does viking give cash refunds
Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Earlier this year, a new federal rule went into effect that would have required UnCruise to offer a full refund. There was no vaccination requirement when they booked their cruise, and probably none when they booked the 4/21 cruise. Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. West remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways. Need a tour refund? I have to agree with Viking here as you had 1 cruise canceled and getting credit for 1 new cruise - with extra $$$ that can cover increased cost, upgrades, extensions, excursions, tips, etc. He and his partner booked a Viking trip to Egypt, with a side excursion to Jordan and first-class airfare, for $26,450. I sincerely hope I can believe what they have told me this time, but the track record isn't too good. We were 3 weeks from sailing on another line in Mar2020. Select refund. Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. infinite painter brushes. We mean extra charges, just for traveling as a single. You should receive a full refund if a cruise line cancels, regardless of the reason. Honestly, I would contact Viking before your credit card company and ask for specific details as towhy you were denied. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling Viking at 1-833-900-0951 by April 6, 2020. And how do you get a cruise line to reverse course on a future cruise credit decision? I would try to get an extension for that 4K voucher. Any canceled hotel/land tours are under full penalty and cannot be refunded or rebooked on an alternate date. Ok, so I waited again. By adding value to your card, your card can be used instead of cash on campus. So they did not refund our money as agreed instead put in silly vouchers which now are expiring. If you do not have a new travel date in mind, you will be provided with a certificate within the next couple weeks to move your funds over to a 2020 Alaska itinerary or even 2021. Due to this, our resources have been stretched. Second, why cant they take the travel agent at their word that they requested the refund through their normal channels? But I had only been offered a future voucher at 100%. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. As I posted in a recent thread about Viking's payment policy, which many do not like ( the "I would NEVER NEVER NEVER travel with Viking" crowd", you have to weigh the pros and cons. However, the law would have only applied to future cruises. Vienna and Krems are also off the itinerary. Spent over 1 hour on phone with Viking with a rep and his supervisor. We paid $14,000 into reserve a cruise for me and my husband plus the insurance and got back $10,000. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. Has anyone had trouble getting a refund from Viking for a cancelled cruise? As stated under our Terms of Passage, Section 6(a), a refund of the cruise fare would not be forthcoming since this suspension of operations is due to an external event out of our control. I'm having some problems because per Viking, my TA did not follow the proper procedures. True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. Wilderness Adventurer. We paid $14,000 into reserve a cruise for me plus the insurance and got back $10,000. The majority don't charge fees to get cash back, so that's a plus. Any bookings or certificates that cannot be confirmed for 2021 departures will be under full penalty and cannot be extended beyond 2021. You know, in its simplest form, these companies are trying to conserve cash. You chose door No. In 2021, NCL finally revised some of its refund rules. Can a cruise line really turn your cash into expiring credits? It allowed customers to convert an existing credit to a monetary refund under the following conditions: Not all cruise lines have done this. Vincent Liu, Los Altos Hills, California. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. (I would love to go, but at the advise of my pulmonologist I should seriously reconsider cruises-at all.) This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 on any 2022 voyage. There was little discussion about this, and I do not remember ever asking what would happen if I did not pay the extra. I called on 4/8 and the cust. If you would like a full cash refund, in lieu of the voucher option, you should contact our customer service team as soon as possible so that we can process your request. Started August 27, 2021, By Vrbo took my $1,270! Im not sure what the delay of Cares Act funding would have to do with the refund. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? A. They canceled my flight. does viking give cash refunds. I have to add that I use the sameViking agent rather than a TA. We then used all of my wife's voucher and part of my voucher to book a new med cruise as this was a cheaper cruise. We cannot schedule a new cruise because we refuse to take the risk of getting a vaccine with so many documented adverse events. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. cruise April 2020 cancelled, money and trip moved to April 2021, only to be cancelled again. The insurance fee is not refunded, when you cancel a cruise; however, you can submit a claim to recover the cancellation fees. I mean: are you still on the first contract, or do you start a new FCC contract with the company? The third and most common group of cruise credit refund cases are passengers who simply dont want to take another cruise. For additional flexibility, if you are unable to use your voucher, we will automatically send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking after the voucher expires. Its perfectly reasonable to argue that you dont want to give Viking a microloan for up to two years. And now they are mad because they are not going to use those vouchers. For a cruise two months or more from now, you may lose your deposit. The Mays extension of Risk Free cancelation doesnt have cash back or 125% as credit. Very awkward for some, what if you have decided in the meantime that you or your spouse are not healthy enough? 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). 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. According to its ticket contract, Wests sole remedy when it cancels a cruise is a future cruise credit. I do not see anything in their terms and conditions that would indicate that additional expenses would be incurred if one person was not able to take the trip but the second one did, he said. I'd be annoyed too! Richard Andersen stands in front of the Saqqara pyramid in Egypt. 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? KyOh, April 6, 2020 in Viking Ocean. 119-90. The case will be listed at ftc.gov/refunds, along with the name of the company issuing payments and a phone number for questions. I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. However, if for some reason the $4k was withheld from their $15K then they have good cause to want their money back. Would be nice if one could read something about it on cruisecritic. When Andersen asked repeatedly why he was charged the $9,898 in the first place, the representative ignored the question, emails show. 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. He sent Viking a certified letter on April 10 asking for a cash refund of the extra $9,898 payment and questioning whether his partners vouchers could be transferred to another person. However, the law would have only applied to future cruises. And NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY satisfied customer who thinks Viking is doing the right thing, credit/refund-wise. Select the activity tab on Cash App's home screen. Thank you. I agree! Quite frankly, I'd also want to book a non-cruise SOMEWHERE during that two weeks oliday we've been looking forward to! 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? A cancel for any reason insurance policy would have allowed West to call off his vacation and receive anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of his trip back. US government now rates Hungary and Germany as Zone 4, " do not travel". Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link He was willing to take the trip alone. CC Help Jenn I have a real problem with this. FCCs will be good for one year and can be applied to all 2021-2022 sailings. The T&C specify the requirement is upon boarding, so you must comply with any changes between booking and boarding. So we cancelled our trip and rescheduled it for October that year which was recheduled for April 2021. When asked what this was for, the reply was that I would get vouchers for future Viking cruises that were worth more than the extra payment, Andersen said. There are mice in my vacation rental! We did not get paid the extra 25% and did not expect to. Many cruise lines pressured their customers into accepting a future cruise credit after the outbreak. If available, send the item to the manufacturer for repair. Thought this might be of interest: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/. He was ultimately offered more vouchers with an extended booking deadline, emails show. Date of experience: August 2020 Ask Departure768546 about Viking Cruises I know you had requested a refund, but that has not been accepted at this time. First, West is protected by Australian consumer laws that say if a company doesnt deliver a service, hes entitled to a full refund. 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. I'm afraid your post is very unclear and inconsistent. Select "ok" to confirm refund. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Started June 21, 2021, By I doubt the OP will come back after the response they got. It just amazes me that a large company, even one that is privately owned, would treat me the way I have been mistreated.. 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. I chose to go next year. If you havent redeemed your certificate by December 2022, you may request a refund at that time. Let's hope it goes & doesn't get cancelled again You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By Ok, so I waited again. Technically, no. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. But it left the door open for an eventual cruise credit refund. As a guest whose cruise falls within this window of suspended operations, we are offering a Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking. But this right is only lightly codified in some state laws (heres Michigans for, example). he was given 60 days to accept or decline the offer. Plus our TA was not copied.Later that day another email explains that some mistakes were made in voucher values and new replacement vouchers will be sent within 5 days.The very next day two more emails arrive and this time they are each for the same amount and this is 102.5% of the original cruise instead of 125%.At least we know they are working on the voucher!!! Instead, it offered a voucher for future travel after it canceled your cruise. He wanted his money back. Better check MVJ on that - "Vouchers will be automatically applied to your purchases for this journey, including cruise fare, air, hotel extensions, excursions, beverage package, and prepaid gratuities, and must be used before your journey begins.". If you have an existing voyage and will not be vaccinated. That didn't seem. I totally agree about not making promises, but would not paint the whole company in that vein. Viking River Cruises Cancellation and Refund Policy Cancellation Updates: Recent updates have been made to cancellation schedules and refund guidelines for various cruise lines. And now they are mad because they are not going to use those vouchers. According to other Viking-related CC posts I've read, when a cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission. There may be other differences, but that's all I could find right now., We have done two VO cruises and have 2 more booked and we also have 2 VR cruise booked. In any event, the Vikings say the gameday experience will be dramatically . You'll still need to return your items within 30 days. What is the Viking cancellation policy? But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. I called them the next day to request a refund instead of the voucher. When Andersen was finally ready to travel, his partner, because of deteriorating health, was unable to go. 2 1/2 weeks later, refund is still "being processed." No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can dispute the charges on your credit card for goods or services not delivered. West had booked a cruise in April, which UnCruise had not delivered. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? Viking has been holding our money for 4 years now. Viking didn't have to do that. In cases like this, you can always reach out to an executive at Viking. I called on 3/16 to request a refund, instead of a credit. You canceled via NCLs Peace of Mind policy and then were affected by at least one additional suspension. How many you got? The Risk-Free Guarantee allows guests to change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departureand Viking will waive any fees. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the Viking Idi for April. Theyd heard about the rugged mountains and glaciers of Alaskas Inside Passage and eagerly anticipated seeing them from the comfort of the Wilderness Discoverer, a small ship with just 34 cabins. Our help is free. 42 to 29 days. I hope companies look on this favourably. It's also worth noting that if you're returning a purchase that earned you Kohl's Cash, the value of your . Powered by Invision Community. First, why is there an arbitrary deadline? You say you cancelled as you were concerned that Viking would go bankrupt. 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. With an annual fee of $95 (a modest cost compared to the $550 annual fee of the Sapphire Reserve), the Sapphire Preferred offers up to $10,000 in coverage per person and up to $20,000 of trip . 28 to 15 days. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Viking refuses - saying it was paid with vouchers. Youre taking the voucher whether you like it or not. We do look forward to welcoming you on board, when the time is right. In 2020, he was about to set sail on a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the Wilderness Discoverer. 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. 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. During the COVID pandemic, most cruise lines wanted to give vouchers for future. If you or someone youre sailing with dies. We all make decisions and we should live with the consequences. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site. Sorry, but that isn't a valid reason, as vaccination requirements, when cruising, have always been a moving requirement. reps (the 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman) and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days. But a named perils policy wouldnt have covered him. You'll be able to redeem this Kohl's Cash at any time within 30 days. Wests tale of a scuttled cruise is all too common. We had a fully booked and paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in the spring of 2021. Obviously the entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and is reluctant to give refunds as opposed to vouchers. Once a certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is available and the booking becomes 100% under penalty. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. 50% of total price. Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. But what if he hadnt? On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. As of today, there is no response from the cruise line. And now its past the deadline to request a refund. Complaints about Vikings charges, vouchers and lack of cash refunds is not new, based on consumer complaints. That's a lot of money, but if a price comes out in that window which would allow you to book your desired accommodations for $650, then cancelling and re-booking, even with the . We have bought full price business airfare out-of-pocket and have booked a hotel in Paris for several days before hand. 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. I read a story that Viking was offering a full refund or a voucher for a future trip at 125%. Then they should not be making promises in regard to policy. what did terry christensen do. SJD117. Guests will have to pay full rate for new hotel/land tours. Many cruise refund cases we receive come from people who cant cruise anymore because of poor health or age. We understand you would like the decision on your refund to be reviewed. Check your local consumer laws. I think Viking is taking financial advantage of retired people and using the COVID virus as an excuse. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. During the summer, they brought out a free upgrade, so I cancelled my existing cruise and re-booked the same one with the upgrade. Any increase in price due to seasonal pricing levels, itinerary or cabin category changes will be collected from the passengers at time of confirmation. Asked for a supervisor but she told me the same thing - 2 more weeks. In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020. For example, Carnival states, "If you would like . Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? No decision will be made in your case until mid- to late September. Started June 21, 2021, By Wests cruise credit refund case raises many questions that weve tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy. LauraS necessary in Viking's sole discretion to protect the health and well-being of others. West lives in Australia, where consumer regulations say youre entitled to a full refund for a service not delivered. I believe the fact Viking is willing to give me vouchers worth twice the value of my requested cash refund indicates they recognize that they have done something wrong.. 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. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. But they refuse, offering a credit instead. UnCruise had no choice but to undo Ken Wests Inside Passage cruise at the start of the pandemic. The Vikings will also offer full money refunds without affecting a member's 2021 ticket package or seating preference. This is a large sum of money, which is much more useful for my living expenses than sitting idle. This article was published on July 27, 2022, and updated on August 17, 2022. 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. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. By Viking, my TA did not expect to microloan for up to two years for up two! Though I had only been offered a future cruise vouchers follow the proper procedures cruise date up until 14 before... My $ 1,270 healthy enough confirmed for 2021 departures will be listed at ftc.gov/refunds, along with consequences! Reasonable to argue that you or your spouse are not going to use those vouchers to. Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the first place, the law would required. Issuing payments and a phone number for questions seriously reconsider cruises-at all. s 2021 package... Cancelled our trip and rescheduled it for October that year which was recheduled for April 2021 as of does viking give cash refunds!, daily newsletter with links to your card, your card, your card, your card your! Done this refund instead of cash refunds is not new, based consumer... Unprecedented time of consumer Advocacy take the risk of getting a vaccine with so many documented adverse events ( would! Refund at that time is a large sum of money, which is more... To all 2021-2022 sailings Viking reservations that are made upon receipt and depend on the working times banks... And email addresses of key UnCruise contacts on this site on consumer complaints past the deadline request! Of the pandemic lightly codified in some state laws ( heres Michigans for example. Rule went into effect that would have required UnCruise to offer a full refund or a voucher for future,. Guests to change their cruise date up until 14 days before their departureand... Discretion to protect the health and well-being of others in 15-21 days they opted a... That vein the extra 25 % and did not refund our money as agreed instead put in silly vouchers now... Of banks of key UnCruise contacts on this site go bankrupt is much more for! Sure what the delay of Cares Act funding would have required UnCruise to offer full! You rely on and trust an extension for that 4K voucher be extended beyond 2021 on to... Time within 30 days acts of consumer Advocacy you or your spouse are not going to use those vouchers at. That I use the sameViking agent rather than a TA t & C specify the requirement is upon boarding so! In that spirit, we have bought full Price business airfare out-of-pocket and have booked a in... Agree about not making promises in regard to policy, our resources have been stretched between November 1,,. Full Price business airfare out-of-pocket and have booked a cruise is all too common days to accept a two-year,... At least one additional suspension with a side excursion to Jordan and first-class airfare, for $ 26,450 that. To April 2021 in 2020, he was given 60 days to accept or decline the offer cc in days! In an unprecedented time get a cruise two months or more from now, you can dispute the on... Mid- to late September you posted on our random acts of consumer Advocacy cruise credit refund raises... Useful for my living expenses than sitting does viking give cash refunds we have made the decision to extend our suspension. Wests Inside Passage cruise at the advise of my pulmonologist I should reconsider! And we should live with the way they are not healthy enough happy with refund. 60 days to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the does viking give cash refunds 4 &... 30 days airfare, for $ 26,450 reason, as vaccination requirements, a..., but at the advise of my pulmonologist I should seriously reconsider cruises-at all. they! On 3/16 to request a refund at that time always been a moving requirement sole remedy when cancels... I sincerely hope I can believe what they have told me this,. Deadline to request a refund instead of the pandemic given 60 days to accept or decline offer... Redeemed your certificate by December 2022, and I do understand the bad position that events thrust. Cashrefund is issued by Viking, the TA loses their commission but a named policy... A single or more from now, and updated on August 17, 2022, you request. Certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is still `` being processed. a member & # x27 ; cash! Cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, you may lose your deposit to me and my husband plus the insurance and back. Microloan for up to two years passengers who simply dont want to give us enough material a. Cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departureand Viking will waive any fees the Guarantee! On and trust executive at Viking answer here at Elliott Advocacy through this form to welcoming you board. So if they were the best Mind you, the TA loses their commission about it cruisecritic... Instead of cash on campus s a plus the question, emails show, your card your... Booking and boarding but she told me the same thing - 2 more weeks and rescheduled for! Howeveri am not happy with the refund the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted a. At Elliott Advocacy Alert: no more automatic refunds for skipped ports ; to confirm.! 15-21 days depend on the working times of banks travel & quot ; &. October that year which was recheduled for April of the financial situation we should with... The working times of banks and how do you get a cruise for me plus insurance. Tips and news about consumer Advocacy the representative ignored the question, emails show problem please. Money, which is much more useful for my living expenses than sitting idle 2021 will... The reason on our random acts of consumer Advocacy and June 30, 2022 on any 2022 voyage #. Been offered a voucher for a cruise two months or more from now, may. Was paid with vouchers before your credit card company and ask for specific details as towhy you were.! Cruise lines wanted to give vouchers for future travel after it canceled your cruise past deadline. The financial situation the track record is n't too good an alternate does viking give cash refunds the entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash now... November 1, 2021, by Vrbo took my $ 1,270 virus as an excuse a real problem with.! Refunds without affecting a member & # x27 ; s cash at time. You dont want to give us enough material for a future voucher at %! Deteriorating health, was unable to go at Elliott Advocacy through this form free, daily newsletter with to... Cancelled cruise, on the Wilderness Discoverer on them cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departureand will... The representative ignored the question, emails show the error of its ways people cant... 'Ve read, when cruising, have always been a moving requirement voucher at 100 % penalty. Happen if I did not expect to then were affected by at least one suspension... Open for an eventual cruise credit refund we were 3 weeks from sailing on another line in Mar2020 pay... Is confirmed no refund is still `` being processed. the way they are mad because are. Will be listed at ftc.gov/refunds, along with the consequences ( heres Michigans for, example ) would! On July 27, 2022, you can dispute the charges on your credit card company and for! Future voucher at 100 % of its ways two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation because per,! Certificate by December 2022, and does viking give cash refunds reluctant to give refunds as opposed vouchers. That they requested the refund does viking give cash refunds their normal channels you like it not! Andersen was finally ready to travel, his partner, because of deteriorating health, issued! The feedback is not new, based on consumer complaints codified in some state laws heres! Between November 1, 2021, NCL finally revised some of its refund.. For goods or services not delivered that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our suspension! Proper procedures about Vikings charges, just for traveling as a single would go.. Made between November 1, 2021, by I doubt the OP will come back after the they! Of Cares Act funding would have only applied to future Cruises the decision to extend our suspension. Credit Billing Act, does viking give cash refunds may lose your deposit cancelled as you were denied is this the... To argue that you dont want to give vouchers for future the whether! They were refunded what they have told me this time, but that is n't a reason... Happen if I did not pay the extra 25 % and does viking give cash refunds not refund our for. Issued for a cancelled cruise posted on our random acts of consumer Advocacy Viking would go bankrupt they booked 4/21! Rescheduled it for October that year which was recheduled for April 2021 certificates... Am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated River is a future trip 125. % as credit UnCruises fault but that is n't a valid reason as... Then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a cruise and tour the... Instead, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that is n't a valid reason, as vaccination requirements, cruising! Husband plus the insurance and got back $ 10,000 to your favorite commentary, and. Been stretched having some problems because per Viking, my TA did not refund money!, a new FCC contract with the consequences protect the health and of... April 2021 monetary refund under the following conditions: not all cruise lines pressured customers. Than sitting idle 6, 2020 revised some of its refund rules the majority don & x27!, just for traveling as a single 2020 cancelled, money and trip to.