We cannot schedule a new cruise because we refuse to take the risk of getting a vaccine with so many documented adverse events. My family and I are staying at home for the time being, as I hope you are as well. Review: Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle by Griffin Theatre asks, how do relationships happen? these second cruise was cancelled because eat Viking Sun was sold. 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. Your terms of cancellation would have been crystal clear on your guest statement - what was not honoured? 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? 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. He sent Viking a certified letter on April 10 asking for a cash refund of the extra $9,898 payment and questioning whether his partner's vouchers could be transferred to another person. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. 2 1/2 weeks later, refund is still "being processed." Del Mar College is proud to offer eRefunds, a new disbursement and refund system designed to better serve the needs of our students. It's always best to comb. Lastly, you now complain that you can't use your vouchers because you refuse to comply with Viking's (long standing) vax requirements. Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking. 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.. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. First, West is protected by Australian consumer laws that say if a company doesnt deliver a service, hes entitled to a full refund. But six months later, UnCruise got back to West with a final decision. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. I'm having some problems because per Viking, my TA did not follow the proper procedures. West had declined travel insurance. Emerging with some cash and some vouchers is inconsistent with most pax experience during Covid. 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. We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). You can also accept the vouchers, as thousands of other passengers have. So UnCruise did what most cruise lines and tour operators did after the outbreak. Second, why cant they take the travel agent at their word that they requested the refund through their normal channels? Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. We were lied to by at least four Viking reps in regard to use of FCV. In 2020, he was about to set sail on a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the Wilderness Discoverer. We have to wait until the relief support from the US Government is provided before payments of any kind are released. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. West and his wife, Liliana, were looking forward to their upcoming Alaska cruise. At Collette, for instance, executive vice president Jeff Roy said that while the company encourages customers to rebook instead of canceling by offering a 105% credit, when a customer wants a. Youre probably better off pursuing a credit card dispute. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. But why cant I get a refund? Many thanks. I found them to be very reasonable in our case. I will watch this summer to see what deals they have out.. same thing for an upgrade, air, or even if the 2023 cruises come out I will probably switch to them. Find and select the payment they want to refund. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Better check MVJ on that - "Vouchers will be automatically applied to your purchases for this journey, including cruise fare, air, hotel extensions, excursions, beverage package, and prepaid gratuities, and must be used before your journey begins.". 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. If youve been affected by two or more suspensions. UnCruise had no choice but to undo Ken Wests Inside Passage cruise at the start of the pandemic. 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. There are mice in my vacation rental! VikingCash is an on-line debit account run through your Viking Card. I agree! When asked what this was for, the reply was that I would get vouchers for future Viking cruises that were worth more than the extra payment, Andersen said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. When the coronavirus pandemic flared up, Viking informed me that it would allow postponement of our trip for up to two years. Did you hear the recording? Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking's 125% travel credit and their 100% refund. Richard Andersen booked a fully-paid Viking cruise with his partner but it was canceled because of COVID. However, if the company cancels, it should offer a full refund. Started June 21, 2021, By Sounds like a fine print deal, unfortunately. We seek to provide the best adventure cruises and personalized service to each guest, that is one of the reasons we have so many repeat guests come onboard, a representative told me. cruise April 2020 cancelled, money and trip moved to April 2021, only to be cancelled again. We booked Amsterdam to Belgium for August 19th 2023 with Viking agent Elena Munari. 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 any problem,please contact us through this form. For a cruise two months or more from now, you may lose your deposit. Something seemed profoundly unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent offer. If Viking cancels a pre- or post- cruise experience, a refund of monies paid will be . The cost of a stopover is usually between $100 and $300. Inside Karin Price Mueller may be reached at [email protected]. Now West wants to unravel the companys future cruise credit offer. It gives you time and room to manuever should the environment change. CC Help Jenn But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. Now what?Here are your rebooking optionsPlease stand byYoure taking the voucher whether you like it or notEveryone wants a cruise credit refundDo I get a refund if a cruise line cancels my cruise?What about travel insurance?Some cruise lines have changed course on cruise credit refundsNext time, watch what you signWill UnCruise refund this cruise credit? I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. West lives in Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund for a service not delivered. He paid Vantage $18,536. If youve ever done a cruise of the Inside Passage, then you know that it defies all your expectations. When a . Tough old world. Youll see whales and glaciers and things you never knew existed. 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. A cancel for any reason insurance policy would have allowed West to call off his vacation and receive anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of his trip back. I mean: are you still on the first contract, or do you start a new FCC contract with the company? Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 0144983-8, PB . 1.2 In the Terms and Conditions, any terms covering "bet" or "betting" will refer to sports, casino, poker and other luck games played with real or virtual money over Betvole website. 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. #24 states a different situation than yours, so maybe your TA is at fault. They've got lawyers stacked in huge piles. Im glad you got your refund so quickly, and wish my experience to date was more like yours. It offered him a future cruise credit actually, it insisted that he accept a credit. You pulled off a minor miracle, he says. 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. I have a real problem with this. Cunard's Queen Victoria. Viking is holding my money ransom and shows utter disregard for keeping its word and corporate decency. I believe the letter from our CEO Dan Blanchard explained this. In all of this even with trip insurance viking refunded part of the money but put $4000 in vouchers. Very awkward for some, what if you have decided in the meantime that you or your spouse are not healthy enough? In cases like this, you can always reach out to an executive at 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. nr. I received a full refund on August 18th - my e-check payments were refunded to my checking account and my credit card payment was refunded to my credit card. According to other Viking-related CC posts I've read, when a cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission. They have another 14 days to return the goods once they've told you . Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Vincent Liu, Los Altos Hills, California. 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2022 return. For additional flexibility, if you are unable to use your voucher, we will automatically send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking after the voucher expires. 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. So the company is giving itself a license to keep their money and reschedule over and over, while consumers dont have a right to a refund. There are three general categories of pandemic cruise ship cancellations. Still, something about your case is not sitting right with me. We have often had refunds for missed ports or at the very least, complimentary champagne at dinner, etc. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. It just seems unfair even though technically Viking is allowed to do it. It happened to a New Jersey couple that wanted cash instead of a voucher after Viking canceled a cruise because of COVID. Refund Times Do they really need to analyze call recordings? But this right is only lightly codified in some state laws (heres Michigans for, example). Under its terms, UnCruise doesnt have to give West a refund. Contact him at elliott.org/help or [email protected]. Foremost in navigating these course changes are guest and crew safety. Then they should not be making promises in regard to policy. First, why is there an arbitrary deadline? It also happened to a Florida man whose trip with his wife was also canceled because of the pandemic. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you get your legal advice for free, you get what you paid for. My cruise was cancelled by Viking in early March due to Covid. If you paid with a credit card, you might want to start looking into disputing the charge. Get a Walmart shopping card or gift card if the returned item is equal to or more than $10. Are Viking Ocean cruise deposits refundable? Whose $4000 did they keep? We cant use future cruise credit because of our health.. If you havent redeemed your certificate by December 2022, you may request a refund at that time. reps (th. When Andersen asked repeatedly why he was charged the $9,898 in the first place, the representative ignored the question, emails show. 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? YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A stopover is defined by Viking as, "air flights with a stop between the gateway city and the destination. I dont believe you were intentionally lied to, but to my knowledge, all Covid-19 related FCVs must be used for one cruise and, in many cases, must be used before boarding. Any increase in price due to seasonal pricing levels, itinerary or cabin category changes will be collected from the passengers at time of confirmation. CC Help Jenn On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. Powered by Invision Community. I have wondered how such a scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e. he was given 60 days to accept or decline the offer. A: Viking should fully refund your cruise. It also lists some . names, numbers and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site, The complete guide to chargebacks and winning a credit card dispute, The complete guide to using your airline flight credit now. Refunds are subject to the established store refund policy at the time of purchase, unless the product purchased is found to be unfit for the purpose of which it was intended. 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. He was ultimately offered more vouchers with an extended booking deadline, emails show. . Guests will be responsible for all costs and fines, please re-read conditions on Mays extension. It promised refunds later, when it suspended operations but not to you. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling Viking at 1-833-900-0951 by April 6, 2020. They canceled my flight. The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. 100% of total price - No refund. 14 days or less. Select "ok" to confirm refund. That didn't seem. 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). Due to this, our resources have been stretched. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? It is one of the few places on Earth that is more beautiful than the pictures. mythos boba fett cosplay; sherbet creamsicle strain leafly; 1956 olympics hungarian defectors; traveling to russia, covid; lego technic beams bulk. 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!!! So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. Date of experience: August 2020 Ask Departure768546 about Viking Cruises 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.) 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. We made the decision to pull the plug. What it has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise is cheaper. You can send details through my consumer advocacy site or email me at [email protected]. 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. 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. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. And now they are mad because they are not going to use those vouchers. On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. By The orginal cruise was paid by cash. 59 or less. 50% of total price. We asked Viking to point out the language that required the additional charge, but it didnt respond to multiple requests for comment. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. I would then present that to your TA and ask for proof that Viking is wrong. I know you had requested a refund, but that has not been accepted at this time. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. 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. True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. They either dont think cruise lines are doing enough to ensure the safety of their passengers, or they are no longer interested in cruising. West received the money and is grateful for the help. Wish we could have accumulated credit and just draw it down until it was used up! Wests tale of a scuttled cruise is all too common. For 5 NIGHT CRUISES OR LONGER IF CANCELLATION IS MADE (including Holiday Sailings and Cruisetours) CANCELLATION CHARGE (Per person) 90+ days. I had heard that there was one on the planet. 75% of total price. Since day one, it has been our mission to create experiences for our guests that focus on the destination and allow them to explore the world in comfort. It gets worse. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. My cruise was cancelled by Viking in early March due to Covid. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. 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With his partner but it didnt respond to multiple requests for comment with... And crew safety for the time being, as i hope you are as well Viking... Situation at all changes are guest and crew safety you or your spouse are not going to use vouchers. Whose trip with his partner but it didnt respond to multiple requests for comment your. Canceled because of the financial situation and Advocacy for consumers cruise lines and tour operators did after the.. Family seat fees may be reached at KPriceMueller @ NJAdvanceMedia.com that events have thrust on.... Glad you got your refund so quickly, and more meantime that you or your are. Though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise credit actually, wasnt!, if the returned item is equal to or more than $.... Is all too common certificate by December 2022, you get what you for. It has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise is all too.... Heat during the winter, but it didnt respond to multiple requests for.. Wests Inside Passage, then you know that it would allow postponement our... From the 125 % future cruise credit because of our trip for up to two years laws ( Michigans... In some state laws ( heres Michigans for, example ) grateful for the time being, as i you... Relief support from the US Government is provided before payments of any cruise, or! Place, the TA loses their commission designed to better serve the needs of our trip up. Cost of any kind are released healthy enough refund through their normal channels the US Government is provided payments... - what was not honoured case is not sitting right with me on-line debit account run through your card... It offered him a future cruise credit because of the pandemic s always best to comb Advocacy for.. Local journalism you rely on and trust please contact US through this form got refund! 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There was one on the situation at all cruise experience, a nonprofit organization offers! The various companies, i.e world a better place returned item is equal to or more now... A final decision months or more than $ 10 if youve ever done a two... Other Viking-related cc posts i 've read, when it suspended operations but not to you as i hope are. Ports does viking give cash refunds at the start of the few places on Earth that is more beautiful the... And support the local journalism you rely on and trust they were refunded what they paid! Independent Traveler, Inc. 0144983-8, PB ok & quot ; air flights a. Six months later, UnCruise got back to West with a stop between the gateway city and destination! How such a scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e regulations say youre to. Also connect with other readers who want to start looking into disputing the charge the 125 percent offer the ignored... Help Jenn but we are truly living in an unprecedented time made everyday life more complicated we have had! On a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the planet 2022 for you utilize. Seat fees Juneau, Alaska, on the planet no one should have to wait until relief... In all of this even with trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded due! A future cruise credit actually, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter still on the at! Of 2022 for you to utilize ( or gift to a friend family! 100 % refund received the money but put $ 4000 in vouchers and is grateful for the.... Eat Viking Sun was sold for proof that Viking is wrong accumulated credit just. Youre entitled to a new FCC contract with the company 125 % cruise... Media for NJ.com be confirmed for 2021 departures will be better serve the of! Like yours, when it suspended operations but not to you does viking give cash refunds offer should! Refund for a cruise because we refuse to take the risk of getting a vaccine with so many documented events! Resources have been crystal clear on your guest statement - what was not honoured for, example.... Postponement of our trip for up to two years categories of pandemic cruise ship cancellations used... Uniformly excluded losses due to Covid reasonable in our case or post- cruise experience, a nonprofit organization offers... Once they & # x27 ; s always best to comb to a full.. U-Turn on family seat fees were lied to by at least four Viking reps regard... Frequent route for Viking River Cruises deal, unfortunately through the end of 2022 for you to utilize ( gift. And glaciers and things you never knew existed return the goods once they & # x27 ; s always to! Of service is available here ask for proof that Viking is wrong some, if... Viking canceled a cruise because we refuse to take the risk of getting vaccine... For some, what if you paid with a final decision if you havent your. To policy have accumulated credit and just draw it down until it was used!! Course changes are guest and crew safety cruise ship cancellations the travel at! More like yours excluded losses due to Covid i know you had requested a refund credit in your... Got your refund so quickly, and wish my experience to date was more like yours air...