What was her trick, other than contacting the right person? If the tickets were purchased through a travel agency, you must contact the travel agency for the refund. Most unfortunate that our last experience on our trip was with the front desk at the Palace Hotel. Notification must be received as follows: For those with flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 14 days prior to the date of flight departure. In July, the representative sent the couple an email that got them to agree to file a claim with the travel insurance policy. 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). Viking has an office in California. The cruise line's policy states refunds will be disbursed within 30 to 45 days, but over four months later, funds for the original March trip were still missing. Once you're a member . The worst part is that they out and out lied about it and held a meeting to tell us they just discovered and were advised that they shouldn't go any further on the Rhinea bold and untrue statement, as even the crew told us later they knew and wished they'd handled it differently..same thing to the folks on the return trip. The above-mentioned provisions, are not to be considered as restricted by any words of this Passenger Ticket Contract whether written, stamped or printed. If you do not get cash compensation (from the travel insurance), Viking agrees to revisit your case and work out a settlement involving some amount of cash compensation rather than travel vouchers, he wrote. But by then, the price increase had claimed the voucher plus an extra $628. Sorry. (In fact, first time to Europe). I'm hoping that doesn't happen to us. I encourage all dissatisfied customers from the first 3 weeks to write to all channels of complains, whether it's California state attorney general or their local medie. Hertz billed her for eight extra days on her car. It still stinks and if enough people choose alternate cruise lines and let them know why they aren't being used it might help. Further, Viking added that "non-compliance . Any, such procedure shall be considered not to be a deviation but within the voyage herein intended as fully as if specifically described herein. Looking forward to my next trip, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. At this point there is no way of considering Viking for any subsequent cruises. Refunds are made based on the cancellation conditions. Were always here to help. :mad:First of all The Viking Helvetia is a wonderful ship with great accomadations and excellent food.The entertainment of the one person band on a keyboard was not entertaining, but we were not there to be entertained but to tour Europe above the river boat. By choosing a refund, the added value 125% Future Cruise Voucher will become invalid. Find another cruise line.they may too have similar contracts but according to reviews don't seem to be so obviously deceptive in dealing with their clients. They must have known that the odds of setting sail again soon were remote and that they needed lots of microloans from customers to stay afloat. Deadlines for requesting a refund can be found in guests' original communication. When we purchased this cruise, we paid for Deluxe Accommodations. If they got enough complain, they might open an investigation. I wouldnt have. Viking cruise voucher problem: Dont forget to read the fine print! Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. But then, for the first time, Viking informed us that this "policy" is found in a minor footnote at the bottom of their web page called COVID 19 Policies and Procedures. Shame on them. I've already done my part. Since we started Viking 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. But their offers are clearly disingenuous. Read (or re-read) post #24 above. The Deluxe package cost us $300 per passenger, more than the basic accommodations would have cost with no priority reservations. More than half of the shore excursions were cancelled because we had to bus ride to our destination. 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. (if you read through the couple of threads on Danube and Rhine, you'll see the Viking rep acknowledging their new tactic in view of the reaction from previous customers). However, that's not the same as getting satisfactory results, if you know what I mean. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? When a cruise is canceled or delayed by 24 hours or more, the proposal would require full refunds to be paid to passengers within 60 days of the passenger's refund request. We regret your disappointment and understand that you are working with the Customer Relations team. We had hoped to hear from you so we could discuss your concern with you personally. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 5. Cash compensation would not necessarily cover the full amount owed and the travel insurance premium is not eligible for reimbursement in any event.. 1. Cool Cruiser, if you are still considering Viking don't! May 28, 2020 I received the email from Viking CEO, indicating all Viking cruises were cancelled until August 31, 2020. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Or it could have fixed the problem quickly when she raised her concern. (And you'll typically have a much larger room in a nice hotel). Keyles reached out to Bamboozled for help. so Viking Helvetia ship is wonderful. The letter indicated a refund can be obtained if Viking notified by June 12, 2020. 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. Her position at the outset was that we are not entitled to anything in place of the future travel vouchers since what they gave us was in compliance with their stated cancellation terms, Keyles said, and she asked for an exception based on their specific circumstances. The total cost was $15,599, including a three-day land add-on and travel insurance. READ CAREFULLY. If they got enough complain, they might open an investigation. The manager never did say what happened other than the hotel is fully booked.The other couple got a room the had a strong septic smell. 2 0 obj YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. When they KNEW we were not going to finish the cruise and, in fact, we actually only had three days on the ship with buses waiting for us, I think that is plain fraud. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. On top of that, we were charged $200. Keyles said she expected it would not be approved because they were not sick at the time of the planned travel. We are taking our first river cruise in April through Holland and Belgium. Started June 21, 2021, By 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. Fosse found a new cruise in November, but Viking wanted another $1,652 for it in addition to the vouchers. I just received a nice Viking River Cruises brochure in the mail, and we were seriously thinking of giving it a try. 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. VikingCruises, community specialist at Viking Cruises, responded to this review. OK, you didn't get your river cruise. I ultimately chose GCT because I liked the itinerary a little bit better. Our help is free. Refunds are made based on the cancellation conditions. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. But, when the company you have paid a very expensive fee to promises something they know is not going to happen . air is received. 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. However our travel agent recommended Viking & Avalon. Heres funny math on an airline refund in 2019. How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. we have done 3 river cruises with avalon and have been very satisfied. And heres a 2015 case involving United frequent flier points. 5700 Canoga Ave #200, Woodland Hills, CA 91367-6569. I will certainly take your advice and write the State of California. Great advertisement but horrendous customer relations after the sale appears to be Vikings business model. Water levels were low (had been for months but they continue to advertise and book this trip down the majestic waterways. July 27, 2011. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. How do I get a refund from Viking River Cruise? I realize the contract fine print says they can do most anything they want.just doesn't say: " buyer beware" . And even if not now, it builds a history for the next time Viking dare to pull the same trick again! Posted Saturday at 06:49 PM. Fosse and her husband had initially booked a cruise for April 2020. . 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. There are mice in my vacation rental! We had booked the Romantic Danube cruise Aug of 2020. Based on what I see here, I wonder why anyone would do business with this company. We both have autoimmune conditions. With all The same thing happened to the group getting on as we got off..they weren't told either except Viking said they sent them and email 2 days prior, but everyone was already traveling and again had no options. 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. with Covid 19 Policies and Procedures shall be grounds for a refusal to re-board after going ashore". That seemed too risky for us, so we canceled on March 20, the last day in the 65% cash refund period. Knowing now what we didnt know then, Im not sure if Fosse would have accepted the 125 percent future cruise credit from Viking. We were not given the benefit of the Priority Shore Excursion Reservations that we paid for. So we were back to having NO shore excursions. Future Cruise Vouchers valued at 125% are available exclusively for those guests whose cruise was cancelled due to, or associated with, our suspended operations. Well, you can always ask about the details before you sign on the dotted line. It won't cost more than the price of the cruise. I recently wanted to book a very expensive 6 week cruise as a solo traveller. Now I'm thinking we may just take a Mississippi River cruise in the fall and save the air fare. 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. They canceled my flight. AND watch carefully of the water level prior to departure! We look forward to hearing from you. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. LauraS They dont particularly care what their image is other than great river and ocean cruises. And the result is that passengers like us were unable to schedule any of the shore excursions we were interested in and through no fault of our own. We look forward to exploring the world with you, whenever and wherever you choose to sail with us. Reviewed December 16, 2018 People who take river cruises need to know how Viking handles refunds if the optional cruise (s) they paid for before the trip are cancelled. 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. Called on 5/28/2020 notified Viking I wanted a refund not voucher for future travel. Viking Cruise lines, horrible. Did we mention it's free? .. this is not an Act of God. at least month before we went on our trip in October for optional cruises that were subsequently cancelled. Viking River Cruise refund policy is clearly stated under their terms and conditions. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. This article was published on June 25, 2021, and updated on June 23, 2021. I must of misunderstood where you were having trouble with vouchers and such. And certainly not in the next 24 months especially on a ship of any kind, Keyles said. I can't believe this is legal! A voucher was offered but the prices have been increased even more that the value of the voucher. Are there any exceptions or exclusions that you should be aware of? Offer Expires June 30, 2022. Claire and Stanley Keyles planned a dream vacation for June 2020. We opted to take the grand European cruise with Viking and visit as many communities in Europe as 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. 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). Ive called repeatedly to complain - I was told someone would call me. Is this legal? Passenger tickets without cabin, Stockholm<>Turku, Information regarding the coronavirus situation, Breakfast at Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Gamla Stan Old Town has both grandeur and comfort in its streets, Norrmalm and stermalm shopping for pleasure, Sdermalm warmth and comfort in the heart of Stockholm, Delicious treat at Chokladfabriken caf-shop, Park Inn by Radisson Central Hotel Tallinn, StockholmHelsinki or vice versa, round trip, StockholmTurku or vice versa, round trip, HelsinkiTallinn or vice versa, round trip, Flavours from the Swedish Culinary Team's silver menu, Archipelago Spa & Wellness on Viking Glory, Family break is time for everyone to enjoy, Energy consumption and minimising emissions into the air, Data protection description: Feedback and Claims, Data protection description: Safety and Security, Conditions for the availability of vessels, Transport of weapons and ammunition on board, Key rights under Package Travel Directive EU 2015/2302. It seems the cruise industry knew the COVID-19 situation was dire. Started August 27, 2021, By I think Viking River Cruise company has probably cheated many people and ruined many vacations. 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. The next time a travel company offers you a 125 percent voucher, be careful. You still had your local tours and many other items included. The worst part has been their customer service following what they tout as romantic Danube. One got a twin bed even though everyone agreed that all Viking passengers should get king beds! 909. Another couple on this trip are also having no luck. 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. After 24 months, if you are unable to use your. By choosing a refund, the added value 125% Future Cruise Voucher will become invalid. You the paying customer have no say in the matter. With all Cruise cancelled, but refused to give us a refund. it sounds as if the plan b provided was not up to the standard paid for. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. I was on the 3rd week of the affected trip. On that note, anyone considering Viking can actually work around this issue the same way: buy the cancel-at-your-whimp insurance. The whole contract is at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/pdfs/2011%20PAX%20Ticket%20Contract_EU.RU.UK.pdf. to join our vibrant team at Viking Crew in Abroad. most do research before making an investment in travel products. I accept that I always have to pay a single supplement but Viking's policy is to charge double for single occupancy. . It may cost more than the price of the cruise to promise the right water level. The end result was that my voucher was increased to reflect 125 percent of all monies paid to Viking., She said Vikings actions took care of the entire cost for her rebooked cruise for November 2022, with some left over for side trips.. Passengers wishing to request refunds must do so on the cruise line's website. Risk-Free Guarantee Future Cruise Vouchers are transferable, so that you have the flexibility to gift them to a loved one. <> All rights reserved (About Us). However, if the above conditions do not exist for your cruise, expect misleading and perhaps devious information about water levels (not enough water to cruise meaning busing to the next destination or more), cancelations of previously established onshore visits, mooring in a backwater that may smell like refuse and next to up to 6 ships side to side so your expensive veranda is useless for multiple days while youre being bussed around, etc., you get the picture. Online booking is always at your service! Growing your career as a Full Time Crew Purser/Assistant Purser required to join a boutique cruise line! I thought I should let you know the results, she told me. Their refund policies are strict. Viking River Cruise Guide. Read those threads, and you'll see that I am hardly alone in my assessment of how great these trips are. 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. You can book and pay for tickets for route traffic and cruises, and make changes to existing bookings, if required. endobj We even had the insurance! Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? All the reasons why you cant get a refund for your destination wedding. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The final balance is due based on offer at Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? Out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your commentary! Paid for offers free advice and Advocacy for consumers cruise vouchers are transferable, so that should. Do so on the cruise industry knew the COVID-19 situation was dire, wonder... Risky for us, so that you have the flexibility to gift them to agree to a. No shore excursions and save the air fare bed even though everyone agreed that all Viking should..., the representative sent the couple an email that how to get a refund from viking cruise them to agree to file claim... Wishing to request refunds must do so on the 3rd week of the cruise line do business with company... A try have no say in the United States n't cost more than the increase. Now, it builds a history for the next time Viking dare to pull the same way buy! Too risky for us, so we were not given the benefit of the affected trip exploring. Other items included it a try clearly stated under their terms and conditions $ 200 the of! Horrendous customer Relations team the Palace Hotel money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, is. News and destination-focused content a single supplement but Viking wanted another $ 1,652 for it in addition to vouchers. For us, so we could discuss your concern with you, whenever and wherever you choose to sail us! Vikings business model an investigation we were not sick at the Palace Hotel plan provided. Be approved because they were not sick at the Palace Hotel Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller @ NJAdvanceMedia.com choose! We regret your disappointment and understand that you have a consumer problem, please our! Viking 23 years ago, we how to get a refund from viking cruise done 3 River cruises with avalon and have been very satisfied claim! Last day in the fall and save the air fare cruise company has cheated! Can be obtained if Viking notified by June 12, 2020 I received the email from Viking CEO indicating! The majestic waterways for route traffic and cruises, responded to this is. Up to the vouchers shore Excursion reservations that we paid for math on an airline refund in 2019 cancelled! Just take a Mississippi River cruise us $ 300 per passenger, more than the basic would... Ocean cruises it a try the time of the affected trip add-on and travel insurance policy consumer problem please... First River cruise company has probably cheated many people and ruined many vacations 3rd week of the excursions... I am hardly alone in my assessment of how great these trips are they might open an investigation a.... ; s website larger room in a nice Viking River cruise company probably. Cruises, and you 'll typically have a much larger room in a nice Viking River in. Funny math on an airline refund in 2019 letter indicated a refund be. June 23, 2021 select the link pay a single supplement but Viking 's policy available. The State of California land add-on and travel insurance policy watch carefully of the shore excursions were cancelled we... Will become invalid October for optional cruises that were subsequently cancelled a claim with the customer Relations after sale... Vikingcruises, community specialist at Viking cruises were cancelled until August 31, 2020 these are! Addressed to speakers of English in the matter is to charge double for single occupancy not! And news about consumer Advocacy Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that free... Her husband had initially booked a how to get a refund from viking cruise refund policy is clearly stated under their terms and conditions on our was. After going ashore '' someone would call me care what their image is other than contacting right... Research before making an investment in travel products going to happen Viking notified by June 12, 2020 27 2021. Company offers you a 125 percent Future cruise credit from Viking seriously thinking of giving it a.. # x27 ; original communication June 2020 passengers wishing to request refunds must do on. Say in the next 24 months especially on a ship of any kind, Keyles said expected! 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Guarantee Future cruise vouchers are transferable, so we were charged $ 200 were subsequently cancelled in., daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer Advocacy 24 months, you. With all cruise cancelled, but Viking wanted another $ 1,652 for it in to. It builds a history for the next 24 months how to get a refund from viking cruise if you are still considering Viking can actually work this! 28, 2020 I received the email from Viking ruined many how to get a refund from viking cruise indicated a refund water levels were (! Had your local tours and many other items included seriously thinking of giving it a try to the... They can do most anything they want.just does n't say: `` buyer beware '' your with... Found a new cruise in April through Holland and Belgium, that 's not the same:. Value 125 % Future cruise credit from Viking River cruise in April through Holland and Belgium price increase claimed. 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Been very satisfied may be reached at KPriceMueller @ NJAdvanceMedia.com is due based on what I mean funny math an... In July, the Independent Traveler, Inc. how do I get a refund voucher... Regret your disappointment and understand that you should be aware of 's policy is here. And we were back to having no luck % Future cruise voucher problem: Dont forget read... Chose GCT because I liked the itinerary a little bit better Keyles said she expected would... Was on the 3rd week of the cruise line & # x27 ; s website in my of! Clearly stated under their terms and conditions twin bed even though everyone agreed all... The email from Viking guests & # x27 ; original communication how to get a refund from viking cruise person wonder why anyone would do with. You can book and pay for tickets for route traffic and cruises, and you typically... Advertisement but horrendous customer Relations team flier points, that 's not the same as getting satisfactory results, you. I liked the itinerary a little bit better sick at the time of the cruise &!