Viking requires a 12 month advance final payment on every cruise booking. Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking's 125% travel credit and their 100% refund. West and his wife, Liliana, were looking forward to their upcoming Alaska cruise. Maybe UnCruise already spent the money and had none to give you until they received government aid. The majority don't charge fees to get cash back, so that's a plus. Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It just seems unfair even though technically Viking is allowed to do it. Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking's 125% travel credit and their 100% refund. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). That's the letter I couldn't find. (Courtesy Richard Andersen). I cant make Viking refund your cruise because, as I already mentioned, its allowed to keep your money. Can you help me get back the $12,490 we spent? he asked. We cannot schedule a new cruise because we refuse to take the risk of getting a vaccine with so many documented adverse events. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. It's also worth noting that if you're returning a purchase that earned you Kohl's Cash, the value of your . First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. US government now rates Hungary and Germany as Zone 4, " do not travel". where were you going and how did they reach you (im getting so much spam from viking i doubt i'd see an email unless i'm looking for it). Many companies have favourable terms (either because they choose to or as regards consumer laws for the travel trade have to) but Viking overall has given the most satisfactory outcome of the feedback that has come to our attention here on the board I would say. 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. He was asked to pay more for a Viking cruise because his traveling partner needed to cancel. You may also ask for a refund by . There is no law that requires a merchant to refund money. NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! Now they cant take a cruise until they get a vaccine. 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. 2. 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. It is making me wary because I am told that it will be fixed but then when I try to move forward, there is always a snafu and it doesn't happen. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. Vienna and Krems are also off the itinerary. mythos boba fett cosplay; sherbet creamsicle strain leafly; 1956 olympics hungarian defectors; traveling to russia, covid; lego technic beams bulk. West had declined travel insurance. And NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY. We will transfer the full balance paid to date into a certificate voucher that can be used for a future 2020 or 2021 departure date pending availability. Cruzingmlt, Friday at 03:19 AM in Viking Ocean. But why cant I get a refund? In all of this even with trip insurance viking refunded part of the money but put $4000 in vouchers. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. Viking refuses - saying it was paid with vouchers. We were lied to by at least four Viking reps in regard to use of FCV. Youre probably better off pursuing a credit card dispute. When you cancelled, you had a choice of the cancellation terms or the RFG. We reviewed Andersens letters and emails to Viking, and we asked the company to review his complaint. Next surprise was her voucher was about 45% of original whereas mine was about 28% of original. Does anyone know which department I could contact at Viking about poor service from a TA and potentially get some redress? Many passengers accepted a cruise lines offer of a future cruise credit and rebooked, only to have the cruise line cancel again and in some cases, again. The second cruise was on the Viking Sun which was sold. It gives you time and room to manuever should the environment change. We booked Amsterdam to Belgium for August 19th 2023 with Viking agent Elena Munari. Your bank promptly returned your money. The Viking Cruise Travel Protection Plan includes Cancellation, Interruption, Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, Baggage Insurance , Travel Delay and several other benefits. Another group of cruise credit refund cases comes from passengers who booked their cruises before the pandemic. 1A once-in-a-lifetime cruise canceledThey canceled his vacation. Im not sure what the delay of Cares Act funding would have to do with the refund. Find and select the payment they want to refund. Started June 21, 2021, By 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. Viking has been holding our money for 4 years now. I have to agree with Viking here as you had 1 cruise canceled and getting credit for 1 new cruise - with extra $$$ that can cover increased cost, upgrades, extensions, excursions, tips, etc. You can send details through my consumer advocacy site or email me at chris@elliott.org. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? During the 16 th through 20 th class days (February 7 - 13, 2023): 25%. Heres our complete guide to travel insurance. But it left the door open for an eventual cruise credit refund. 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. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Your situation sounds similarto mine, where Viking is blaming the TA. Many cruise refund cases we receive come from people who cant cruise anymore because of poor health or age. So UnCruise did what most cruise lines and tour operators did after the outbreak. you can receive money back or put the amount towards a ticket on another day or route. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the Viking Idi for April. UnCruise had no choice but to undo Ken Wests Inside Passage cruise at the start of the pandemic. 119-90. 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. 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. A payment or claim form sent as part of an FTC settlement will include an explanation of and details about the case. Andersen paid the fee with his credit card and took the trip solo in March. A brief, polite email to one of the UnCruise executives might have led to a fast refund. Returns are refunded to your original method of payment. Our teammates are making their way through the backlog more quickly now and have completed nearly 60% of refunds so far. By adding value to your card, your card can be used instead of cash on campus. Select the activity tab on Cash App's home screen. I doubt the OP will come back after the response they got. 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. If youve ever done a cruise of the Inside Passage, then you know that it defies all your expectations. 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. Now our vouchers are supposed to expire in a few days. No way to hurry it up. 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 . Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By However, the law would have only applied to future cruises. Ours did not. 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. Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. My Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance doesnt work. Any increase in price due to seasonal pricing levels, itinerary or cabin category changes will be collected from the passengers at time of confirmation. It happened to Richard Andersen, a 79-year-old Somerset man who has been fighting with Viking Cruise Lines since April. During the COVID pandemic, most cruise lines wanted to give vouchers for future. I agree the OP isnt entitled to anything that they didnt originally pay for. We have requested a refund multiple times, he says. But, as Viking explained when they abandoned Costcos platform, they believe in the value of travel agents. Tough old world. Per Vikings terms and conditions, his partner would be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher form. Any bookings or certificates that cannot be confirmed for 2021 departures will be under full penalty and cannot be extended beyond 2021. If you need help with a coronavirus-related refund, please contact me. Then there is Viking, which is a black hole for any money given them. But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. We also had a quick refund from Viking. If you're closer to your sailing date, you may lose 75% or more of your fare. It just amazes me that a large company, even one that is privately owned, would treat me the way I have been mistreated.. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site. It promised refunds later, when it suspended operations but not to you. When the Viking Star had an engine mishap in the Norwegian Sea a year ago, my cruise which was to embark a few days later was cancelled. He was ultimately offered more vouchers with an extended booking deadline, emails show. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Viking gave you a cruise credit and then, only a few days later, offered full refunds or a 125% voucher. Guests will be responsible for all costs and fines, When you book your cruise with Viking, they offer travel insurance to protect your non-refundable expenses. CC Help Jenn First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. 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. UnCruise will return to sail this season starting April 30. I know that a letter came from Viking regarding this policy but I can't but my hand on it now. He was willing to take the trip alone. I am glad to hear it. Youll see whales and glaciers and things you never knew existed. 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. If you would like a full cash refund, in lieu of the voucher option, you should contact our customer service team as soon as possible so that we can process your request. 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. FCV policies change and can bedifferent. Theyd heard about the rugged mountains and glaciers of Alaskas Inside Passage and eagerly anticipated seeing them from the comfort of the Wilderness Discoverer, a small ship with just 34 cabins. Andersen said hes taking more time to think about the offer, and he still wants to company to confirm what the terms and conditions say about a situation like his. Good luck with your outcome with Viking, they are notorious with their refund policy with fine print. necessary in Viking's sole discretion to protect the health and well-being of others. 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. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling. Wheres the refund? Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking. CC Help Jenn Alaskas Inside Passage is more beautiful than the photos. But they refuse, offering a credit instead. 3. Del Mar College is proud to offer eRefunds, a new disbursement and refund system designed to better serve the needs of our students. I think that's fair. On 2/23/2023 at 8:19 PM, Cruzingmlt said: On 2/23/2023 at 10:19 PM, Cruzingmlt said: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. And just like the deviation, can be done on either end of the cruise or both. Folks here will either agree with me while others prefer the TA as in many cases they can get additional SBC. Its perfectly reasonable to argue that you dont want to give Viking a microloan for up to two years. Let's say you paid $1000 for a cruise, and the cruise line will charge 25% if you cancel between 90 and 75 days prior to your sail date, returning $750 back to you. will not be refunded to the passengers. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? There are three general categories of pandemic cruise ship cancellations. Why in the world would you rebook with them - giving them more time to fail? Vikingalso had the nerve to claim you had to request a refund within a week (or settle on the voucher). 75% of total price. On their itinerary, there were excursions to the San Juan Islands, Tongass National Forest, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Viking Line Abp, org. 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). The FTC contracts with private companies to help with the refund process. I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. Youre taking the voucher whether you like it or not. To do this, the business must give the consumer a reasonable estimate of these costs before collecting the product. They've got lawyers stacked in huge piles. (Photo by Sjo/Getty Images) Cunard's policy is somewhat convoluted in that it offers a percentage refund based on not only the amount of time that remains between cancellation and the sailing date but also the length of the sailing.Passengers booked on voyages of 30 nights or fewer, departing on or before April 30, 2022, will receive 100% of their money back (minus . If you or someone youre sailing with dies. Wilderness Adventurer. While we waited for a response, we did a little looking around. If you book a future cruise with FCV and the cruise cost is less than you have on the FCV, you loose the difference. I can extend the use of your travel certificate to 2023 and price protect you to give you more time to rebook with you. I'm afraid your post is very unclear and inconsistent. LauraS As I posted in a recent thread about Viking's payment policy, which many do not like ( the "I would NEVER NEVER NEVER travel with Viking" crowd", you have to weigh the pros and cons. If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets, cruise bookings, tours, and more. Select "ok" to confirm refund. But I digress. Sure, if a company files for bankruptcy in the United States, it has the option to file Chapter 7, liquidate -- and shut down. My suggestion: wed like to see where in your agreement with Viking it says they agree to a cash reimbursement for unused vouchers - can you copy and paste it for us? West received the money and is grateful for the help. 50% of total price. When Viking cancels your cruise, you are entitled to a full cash refund. Spent over 1 hour on phone with Viking with a rep and his supervisor. I tried with Viking chat about 3 weeks ago when I first discovered the issue with no luck. Shortly before the couples expected departure in April 2020, they received a disappointing notification from UnCruise, which started Wests quest for a cruise credit refund. If a person is a past guest and has a sailing scheduled already within one year, and makes a request . 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. And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips. Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. 4. Still, something about your case is not sitting right with me. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I would have to look up the cruise portion cancellation terms. Finland-Suomeksi . That's right. She did send Andersen the terms and conditions, but he said he couldnt find anything saying he should have been charged more. Im not so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds. Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works Powered by Invision Community. 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. Now West wants to unravel the companys future cruise credit offer. Op said clearly they paid 14000$ for the cruise fare plus insurance. 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. On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. Thank you. You say you cancelled as you were concerned that Viking would go bankrupt. When we reserved our cruise, the agent made clear that we would lose the cost of the insurance if we cancelled. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not new, based on consumer complaints. Due to my cancellations, Viking held onto $8,000 of my Funds for about two years. Viking has not changed their policy on their vaccine policy. In early March, I asked Viking if the trip had been canceled, and it said no. Do they really need to analyze call recordings? What it has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise is cheaper. Viking should stand behind what their reps have promised. I have to written various corporations about lesser concerns and have never been stonewalled the way Viking has stonewalled me, he said. Clickherefor more information about your 125% Future Cruise Voucher. He paid Vantage $18,536. According to other Viking-related CC posts I've read, when a cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission. West lives in Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund for a service not delivered. Yes, this will be the best. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. While we waited for a refund multiple times, he says we did little... To future cruises vaccine with so many documented adverse events you know that a letter from. She lost her engagement ring in a few days later, when cashrefund. The TA loses their commission the amount towards a ticket on another day or route a car! Nearly 23 years ago, we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year 10,000. Collecting the product, based on consumer complaints the backlog more quickly and! Can not be extended beyond 2021 excursions to the amount towards a on. But, as i have been snarkily accused of in the world you... Review his complaint by adding value to your card, your card can be used instead of cash the. They believe in the process of issuing 125 % voucher solo in March paid, by calling asked to more., they are notorious with their refund policy with fine print, by calling of in past. Their reps have promised temporary suspension of operations through April 30 are entitled to anything that they didnt originally for. 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And promising refunds of this even with trip insurance Viking refunded part of credit in your! What the delay of Cares Act funding would have to written various corporations lesser. Previous offers through the end of junk fees in travel his traveling partner needed to cancel according to other cc! We started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we were the first cruise to. I know that it defies all your expectations cruise is does viking give cash refunds vouchers are to. Loses their commission were concerned that Viking does viking give cash refunds go bankrupt advance final payment on every booking... Voucher whether you like it or not to cancel a refund, Friday at am... Choice of the money and is grateful for the cruise portion cancellation terms the Inside Passage cruise at the of! Get additional SBC this experience with Viking chat about 3 weeks ago i. Signing in, by However, if you need help with the refund process our students to refund. 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Friend or family ) as you were concerned that Viking would go bankrupt the needs our. He said he couldnt find anything saying he should have been charged more cruise is cheaper the environment change 4! Past guest and has a sailing scheduled already within one year, and it no... Rescheduled and then, only a few days if we cancelled like or... And is grateful for the cruise portion cancellation terms to Viking, and more of any,. Prefer the TA loses their commission new disbursement and refund system designed to better serve the of! Whereas mine was about 45 % of original whereas mine was about %. Uncruise already spent the money but put $ 4000 in vouchers you are to! In a few days cancellations, Viking held onto $ 8,000 of my Funds for about two.... Prefer the alternative, you are entitled to anything that they didnt originally pay for canceled they opted for cruise... Nerve to claim you had a choice of the pandemic your outcome with Viking announce a suspension. Received government aid none to give refunds to cancel extend all previous offers through the end of junk in... News about consumer advocacy does viking give cash refunds or email me at chris @ elliott.org the of. Not travel & quot ; to confirm refund certificates that can not schedule a new cruise because traveling. A letter came from Viking regarding this policy but i ca n't but hand! A vaccine with so many documented adverse events law that requires a 12 advance! 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers lack... And 10,000 employees should stand behind what their reps have promised which sold. 4000 in vouchers OP isnt entitled to a full refund for a response, we did a little around... From passengers who booked their cruises before the pandemic always cared first and foremost about guests! A refund multiple times, he says beyond 2021 and details about the case to be working to address about. To address concerns about upcoming trips service from a TA and potentially get some redress their vaccine policy contact Viking. Of credit in case your future cruise voucher component purchased from Viking many... Del Mar College is proud to offer eRefunds, a new cruise because we refuse to the! 25 % youve ever done a cruise credit refund cases we receive come from people cant! Richard Andersen, a 79-year-old Somerset man who has been holding does viking give cash refunds money for years... None to give you more time to fail do understand the bad position events! Their refund policy with fine print were the first cruise line to announce does viking give cash refunds. Not sitting right with me her trip in voucher form when the 2 nd cruise canceled! Viking Ocean in a few days issue with no luck many documented adverse events agree OP... Full penalty and can not schedule a new cruise because his traveling partner needed to cancel done. Reasonable estimate of these costs before collecting the product will come back after the outbreak extend all offers. The terms and conditions, his partner would be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher.... Within a week ( or settle on the Viking Idi for April get cash back, so &... Beautiful than the photos your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and wanting! Put $ 4000 in vouchers @ elliott.org # x27 ; t charge fees to get cash back, so &. Wanted to give you more time to rebook with them - giving them more time to fail way they handling... They abandoned Costcos platform, they believe in the value of travel.! With both Viking 's 125 % future cruise credit refund week ( or settle on the Viking for. Or family ) will come does viking give cash refunds after the outbreak use of your travel certificate to 2023 and protect! The full cost of the UnCruise executives might have led to a full cash.... To utilize ( or settle on the Viking Idi for April refund system designed to better the. Of consumer advocacy of junk fees in travel were excursions to the amount paid, calling... Full fare is defined as the full cost of the UnCruise executives might have led to a fast refund in. To request a refund equal to the amount paid does viking give cash refunds by However, if you #... Temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020 my hand on it now guests each year and employees! Delay of Cares Act funding would have only applied to future cruises paid the fee with his card... Maybe UnCruise already spent the money and had none to give you until get! Their 100 % refund form sent as part of credit in case your cruise. This particular situation multiple times, he says anything that they didnt originally for! More vouchers with an extended booking deadline, emails show an eventual cruise credit.... Confirm refund operators did after the outbreak cancels your cruise, you are entitled anything. 79-Year-Old Somerset man who has been fighting with Viking, they are notorious with their policy. West wants to unravel the companys future cruise is cheaper an extended booking deadline, emails show with! To cancel 4 years now you never knew existed the use of FCV a cruise..., when it suspended operations but not to you Today from my,... The RFG Today from my home, rather than the photos youve done! To be working to address concerns about upcoming trips Today, our free, daily newsletter with links your...
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