100% of total price - No refund. Deposits are refundable unless otherwise indicated. Returns>> Fast refund 100% Money Back Guarantee. If the cruise line. Tough old world. 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. Vincent Liu, Los Altos Hills, California. 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. Once a certificate or booking is confirmed no refund is available and the booking becomes 100% under penalty. So UnCruise did what most cruise lines and tour operators did after the outbreak. Ten days later, on March 30, Viking announced the cruise was canceled and 100% cash refunds would be given to customers but only for those who hadn't canceled previously. Guests will have to pay full rate for new hotel/land tours. 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). . Etc. Youre taking the voucher whether you like it or not. Our help is free. But Robert M. Lawless, a law professor at the University of Illinois . Hi we got our corrected FCV for our cancelled Alaska trip and after the first error we received the full 125%. But what about Andersens vouchers? Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. The T&C specify the requirement is upon boarding, so you must comply with any changes between booking and boarding. You'll still need to return your items within 30 days. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? According to its ticket contract, Wests sole remedy when it cancels a cruise is a future cruise credit. The Biden Administration is planning new rules that will require airlines to begin refunding to passengers any fees they've paid to check bags that are delayed, for inflight Wi-Fi services that did. Many passengers accepted a cruise lines offer of a future cruise credit and rebooked, only to have the cruise line cancel again and in some cases, again. 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. Get a cash refund if the returned item is less than $10. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling. Viking gave us 100% vouchers that had to be booked within 3 years, which, if we waited until say month 34 could go out beyond 48 months. If you paid with a credit card, you might want to start looking into disputing the charge. On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. 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. OVER $39 Worldwide Free Shipping. Booking number 7141933 Yazmin Hope and Libby Gallagher 1. 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. I sincerely hope I can believe what they have told me this time, but the track record isn't too good. By We also had a quick refund from Viking. The Risk-Free Guarantee allows guests to change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departureand Viking will waive any fees. 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. I'm afraid your post is very unclear and inconsistent. Folks here will either agree with me while others prefer the TA as in many cases they can get additional SBC. And they want a refund. Wheres the refund? True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. In cases like this, you can always reach out to an executive at Viking. We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). Del Mar College is proud to offer eRefunds, a new disbursement and refund system designed to better serve the needs of our students. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. West remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways. Due to temporary government mandates or entry/departure requirements restricting travel which would affect the start of our Alaska season, we have decided to cancel the following scheduled departures: Wilderness Discoverer: April 18; May 2 When Andersen asked repeatedly why he was charged the $9,898 in the first place, the representative ignored the question, emails show. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the. It also lists some . I think you would find them willing to discuss options. Viking requires a 12 month advance final payment on every cruise booking. I tried with Viking chat about 3 weeks ago when I first discovered the issue with no luck. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2022 return. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. We do look forward to welcoming you on board, when the time is right. Any increase in price due to seasonal pricing levels, itinerary or cabin category changes will be collected from the passengers at time of confirmation. 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. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? In 2020, he was about to set sail on a 12-day tour from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, on the Wilderness Discoverer. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. I read a story that Viking was offering a full refund or a voucher for a future trip at 125%. I had a cruise booked just before everything blew up for May 2021 with Avalon. 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. A full refund will be given for most optional shore excursions if you give notice of cancellation at least 48 hours prior to the optional shore excursion. You say you cancelled as you were concerned that Viking would go bankrupt. Hed booked an UnCruise Inside Passage cruise. I am happy with being able to change with no penalty, I don't expect anything I didn't pay for, to me, it's like going to a store to find out what you are purchasing was on sale the week beforeyou can't expect the store to give you the difference, so why should the cruise company forward on the upgrade that you never really bought? If you cancel your vacation in the face of the coronavirus outbreak and accept a voucher, youre stuck with that credit. Not happy about floating cash for Viking. For 5 NIGHT CRUISES OR LONGER IF CANCELLATION IS MADE (including Holiday Sailings and Cruisetours) CANCELLATION CHARGE (Per person) 90+ days. Sen. Markey estimated the carriers are sitting on $10 billion in potential refunds. Please note: timing of refunds may vary by event, over time, or by jurisdiction, so please look to your email for the applicable, and most current, information. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. This was not what was agreed upon and not in line with the time frame they said we could cancel and get our money back. I list the names, numbers and email addresses of all the Viking Cruise executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. We had a fully booked and paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in the spring of 2021. I would have to look up the cruise portion cancellation terms. They feel that since Viking changed the terms and required vaccination, they should refund everything. However, if the company cancels, it should offer a full refund. Heres our complete guide to travel insurance. We are feeling our age, and by next year that type of adventure holiday may not be an option.. CC Help Jenn The orginal cruise was paid by cash. And I do know an honest used car salesman as well. But the fact that youre retired has no bearing on this case. I spoke to 2 Viking cust. By adding value to your card, your card can be used instead of cash on campus. 2 1/2 weeks later, refund is still "being processed." Youre probably better off pursuing a credit card dispute. Select the activity tab on Cash App's home screen. Disgusted that on top of the fact they can cancel with such short notice and no penalties, they continue to hold onto our money. By Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Wests cruise credit refund case raises many questions that weve tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy. NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. Earlier this year, a new federal rule went into effect that would have required UnCruise to offer a full refund. Please help! I know you had requested a refund, but that has not been accepted at this time. necessary in Viking's sole discretion to protect the health and well-being of others. If you book a future cruise with FCV and the cruise cost is less than you have on the FCV, you loose the difference. If you accept cookies, we'll use them to improve and customize your experience and enable our partners to show you personalized PayPal ads when you visit other sites. So we cancelled our trip and rescheduled it for October that year which was recheduled for April 2021. (I would love to go, but at the advise of my pulmonologist I should seriously reconsider cruises-at all.) Richard Andersen booked a fully-paid Viking cruise with his partner but it was canceled because of COVID. 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. Vrbo took my $1,270! Vikingalso had the nerve to claim you had to request a refund within a week (or settle on the voucher). 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. Sure, if a company files for bankruptcy in the United States, it has the option to file Chapter 7, liquidate -- and shut down. Medial Marijuana Recommendations. Many cruise refund cases we receive come from people who cant cruise anymore because of poor health or age. You cant negotiate them (theyre called adhesion contracts), so when you book a ticket, you automatically agree to the terms set by UnCruise and its lawyers. 59 or less. Then there is Viking, which is a black hole for any money given them. The cost of a stopover is usually between $100 and $300. If he had, he might have booked with a company that had more consumer-friendly cancellation terms. Refunds rules can vary. 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. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. That's the letter I couldn't find. Started August 27, 2021, By 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. They canceled my flight. you see that you are correct. Many passengers reluctantly agreed to take these expiring vouchers and tried to rebook, only to have their next cruise canceled again in 2021. So we canceled the trip and we got a full refund for all the money that we had paid. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Alas, quite likely too much work for the ever busy editors and hosts. 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). 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. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. #24 states a different situation than yours, so maybe your TA is at fault. . I have had a few situations where my Viking agent resolved issues favorably, so I wouldn't consider using anyone else. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. 119-90. Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. Take advantage of that fact. Pre-pandemic, most lines allowed changes and. The Viking agent said that I would have to pay an extra $9,898. We have contacted them and they continue to refuse. Additionally, we are committed to share more with you as we all work through this complicated time together. 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. 50% of total price. If you're return something you used Kohl's Cash to purchase, you can expect to get that Kohl's Cash back in-full. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I wanted to say something about your argument for getting a refund. CC Help Jenn While we waited for a response, we did a little looking around. Im not so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds. 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. 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. UnCruise had no choice but to undo Ken Wests Inside Passage cruise at the start of the pandemic. West and his wife, Liliana, were looking forward to their upcoming Alaska cruise. We asked Viking to point out the language that required the additional charge, but it didnt respond to multiple requests for comment. There was little discussion about this, and I do not remember ever asking what would happen if I did not pay the extra. 0144983-8, PB . We want you to experience the UnCruise you have planned for, but understand the circumstances of the pandemic which are out of both our controls. Still, something about your case is not sitting right with me. We have contacted them and they continue to refuse. In times like these, companies are bending over backward to accommodate their customers. Over the next several months, he tried numerous ways to contact the company so someone could address his requests, without luck. 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. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. Our VR June cruise was cancelled and we were very happy taking the Voucher offer.Chatting with Viking UK (where we live) they advised everything would be done through our TA - fair enough.Surprise surprise when the emails land in my wife and my inboxes. Your bank promptly returned your money. Can you help me get back the $12,490 we spent? he asked. In all of this even with trip insurance viking refunded part of the money but put $4000 in vouchers. 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? If you have an existing voyage and will not be vaccinated. When Viking cancels your cruise, you are entitled to a full cash refund. SJD117. It gets worse. Now that things haven't changed, I had the choice to either delay my final payment to the end of March, or change to a 2022 cruise. Found this article on the refund versus voucher problem, here specifically with Viking. We booked Amsterdam to Belgium for August 19th 2023 with Viking agent Elena Munari. Best Buy notes that the method of refund will be in the same method the payment was originally made, in most cases. The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. 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? Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. I am glad to hear it. Or take the cash back. No decision will be made in your case until mid- to late September. Spent over 1 hour on phone with Viking with a rep and his supervisor. The third and most common group of cruise credit refund cases are passengers who simply dont want to take another cruise. The review process will be expedited as soon as we are able. But you have options. Further on aforementioned terms will also be referred to as "Services". I believe I was told what I was told in order to sell a booking. It turns out its that way for many passengers. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. But I digress. 60% of Full Fare. Issuing a refund is not difficult for a company to do; in fact its a single click on most electronic payment gateways. Viking cancelled our 7 nights Cities of Lights cruise last yr, but we took the 125% FCC, applied to 14 nights Grand European cruise for late this year. We were lied to by at least four Viking reps in regard to use of FCV. Guests with bookings that are not paid in full will receive a 100% Refund for amounts paid for voyages canceled by the suspensions. Or you would like the money back because you nee d it somewhere else? Maybe UnCruise already spent the money and had none to give you until they received government aid. I called them the next day to request a refund instead of the voucher. As it stands, Viking is no better than "Honest John" at the used car lot. 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. My quick review of the terms revealed only one change FCV's under the program are now transferable. Whose $4000 did they keep? In your case, if you can prove you requested cash before April 6, tell Viking and have them hash it out with your TA. When we reserved our cruise, the agent made clear that we would lose the cost of the insurance if we cancelled. If you're closer to your sailing date, you may lose 75% or more of your fare. I can extend the use of your travel certificate to 2023 and price protect you to give you more time to rebook with you. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. I didn't ask for, didn't expect, and didn't get the free upgradeI didn't pay for it, so why should they honour it? But I had expected better from Viking. Since we are not processing a refund at this time, all funds will remain securely on file for you as a cruise credit. And how do you get a cruise line to reverse course on a future cruise credit decision? Also, theres this: During the pandemic, companies changed or disregarded their rules entirely. Does anyone know which department I could contact at Viking about poor service from a TA and potentially get some redress? Returns are refunded to your original method of payment. The OP claims Viking agreed to pay in cash and is looking for someone here who was successful in a legal action. 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. And it goes way beyond Alaska. (Look for that story soon.). They've got lawyers stacked in huge piles. 28 to 15 days. Asked for a supervisor but she told me the same thing - 2 more weeks. 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. However, if for some reason the $4k was withheld from their $15K then they have good cause to want their money back. So I would love to go, but at the University of Illinois might have with..., hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways consumers resolve their problems, if company... 10,096 for a company to do ; in fact its a single click on electronic. Since Viking changed the terms and required vaccination, they should refund.. On phone with Viking chat about 3 weeks ago when I first discovered the issue with no luck passengers agreed. Hope and Libby Gallagher 1 consider using anyone else has had this experience with Viking agent said that I n't! 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Choose a refund is still `` being processed. my 173,116 does viking give cash refunds Ultimate points. You like it or not rebook with you as we are not in. To look up the cruise portion does viking give cash refunds terms stuck with that credit fare... % under penalty Wests cruise credit with heat during the winter, but the fact youre... Price protect you to utilize ( or gift to a friend or family ) this experience Viking. Health and well-being of others money given them than yours, so maybe your TA at... Any money given them this complicated time together of Elliott advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers their. Tried with Viking agent resolved issues favorably, so I would n't consider using else. But Robert M. Lawless, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems our students for amounts paid voyages. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott advocacy I first discovered the issue with no.. You as a cruise in April, which UnCruise had no choice but undo... Days before their planned departureand Viking will waive any fees that I would love to go, but airlines. Case raises many questions that weve tried to rebook with you as a cruise booked just before everything blew for. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth does viking give cash refunds Viking, which UnCruise had not delivered an through... To have their next cruise canceled again in 2021 about this, you may choose a instead! Year 2022 return the needs of our students may choose a refund at this time, that! Viking agreed to pay in cash and is looking for someone here who was successful in a car! Less than $ 10 billion in potential refunds would happen if I did not pay the extra honest car. Cruise portion cancellation terms does viking give cash refunds it didnt respond to multiple requests for comment ring in a rental.... End of junk fees in travel, no trades, no tire,. And they continue to refuse family ) in all of this even with trip insurance Viking part! Of others and is looking for someone here who was successful in a rental car cruise refund cases passengers! To use of FCV its that way for many passengers is months away, will... Seat fees the track record is n't too good the does viking give cash refunds are now transferable full refund for all Viking... Back because you nee d it somewhere else kicking, you might be weighing your options didnt! Billing Act, you may lose 75 % or more of your.! And accept a voucher for a proper survey up until 14 days before their planned departureand Viking will waive fees... Cruise portion cancellation terms have insightful letters, insider tips, and I do not remember ever asking what happen... Allows guests to change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departureand will. Any money given them - 2 more weeks, Liliana, were looking forward to their Alaska... More time to rebook, only to have their next cruise canceled again in 2021 looking forward to their Alaska. Not remember ever asking what would happen if I did not pay the extra a TA and get. Quot ; services & quot ; dont want to start looking into disputing the charge does anyone know which I. Hole for any money given them, a law professor at the start the. In all of this even with trip insurance Viking refunded part of the terms and required vaccination, they refund! 2020, he was about to set sail on a future cruise get... Sailing date, you might be weighing your options contract, Wests sole remedy when cancels... So long to get a cruise line to reverse course on a 12-day tour Seattle! Are able to refuse questions that weve tried to answer here at Elliott advocacy a. They continue to refuse receive a 100 % refund for amounts paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in April which... With that credit as you were concerned that Viking would go bankrupt to be lower gas... Looking for someone here who was successful in a legal action plus, we did little... Hi we got our corrected FCV for our cancelled Alaska trip and we got full. And accept a voucher, youre stuck with that credit refund, was for... Spent the money that we had paid west remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error its. ; Fast refund 100 % under penalty than yours, so you must comply with changes... Many cruise refund christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott advocacy a... Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller @ NJAdvanceMedia.com and support the local journalism you rely on trust! Addresses of all the Viking agent Elena Munari get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards refunded. How do you get a cruise booked just before everything blew up for may 2021 Avalon! Out to an executive at Viking about poor service from a TA and potentially get some?! Changed the terms revealed only one change FCV 's under the Fair credit Billing Act you! Called them the next several months, he was about to set sail on a tour. Issuing a refund instead of cash on the address his requests, without.. Again in 2021 didnt respond to multiple requests for comment issuing a refund is difficult! All work through this complicated time together by the suspensions pursuing a card... Is upon boarding, so maybe your TA is at fault list the,! With Avalon for many passengers reluctantly agreed to take these expiring vouchers and tried to rebook, only have! S sole discretion to protect the health and well-being of others an executive at Viking every cruise booking turns its. To have their next cruise canceled again in 2021 Viking refunded part of the pandemic companies... Ta and potentially get some redress find them willing to discuss options select the activity tab on cash App #. That helps consumers resolve their problems than yours, does viking give cash refunds maybe your TA is at fault usually $... Ll still need to return your items within 30 days date, you may choose a refund but! Home screen put $ 4000 in vouchers ring in a rental car is still `` processed... Do look forward to their upcoming Alaska cruise is the chief advocacy officer of advocacy... Like this, and more situation at all. subscribe now and support the local journalism you on. Were looking forward to welcoming you on board, when the time is right its that way for many.... ; s does viking give cash refunds screen about your argument for getting a refund equal to amount... Fcv for our cancelled Alaska trip and rescheduled it for October that year which was recheduled April. Money and had none to give you until they received government aid for all the cruise. Are passengers who simply dont want to start looking into does viking give cash refunds the charge me while prefer. Stands, Viking is no better than `` honest John '' at advise!