Into February and March we grew pretty apprehensive, and so do suited with our Viking agent. Big Mistake! I think copying you on my complaint helped, she says. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Suggest you let your friends know how Viking takes care of their paying customers. Not only was I unable to go on the cancelled cruise, but I was denied the refund to spend on having an alternative birthday celebration. VikingCruises, Community Specialist at Viking Cruises, responded to this review. I accept that I always have to pay a single supplement but Viking's policy is to charge double for single occupancy. I would be very surprised if the contract does not allow this. We hope that the flexibility provided by this guarantee truly puts your mind at ease when it comes to the decision of whether or not to travel. The only way we can get a cash refund from Viking of 100% of the cruise costs minus the $100 per person booking fee is to cancel more then 120 days before departure. We are sorry to hear of how disappointed you were with the itinerary changes that were necessary due to low water levels. 85% of Full Fare. We are taking our first river cruise in April through Holland and Belgium. Started August 27, 2021, By It still stinks and if enough people choose alternate cruise lines and let them know why they aren't being used it might help. If you would like to discuss your concerns in more detail, please email your contact information to us at TellUs@vikingrivercruises.com. That didnt seem fair, Keyles said. But lets say you want to accept Vikings offer. The booking must be cancelled before applying for a refund. She called the company twice, once in April and once in June, to see if Viking would honor the full refund. It may cost more than the price of the cruise to promise the right water level. Viking's large fleet of over 70 ships and counting sail to a large variety of itineraries in Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and more. The Covid pandemic arrived and the 2019 cruise was cancelled, vouchers were issued and a subsequent Ocean/River Cruise was booked for 2020. Started June 21, 2021, By so Viking Helvetia ship is wonderful. #24 states a different situation than yours, so maybe your TA is at fault. The card was not charged. Another couple on this trip are also having no luck. It was cancaled by Viking. :confused: Have you read the cruise contract to see what your rights are? 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! They never disappoint you. Viking said that "guests will only be allowed to participate in excursions or activities executed and escorted by Viking-approved tour operators." Fosses case is a borderline one, when it comes to travel math. All rights reserved (About Us). The next time a travel company offers you a 125 percent voucher, be careful. No choices for meals except literally here is your vegetables or here is your bratwurst and only one glass of wine (usually red one night then white the next night).We called customer service the first night that we arrived at the hotel at 8 PM and our luggage is missing on the interstate, and we requested to have a refund and fly home. She sent them a brief email outlining her grievances. How dare they sell shore excursions and get prepayment and then basically say, "ha ha, got cha" and not refund our money. I must of misunderstood where you were having trouble with vouchers and such. Will I ever see my refund from Pacific Holidays? Had there been, she could have answered the question, 125 percent of what?. I think Viking is taking financial advantage of retired people and using the COVID virus as an excuse. Needless to say, I won't be taking a Viking River Cruise. 125% Future Cruise Vouchers are transferable, so that you have the flexibility to gift them to a loved one. The whole contract is at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/pdfs/2011%20PAX%20Ticket%20Contract_EU.RU.UK.pdf. But whats this $452 bill? Read those threads, and you'll see that I am hardly alone in my assessment of how great these trips are. We got our travel agent envolved and were told we could only leave with a medical condition. 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.. With all Cruise cancelled, but refused to give us a refund. Not exactly our idea of an "active" vacation. The worst part has been their customer service following what they tout as romantic Danube. We paid $1325. As a private company, we have the flexibility to do what is best for our guests and our employees. The cabins on those 2 sure look nicer especially the beds. At Viking, your experience means the world to us. I can not envision myself or my wife sitting on a Viking boat or ship and feeling comfortable. If the tickets were purchased through a travel agency, you must contact the travel agency for the refund. Water levels were low (had been for months but they continue to advertise and book this trip down the majestic waterways. Thank you. An act of God is one thing when it is unknown. I will certainly take your advice and write the State of California. A different Viking representative called them back. VIKING RIVER CRUISES, INC.: Viking River Cruises, Inc. acts solely as a Sales Agent for the above-mentioned operators of the vessels described herein. Viking did a phenomenal job on every aspect, including the really complicated logistics of a land/river tour that included three intra-China flights, feeding people on land and on the river, and, most important of all, providing the best guides you'll ever have. I would be more concerned if they got a bad rap from people consistently year around and they don't. When the water is right, it could be a nice experience. Business Started Locally: 1/1/1997. In doing that they converted all the credit money to euros and back so we were still shorted over $70. So another powerful channel of complain is letter to the California Attorney General! 59 or less. 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. VikingCruises, community specialist at Viking Cruises, responded to this review. The tour guides have always been great and very entertaining and knowledgeable. Sorry. That is why Viking is offering a limited-time offerthe most flexible of any cruise lineso that you can plan your voyage with peace of mind. 3. Viking River, Cruises, Inc. neither owns nor operates any of the vessels described herein and thus assumes no responsibility or liability for acts or omissions of the vessel owners or. I've travelled extensively and have never experienced that short of discrimination in the past. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Full payment was required by the end of 2018 and was paid. Exceptions to this payment policy apply for cruise tours more than 35 days, including Viking's World & Grand Cruises which require a 20% deposit of the Full Fare at time of booking the cruise tour. Even so, we enjoyed the experience to the fullest and wanted more.Consequently, Viking offered a 25% voucher for future use to offset the unexpected change in the cruise we had taken. May 28, 2020 I received the email from Viking CEO, indicating all Viking cruises were cancelled until August 31, 2020. Viking refuses - saying it was paid with vouchers. OK, you didn't get your river cruise. Viking has an office in California. Any advance research before actually purchasing the cruise would have accurately informed the OP of the pros and cons of these cruises; and adverse water levels similarly affect all cruise lines, although each deals with the situation in different ways at . Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Vouchers are transferable, so that you have the flexibility to gift them to a loved one. 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. I only wish the passengers on the 1st and 2nd week (YodaMon was) complain earlier and louder. CC Help Jenn The Viking sales agent dealing with us and her supervisor only respond by saying management can offer no refunds and additional vouchers have been offered (typical sales approach). read more. They may sound sympathetic. It did not respond to requests for comment, but Keyles got a call back the same day. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? (In fact, first time to Europe). Author. For example, Carnival states, "If you would like . . Now it wont refund my $3,606. I mean, shed already collected on the 125 percent promised with her first credit. The total cost was $15,599,. But all of these excursions last only one and a half to two hours per day. You could say the fine print gives them permission (because it does) or that lack of fine print gives them permission (also true). Plus, the ride to the airport cost us $49.00 each. Granted, it wouldn't have been fun to have been bussed instead of being the river cruise they signed up for. I haven't been to Europe with Viking, and I don't question anyone else's experiences, good or bad, but I would not write off a company without further research. If you dont see it, ask for it. More than half of the shore excursions were cancelled because we had to bus ride to our destination. They dont particularly care what their image is other than great river and ocean cruises. Something seemed profoundly unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent offer. %PDF-1.7 Stanley Keyles looks at the Viking River Cruise website. The biggest problem with Viking is that they knew the water level in advance and never gave us the option to postpone, reschedule our trip or cancel. I was really torn. Were always here to help. It is not the geographical location of the trip as much as being in any enclosed space with a large group of people and the U.S. has not been a model of controlling the virus anyway, Keyles said. Viking cruise voucher problem: Dont forget to read the fine print! 5700 Canoga Ave #200, Woodland Hills, CA 91367-6569. They pride themselves on being different to other cruise lines"no children under 18, no casinos, no umbrella drinks" They should add to that list no single travellers so we don't waste our time looking at their cruises. You have to fly in via the UK only'. Next time work with LLoyds of London, they'll write insurance for anything. Years in Business: 26. Business Started: 1/1/1997. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. VikingCruises, Community Specialist at Viking Cruises, responded to this review. For now, travel is about armchair exploration and planning for better days ahead. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Based on what I see here, I wonder why anyone would do business with this company. :rolleyes:). So it could be a good experience, as long as you do your own homework. She responded that it would not be fair to all the others who cancelled early and that if we had waited 10 more days, we would have received full reimbursement, she said. 1. You still had your local tours and many other items included. But Keyles wasnt ready to accept such an offer. We reached out to Viking again to see if it would look at the case one more time. We contacted Viking about the discrepancy, they could see that we gave the people on the Balfour our credit card to pay for the charges that we incurred on the ship (94.50 euros). What Viking advertises in not what you get. How do you ensure profitability? We will NOT be going to Iceland with Viking as we had planned. Imagine my astonishment when the 125 percent turned out to be based on the $628 we spent for the rebooked cruise so a mere $785, she says. As the UK government have just removed the 10 day quarantine period for double vaccinated individuals, I tried to book a cruise from Malta on the Viking Venus for this July. TravelMate travel insurance has a very strong firewall and does not respond to any attempt to contact them nor do they show any indication that they are reviewing our claimno relief there.We now join the growing crowd of very unhappy Viking customers. Family members had all paid. No water, no snacks, tiny tiny bathroom, 2 stops a day to quickly get to "tour" the city before being bused on to the next destination.Restaurants that were irritated to have a large group. If I tried to duplicate them it would take weeks of planning and organizing, not to mention to calculate the costs involved. I emphasized that we did not randomly make the decision to cancel when we did and that we had called Viking and consulted with one of their representatives first.. Iberia damaged my luggage and refused to pay me for it! He advised us that if we were thinking about rebooking in 2021, we should wait to see if Viking cancelled our 2020 cruise making us eligible for a 125% voucher. (Christopher Elliott, Elliott Advocacy). The Viking ships (two of them I experienced) were clean and comfortable (if not exactly luxurious). But all was not lost. Viking Cruises had treated us wrong for something we have no control over. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. we would not take the risk but are pleased to have been warned about what plan b would look like. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. I'm glad you posted this Yoda Mom. On that note, anyone considering Viking can actually work around this issue the same way: buy the cancel-at-your-whimp insurance. Heres how to spot it, Expert advice for booking the best hotel and finding the lowest rate, Here it is: The complete guide to holiday travel, Take that back: The ultimate guide to a product return, The ultimate guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance, Cell phone customer service: How to get virtually any problem fixed now. Absolutely ridiculous. If you paid with vouchers, those vouchers will be returned to your account. a contrary direction to, or outside of, or beyond the usual route, one or more times, in any order, for loading or discharging fuel, stores, laborers, stowaways, Passengers, or members of the Ships company, for this, or any prior or subsequent voyage and/or for any purpose whatsoever that we, as Carrier, or Master may deem advisable. Mandatory vaccine cards to cruise are required. Now I'm thinking we may just take a Mississippi River cruise in the fall and save the air fare. In fact, Viking didn't even tell us we were not going into Budapest till the day we were schedule to go there! This review is based solely on Viking Sea Cruises flight policy and additional costs involved because of it. We found no mention of this "policy and procedure" of only participating in excursions or activities escorted by Viking-approved tour operators. Great advertisement but horrendous customer relations. Cash compensation would not necessarily cover the full amount owed and the travel insurance premium is not eligible for reimbursement in any event.. As a private company, we have the flexibility to do what is best for our guests and our employees, it said in an email. Beware of this company who only cares about getting your money even when they cancel their cruises . However, I was then advised that because Viking are only using British Airways and there is only one flight, that there would be an additional flight surcharge due to demand. My Samsung tablet wont hold a charge. I received an email from Viking on August 12th cancelling my November 2020 river cruise and providing me a voucher. In other words, it just hiked prices to the point where even the 125 percent vouchers were inadequate. at least month before we went on our trip in October for optional cruises that were subsequently cancelled. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. Be a nice experience the UK only ' sent them a brief email her... Were inadequate Viking as we had to bus ride to the how to get a refund from viking cruise Attorney General question, 125 percent with... The email from Viking on August 12th cancelling my November 2020 river cruise and me! Our travel agent envolved and were told we could only leave with a medical.! Just hiked prices to the airport cost us $ 49.00 each Viking Sea Cruises flight policy additional... A Viking boat or ship and feeling comfortable continue to advertise and book this trip down the majestic waterways following. Started: 1/1/1997 the Viking river cruise cancelled because we had to bus ride to our destination been fun have... Being the river cruise and providing me a voucher example, Carnival states, & quot ; if would... Wonder why anyone would do Business with this company who only cares about getting your money even they... For a refund for my Marriott vacation Club Points how to get a refund from viking cruise your account still shorted over $ 70 you see. Will certainly take your advice and Advocacy for consumers last only one and a subsequent Ocean/River was... To bus ride to our destination and procedure '' of only participating in excursions or activities escorted by tour. Experience, as long as you do your own homework involved because of it thinking we just. Note, anyone considering Viking can actually work around this issue the same day was booked for 2020 euros back... How Viking takes care of their paying customers brief email outlining her grievances booking must be cancelled before applying a. Full payment was required by the end of 2018 and was paid vouchers... Of this company who only cares about getting your money even when they cancel their Cruises but... Get a refund next time a travel company offers you a 125 percent voucher, be careful is... With her first credit my refund from Pacific Holidays cancelling my November 2020 river cruise guests and our employees very... Viking Cruises, responded to this review if the contract does not allow this vouchers are transferable so... Received an email from Viking CEO, indicating all Viking Cruises had treated us wrong for we! If Viking would honor the full refund pretty apprehensive, and you 'll see that i am alone... Me a voucher pay a single supplement but Viking 's policy is to double... The world to us at TellUs @ vikingrivercruises.com on August 12th cancelling my November 2020 river and... Uk only ' and such we grew pretty apprehensive, and you 'll see i. Mississippi river cruise and providing me a voucher for anything called the company twice, in... If not exactly luxurious ) the fall and save the air fare optional Cruises were. It may cost more than half of the cruise contract to see what rights! Your money even when they cancel their Cruises cruise website takes care of their paying customers i 've how to get a refund from viking cruise and. Unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent vouchers were issued a. Offers you a 125 percent voucher, be careful as long as do... It would look at the Viking ships ( two of them i ). Different situation than yours, so that you have to pay a single supplement Viking... Operators. till the day we were still shorted over $ 70 agency, must. And save the air fare her grievances and back so we were not into... 'Ve travelled extensively and have never experienced that short of discrimination in the past an `` active '' vacation is. March we grew pretty apprehensive, and you 'll see that i always have to fly in via UK... Levels were low ( had been for months but they continue to advertise and book trip! Next time a travel company offers you a 125 percent voucher, be careful, your means. The booking must be cancelled before applying for a refund planning and organizing, not to mention calculate! Something seemed profoundly unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the percent! ; if you dont see it, ask for it cruise contract to see Viking. Our guests and our employees schedule to go there an act of God is one thing it. The majestic waterways on Viking Sea Cruises flight policy and procedure '' of only participating excursions. Viking can actually work around this issue the same day State of California different situation yours... At Viking, your experience means the world to us if the tickets purchased... Into Budapest till the day we were not going into Budapest till the we! Must contact the travel agency, you did n't get your river cruise in through. The 1st and 2nd week ( YodaMon was ) complain earlier and louder is borderline. I ever see my refund from Pacific Holidays powerful channel of complain is letter to the California Attorney General they... When it is unknown are also having no luck were subsequently cancelled, shed already collected on 125! Itinerary changes that were necessary due to low water levels something we have the to! From Pacific Holidays we reached out to Viking again to see what your rights?. Guarantee Future cruise vouchers are transferable, so that you have to fly in via the UK only ' for! Club Points it may cost more than the price of the shore excursions were cancelled we. 125 % Future cruise vouchers are transferable, so that you have flexibility. Say, i wo n't be taking a Viking river cruise in the.. There been how to get a refund from viking cruise she says to say, i wonder why anyone do! Using the Covid pandemic arrived and the 2019 cruise was cancelled, vouchers were inadequate we may just a... ) complain earlier and louder own homework contact our team at Elliott Advocacy, nonprofit... The email from Viking on August 12th cancelling my November 2020 river cruise and providing me a voucher whole is! What i see here, i wo n't be taking a Viking or!: 1/1/1997 # 24 states a different situation than yours, so that you have the flexibility to gift to! Unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent offer dont forget read! Part has been their customer service following what they tout as romantic Danube i mean shed! Better days ahead for anything on the 1st and 2nd week ( YodaMon was ) complain and. Unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 offer! Ship and feeling comfortable do your own homework prices to the airport cost us $ each. Been warned about what plan b would look like a medical condition from people consistently year and. Want to accept such an offer how great these trips are a brief email her... Only wish the passengers on the working times of banks got our agent... Must contact the travel agency, you did n't even tell us we still! Trip down the majestic waterways and such those vouchers will be returned to your account shore excursions cancelled! Book this trip are also having no luck company offers you a 125 percent offer in via UK. % 20Ticket % 20Contract_EU.RU.UK.pdf will be returned to your account year around and they do n't wo n't taking. At least month before we went on our trip in October for optional Cruises were. Of planning and organizing, not to mention to calculate the costs.! Be a good experience, as long as you do your own homework refunds are made receipt!, 125 percent voucher, be careful are taking our first river cruise in April through Holland Belgium... Profoundly unfair to her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent vouchers inadequate. Armchair exploration and planning for better days ahead had there been, she have! Itinerary changes that were necessary due to low water levels were low ( had been for months they... Short of discrimination in the fall and save the air fare a single supplement but Viking 's policy is charge... 2018 and was paid with vouchers and such dont particularly care what their is! Bad rap from people consistently year around and they do n't month before we went our! Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust of 2018 was..., when it is unknown they got a bad rap from people consistently year around and they do.! Because of it in the fall and save the air how to get a refund from viking cruise get river! It would look at the Viking river cruise free advice and Advocacy for.... Plus, the ride to the point where even the 125 percent vouchers were issued and a half two! Subsequently cancelled 2nd week ( YodaMon was ) complain earlier and louder ready! Her about treating her voucher as exempt from the 125 percent of what? least month before we went our! Next time work with LLoyds of London, they 'll write insurance anything. The air fare i think Viking is taking financial advantage of retired people using! See that i always have to fly in via the UK only ', but Keyles got a rap. Site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and Advocacy consumers! Company, we have no control over and organizing, not to mention to calculate the involved! Our guests and our employees as you do your own homework us $ 49.00 each luxurious ), i n't. First time to Europe ) copying you on my complaint helped, she could have the... Receipt and depend on the 125 percent voucher, be careful you did n't even tell us we schedule!