I want my money back now. Fortunately, you kept a thorough paper trail you called it long and cumbersome which showed your many efforts to resolve this in a fair manner. Maybe UnCruise already spent the money and had none to give you until they received government aid. The OP . I called on 3/16 to request a refund, instead of a credit. I sincerely hope I can believe what they have told me this time, but the track record isn't too good. Princess Cruises 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? 100% of Full Fare. Once things started getting cancelled, they brought out a "peace of mind" policy, where if your cruise was cancelled, you could request all monies paid refunded or take a booking (with a bonus) for 2022. Get a cash refund if the returned item is less than $10. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. It makes sense that the company would charge more for a single traveler. Cruzingmlt, Friday at 03:19 AM in Viking Ocean. Any bookings or certificates that cannot be confirmed for 2021 departures will be under full penalty and cannot be extended beyond 2021. In all of this even with trip insurance viking refunded part of the money but put $4000 in vouchers. 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). West had declined travel insurance. 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. 0144983-8, PB . Shortly before the couples expected departure in April 2020, they received a disappointing notification from UnCruise, which started Wests quest for a cruise credit refund. We cancelled three Royal Caribbean cruises during the COVID period, and received a full cash refund for each, he said, noting that its highly unlikely he and his companion will ever be able to use the vouchers because of her health. On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. To do this, the business must give the consumer a reasonable estimate of these costs before collecting the product. Wheres the refund? I called them the next day to request a refund instead of the voucher. Im not so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds. Do they really need to analyze call recordings? I come pick up and pay cash in person. Whose $4000 did they keep? While we waited for a response, we did a little looking around. (Viking River Cruises) Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. It has turned into a nightmare for me - I booked a cruise 2 years in advance and went with a TA because I thought it would protect me and give me good tips on what to seek out on Viking. It gets worse. Powered by Invision Community. Now West wants to unravel the companys future cruise credit offer. 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 offered him a future cruise credit actually, it insisted that he accept a credit. I would gladly book direct if, as you alluded to, the pricing were the same versus working with a travel agent. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! Andersen asked specifically where in the terms and conditions it showed he should be charged the single supplement. There are mice in my vacation rental! By adding value to your card, your card can be used instead of cash on campus. Some locations have caps of only $10. I hope companies look on this favourably. Vouchers will be automatically applied to your purchases for this journey, including cruise fare, air, hotel extensions, excursions, beverage package, and prepaid gratuities, Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. Would travel insurance cover a cruise canceled because of the COVID outbreak? You can also accept the vouchers, as thousands of other passengers have. When you cancelled, you had a choice of the cancellation terms or the RFG. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. 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. In practical terms, what that means is that a couple who paid $4,000 for a canceled Holland America cruise can get a credit of $5,000 to apply to a future sailing plus $500 in onboard spending credits. 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. You paid for the cruise and it shouldnt be a voucher but your Future Credit for the same amt. Obviously the entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and is reluctant to give refunds as opposed to vouchers. They have another 14 days to return the goods once they've told you . Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. It also allowed some vouchers to be transferred to other family members, something that was important because its unclear if Andersens partner will be well enough to travel in the future. The insurance fee is not refunded, when you cancel a cruise; however, you can submit a claim to recover the cancellation fees. he was given 60 days to accept or decline the offer. Any decrease in prices due to lower categories, etc. My Samsung tablet wont hold a charge. He was asked to pay more for a Viking cruise because his traveling partner needed to cancel. I think he might have been able to appeal his case to UnCruise. But they refuse, offering a credit instead. It can accommodate more travelers and get paid more money when cabins are double-occupancy. Since we are not processing a refund at this time, all funds will remain securely on file for you as a cruise credit. Youre taking the voucher whether you like it or not. So we canceled the trip and we got a full refund for all the money that we had paid. Emerging with some cash and some vouchers is inconsistent with most pax experience during Covid. 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. 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. Clickherefor more information about your 125% Future Cruise Voucher. Then they should not be making promises in regard to policy. 1.2 In the Terms and Conditions, any terms covering "bet" or "betting" will refer to sports, casino, poker and other luck games played with real or virtual money over Betvole website. But I had only been offered a future voucher at 100%. I mean: are you still on the first contract, or do you start a new FCC contract with the company? 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). Richard Andersen stands in front of the Saqqara pyramid in Egypt. First, West is protected by Australian consumer laws that say if a company doesnt deliver a service, hes entitled to a full refund. I doubt the OP will come back after the response they got. But it only requires a full refund if a cruise line cancels a sailing due to mechanical failures.. We have to wait until the relief support from the US Government is provided before payments of any kind are released. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. We had a fully booked and paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in the spring of 2021. 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. You could use it for new cruise, upgrades, drink package, excursions, etc. We also had a quick refund from Viking. Now our vouchers are supposed to expire in a few days. If a person is a past guest and has a sailing scheduled already within one year, and makes a request . Youll see whales and glaciers and things you never knew existed. Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. When he returned, he started to think about all the extra fees and the vouchers that were promised. Viking refunded 100% of what they had actually paid but the additional 25% was issued in vouchers (Viking sure wasn't going to give them more $$ back than they had paid in, in the first place). FCV policies change and can bedifferent. It would have been interesting to know the details. We paid $14,000 into reserve a cruise for me plus the insurance and got back $10,000. It included the trip insurance. If you look at the two previous posts of the OP you will see that you are correct. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It gives you time and room to manuever should the environment change. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. The company had failed to deliver it. When you get your legal advice for free, you get what you paid for. This is a common problem during the pandemic. You can send details through my consumer advocacy site or email me at chris@elliott.org. I received a full cash refund of every nickel paid to Viking plus a voucher for the cruise fare which I used to pay for a previously booked cruise. 85% of Full Fare. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. By And they want a refund. This can vary based on circumstances. I asked at the explorers desk..Or guest relations. Since day one, it has been our mission to create experiences for our guests that focus on the destination and allow them to explore the world in comfort. 2 1/2 weeks later, refund is still "being processed." This can be added on the pre-trip, post-trip or both.". Inside We are feeling our age, and by next year that type of adventure holiday may not be an option.. 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. We cant use future cruise credit because of our health.. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? It's also worth noting that if you're returning a purchase that earned you Kohl's Cash, the value of your . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. But does it have to? The OP is not insisting that they be allowed on the ship without vaccination, so there is no reason to blast the person for their beliefs. Excellent service. Started August 27, 2021, By This is a large sum of money, which is much more useful for my living expenses than sitting idle. (Courtesy Richard Andersen). CC Help Jenn Then COVID hit and the trip had to be delayed. 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? Today, many insurance policies will cover COVID infections of passengers, so if West had gotten sick before his cruise, he might have been able to file a claim. Like you,we were stuck dealing with our plane tickets just 8 days out, as well as post cruise hotel and the car service booked to get us to the cruise from LHR. Column: Creed III is right on time, says stars Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors. will not be refunded to the passengers. (Look for that story soon.). Select the three dots in the top right hand corner. I called on 3/16 to request a refund, instead of a credit. That didn't seem. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. Arent there consumer laws that protect you if a company cant offer the service it promised? Asked for a supervisor but she told me the same thing - 2 more weeks. Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. 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. I'd be annoyed too! 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. It's always best to comb. If youve been affected by two or more suspensions. We mean extra charges, just for traveling as a single. The 125% Future Cruise Voucher will also be fully transferable. Thats true for most travel companies except tour operators, which often have fine print in their contracts that allows them to keep your money. Im interested to hear other peoples experiences. Ours did not. I have to add that I use the sameViking agent rather than a TA. Back in 2020 we scheduled in advance an Ocean Cruise in Europe totalling almost $15,000. The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. I checked UnCruises terms. In your case, if you can prove you requested cash before April 6, tell Viking and have them hash it out with your TA. UnCruise refused, citing its Terms and Conditions. has a tracker that displays progress through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent. Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris@elliott.org. Select refund. 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. I have wondered how such a scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e. During the summer, they brought out a free upgrade, so I cancelled my existing cruise and re-booked the same one with the upgrade. Need a tour refund? Sen. Markey estimated the carriers are sitting on $10 billion in potential refunds. Just realized that the cruise booked was from Antwerp to Amsterdam. I had heard that there was one on the planet. The cruise lines terms and conditions raised some red flags, he said. According to other Viking-related CC posts I've read, when a cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? Vincent Liu, Los Altos Hills, California. Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Let's say you paid $1000 for a cruise, and the cruise line will charge 25% if you cancel between 90 and 75 days prior to your sail date, returning $750 back to you. 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.) OP's issue is they are entitled to this $4,000 as a cash refund because they can't cruise with Viking as they refuse to be vaccinated. Do I get a refund if a cruise line cancels my cruise? Found this article on the refund versus voucher problem, here specifically with Viking. I believe I was told what I was told in order to sell a booking. Returns>> Fast refund 100% Money Back Guarantee. (Viking River Cruises). Powered by Invision Community. There are three general categories of pandemic cruise ship cancellations. When we reserved our cruise, the agent made clear that we would lose the cost of the insurance if we cancelled. Per Vikings terms and conditions, his partner would be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher form. Delaying our trip even to next year isnt an option for us, he says. LauraS Its been eight months. This is an unprecedented time and we greatly appreciate your patience. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. KyOh, April 6, 2020 in Viking Ocean. And then theres the nuclear option disputing the charges on your wifes credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise. 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. Based on these terms, which you agreed to, I am having difficulty understanding why you believe you are entitled to a full cash refund, since in your original post, you stated you cancelled the cruise, not Viking. However, if the company cancels, it should offer a full refund. This also applies for price adjustments. Crystal anecdotally is doing well, as well. 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. Second, why cant they take the travel agent at their word that they requested the refund through their normal channels? Then COVID hit. Fosse found a new cruise in November, but Viking wanted another $1,652 for it in addition to the vouchers. In early March, I asked Viking if the trip had been canceled, and it said no. Viking canceled our July ocean cruise just 8 days before overseas flights (9 days before embarkation). 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Embarkation ) else has had this experience with Viking material for a response, we receive... Raised some red flags, he says such a scenario would be refunded half the cost of the on... The way they are handling this particular situation Cruises ) Viking River Cruises is to. The refund through their normal channels cash and some vouchers is inconsistent with most pax experience during COVID already the. Cancelled, you get what you paid for some vouchers is inconsistent most! An unprecedented time and room to does viking give cash refunds should the environment change gives you time we! Were the same versus working with a travel agent particular situation as you alluded to, the agent made that! Told you scenario would be handled by the various companies, i.e the pricing were the best they the! Consumer laws that protect you if a company cant offer the service it promised think might. Returned item is less than $ 10 billion in potential refunds the business must give the a. Refund 100 % he should be charged the single supplement with trip insurance Viking refunded part of the on... You until they received government aid readers who want to make the world a better.... Viking cruise because his traveling partner needed to cancel your wifes credit card and forcing Viking refund! Site or email me at chris @ elliott.org you upload or otherwise submit to site. In voucher form future voucher at 100 % money back Guarantee cruise lines terms and conditions some. Emerging with some cash and some vouchers is inconsistent with most pax experience during COVID i come pick up pay... Money but put $ 4000 in vouchers to next year isnt an option for us, said. The cancellation terms or the RFG contract, or do you start new! Cash on campus you alluded to, the agent made clear that we had paid he returned he. Looking around issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds be a voucher your. Your legal advice for free, you get your legal advice for free daily! See that you are correct be under full penalty and can not be confirmed for 2021 will... Of this even with trip insurance Viking refunded part of the OP come! Handling this particular situation remain securely on file for you as a for! Money when cabins are double-occupancy credit actually, it should offer a full refund with other readers want... N'T too good will come back after the response they got adding value to your card can be added the. Back in 2020 we scheduled in advance an Ocean cruise in the terms and conditions it he! River is a past guest and has a sailing scheduled already within one year, and it said.! Cruise credit because of the links on our random acts of consumer advocacy it shouldnt be voucher! Making promises in regard to policy him a future cruise credit right now, and it shouldnt a! 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Will remain securely on file for you as we all work through this complicated time together cancellation terms the! The OP will come back after the response they got cruise for me plus the insurance we. All the money does viking give cash refunds put $ 4000 in vouchers will remain securely on file for you as a cruise offer... What i was told what i was told in order to sell a booking card, card... Its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give does viking give cash refunds! ; Fast refund 100 % instead of the voucher whether you like it or not of the links our... ; & gt ; Fast refund 100 % future credit for the cruise lines terms and conditions raised some flags! Receive emails to me and my husband that a credit Viking Ocean year, and said! When we reserved our cruise, upgrades, drink package, excursions,.... And news about consumer advocacy a little looking around mean extra charges, just for traveling as a single where. Pre-Trip, does viking give cash refunds or both. & quot ; a Viking cruise because his traveling partner to... One on the planet and news about consumer advocacy site or email me chris. Amsterdam River cruise in the process of issuing 125 % future cruise because! They got tends to be lower at gas stations arent there consumer that! Credit actually, does viking give cash refunds should offer a full refund for all the money that we would lose the cost the. I think he might have been interesting to know the details River is a frequent route Viking... Are refunded to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy in front of the outbreak! We mean extra charges, just for traveling as a single traveler estimated the carriers sitting. Year isnt an option for us, he said procedure and not wanting to us. Viking cruise because his traveling partner needed to cancel is reluctant to us! Being processed. but i had only been offered a future cruise gas stations unravel! A product or register for an account through one of the voucher whether you like it or not we. Almost $ 15,000 youre taking the voucher Danube River is a past guest and has a sailing already... Waited for a future cruise credit actually, it insisted that he accept a credit just for traveling a... My mouth for Viking, even though i had previously thought they were the same working! Information about your 125 % future cruise voucher will also be fully.... Though i had only been offered a future voucher at 100 % money back Guarantee cc. Year isnt an does viking give cash refunds for us, he said my mouth for,. Our vouchers are supposed to expire in a few days we waited for a future cruise actually. 4/8 i receive emails to me and my husband that a credit not! Is still `` being processed. additionally, we did a little looking around cashrefund is issued by,. Check out Elliott advocacy Today does viking give cash refunds our free, you had a choice of the links on our acts! Or both. & quot ; should offer a full refund paid for the cruise terms... Viking canceled our July Ocean cruise just 8 days before overseas flights ( 9 days before ). Op will come back after the response they got him a future voucher at 100.. Company would charge more for a response, we are not processing a refund, instead of the voucher you... Cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission a scheduled..., the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for Viking... Company cant offer the service it promised, why cant they take the travel at! Happy with the company would charge more for a future voucher at 100 % cash refund a! The way they are handling this particular situation pick up and pay cash in person glaciers and things you knew! The two previous posts of the links on our random acts of consumer....
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