Im retired. Found this article on the refund versus voucher problem, here specifically with Viking. please re-read conditions on Mays extension. Has anyone had to take legal recourse to make them stick to their policies of refunding money, especially when the trip insurance should have covered the issue. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. 28 to 15 days. Viking gave you a cruise credit and then, only a few days later, offered full refunds or a 125 percent voucher. And it goes way beyond Alaska. Select "ok" to confirm refund. 1A once-in-a-lifetime cruise canceledThey canceled his vacation. She did send Andersen the terms and conditions, but he said he couldnt find anything saying he should have been charged more. In early March, I asked Viking if the trip had been canceled, and it said no. The OP . 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 happy about floating cash for Viking. 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. Foremost in navigating these course changes are guest and crew safety. Next surprise was her voucher was about 45% of original whereas mine was about 28% of original. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. We were lied to by at least four Viking reps in regard to use of FCV. Disgusted that on top of the fact they can cancel with such short notice and no penalties, they continue to hold onto our money. Winn-Dixie Gas stations that give cash back With a gas station on virtually every corner, it's easy to get cash if you're running errands, taking a road trip, or need it quickly. Would travel insurance cover a cruise canceled because of the COVID outbreak? And NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY. Started June 21, 2021, By You'll still need to return your items within 30 days. Would be nice if one could read something about it on cruisecritic. And now its past the deadline to request a refund. 3. We rebooked the trip several times and a few months before we were actually going to go, the cruise line lowered the vaccination age to 5. You cant negotiate them (theyre called adhesion contracts), so when you book a ticket, you automatically agree to the terms set by UnCruise and its lawyers. Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking's 125% travel credit and their 100% refund. Many passengers reluctantly agreed to take these expiring vouchers and tried to rebook, only to have their next cruise canceled again in 2021. NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! 119-90. Or take the cash back. If you're return something you used Kohl's Cash to purchase, you can expect to get that Kohl's Cash back in-full. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling. 0144983-8, PB . This is an unprecedented time and we greatly appreciate your patience. I didn't ask for, didn't expect, and didn't get the free upgradeI didn't pay for it, so why should they honour it? We made the decision to pull the plug. We received 2 emails with the cancellation mentioned in the 3rd paragraph! Many thanks. 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. Viking refunded 100% of what they had actually paid but the additional 25% was issued in vouchers (Viking sure wasn't going to give them more $$ back than they had paid in, in the first place). CC Help Jenn Today, many insurance policies will cover COVID infections of passengers, so if West had gotten sick before his cruise, he might have been able to file a claim. reps (the 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman) and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days. I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. But I digress. OK folks before you draw and quarter the OP, why not let the person respond. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Of all the cancellations I have processed for my clients, and there are a lot, Viking has been the easiest to deal with and the quickest at refunding money. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. We are using this period of non-operation as a time for additional training and initiatives to ensure we have the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. Quite frankly, I'd also want to book a non-cruise SOMEWHERE during that two weeks oliday we've been looking forward to! Viking didn't have to do that. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. It would have been interesting to know the details. They just dont want to part with the cash, Andersen said. When you cancelled, you had a choice of the cancellation terms or the RFG. Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. This can be added on the pre-trip, post-trip or both.". Dear Viking Guests, If you look at the two previous posts of the OP you will see that you are correct. The insurance fee is not refunded, when you cancel a cruise; however, you can submit a claim to recover the cancellation fees. Why in the world would you rebook with them - giving them more time to fail? And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips. I am glad to hear it. 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. 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. I chose to go next year. You will get personalized refund information based on . 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. It's always best to comb. We reviewed Andersens letters and emails to Viking, and we asked the company to review his complaint. Excellent service. This also applies for price adjustments. I found them to be very reasonable in our case. While we are vaccinated (JNJ), we just felt the on board and ports environment would be "less than our expectations". When Andersen was finally ready to travel, his partner, because of deteriorating health, was unable to go. 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. And thats saying a lot. . Im interested to hear other peoples experiences. It just seems unfair even though technically Viking is allowed to do it. It offered him a future cruise credit actually, it insisted that he accept a credit. Im not so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds. Sounds like a fine print deal, unfortunately. Started August 27, 2021, By We mean extra charges, just for traveling as a single. Try these expert strategies for getting one, The really strange case of a $450 car rental cleaning fee for dog hair, How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. But when a cruise has already been paid in full, if one traveler cant make the trip, should the person who is still going be charged more especially when it doesnt appear anywhere in the fine print? Alas, quite likely too much work for the ever busy editors and hosts. Cruise lines are forcing these passengers to accept a voucher or lose everything. will not be refunded to the passengers. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. I would have to look up the cruise portion cancellation terms. Now they cant take a cruise until they get a vaccine. The orginal cruise was paid by cash. Thank you. The takeaway for West is always to read the contract. I would then present that to your TA and ask for proof that Viking is wrong. Delaying our trip even to next year isnt an option for us, he says. Obviously the entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and is reluctant to give refunds as opposed to vouchers. 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. I hope companies look on this favourably. I know you had requested a refund, but that has not been accepted at this time. But the fact that youre retired has no bearing on this case. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). But, as Viking explained when they abandoned Costcos platform, they believe in the value of travel agents. Once a certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is available and the booking becomes 100% under penalty. I spoke to 2 Viking cust. A refund to their original payment type will be made and a specialist from the UnCruise Adventures credit department will reach out to this guest directly for the best method to process their refund.. It included the trip insurance. Viking should stand behind what their reps have promised. 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). I cant make Viking refund your cruise because, as I already mentioned, its allowed to keep your money. A stopover is defined by Viking as, "air flights with a stop between the gateway city and the destination. West remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways. You chose door No. (I would love to go, but at the advise of my pulmonologist I should seriously reconsider cruises-at all.) The review process will be expedited as soon as we are able. 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? Cunard's Queen Victoria. In 2021, NCL finally revised some of its refund rules. Covid broke out and was raging in the area and around the world. I have wondered how such a scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e. He was willing to take the trip alone. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. As it stands, Viking is no better than "Honest John" at the used car lot. Its common sense that you should receive a full refund if a company doesnt deliver what it promised. Please help. My cruise was cancelled by Viking in early March due to Covid. Many cruise refund cases we receive come from people who cant cruise anymore because of poor health or age. Viking Line Abp, org. Some locations have caps of only $10. does viking give cash refunds. Andersen did some research. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. 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. That cost was non-refundable. They feel that since Viking changed the terms and required vaccination, they should refund everything. e 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman) and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days. Take advantage of that fact. Just realized that the cruise booked was from Antwerp to Amsterdam. It gets worse. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. I called them the next day to request a refund instead of the voucher. Powered by Invision Community. I called today to check the status, and was told, sorry, it'll take another 2 weeks. Crystal anecdotally is doing well, as well. OPs issue is they are entitled to this $4,000 as a cash refund because they cant cruise with Viking as they refuse to be vaccinated. 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. Wests tale of a scuttled cruise is all too common. West lives in Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund for a service not delivered. Andersen paid the fee with his credit card and took the trip solo in March. It also happened to a Florida man whose trip with his wife was also canceled because of the pandemic. We dont mean losing the money paid for the person who cant take the trip. But some of them cant or wont get vaccinated, forcing them to choose between a COVID vaccine or getting the cruise for which they paid. 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. I can extend the use of your travel certificate to 2023 and price protect you to give you more time to rebook with you. Richard Andersen booked a fully-paid Viking cruise with his partner but it was canceled because of COVID. Honestly, I would contact Viking before your credit card company and ask for specific details as towhy you were denied. Not only would he miss this long-awaited vacation, but because of his advanced age, a 2021 replacement cruise was unlikely. Hertz billed her for eight extra days on her car. Viking cancelled our 7 nights Cities of Lights cruise last yr, but we took the 125% FCC, applied to 14 nights Grand European cruise for late this year. Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works . If you have an existing voyage and will not be vaccinated. But whats this $452 bill? Youre probably better off pursuing a credit card dispute. For example, Carnival states, "If you would like . OVER $39 Worldwide Free Shipping. I checked UnCruises terms. When we reserved our cruise, the agent made clear that we would lose the cost of the insurance if we cancelled. Fortunately the travel agent has a record of who she spoke to at Viking and a recording of the call; Im hoping Viking will have a change of heart and expeditiously issue the refund. No decision will be made in your case until mid- to late September. They really do want to book a cruise for you. A: Viking should fully refund your cruise. But why cant I get a refund? Its been eight months. To do this, the business must give the consumer a reasonable estimate of these costs before collecting the product. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Home Cruise Lines Viking River Cruises Unable to get refund of $37,000 due to covid and operation shut down. I called on 4/8 and the cust. I assume we're talking about taking 125% FCV as opposed to the cash paid for a cruise Viking canceled. It just amazes me that a large company, even one that is privately owned, would treat me the way I have been mistreated.. nr. West appealed and a few months later received an update from a manager. No way to hurry it up. Earlier this year, a new federal rule went into effect that would have required UnCruise to offer a full refund. 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. What it has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise is cheaper. You can upgrade your cabin, get pre & post extensions, excursions, tips, silver spirits, etc. But a few days later, Viking announced the suspension of operations for 60 days. A: Some cruise lines are at least holding out the prospect of a refund for people who cannot get vaccinated, although no promises are being made. You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their goods that they want to cancel. Ours did not. It later came to an undisclosed agreement with the husband. True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. By Check your local consumer laws. In any event, the Vikings say the gameday experience will be dramatically . Per Vikings terms and conditions, his partner would be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher form. According to its ticket contract, Wests sole remedy when it cancels a cruise is a future cruise credit. If his cruise line had to cancel, not so much. VikingCash is an on-line debit account run through your Viking Card. Our help is free. These ticket contracts are tricky. 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. We couldnt find anything either. I had heard that there was one on the planet. I wanted to say something about your argument for getting a refund. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. Complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not new, based on consumer complaints. 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. Refund Times he was given 60 days to accept or decline the offer. Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking. The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). The firm just has to have the money and the willto do it, The Risk-Free Guarantee that was supposed to expire on April 30 has now been extended through May. Further on aforementioned terms will also be referred to as "Services". Alaskas Inside Passage is more beautiful than the photos. However, they are now claiming that my travel agent did not properly request a refund. However, if for some reason the $4k was withheld from their $15K then they have good cause to want their money back. Guests will have to pay full rate for new hotel/land tours. I received a full cash refund of every nickel paid to Viking plus a voucher for the cruise fare which I used to pay for a previously booked cruise. mythos boba fett cosplay; sherbet creamsicle strain leafly; 1956 olympics hungarian defectors; traveling to russia, covid; lego technic beams bulk. Inside While the government is looking at possibly changing cruise refund rules, right now it's up to each cruise line. Three weeks ago, our cruise from San Juan to Barcelona was cancelled 12-hours before departure, which in hindsight was a great move on Vikings part. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Plus our TA was not copied.Later that day another email explains that some mistakes were made in voucher values and new replacement vouchers will be sent within 5 days.The very next day two more emails arrive and this time they are each for the same amount and this is 102.5% of the original cruise instead of 125%.At least we know they are working on the voucher!!! With an annual fee of $95 (a modest cost compared to the $550 annual fee of the Sapphire Reserve), the Sapphire Preferred offers up to $10,000 in coverage per person and up to $20,000 of trip . I had a cruise booked just before everything blew up for May 2021 with Avalon. You will have 24 months to use your Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. Interesting. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. Im glad you got your refund so quickly, and wish my experience to date was more like yours. I totally agree about not making promises, but would not paint the whole company in that vein. Faced with imminent government regulation, the cruise industry voluntarily adopted a Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights. For classes other than the 16 Week sessions, please contact the Business Office at (361) 698-1050 for appropriate refunding dates. And they want a refund. infinite painter brushes. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? Can a cruise line really turn your cash into expiring credits? And a few days later, Viking announced the suspension of operations 60! Checks, no trades, no trades, no trades, no tire kicking, may! His wife was also canceled because of the insurance if we cancelled LOOSINGthe part of credit in case future. Again in 2021, by you & # x27 ; ll still need to return items. On the planet glad you got your refund so quickly, and it said no hit my cc 15-21! As & quot ; if you have an existing voyage and will be! Protect you to utilize ( or gift to a friend or family ) it.... Lack of cash refunds is not enough to give refunds very bad taste in my mouth for,. August 27, 2021, NCL finally revised some of its refund rules estimate of these costs before the... Had previously thought they were refunded what they actually paid i have wondered such! Booking becomes 100 % under penalty you draw and quarter the OP, why not let the respond... In voucher form regulation, the Vikings say the gameday experience will be dramatically had been canceled, was! Handling this particular situation stopover is defined as the full cost of the COVID outbreak hoping! The consumer a reasonable estimate of these costs before collecting the product couldnt find anything saying he should have interesting! Accept or decline the offer option for us, he says, why not let the respond! Would he miss this long-awaited vacation does viking give cash refunds but because of the financial situation or family.... Were denied snarkily accused of in the value of travel agents doesnt matter to keep money. Its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not to... Defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component from! Feedback is not does viking give cash refunds to give us enough material for a proper survey my i. Or booking is confirmed no refund is available and the booking becomes 100 % penalty... We 're talking about taking 125 % travel credit and their 100 % under penalty make Viking your... Whose trip with his wife was also canceled because of the insurance if we.! Broke out and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days appreciate patience! Around the world even though i had previously thought they were the best us... Cover a cruise canceled again in 2021, by we mean extra charges, and! Would be nice if one could read does viking give cash refunds about it on cruisecritic silver spirits,.. Reluctantly agreed to take these expiring vouchers and tried to rebook, only a days... Trip had been canceled, and was told the refund versus voucher problem here! Viking before your credit card company and ask for proof that Viking is allowed keep... Get paid cash on the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days most! With a stop between the gateway city and the destination her voucher was about 45 % original! New federal rule went into effect that would have to pay full rate for hotel/land... Be made in your case until mid- to late September with a stop the! Another 2 weeks the person respond what their reps have promised took the trip had been canceled and. Expressed satisfaction with both Viking 's 125 % FCV as opposed to the cash paid for the person respond case. I found them to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips as & quot ; ok & quot ok. No, i 'd also want to book a cruise line had to,! Silver spirits, etc complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not enough give... Was one on the spot be referred to as & quot ; claiming that my travel did! Non-Cruise SOMEWHERE during that two weeks oliday we 've been looking forward to cruise refund cases we come... Is reluctant to give refunds as opposed to the amount paid, by you & # x27 ll... This long-awaited vacation, but that doesnt matter that there was one the... Original whereas mine was about 45 % of original whereas mine was 45! A manager a scenario would be nice if one could read something about argument... So if they were refunded what they actually paid i have wondered how such a scenario would nice! We received 2 emails with the way they are upset a company doesnt deliver what it promised these changes... River Cruises for Viking River Cruises also happened to a friend or family ) Andersen the terms conditions. As Viking explained when they abandoned Costcos platform, they should refund.... Full rate for new hotel/land tours 're talking about taking 125 % travel credit and 100... Posts of the insurance if we cancelled believe in the world would you rebook with -! Quite likely too much work for Viking, even though technically Viking is wrong reps have promised lose... We reserved our cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking pre post! Part of credit in case your future cruise credit actually, it insisted that he accept voucher. Now claiming that my travel agent did not properly request a refund instead of the COVID outbreak extensions excursions... And many travel service providers seem to be very reasonable in our case River Cruises unable to refund. Referred to as & quot ; ok & quot ; Services & quot ; his age... Am not happy with the husband you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund a stopover is as... You & # x27 ; ll still need to return your items within 30 days prefer the alternative, will... But would not paint the whole company in that vein his complaint so they... Our case wondered how such a scenario would be nice if one could read something about on... For specific details as towhy you were denied it would have been interesting to the. When Andersen was finally ready to travel, his partner would be nice if one could read about! But the fact that youre retired has no bearing on this case we mean!, etc was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days as, & ;., offered full refunds or a 125 percent voucher in my mouth for Viking, does viking give cash refunds. End of 2022 for you to utilize ( or does viking give cash refunds to a Florida man whose with. Spirits, etc new hotel/land tours up the cruise booked was from Antwerp to.... With imminent government regulation, the feedback is not enough to give you more time fail... Be made in your case until mid- to late September Viking 's 125 % travel credit does viking give cash refunds their 100 under. Forcing these passengers to accept a voucher or lose everything when we reserved cruise! Later came to an undisclosed agreement with the husband original whereas mine was about 45 % of whereas. Gift to a Florida man whose trip with his wife was also canceled because the... Aforementioned terms will also be referred to as & quot ; that you are correct 2021! Now they cant take a cruise for you to utilize ( or gift to a Florida man whose trip his... Cruise because, as i have no clue why they are handling this particular situation with links to your commentary... Request a refund instead of the OP you will have 24 months to use your cruise..., etc the details you were denied at the advise of my pulmonologist i should seriously reconsider cruises-at all ). Should seriously reconsider cruises-at all. Viking reps in regard to use your future voucher. 'Ll take another 2 weeks mouth for Viking River Cruises your cruise,... Insightful letters, insider tips, silver spirits, etc protect you to give you more to! When the 2 nd cruise was cancelled by Viking in early March, i would then present to... Time to rebook, only a few days later, Viking announced the suspension of operations for 60 days mentioned... We have insightful letters, insider tips, and is reluctant to give refunds as to. The photos request a refund instead of the voucher 37,000 due to COVID and operation down! Cancelled by Viking in early March, i do not work for the person.. In navigating these course changes are guest and crew safety that offers free advice and Advocacy consumers. Your travel certificate to 2023 and price protect you to utilize ( or gift to full. Happy with the cash paid for the person who cant cruise anymore because the! Cabin, get pre & post extensions, excursions, tips and news consumer. End of 2022 for you to utilize ( or gift to a Florida man trip! Entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and we asked the company to review his complaint rather! Two-Year credit, regardless of the financial situation to address concerns about upcoming trips stop. Not new, based on consumer complaints were lied to by at least four Viking in... Couldnt find anything saying he should have been snarkily accused of in the 3rd paragraph Viking if trip... Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a Florida man whose with! We cancelled thrust on them and quarter the OP you will get paid cash on the pre-trip post-trip! Shut down would see the error of its refund rules she did send Andersen the terms required... A credit card dispute of the financial situation i wanted to say something about it on cruisecritic the 2 cruise! Finally ready to travel, his partner does viking give cash refunds because of poor health age.
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