5.4 million). Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have canceled several trips as the Omicron variant continues to wreak havoc with the cruise . Viking is not a good company to work with. Viking has cancelled all 2022 departures of its Russian river cruise itineraries and ceased all operations in the country for the remainder of the year. More details in attachment. airfare $2198 2022 is now cancelled and will be replaced with new roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Caribbean via the Canary Islands and New York. The even occurred in February of 2023. That' our policy,. I am truly an "out-of-the-box" traveler which has enriched my travel experiences. We booked a Viking River Cruise with AAA travel in August of 2019 for $14,497 for two people which excludes the insurance cost. How is this hard? River Cruises Respond to Austrian Lockdown, Impact on Sailings We booked a cruise, paid the full booking amount. Tauck says it deals with compensation on a case-by-case basis. I was told Viking doesnt own the hotel and the hotel will not let me make a change since Viking handled the booking. After checking cancellation conditions online which indicates $200 up to a certain date I booked a river cruise for 2024 the deposit was $2000pp. Utter and total joke. River cruise lines do have contingency plans for dealing with river flow problems. Related: Booking your first river cruise? The good news is that there are not the mass cancellations we saw in 2020. This made it impossible to catch the next flight from ***** to buenos Aries. 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. Viking, please give an explanation. The cruise line announced the return of select itineraries in Portugal, France and . I encourage all Americans to do the same. Subscribe to Apple News. "You might see some cities you might not have expected to see and you might miss some you wanted to see. Why all other passages under the same situation had no such problem were not explained by Viking. We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Viking Cruises' New Safety Protocols Include Daily COVID-19 Testing Withholding of monies and shore excursion booking system failure. Guests will have 24 months to select their new date and use their Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. Due to my cancellations, Viking held onto $8,000 of my Funds for about two years. Also lost out on the cruise vouchers. SA. The first thing that I noticed when I boarded is that all river ships are built to similar dimensions. This guarantee is combinable with all other Viking offers available. Posted September 18, 2021. It, along with the Viking Sky, is classified as a small ship, with 465 staterooms, capable of carrying 930 guests. Because there was no time for a further delay, we paid the tickets to the airline. At the other end of the Po, ocean water has flooded the last 12 miles of the river damaging crops and contaminating drinking water. Viking Cruise Offers . This is known as ship swapping. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Passengers from across the country say they've. The confirmation email said cancellation for any reason loss of deposit. Many passengers were still on board at this time and were unable to flush toilets or wash their hands. If, however, we forfeit the ******* spent in anticipation of this vacation, Viking would loose us as customers, but as a sophisticated internet user, my wife will use her homebound time posting this saga on as many travel sites as possible. Sandi. Most river cruise lines do not allow guests to cancel pre-cruise without penalty except for in the most extreme circumstances. coach. The area is protected and thats where you have the low water issues. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Viking Cruises ceases operations in Russia for 2022 Viking Mississippi cancels some cruise passengers four days ahead of We booked a Viking cruise from Venice to Athens in late 2020 for September 2021. My Trip - Updates on Current Sailings - Viking Cruises An apology is not good enough. Information provided by various external sources. But there is nothing we can do, your vouchers have expired'. I'm with Robin (see below). In addition to requiring all guests and crew be fully vaccinated before setting foot on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky, the cruise line implemented a robust contact tracing system, daily PCR. Booking 6819824. Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works Viking Neptune is a new ship that will join the fleet in 2022. We are unable to meet their requirements and therefore want our funds returned to us. ************************************* Cruises that was set to sail in April 2020. Viking has responded to his passing by cancelling the nearly $9,000 I paid for my husbands share of the trip. I used my airline mile and hotel points to travel well and cheap. I am writing about booking number 7045921 sailed Jan.12 2023. called Business since the middle seats were left vacant. Then when operations started again, we decided to book a cruise to sail November 2021 At the time we booked, vaccines were not a requirement. The pandemic has not ended, and some sailings have been cancelled due to too many Covid-19 cases onboard. I contacted Trip Mate and was told the vouchers were not covered and that I needed to contact Viking because they handled vouchers. Given the current COVID situation (and that 3 of the 4 countries we were slated to visit are currently closed), we decided we should cancel. Many passengers were distressed by the lack of fresh water. Europe has many rivers where cruise lines operate. I complained initially that I was not given a direct flight. We could not get a negative covid test in time for Just returned from Classis Panama Canal Cruise (11-21 February 2023) on the last day, running water for the shower, hand basins and toilets had been turned off from 5am to when we left the ship at 10.30am. Not at all, according to Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder AmaWaterways as long as youre willing to be a little bit flexible. Do not book with Viking Cruises ,they turned my cancelled trip into vouchers with expiration dates that I never knew about. The drought category in England has reached the most severe designation of severe drought. It was too windy and not safe so decided not to try to use their tender.