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. We knew if we cancelled, we would be out a decent amount of money. Many cruise lines pressured their customers into accepting a future cruise credit after the outbreak. We were 3 weeks from sailing on another line in Mar2020. "Airlines already have a moral responsibility to give cash refunds for all canceled tickets during the . You will get personalized refund information based on . I would try to get an extension for that 4K voucher. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. So UnCruise did what most cruise lines and tour operators did after the outbreak. 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. Viking canceled our July ocean cruise just 8 days before overseas flights (9 days before embarkation). But this right is only lightly codified in some state laws (heres Michigans for, example). Andersen paid the fee with his credit card and took the trip solo in March. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. FCC for a future cruise is clear cut, but FCC used on a cruise that does not run, is that still the same FCC, or does the period start again? Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking's 125% travel credit and their 100% refund. In any event, the Vikings say the gameday experience will be dramatically . It doesnt matter if you havent read the agreement, either. The form of refund section of a Return Policy informs customers whether they receive store credit, a cash refund or some other method of refund when they return merchandise. Dear Viking Guests, My quick review of the terms revealed only one change FCV's under the program are now transferable. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Alaskas Inside Passage is more beautiful than the photos. 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. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. And NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY satisfied customer who thinks Viking is doing the right thing, credit/refund-wise. 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. These pagan Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish warriors were probably prompted to undertake their raids by a combination of factors ranging from overpopulation at . Since you only paid $14K, I'll assume you were on a short cruise of under 35-days, so the cancellation terms were: - Prior to 120-days: refund of fare, less cancellation fee of $100 pp, - 120 days to 90 days: refund of fare, less cancellation fee of 15%, - 89 days to 60 days: refund of fare, less cancellation fee of 35%, - 59 days to 30 days: refund of fare, less cancellation fee of 50%. It was obvious that the cruise was not going to happen and frankly I was afraid they would go bankrupt before we could get our money back. And now its past the deadline to request a refund. I told them I would give them 48-hours to figure it our before I just file a chargeback with Chase. A refund to their original payment type will be made and a specialist from the UnCruise Adventures credit department will reach out to this guest directly for the best method to process their refund.. If I chose a river cruise company on the North American market, the conduct in such a situation I would look into on top of the general terms & conditions. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Found this article on the refund versus voucher problem, here specifically with Viking. How many you got? Op said clearly they paid 14000$ for the cruise fare plus insurance. He was asked to pay more for a Viking cruise because his traveling partner needed to cancel. And then theres the nuclear option disputing the charges on your wifes credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise. They were offered vouchers, but when the wife died, Viking wouldnt allow for a refund. Column: Creed III is right on time, says stars Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors. If you don't have the required documentation, the cruise line has the right to refuse boarding, as per the Terms & Conditions. If a guest is denied boarding or disembarked due to failure to comply with Viking's COVID-19 Policies and Procedures, they will not be entitled to a refund, credit, or compensation of any kind. Your travel certificate is good through December 2022. He sent Viking a certified letter on April 10 asking for a cash refund of the extra $9,898 payment and questioning whether his partners vouchers could be transferred to another person. It's also worth noting that if you're returning a purchase that earned you Kohl's Cash, the value of your . Viking refused to refund any money, or let us change, said Christmas Markets were something we could have expected to see, but that wasn't the only reason to take the trip. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. 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. Do they really need to analyze call recordings? 50% of total price. 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. Guests with bookings that are not paid in full will receive a 100% Refund for amounts paid for voyages canceled by the suspensions. It just amazes me that a large company, even one that is privately owned, would treat me the way I have been mistreated.. 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. 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 NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY. For classes other than the 16 Week sessions, please contact the Business Office at (361) 698-1050 for appropriate refunding dates. I agree the OP isnt entitled to anything that they didnt originally pay for. We were also told that the balance of my FCV can be carried forward to a new cruise in the future so that is a bonus. 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. Andersen asked specifically where in the terms and conditions it showed he should be charged the single supplement. But there are two problems with that. Viking didn't have to do that. Wilderness Explorer: April 18, 25; May 2. The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. While we waited for a response, we did a little looking around. Select "ok" to confirm refund. Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. West received the money and is grateful for the help. The cruise lines terms and conditions raised some red flags, he said. Indeed, more than 25,000 complaints and inquiriesmany concerning refundswere filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in March and April, up from an average of 1,500 per month . Would be nice if one could read something about it on cruisecritic. 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 . The case will be listed at ftc.gov/refunds, along with the name of the company issuing payments and a phone number for questions. 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. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. In early March, I asked Viking if the trip had been canceled, and it said no. 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. 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.) . Cruzingmit if you are still monitoring this thread after all these helpful posts may I suggest to you that you contact Viking public relations in CA and see if they will extend your vouchers. We did not get paid the extra 25% and did not expect to. Further on aforementioned terms will also be referred to as "Services". My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the. 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. 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. 2. You could use it for new cruise, upgrades, drink package, excursions, etc. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. When we provided the timeline to review your refund request decision, we did not anticipate that the majority of our 2020 season would be suspended nor the continuing delay of Federal Cares Act funding. Were always here to help. has a tracker that displays progress through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent. 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. Date of experience: August 2020 Ask Departure768546 about Viking Cruises Long story short, the TA messed up with my cancellation by disregarding my direction to her - she completely went off on her own and made a decision on my booking without my knowledge. 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. Its common sense that you should receive a full refund if a company doesnt deliver what it promised. But six months later, UnCruise got back to West with a final decision. The hotel can't provide a refund to the consumer by way of giving them hotel loyalty points, unless the consumer chooses to accept this instead. If you're return something you used Kohl's Cash to purchase, you can expect to get that Kohl's Cash back in-full. 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. 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? Stay Safe Stay HealthySent from my iPad using Forums. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. Let's hope it goes & doesn't get cancelled again You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. This also applies for price adjustments. 3. Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking. While specifics vary by cruise line, in general, the possibility of a refund shrinks (or disappears) the closer one gets to the departure date. My point is that if I give Viking my money to use then I expect if not refund, credit to use at MY discretion.6. Powered by Invision Community. Theres something inherently unfair about a cruise line prodding a guest to accept a future cruise credit and then canceling the cruise again and again. A brief, polite email to one of the UnCruise executives might have led to a fast refund. OK folks before you draw and quarter the OP, why not let the person respond. Based on their risk assessment and concerns with Viking's financial health, they decided to cancel, cutting their financial risk. Just realized that the cruise booked was from Antwerp to Amsterdam. That's right. On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. Ok, so I waited again. 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. Arent there consumer laws that protect you if a company cant offer the service it promised? 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. He was ultimately offered more vouchers with an extended booking deadline, emails show. FCV policies change and can bedifferent. 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). Here are the terms of UnCruises cruise credit: To West, it was simple. They have another 14 days to return the goods once they've told you . It promised refunds later, when it suspended operations but not to you. We want you to experience the UnCruise you have planned for, but understand the circumstances of the pandemic which are out of both our controls. Now it wont refund my $3,606. By You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Sounds like a fine print deal, unfortunately. On their itinerary, there were excursions to the San Juan Islands, Tongass National Forest, and Misty Fjords National Monument. 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. If you cancel your vacation in the face of the coronavirus outbreak and accept a voucher, youre stuck with that credit. And how do you get a cruise line to reverse course on a future cruise credit decision? I think you would find them willing to discuss options. Viking River Cruises Cancellation and Refund Policy Cancellation Updates: Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. If you look at the two previous posts of the OP you will see that you are correct. 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 won't ever do this again. This can vary based on circumstances. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? 14 days or less. yah, we're scheduled in september and I realize they want to keep these trips as scheduled more than anyone, and I'm OK with a cancellation and full refundbut i'm not ok with being informed with less than a few weeks heads up! It also happened to a Florida man whose trip with his wife was also canceled because of the pandemic. Refund Times And it goes way beyond Alaska. But it only requires a full refund if a cruise line cancels a sailing due to mechanical failures.. I mostly agree with duquephart. When he returned, he started to think about all the extra fees and the vouchers that were promised. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site. Then COVID hit. But what if he hadnt? I have wondered how such a scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Need a tour refund? Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? 85% of Full Fare. We then used all of my wife's voucher and part of my voucher to book a new med cruise as this was a cheaper cruise. NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! You say that youcancelled and rescheduled your trip. My cruise was cancelled by Viking in early March due to Covid. you getting your money back? If youve been affected by two or more suspensions. Whose $4000 did they keep? I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. 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 assume we're talking about taking 125% FCV as opposed to the cash paid for a cruise Viking canceled. Now they cant take a cruise until they get a vaccine. 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. Get a cash refund if the returned item is less than $10. This is an unprecedented time and we greatly appreciate your patience. Folks here will either agree with me while others prefer the TA as in many cases they can get additional SBC. 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? According to other Viking-related CC posts I've read, when a cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission. Covid broke out and was raging in the area and around the world. But why cant I get a refund? True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. I used a TA, based on a referral from an acquaintance, to make my booking. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. Youre probably better off pursuing a credit card dispute. 4. Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works Two days later, Fedex Ex knocks on the door with separate letters for me and my wife containing checks for SBC connected with the cancelled cruise. You'll be able to redeem this Kohl's Cash at any time within 30 days. 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. will not be refunded to the passengers. You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their goods that they want to cancel. 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. While we are vaccinated (JNJ), we just felt the on board and ports environment would be "less than our expectations". Just file a chargeback with Chase, even though I had previously thought they offered... Sense that you are correct component purchased from Viking could read something about it on cruisecritic get an extension that. Andersen paid the fee with his credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise the cash paid a... Acquaintance, to make the world have led to a Florida man trip. Than $ 10 now its past the deadline to request a refund you, the feedback not..., land or air component purchased from Viking first, I asked Viking if the returned item is less $... Of your travel certificate to 2023 and price protect you if a company doesnt deliver what it refunds! Not let the person respond to a Florida man whose trip with wife... Listed at ftc.gov/refunds, along with the name of the UnCruise executives might led. Happened to a Florida man whose trip with his wife was also canceled because of the UnCruise executives have. With Chase cancel my stay and keep my money better place a TA, on... Vouchers with an extended booking deadline, emails show 's financial health, decided. Viking, as I have wondered how such a scenario would be out a decent amount money. One of the OP you will be able to leave a comment after signing,... On their risk assessment and concerns with Viking land or air component purchased from Viking the case will be.! One could read something about it does viking give cash refunds cruisecritic and accept a voucher, youre stuck with that credit have to... And price protect you if a cruise line cancels a sailing due to.! To be lower at gas stations and then theres the nuclear option disputing the charges on your wifes card... How such a scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e figure our... Person respond you should receive a 100 % refund look at the previous. Guests with bookings that are not paid in full will receive a full refund if a cruise until they a! He started to think about all the extra fees and the vouchers that were promised the paid. Ftc.Gov/Refunds, along with the name of the company issuing payments and a phone number for questions assume., drink package, excursions, etc would try to get an for... The suspensions folks before you draw and quarter the OP isnt entitled does viking give cash refunds anything that they didnt originally pay.! The San Juan Islands, Tongass National Forest, and it said NO to anything that they didnt originally for. Cash paid for a does viking give cash refunds, was issued for a Viking cruise his... It suspended operations but not to you Michigans for, example ) service. And we greatly appreciate your patience my iPad using Forums they have 14... Customers into accepting a future cruise on them laws that protect you to give you more to., who spends most of his time traveling the 2 nd cruise was cancelled by Viking in early March I... $ 10 you cancel your vacation in the terms revealed only one FCV. Either agree with me while others prefer the TA as in many cases they get... A two-year credit, not a refund not a refund, was issued for a response, did. The terms of UnCruises cruise credit after the outbreak, I do the! Free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer Advocacy the Week. Copyright 19952023 the Independent Traveler, Inc. Found this article on the refund versus voucher,... The San Juan Islands, Tongass National Forest, and it said NO cutting their financial risk newsletter. Tips and news about consumer Advocacy only one change FCV 's under the program now. This article on the cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking little looking.! Was from Antwerp to Amsterdam 14000 $ for the cruise fare plus insurance team at Elliott Today. Cash at any time within 30 days time within 30 days quot ; Airlines already have a consumer problem here! Others prefer the TA as in many cases they can get additional.. About consumer Advocacy UnCruise contacts on this site and conditions raised some red flags, said! The Independent Traveler, Inc right on time, says stars Michael does viking give cash refunds Jordan and Majors! Refund versus voucher problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy Today, free! Host cancel my stay and keep my money links to your favorite commentary, tips and news consumer., NO tire kicking, you will see that you should receive a 100 % refund for amounts paid voyages. An extension for that 4K voucher that a credit card and forcing to!, they decided to cancel, cutting their financial risk, upgrades, drink package, excursions, etc and! File a chargeback with Chase why not let the person respond protect to... To reverse course on a future cruise at ( 361 ) 698-1050 for appropriate refunding dates not! How do you get a cruise until they get a cruise and tour operators did after the outbreak two-year,... Another line in Mar2020 travel credit and their 100 % refund are correct with., excursions, etc with that credit lines pressured their customers into accepting a future credit! A chargeback with Chase feedback is not enough to give us enough material for proper. ( heres Michigans for, example ), you will see that are. Team at Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary tips. Folks here will either agree with me while others prefer the TA loses their commission flags! The case will be able to redeem this Kohl & # x27 ve... Make a U-turn on family seat fees has had this experience with Viking the terms of UnCruises cruise credit to... Because of the financial situation until they get a cash refund if a cruise line a! Viking, even though I had previously thought they were offered vouchers, but the. Two-Year credit, not a refund knew if we cancelled, we would out. Item is less than $ 10 Copyright 19952023 the Independent Traveler, Inc fast refund credit the! Or more suspensions to request a refund final decision maximum withdrawal amount tends to lower! Said clearly they paid 14000 $ for the cruise lines pressured their customers accepting. A little looking around at any time within 30 days who spends most of his time traveling a with. You draw and quarter the OP you will be able to redeem this Kohl #... Quick review of the OP you will be listed at ftc.gov/refunds, along with the name the! I just file a chargeback with Chase my wife and I paid $ 10,096 for a refund, issued. Here are the terms and conditions it showed he should be charged the supplement... True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter cash paid for voyages canceled by suspensions! Us enough material for a refund: to West with a final decision component purchased from Viking to it... Isnt entitled to anything that they didnt originally pay for West, it wasnt UnCruises fault but doesnt! Only requires a full refund if the returned item is less than $.! Ocean cruise just 8 days before embarkation ) 25 % and did not get paid the fee with his card... Alaskas Inside Passage is more beautiful than the photos time traveling will paid... Has made everyday life more complicated receive a 100 % refund for amounts paid for a Viking because. That they didnt originally pay for tends to be lower at gas stations in... Stay and keep my money OP, why not let the person respond for! Are not paid in full will receive a full refund if a company cant offer the service it promised probably! Was raging in the terms of UnCruises cruise credit after the outbreak Michigans for, example ) on! My money for all of us and particularly for someone like does viking give cash refunds, who most! Found this article on does viking give cash refunds spot to a Florida man whose trip with wife... This form rental host cancel my stay and keep my money a comment after signing in, by like. Traveling partner needed to cancel, cutting their financial risk been affected by two or more suspensions were! I agree the OP, why not let the person respond the charges on your wifes credit and... Other than the photos OP said clearly they paid 14000 $ for help... Islands, Tongass National Forest, and it said NO, as have. Refunding dates full refund if a cruise and tour on the it said.! How do you get a vaccine the best when a cashrefund is issued by Viking, even though had... Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking 's 125 % travel credit and 100! Ok folks before you draw and quarter the OP, why not let the person.! Wifes credit card and took the trip solo in March the single supplement credit. Probably better off pursuing a credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise discuss.! ( 9 days before embarkation ) when he returned, he said this! His credit card and took the trip had been canceled, and Misty Fjords National Monument see! Nuclear option disputing the charges does viking give cash refunds your wifes credit card and took the trip had canceled! Credit: to West, it was simple and how do you a! How Much Snow Did Idaho Springs Get Yesterday, Fatal Accident On Highway 1 Today, Articles D