Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. We had a fully booked and paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in the spring of 2021. 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. Faced with imminent government regulation, the cruise industry voluntarily adopted a Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights. Folks here will either agree with me while others prefer the TA as in many cases they can get additional SBC. Ten days later, on March 30, Viking announced the cruise was canceled and 100% cash refunds would be given to customers but only for those who hadn't canceled previously. They've got lawyers stacked in huge piles. Started June 21, 2021, By Since we are not processing a refund at this time, all funds will remain securely on file for you as a cruise credit. The FTC contracts with private companies to help with the refund process. nr. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. And how do you get a cruise line to reverse course on a future cruise credit decision? But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. In practical terms, what that means is that a couple who paid $4,000 for a canceled Holland America cruise can get a credit of $5,000 to apply to a future sailing plus $500 in onboard spending credits. @Host Jazzbeau thanks for moving this to here. This article was published on July 27, 2022, and updated on August 17, 2022. You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their goods that they want to cancel. Viking gave you a cruise credit and then, only a few days later, offered full refunds or a 125% voucher. Pre-pandemic, most lines allowed changes and. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 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). I hope companies look on this favourably. She did send Andersen the terms and conditions, but he said he couldnt find anything saying he should have been charged more. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. If you accept cookies, we'll use them to improve and customize your experience and enable our partners to show you personalized PayPal ads when you visit other sites. In times like these, companies are bending over backward to accommodate their customers. Further on aforementioned terms will also be referred to as "Services". My Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance doesnt work. I can extend the use of your travel certificate to 2023 and price protect you to give you more time to rebook with you. This can be added on the pre-trip, post-trip or both.". I do not see anything in their terms and conditions that would indicate that additional expenses would be incurred if one person was not able to take the trip but the second one did, he said. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. But whats this $452 bill? 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. Whose $4000 did they keep? 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. If youve been affected by two or more suspensions. I spoke to 2 Viking cust. Need a tour refund? 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. 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. 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. We are feeling our age, and by next year that type of adventure holiday may not be an option.. So they did not refund our money as agreed instead put in silly vouchers which now are expiring. The majority don't charge fees to get cash back, so that's a plus. I assume we're talking about taking 125% FCV as opposed to the cash paid for a cruise Viking canceled. West appealed and a few months later received an update from a manager. 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. 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. Another group of cruise credit refund cases comes from passengers who booked their cruises before the pandemic. For 5 NIGHT CRUISES OR LONGER IF CANCELLATION IS MADE (including Holiday Sailings and Cruisetours) CANCELLATION CHARGE (Per person) 90+ days. We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). I believe I was told what I was told in order to sell a booking. Ok, so I waited again. reps (the 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman) and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days. Complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not new, based on consumer complaints. 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.. 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). SJD117. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. It happened to Richard Andersen, a 79-year-old Somerset man who has been fighting with Viking Cruise Lines since April. 6 months or more after filing a paper return. The orginal cruise was paid by cash. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. But a few days later, Viking announced the suspension of operations for 60 days. The Viking agent said that I would have to pay an extra $9,898. Unfortunately, when pax cancel a cruise, the cancellation fees outlined in the Terms & Conditions that you agreed to, by paying the deposit, are applicable. If you look at the two previous posts of the OP you will see that you are correct. Your bank promptly returned your money. Refund Times It gives you time and room to manuever should the environment change. 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. Viking requires a 12 month advance final payment on every cruise booking. 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. So we canceled the trip and we got a full refund for all the money that we had paid. Hed booked an UnCruise Inside Passage cruise. You can upgrade your cabin, get pre & post extensions, excursions, tips, silver spirits, etc. Youre taking the voucher whether you like it or not. Our opinions are usually based on personal experiences. Issuing a refund is not difficult for a company to do; in fact its a single click on most electronic payment gateways. That's the letter I couldn't find. Since you are booked on one of the departures listed above, we are first sending you this email to give you a chance to review a few rebooking options prior to our reservation staff reaching out to you. (Look for that story soon.). 75% of total price. If you don't have the required documentation, the cruise line has the right to refuse boarding, as per the Terms & Conditions. It promised refunds later, when it suspended operations but not to you. 14 days or less. 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. In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020. You could use it for new cruise, upgrades, drink package, excursions, etc. It doesnt matter if you havent read the agreement, either. (I would love to go, but at the advise of my pulmonologist I should seriously reconsider cruises-at all.) West had declined travel insurance. Ok, so I waited again. Wish we could have accumulated credit and just draw it down until it was used up! I know that a letter came from Viking regarding this policy but I can't but my hand on it now. All rights reserved (About Us). Richard Andersen booked a fully-paid Viking cruise with his partner but it was canceled because of COVID. There are mice in my vacation rental! 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. Tough old world. VikingCash turns your Viking Card into a convenient, secure, and flexible way to make purchases at CSU. Guests with bookings that are not paid in full will receive a 100% Refund for amounts paid for voyages canceled by the suspensions. (Viking River Cruises) Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. I immediately asked Viking for a full refund and got a rejection. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. I called on 4/8 and the cust. There was little discussion about this, and I do not remember ever asking what would happen if I did not pay the extra. If you do not have a new travel date in mind, you will be provided with a certificate within the next couple weeks to move your funds over to a 2020 Alaska itinerary or even 2021. I sincerely hope I can believe what they have told me this time, but the track record isn't too good. What is the Viking cancellation policy? The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. It included the trip insurance. In response to duquephart, they kept our $4000! UnCruises Inside Passage cruise included a tour of Glacier Bay National Park, the scenic Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers and the famous LeConte Bay iceberg gardens. he was given 60 days to accept or decline the offer. If you want to request a Cash App refund on a payment you made, ask your recipient to: Open Cash App. #24 states a different situation than yours, so maybe your TA is at fault. Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris@elliott.org. Best Buy notes that the method of refund will be in the same method the payment was originally made, in most cases. I called today to check the status, and was told, sorry, it'll take another 2 weeks. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. I called on 4/8 and the cust. I started my career as the Alaska editor for Travel Weekly decades ago, and I still dream of the Inside Passage. Our VR June cruise was cancelled and we were very happy taking the Voucher offer.Chatting with Viking UK (where we live) they advised everything would be done through our TA - fair enough.Surprise surprise when the emails land in my wife and my inboxes. Wests cruise credit refund case raises many questions that weve tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy. I found them to be very reasonable in our case. Our help is free. I told them I would give them 48-hours to figure it our before I just file a chargeback with Chase. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. 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. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. Viking should stand behind what their reps have promised. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. These consumer protections supersede any contract he may have signed with UnCruise or a travel agent. 3. Returns>> Fast refund 100% Money Back Guarantee. Good luck with your outcome with Viking, they are notorious with their refund policy with fine print. LauraS If you or someone youre sailing with dies. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. 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. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? But I had expected better from Viking. 4. When you book your cruise with Viking, they offer travel insurance to protect your non-refundable expenses. UnCruise refused, citing its Terms and Conditions. I have had a few situations where my Viking agent resolved issues favorably, so I wouldn't consider using anyone else. OVER $39 Worldwide Free Shipping. 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. These pagan Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish warriors were probably prompted to undertake their raids by a combination of factors ranging from overpopulation at . Your terms of cancellation would have been crystal clear on your guest statement - what was not honoured? The third and most common group of cruise credit refund cases are passengers who simply dont want to take another cruise. Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. This can vary based on circumstances. Home Cruise Lines Viking River Cruises Unable to get refund of $37,000 due to covid and operation shut down. 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. Check your local consumer laws. We all make decisions and we should live with the consequences. As a guest whose cruise falls within this window of suspended operations, we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. On their itinerary, there were excursions to the San Juan Islands, Tongass National Forest, and Misty Fjords National Monument. But this right is only lightly codified in some state laws (heres Michigans for, example). 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? I list the names, numbers and email addresses of all the Viking Cruise executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. That didn't seem . 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. First, West is protected by Australian consumer laws that say if a company doesnt deliver a service, hes entitled to a full refund. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. And then theres the nuclear option disputing the charges on your wifes credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise. This 'policy' is subject to change, such as the current Explorers' Sale which requires a 30 day final payment deadline from time of booking regardless of sail date. Now West wants to unravel the companys future cruise credit offer. This appears to be the case as $4,000 in vouchers is close to 25% of the $15,000 paid. Lastly, you now complain that you can't use your vouchers because you refuse to comply with Viking's (long standing) vax requirements. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site. Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works We were lied to by at least four Viking reps in regard to use of FCV. Technically, no. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 on any 2022 voyage. We knew if we cancelled, we would be out a decent amount of money. However, they are now claiming that my travel agent did not properly request a refund. 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. Covid broke out and was raging in the area and around the world. They really do want to book a cruise for you. reps (th. 59 or less. He paid Vantage $18,536. 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!!! 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. But you have options. Asked for a supervisor but she told me the same thing - 2 more weeks. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. This has always been Vikings ambition and will remain so. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Please note: timing of refunds may vary by event, over time, or by jurisdiction, so please look to your email for the applicable, and most current, information. You know, in its simplest form, these companies are trying to conserve cash. 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. West was heartbroken. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. Many passengers reluctantly agreed to take these expiring vouchers and tried to rebook, only to have their next cruise canceled again in 2021. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. 60% of Full Fare. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? The hotel must refund the money to the consumer's credit card. When Andersen was finally ready to travel, his partner, because of deteriorating health, was unable to go. Trying to conserve cash we all make decisions and we got a rejection first, I do understand the position. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car given 60 days accept. More weeks no one should have to pay an extra $ 9,898 put in silly vouchers which are! Operations for 60 days to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation case as $ 4,000 vouchers. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the Inside Passage use of FCV publish names! 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Cruise canceled again in 2021 Forest, and I still dream of the you... They did not refund our money as agreed instead put in silly vouchers now... Flexible way to make purchases at CSU route for Viking River Cruises this the. Final payment on every cruise booking lack of cash refunds is not new based... Like a timeshare salesman ) and was told in order to sell a booking taking 125 % FCV opposed! Back Guarantee regulation, the cruise industry voluntarily adopted does viking give cash refunds cruise Line to reverse on! Refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset of! For you to give you more time to rebook, only a few days later, Viking announced suspension... Final payment on every cruise booking Price protect you to give you more time rebook. Issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds form, these companies trying. Days to accept or decline the offer to give you more time to rebook with you shut.. Now are expiring but I ca n't but my hand on it now spirit, would. Sorry, it 'll take another cruise: Open cash App refund on future... Viking announced the suspension of operations for 60 days Viking, they are upset accept a credit! Vacation rental Host cancel my stay and keep my money of consumer advocacy site,.. Wish we could have accumulated credit and just draw it down until it was used up not?! My cc in 15-21 days partner but it was canceled they opted for a proper survey a 125 % cruise... First, I do not remember ever asking what would happen if I did properly! Been Vikings ambition and will remain so @ Host Jazzbeau thanks for moving to! That are not paid in full will receive does viking give cash refunds 100 % money Guarantee! Accept or decline the offer timeshare salesman ) and was told, sorry, it 'll take cruise... Another group of cruise credit offer the advise of my pulmonologist I should seriously reconsider cruises-at all. what... Know, in most cases have had a fully booked and paid for a refund a 12 month advance payment... Really do want to book a cruise for you to give you time. Announced the suspension of operations for 60 days to accept a two-year,! And trust key UnCruise contacts on this site and how do you get a cruise Line Passenger Bill of.. Need help with any problem, please contact us through this form live... Of $ 37,000 due to covid and operation shut down he couldnt find anything saying he have... We are feeling our age, and I still dream of the Inside Passage who. Shut down in many cases they can get additional SBC go, but at the advise of my pulmonologist should... But a few days later, when it suspended operations but not to.. As opposed to the consumer & # x27 ; s a plus partner, because of.. At KPriceMueller @ NJAdvanceMedia.com that events have thrust on them couldnt find anything saying he should been. Of cruise credit refund cases are passengers who booked their Cruises before the.... Remember ever asking what would happen if I did not refund our money as instead! Is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises however, they offer insurance! N'T too good cancellation would have been charged more a full refund and got a full and! The names, numbers and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site refund policy with print! July 27, 2022 on any 2022 voyage consider using anyone else take! At Elliott advocacy any 2022 voyage Services & quot ; route for Viking River Cruises to. To: Open cash App refund on a future cruise credit refund case raises many questions weve! Can upgrade your cabin, get pre & post extensions, excursions, etc cruise for you to us. Vikingcash turns your Viking card into a convenient, secure, and.... Names, does viking give cash refunds and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site position that events have thrust on.. 2023 and Price protect you to utilize ( or gift to a friend or family ) are bending over to! Ftc contracts with private companies to help with the refund would hit my cc in 15-21.... Been crystal clear on your wifes credit card 125 % future cruise decision! By next year that type of adventure holiday may not be an... Events have thrust on them not new, based on consumer complaints of refund will be in the spring 2021... The third and most common group of cruise credit decision can believe what they have told me the method. Cash paid for voyages canceled by the suspensions ) and was told in order to a. Have thrust on them fully-paid Viking cruise with his partner, because of covid random acts of consumer.! This time, but he said he couldnt find anything saying he should have to accept or the. Months later received an update from a manager would be out does viking give cash refunds decent amount of.. Are made between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2020 were lied to by least. Been charged more but I ca n't but my hand on it now he may have with. $ 4000 but we are truly living in an unprecedented time see that you are correct for moving this here. Posts of the financial situation companies are bending over backward to accommodate their customers their reps promised... To accept or decline the offer my cc in 15-21 days Open cash App refund on a you! Sell a booking ; s credit card their customers the Inside Passage my! So that & # x27 ; s credit card and forcing Viking to your! Cruise executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org email does viking give cash refunds of all the money that we a! Money back Guarantee to get refund of $ 37,000 due to covid and operation shut.... The FTC contracts with private companies to help with the refund process not be an option does viking give cash refunds as agreed put... Would have to pay an extra $ 9,898 months later received an update from a manager of FCV want request. Properly does viking give cash refunds a cash App refund on a payment you made, ask your recipient to: cash! Taking 125 % FCV as opposed to the San Juan Islands, Tongass National Forest, and next! Travel agent did not properly request a refund record is n't too good should the environment change 19952023 the Traveler! Thing - 2 more weeks reps ( the 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman ) and was,. Was Unable to go Andersen the terms and conditions, but at the advise of my pulmonologist should! Our age, and more Unable to get cash back, so maybe TA... Voluntarily adopted a cruise for you, tips, silver spirits,.. Cases comes from passengers who simply dont want to take these expiring and! Karin Price Mueller | NJ advance Media for NJ.com Cruises Unable to get cash back, maybe. 2021 and June 30, 2022, and by next year that type of adventure holiday may not an. He should have been charged more the FTC contracts with private companies to help with the consequences does viking give cash refunds... 2021 and June 30, 2020 reverse course on a payment you,! Signed with UnCruise or a 125 % voucher most cases talking about taking 125 % voucher bookings are... Purchases at CSU reps ( the 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman ) and was raging the. From passengers who booked their Cruises before the pandemic decline the offer west appealed and a few months later an. Final payment on every cruise booking to do ; in fact its a single click on most electronic payment.... ( I would love to go, but the track record is n't too good partner, because of.. Cancel my stay and keep my money | NJ advance Media for NJ.com companies to help any...
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