Viking has extended its pause of cruising two more months, now through the end of May, according to a letter sent to booked guests and posted on their website.
“While recent developments are very encouraging, local travel restrictions continue to make international travel – and cruise ship travel – particularly complicated. Our ships are in “warm layup,” and with the implementation of the Viking Health & Safety Program, we are ready to receive guests once government approvals are given. When we do restart, we believe that there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage. For now, though, our scheduled cruise departures must wait – and we are extending our suspension of scheduled departures through May 31, 2021,” the company said.
The letter, written by Richard Marnell, executive vice president, marketing, also said: “But there is hope on the horizon. Given that COVID-19 vaccines are now being distributed around the world, we are optimistic. Additionally, as you may be aware, we have recently announced new protocol enhancements to make Viking even safer. Developed in coordination with an international team of scientific and medical advisors, the Viking Health & Safety Program is one of the most comprehensive COVID-19 prevention and mitigation programs in the travel industry. You can learn more at www.viking.com/health-safety.”
Guests who booked cruises that have been cancelled can opt for a future cruise credit for 125 percent or a full refund.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
Viking wants to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, they are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher which you can use on any future Viking voyage.
This voucher includes 100% of the monies paid to Viking, plus an additional 25% value. The added value provides an opportunity to enhance your trip—by choosing an itinerary on a brand-new sister ship; selecting a longer itinerary; adding a pre/post cruise extension; upgrading your stateroom category; or even upgrading to business class air. Additionally, any vouchers you may have applied to this booking have automatically been reinstated, are valid for 24 months and available for your immediate use.
To ensure you have the time and flexibility to plan for your next trip, the 125% Future Cruise Voucher has exclusive and enhanced terms. It is fully transferable, allowing you to gift it to someone with whom you would like to share the joys of travel. It can be applied within the next 24 months to any river, ocean or expedition cruise. If you are unable to use your voucher by the expiration date, simply return your expired voucher to Viking, and we will send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking.
A Full Refund
However, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request one before February 26, 2021. Details can be found here.
As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise—with Viking or your Travel Advisor—by February 28, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking, giving you peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.
If you have any questions or need further information please contact Viking Customer Relations at 1-877-523-0579 or email customerrelations@vikingcruises.com, Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, PT.