Thank you. Travel companies always do the math so it favors them. as paid, with no further liability of any nature. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? They got no advance notice, no onboard cash. And certainly not in the next 24 months especially on a ship of any kind, Keyles said. We are sorry to hear of how disappointed you were with the itinerary changes that were necessary due to low water levels. Had she done so, Fosse could have avoided this mess. % We were not given the benefit of the Priority Shore Excursion Reservations that we paid for. No, the representatives said. We received a letter of "apology" from Viking but no offer to refund the money we paid for the Priority we did not receive.4. read more. If you paid with vouchers, those vouchers will be returned to your account. Free shipping for many products! The total cost was $15,599, including a three-day land add-on and travel insurance. She says Viking ought to be ashamed of itself for misleading and fraudulent offers.. He asked the couple to submit a medical claim with the travel insurance company. 305 resolved 231 unresolved File a complaint to Viking River Cruises Viking River Cruises contacts (added by reviewer) Phone number +1 800 304 9616 Address 5700 Canoga Ave, California United States Website www.vikingrivercruises.com Category Cruise Lines View full information Most discussed complaints But by then, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra $628. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. While cruise fares can fluctuate from year to year for a variety of reasons, please know the voucher expiration dates are book-by dates, not sail-by dates, providing you with booking flexibility. Instead they used credits from the refund we were owed. LauraS Fosses Viking case is part of a larger subset of cruise voucher problems involving multiple cancellations and future cruise credits. Viking Cruise lines, horrible. It was cancaled by Viking. We all have sat in our hotel rooms during a torrential rain in the Carribean and shrugged it off while pulling out a deck of cards or a board game. %PDF-1.7 Since day one, it has been our mission to create experiences that focus on the destination and allow our guests to explore the world in comfort. We were told to "give it another day". as you might have already read on other posts and reviews this sailing on the Rhine was halted after 7 days due to low water levels in the river. 4 0 obj One got a twin bed even though everyone agreed that all Viking passengers should get king beds! Their claim was denied and the couple let Viking know. We think we were able to reach a reasonable settlement and are glad to put this behind us, Keyles said, noting that Viking asked them to sign a non-disclosure form that prevented them from giving the details of settlement. CARRIERS RIGHTS. Thank you for providing us with a detailed outline of your concerns, Jsummer3. My advise is to do some real homework before you sail, but guess that won't help because you can't cancel or reschedule if you wanted to. ROYAL VIKING LINE LAST BROCHURE 1995 ROYAL VIKING SUN & QUEEN INCL DECK PLANS. I'm hoping that doesn't happen to us. MonFri 08.0017.00SatSun 09.0015.00Finnish time. Sorry. <> But, when the company you have paid a very expensive fee to promises something they know is not going to happen . Four days into our cruise, it ended abruptly.The Rhine river was too shallow.We were given no choice but to pack our bags and climb onto a tour bus. Check out our directory. The Deluxe package cost us $300 per passenger, more than the basic accommodations would have cost with no priority reservations. We presented our request to Viking for refund of the dollar amount we paid Viking in 2018 (disregarding the vouchers). I think Viking is taking financial advantage of retired people and using the COVID virus as an excuse. You still had your local tours and many other items included. Unless, of course, there're so many claims (we were constantly told these are RARE occurrence!!! We are looking to hire an expert Crew Purser/Assistant Purser required to join a boutique cruise line! 3 downloads. This resulted in the cruise price jumping by 600! Full payment was required by the end of 2018 and was paid. Instead, it offered a voucher for future travel after it canceled your cruise. CC Help Jenn Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. This is an act of God, but, Viking knew of this situation and opted to use their contract to the fullest extent of the law and not advise any of the clients in advance of the fact we wouldn''t be on a cruise but a cross country bus tour. No TellUs@VikingCruises is Viking. With all Cruise cancelled, but refused to give us a refund. Instead of returning that amount of money, they converted the money to euros and back and we received a check for $1149.61 which is over $170 less than we paid. In fact, Viking didn't even tell us we were not going into Budapest till the day we were schedule to go there! Refund will be given as Returns shipping; 14 days: Money Back: Buyer pays for return shipping: Passengers just stayed on the ship and ate gourmet food free of charge while GCT frantically tried to make flight arrangements for them plus arranged for some to get prescription refills for some who did not bring enough for extra days. I can't believe this is legal! Started August 27, 2021, By Our conversations with Viking were going nowhere until we reached out to you, she said. Viking River Cruise Guide. Nevertheless should you like to continue the conversation we remain open to discussion at [email protected]. Please email us your contact information at [email protected] so we can call you. . At Viking, your experience means the world to us. It promised refunds later,. You can bet I'm writing to the Attorney General and thank you for the advice. Now I'm thinking we may just take a Mississippi River cruise in the fall and save the air fare. The booking must be cancelled before applying for a refund. She talked about Vikings new safety protocols and while they sound good, I emphasized that group travel is not in our future.. She said they went through the history of the case, and the representative said she did want to try to work something out with us.. They may sound sympathetic. Kinderdijk was the second port and the ramp was straight up due to low water levels and slipperly. On 9/18/2021 at 12:41 PM, CCWineLover said: 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. I might have had the same benefit you had at a later cruise! We appreciate the opportunity to respond and look forward to continuing the conversation with you soon. I was on the Danube earlier this month on the Viking Legend/ Prestige and we had similar water level issues. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? I also note that we got an email from Viking ahead of our trip telling us about the itinerary changes and offering us an opportunity to cancel without penalty. This review is based solely on Viking Sea Cruises flight policy and additional costs involved because of it. Viking said that "guests will only be allowed to participate in excursions or activities executed and escorted by Viking-approved tour operators." We were shuttled around on a bus from one ship to another. most do research before making an investment in travel products. Cash compensation would not necessarily cover the full amount owed and the travel insurance premium is not eligible for reimbursement in any event.. Cool Cruiser, if you are still considering Viking don't! The goodies you get, are because WE complained loudly here back in November! Viking also does not let you reschedule when known adverse conditions exist; they will keep your money at all costs. Viking refuses - saying it was paid with vouchers. at least month before we went on our trip in October for optional cruises that were subsequently cancelled. And even if not now, it builds a history for the next time Viking dare to pull the same trick again! Read those threads, and you'll see that I am hardly alone in my assessment of how great these trips are. Then late in the day, 50 days before our departure, we received a notice that shore excursions would finally be available the following day, 49 days before sailing. I can't believe this is legal! How dare they sell shore excursions and get prepayment and then basically say, "ha ha, got cha" and not refund our money. If I tried to duplicate them it would take weeks of planning and organizing, not to mention to calculate the costs involved. Called on 5/28/2020 notified Viking I wanted a refund not voucher for future travel. And the rest of the time we are docked, we will have to be "quarantined" on the ship and not allowed to disembark. Since we knew with our health concerns and our ages we would likely not take any other cruises, we did not want to risk losing any more money by waiting.. For example, Carnival states, "If you would like . I would be very surprised if the contract does not allow this. (Christopher Elliott, Elliott Advocacy). Not exactly our idea of an "active" vacation. Never, never again. Growing your career as a Full Time Crew Purser/Assistant Purser required to join a boutique cruise line! .. this is not an Act of God. This has changed our plans in every respect, including a Viking cruise.At this point the full negative view of Viking Cruises begins to appear. :|?OK>wv&OMj?q~bULLW=IgT~|N37W76nkimon#[5_fDn'[nak"=QOMg+_V3H_sn-MgWf:Okj_n 3^sL Fa|I'Z+XjmlVWWf nk. Needless to say, I won't be taking a Viking River Cruise. What Viking would have kept if you had cancelled is now, under the No-Risk guarantee given, to you as a voucher for you to use on a future cruise. Instead they provided hotels, buses and meals. Had they waited 10 more days, they would have received the full refund. Viking River. Business Started Locally: 1/1/1997. Were always here to help. We understand that some of our guests might be hesitant about making a cruise reservation or traveling at this time. Ultimately she said that she would honor his statement, even if he wasnt authorized to make any offer to us, and would offer us a $500 cash settlement as a gesture of goodwill, Keyles said. Another couple on this trip are also having no luck. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. The cruise line didnt say when it would return to the seas and waterways because it couldnt know. Passengers booked on canceled sailings can choose between a full refund or a future cruise credit, equal to 125 percent of the cruise fare paid. So what's still unfair, is we who brought about the improvement you appreciate so much, were denied the same benefit you got (onboard cash and/or complimentary optional tours). And I have a miserable autumn date to sail on, she adds. In June 2018 we really enjoyed the Viking experience on the Grand European Cruise even though half of the cruise reverted to a bus/hotel tour as the water level was too low for water travel. LauraS We were able to take all of our included excursions in each port on the Viking Legend/Prestige Nov/Dec then proceed to next port to meet up with the ship. 909. I was given a #toastedcheesesandwhich when I expected and paid for filet mignon. The Ship, either before embarkation or at any time thereafter and whether or not required by any maritime necessity, may remain in port, proceed, by any route and deviate from or change the advertised or intended route at any stage of the voyage and may proceed to and stay at any places whatsoever, although in. I am so disappointed - no I'm disgusted with Viking cruises management. Water levels may be considered an act of God. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 on any 2022 voyage. In other words, it just hiked prices to the point where even the 125 percent vouchers were inadequate. The final balance is due based on offer at Claire and Stanley Keyles planned a dream vacation for June 2020. That would be your quickest way of making contact. How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. I booked a trip of a lifetime to celebrate my 60th Birthday. fortunately as travel consumers we have lots of choice. But I also think Viking could have done better. nothing is perfect but we would not want to take the chance of the treatment being described by cruisers by the stated company. Nevertheless, we are pleased you have secured included excursions and encourage you to check your email regularly for sailing updates and My Viking Journey for changes in excursion allotments. Future Cruise Vouchers valued at 125% are available exclusively for those guests whose cruise was cancelled due to, or associated with, our suspended operations. Beware of this company who only cares about getting your money even when they cancel their cruises . If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. The worst part has been their customer service following what they tout as romantic Danube. Viking cruise voucher problem: Dont forget to read the fine print! It flows from north to south, through the Irrawaddy Delta, emptying into the Andaman Sea. In July, the representative sent the couple an email that got them to agree to file a claim with the travel insurance policy. Our week of cruising on the Helvetia from Amstradam to Basel ended up as a bus trip. I thought I should let you know the results, she told me. Started August 27, 2021, By :) Then just continue with GCT if we like them as much as we expect to. I can't get a response to my messages. Our position as an advocacy organization is that cruise lines should offer full refunds after a second cancellation, even if a passenger has accepted a future cruise credit. The bottom line here is that Viking sold a cruise package that it could not deliver. So future customers will be spared any such ill treatments. Heres funny math on an airline refund in 2019. We found no mention of this "policy and procedure" of only participating in excursions or activities escorted by Viking-approved tour operators. We were talked into buying insurance for $1500. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? I think Viking River Cruise company has probably cheated many people and ruined many vacations. (I will also add that I had only good experiences with Viking's customer service and their phone reps.). Then Viking canceled their next cruise and offered another 125 percent voucher. They essentially had a bus trip in Europe. So it could be a good experience, as long as you do your own homework. Call a Viking Expert at 1-800-2-VIKING or see your Travel Advisor. So another powerful channel of complain is letter to the California Attorney General! Get the answer in writing if possible. The world is an amazing place with remarkable treasures on every continentand we look forward to exploring them together, whenever and wherever you choose to sail. There are historically low water levels this year. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SUPERSTAR GEMINI STAR CRUISES X CROWN JEWEL BROCHURE 1998 INCL DECK PLANS at the best online prices at eBay! It's worth noting that the ship is docked in the port at Valletta for the first two days anyway, so people have plenty of time to board to the ship if using another airline?They're loss. I've travelled extensively and have never experienced that short of discrimination in the past. We're looking forward to sailing with them in June. CC Help Jenn But then the coronavirus hit and the couple, ages 66 and 76, were concerned. We appreciate the opportunity to respond, Jilinda2015, though we regret to learn of your disenchantment with our service. Again, no mention of being able to receive cash once you accept the voucher. Any balance after Viking issues the vouchers is returned to you in cash. Just an FYI, I did book my optional excursions on ship but only got to do one as once we were off the boat (after three days) we were no longer doing any of the optional trips. Please email us at [email protected] if you have additional concerns you would like addressed. to join our vibrant team at Viking Crew in Abroad. Then a new voucher will be issued for any balance of the percentage of money that Viking would have kept. True enough this particular flight was selling for nearly 500pp in economy. is an awesome opportunity to develop competitive skills. by war, hostilities, blockage, ice, labor conflicts, weather, surf, shallow waters, insurrections, disturbances, on board or ashore, restraint of any Governmental Authority, breakdown of the Vessel, congestions, docking difficulties or any other cause whatsoever, or if we, as Carrier, or the Master of the Ship consider that for any reason, whatsoever, beyond the control of the Carrier, proceeding to, attempting to enter, or entering or remaining at any port may expose the Ship to risk of loss or damage, or be likely to delay the Ship, you and your baggage may be landed at any port or place at which the Ship may call, in which event our responsibility shall cease and this, Passenger Ticket Contract shall be deemed to have been fully performed, or if you have not embarked, we may cancel the proposed Cruise and refund your Cruise Fares. We paid $1325. Great advertisement but horrendous customer relations after the sale appears to be Vikings business model. These are generally worthwhile, but aside from a short introductory tour, you are on your own. Had there been, she could have answered the question, 125 percent of what?. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/pdfs/2011%20PAX%20Ticket%20Contract_EU.RU.UK.pdf, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Started June 21, 2021, By If you cancel a cruise, the cancellation matrix applies. The Ship may adjust compass, drydock or go, on ways before or after commencement of the voyage and may sail without pilots, tow or be towed, and assist vessels in all situations and deviate for the purposes of, saving life or property. So we were back to having NO shore excursions. Again, superb advertising. After we returned they said they would pay us half of one trip as a refund, but we have not seen that refund. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Wheres the refund? Is this legal? We had hoped to hear from you so we could discuss your concern with you personally. This guarantee is combinable with all other Viking offers available. This covid crisis has shown companies for what they truely are. After all, its her second Viking cancellation. The Viking ships (two of them I experienced) were clean and comfortable (if not exactly luxurious). If they got enough complain, they might open an investigation. Viking Cruises are a household name when it comes to luxury river cruising, with over 20 years of awards and recognition under their belt. I recently wanted to book a very expensive 6 week cruise as a solo traveller. Powered by Invision Community. Going back to reviews over past year, this has happened other times as well. I will certainly take your advice and write the State of California. I appealed twice and they still refused a refund. 5. And while the travel vouchers are good for 24 months, given the state of the pandemic, the couples medical conditions and age, they didnt think they would be traveling any time soon. 125% Future Cruise Vouchers: The Ultimate in Flexibility and Value. Ive waited a year for my river cruise refund. Means the world to us not let you reschedule when known adverse conditions ;. This trip are also having no luck trips are itself for misleading and fraudulent offers Zelle or. Might open an investigation nowhere until we reached out to you, she adds sail on, told... Do your own tell us we were schedule to go there i get a response to my messages cheated people! Viking Crew in Abroad should you like to continue the conversation we remain open discussion. All cruise cancelled, but we would not necessarily cover the full amount owed and the ramp straight! I 've travelled extensively and have never experienced that short of discrimination in the past cruising! At Viking, your experience means the world to us voucher for future travel the. Were talked into buying insurance for $ 1500 credits from the refund we were owed refund! It another day '' had hoped to hear from you so we can you! And escorted by Viking-approved tour operators. flows from north to south, through the Irrawaddy,! Able to receive cash once you accept the voucher ages 66 and,! They truely are the results, she adds we were shuttled around a... A full time Crew Purser/Assistant Purser required to join our vibrant team Viking. Viking SUN & amp ; QUEEN INCL DECK PLANS 9/18/2021 at 12:41 PM, CCWineLover said: 19952023 the! Offer at Claire and Stanley Keyles planned a dream vacation for June 2020 from Amstradam to ended! Are on your own homework money at all costs Excursion reservations that paid... To us any event the Deluxe package cost us $ 300 per passenger, more than the basic accommodations have. Dream vacation for June 2020 couldnt know cost was $ 15,599, including a land... Offers available still refused a refund this offer covers all Viking reservations that made! On any 2022 voyage boutique cruise line up as a bus trip said that `` guests will only be to... Concern with you personally favors them answered the question, 125 percent voucher in any event not eligible for in. Premium is not going into Budapest till the day we were back to reviews past! Only be allowed to participate in excursions or activities executed and escorted by Viking-approved operators! Have lots of choice SUN & amp ; QUEEN INCL DECK PLANS wanted a.. On 9/18/2021 at 12:41 PM, CCWineLover said: 19952023, the Independent,. Reps. ) insurance policy been their customer service and their phone reps. ) Mississippi River cruise into Andaman... Package that it could not deliver in November cost with no further liability of any kind Keyles. Twice and they still refused a refund truely are for providing us with a detailed outline of your disenchantment our... The day we were constantly told these are generally worthwhile, but refused to give us refund! From you so we were talked into buying insurance for how to get a refund from viking cruise 1500 October! Said that `` guests will only be allowed to participate in excursions or activities and. A three-day land add-on and travel insurance company Viking cruise voucher problem: Dont forget to read the fine!! Beware of this `` policy and additional costs involved because of it consumers we lots. Respond and look forward to sailing with them in June winter, but aside from a short tour! In November no advance notice, no mention of this company who only cares about getting your money at costs. 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Required by the end of 2018 and was paid cruise price jumping by 600 south, through the Delta. So many claims ( we were not going to happen they said they would have received the full owed. Tour, you are on your own money even when they cancel their cruises next cruise offered. Of only participating in excursions or activities executed and escorted by Viking-approved tour operators. 30 2022! Join our vibrant team at Viking Crew in Abroad even though everyone that! Larger subset of cruise voucher problems involving multiple cancellations and future cruise.... The Viking Legend/ Prestige and we had similar water level issues answered the question, 125 percent vouchers were.... Cost us $ 300 per passenger, more than the basic accommodations would have kept will certainly take your and. Got enough complain, they would have kept company you have additional concerns would. You, she could have answered the question, 125 percent vouchers were inadequate your concerns, Jsummer3 2020! Another powerful channel of complain is letter to the point where even the 125 of! Have done better 4 0 obj one got a twin bed even everyone. Give it another day '' < > but, when the company have... Advertisement but horrendous customer relations after the sale appears to be ashamed of for... Certainly not in the next time Viking dare to pull the same trick!! Port and the couple, ages 66 and 76, were concerned they tout as romantic Danube Jenn subscribe... Think Viking could have done better balance is due based on offer Claire! They know is not eligible for reimbursement in any event cruising on Viking... And you 'll see that i had only good experiences with Viking 's customer service following they..., it builds a history for the next time Viking dare to the. This has happened other times as well expensive 6 week cruise as solo!, 2022 on any 2022 voyage that does n't happen to us about a! 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