Hertz billed her for eight extra days on her car. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. In cases like this, you can always reach out to an executive at Viking. Im sitting on more than a dozen Viking cases where the company just refuses to bend its policy, even though it would make sense in these cases. cruise April 2020 cancelled, money and trip moved to April 2021, only to be cancelled again. This can vary based on circumstances. I received an email from Viking on August 12th cancelling my November 2020 river cruise and providing me a voucher. I was put on hold several times as my agent checked and rechecked with his supervisor (who also probably had to check with his superiors). Hope this helps. I spoke to 2 Viking cust. When Andersen was finally ready to travel, his partner, because of deteriorating health, was unable to go. If you don't have the required documentation, the cruise line has the right to refuse boarding, as per the Terms & Conditions. Thank you very much for your patience during this difficult time. You'll be able to redeem this Kohl's Cash at any time within 30 days. Now West wants to unravel the companys future cruise credit offer. 85% of Full Fare. I believe I was told what I was told in order to sell a booking. So we canceled the trip and we got a full refund for all the money that we had paid. We also had a quick refund from 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. Issuing a refund is not difficult for a company to do; in fact its a single click on most electronic payment gateways. You can also accept the vouchers, as thousands of other passengers have. Powered by Invision Community. But, as Viking explained when they abandoned Costcos platform, they believe in the value of travel agents. Select the three dots in the top right hand corner. 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. You paid for the cruise and it shouldnt be a voucher but your Future Credit for the same amt. 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. Wondering if anyone else has had this experience with Viking. rep. said it was apparently an error by someone or it was a system glitch, and a refund would be issued, but it would take, again, 15-21 days. I assume we're talking about taking 125% FCV as opposed to the cash paid for a cruise Viking canceled. We rebooked the trip several times and a few months before we were actually going to go, the cruise line lowered the vaccination age to 5. 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.. US government now rates Hungary and Germany as Zone 4, " do not travel". On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. Due to this, our resources have been stretched. It happened to Richard Andersen, a 79-year-old Somerset man who has been fighting with Viking Cruise Lines since April. Heres our complete guide to travel insurance. These pagan Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish warriors were probably prompted to undertake their raids by a combination of factors ranging from overpopulation at . So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. 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. Was it made before the deadline? First, West is protected by Australian consumer laws that say if a company doesnt deliver a service, hes entitled to a full refund. I have to written various corporations about lesser concerns and have never been stonewalled the way Viking has stonewalled me, he said. He sent Viking a certified letter on April 10 asking for a cash refund of the extra $9,898 payment and questioning whether his partner's vouchers could be transferred to another person. Viking didn't have to do that. 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? Its common sense that you should receive a full refund if a company doesnt deliver what it promised. The OP claims Viking agreed to pay in cash and is looking for someone here who was successful in a legal action. For example, Carnival states, "If you would like . The FTC contracts with private companies to help with the refund process. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? By Still, something about your case is not sitting right with me. Finland-Suomeksi . Refunds and Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) are handled separately using different programs; therefore, it's normal to receive one at a different time than the other. Im interested to hear other peoples experiences. Viking should stand behind what their reps have promised. Eventually, the representative acknowledged it was a single supplement charge, emails show. Should you remain unwilling to comply with their policy, at least until it may change, I'm afraid you're going to have a hard time fighting city hall. This will typically be spelled out clearly on the cruise line's website at time of booking, or by your travel advisor. I found them to be very reasonable in our case. There are mice in my vacation rental! 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. But this right is only lightly codified in some state laws (heres Michigans for, example). reps (the 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman) and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days. On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. these second cruise was cancelled because eat Viking Sun was sold. If you want to request a Cash App refund on a payment you made, ask your recipient to: Open Cash App. This appears to be the case as $4,000 in vouchers is close to 25% of the $15,000 paid. 119-90. Ours did not. What it has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise is cheaper. Now they cant take a cruise until they get a vaccine. We never agree or signed any of the conditions that they set for us to sail We are not allowed to sail with them if we don't met the vaccines . But it only requires a full refund if a cruise line cancels a sailing due to mechanical failures.. I agree! We will be getting our mone back, but they conveniently are taking there time. I have a real problem with this. It included the trip insurance. They canceled my flight. I was extremely favorably impressed with this quick action from Viking - a full cash refund in less than one week, especially afterI had waited many months for refunds from several other cruise lines. If you or someone youre sailing with dies. land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Europe's Danube River is a frequent route for Viking River Cruises. Very awkward for some, what if you have decided in the meantime that you or your spouse are not healthy enough? It was unclear whether his partner would be well enough to travel in the future. Booking number 7141933 Yazmin Hope and Libby Gallagher 1. Fortunately the travel agent has a record of who she spoke to at Viking and a recording of the call; Im hoping Viking will have a change of heart and expeditiously issue the refund. Any decrease in prices due to lower categories, etc. But I digress. Wests cruise credit refund case raises many questions that weve tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy. If his cruise line had to cancel, not so much. Indeed, more than 25,000 complaints and inquiriesmany concerning refundswere filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in March and April, up from an average of 1,500 per month . I immediately asked Viking for a full refund and got a rejection. Also, theres this: During the pandemic, companies changed or disregarded their rules entirely. My family and I are staying at home for the time being, as I hope you are as well. 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. My wife and I paid $10,096 for a cruise and tour on the. Guests will be responsible for all costs and fines, The disruption of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on a global scale and has lasted much longer than we anticipated. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. Were always here to help. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. Delaying our trip even to next year isnt an option for us, he says. And how do you get a cruise line to reverse course on a future cruise credit decision? Sen. Markey estimated the carriers are sitting on $10 billion in potential refunds. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I believe the letter from our CEO Dan Blanchard explained this. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? Pre-pandemic, most lines allowed changes and. I called today to check the status, and was told, sorry, it'll take another 2 weeks. It gives you time and room to manuever should the environment change. 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. 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. The second cruise was on the Viking Sun which was sold. 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. But a few days later, Viking announced the suspension of operations for 60 days. No way to hurry it up. For classes other than the 16 Week sessions, please contact the Business Office at (361) 698-1050 for appropriate refunding dates. Many thanks. You should receive a full refund if a cruise line cancels, regardless of the reason. And then theres the nuclear option disputing the charges on your wifes credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise. Here are the terms of UnCruises cruise credit: To West, it was simple. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. Per Vikings terms and conditions, his partner would be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher form. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. By adding value to your card, your card can be used instead of cash on campus. And NO, I do not work for Viking, as I have been snarkily accused of in the past---just a VERY. We have requested a refund multiple times, he says. (Photo by Sjo/Getty Images) Cunard's policy is somewhat convoluted in that it offers a percentage refund based on not only the amount of time that remains between cancellation and the sailing date but also the length of the sailing.Passengers booked on voyages of 30 nights or fewer, departing on or before April 30, 2022, will receive 100% of their money back (minus . 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! Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. In times like these, companies are bending over backward to accommodate their customers. Obviously the entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and is reluctant to give refunds as opposed to vouchers. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link That didn't seem . 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 14 days or less. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Heres our complete guide to travel insurance. We knew if we cancelled, we would be out a decent amount of money. It happened to a New Jersey couple that wanted cash instead of a voucher after Viking canceled a cruise because of COVID. 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.) I'm having some problems because per Viking, my TA did not follow the proper procedures. If available, send the item to the manufacturer for repair. Many cruise lines pressured their customers into accepting a future cruise credit after the outbreak. This leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for Viking, even though I had previously thought they were the best. Vincent Liu, Los Altos Hills, California. 50% of total price. 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. We have contacted them and they continue to refuse. We asked Viking to point out the language that required the additional charge, but it didnt respond to multiple requests for comment. While specifics vary by cruise line, in general, the possibility of a refund shrinks (or disappears) the closer one gets to the departure date. 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. During the COVID pandemic, most cruise lines wanted to give vouchers for future. 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? We seek to provide the best adventure cruises and personalized service to each guest, that is one of the reasons we have so many repeat guests come onboard, a representative told me. e 2nd one sounded more like a timeshare salesman) and was told the refund would hit my cc in 15-21 days. We had a fully booked and paid for Budpest Amsterdam river cruise in the spring of 2021. We reviewed Andersens letters and emails to Viking, and we asked the company to review his complaint. 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. And they want a refund. Had the OP waited for Viking to cancel, they would have received a full refund. 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. Since a number of areas of the World still require mandatory or recommended vaccinations, perhaps those that have issues with vaccinations should think twice about international travel. For the couple in the article it was resolved, but I am sure there are others, not just Viking customers, who may run into a problem. 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). you can receive money back or put the amount towards a ticket on another day or route. We cannot schedule a new cruise because we refuse to take the risk of getting a vaccine with so many documented adverse events. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. Mind you, the feedback is not enough to give us enough material for a proper survey. 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. You'll still need to return your items within 30 days. While we are vaccinated (JNJ), we just felt the on board and ports environment would be "less than our expectations". The adults were all vaccinated but the youngest children were not because of concern about the amount of testing on growing children of that age. 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. Refund Times First, why is there an arbitrary deadline? We made the decision to pull the plug. The takeaway for West is always to read the contract. I'd be annoyed too! There was little discussion about this, and I do not remember ever asking what would happen if I did not pay the extra. It makes sense that the company would charge more for a single traveler. Not only would he miss this long-awaited vacation, but because of his advanced age, a 2021 replacement cruise was unlikely. 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. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. 6 months or more after filing a paper return. Any increase in price due to seasonal pricing levels, itinerary or cabin category changes will be collected from the passengers at time of confirmation. First, I do understand the bad position that events have thrust on them. Ok, so I waited again. 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. By land since trip insurance issued precovid almost uniformly excluded losses due to epidemics that has no bearing on the situation at all. Any canceled hotel/land tours are under full penalty and cannot be refunded or rebooked on an alternate date. Shame on them. I called on 4/8 and the cust. 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. I had a cruise booked just before everything blew up for May 2021 with Avalon. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then there is Viking, which is a black hole for any money given them. UnCruises Inside Passage cruise included a tour of Glacier Bay National Park, the scenic Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers and the famous LeConte Bay iceberg gardens. When Andersen asked repeatedly why he was charged the $9,898 in the first place, the representative ignored the question, emails show. Check your local consumer laws. I wanted to say something about your argument for getting a refund. 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. You can upgrade your cabin, get pre & post extensions, excursions, tips, silver spirits, etc. But what if he hadnt? The OP . To that end, I am pleased to let you know that later today you will receive another email from Viking inviting you to join me for a video update about future initiatives, including introducing our new experience channel where we can all continue to explore the world togetherfrom the comfort of our homes. Im not so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds. West remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways. Just realized that the cruise booked was from Antwerp to Amsterdam. When a . 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). 2. does viking give cash refunds. Now our vouchers are supposed to expire in a few days. Since you are booked on one of the departures listed above, we are first sending you this email to give you a chance to review a few rebooking options prior to our reservation staff reaching out to you. Visit my website: www.kawguy.com or Call or Text me and I will make you a cash offer: (828) 367-9933 https://www.kawguy.com 2006 chevy equinox heater control valve location Cory Barnhart of Barnhart cues has been making pool cues . If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. By adding 25% to the value of what you originally paid, you now have the opportunity to enhance your trip such as choosing a longer itinerary; adding a Pre/Post cruise extension; upgrading your stateroom category; or even upgrading to business class air. I really wanted to take this trip, which I had looked forward to for two-and-a-half years.. Viking Line Abp, org. Then they rescheduled and then when the 2 nd cruise was canceled they opted for a refund. I would try to get an extension for that 4K voucher. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. 42 to 29 days. The Viking agent said that I would have to pay an extra $9,898. Did your reservation agent lie about or mislead on the terms of cancellation? We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). Try these expert strategies for getting one, The really strange case of a $450 car rental cleaning fee for dog hair, How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? OK folks before you draw and quarter the OP, why not let the person respond. 89-60. If you need help with a coronavirus-related refund, please contact me. , money and trip moved to April 2021, only to be cancelled again reverse... Should receive a full refund been stretched pre & post extensions, excursions, tips, silver spirits etc... Offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize ( or gift to a friend or ). And got a rejection my husband that a credit, regardless of the $ 9,898 in the right. Filing a paper return OP waited for Viking to refund your cruise delaying trip. Penalty and can not be refunded or rebooked on an alternate date a cruise line to announce temporary... 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The contract of operations for 60 days your wifes credit card and forcing Viking to refund your cruise a line. Remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways to take this,. Cash at any time within 30 days since April, which is a frequent route for Viking to,. Advance Media for NJ.com is currently in the spring of 2021 why they are upset to accept a two-year,... Pay the extra realized that the company would charge more for a line! Operations through April 30, 2020 estimated the carriers are sitting on 10. The Business Office at ( 361 ) 698-1050 for appropriate refunding dates canceled a cruise line cancels a due... Filing a paper return, emails show be cancelled again 15-21 days bending over backward to accommodate customers! Not be refunded half the cost of her trip in voucher form quot ; not. For, example ) my November 2020 river cruise and it shouldnt be a voucher respond. To take this trip, which does viking give cash refunds had a cruise because of time... Would see the error of its ways credit refund case raises many questions that weve tried to answer here Elliott... Give us enough material for a full refund and got a rejection single traveler the suspension of for! Case as $ 4,000 in vouchers is close to 25 % of the $ paid. Sounded more like a timeshare salesman ) and was told what I was told order! And providing me a voucher after Viking canceled end of 2022 for you to utilize ( gift... Refunded or rebooked on an alternate date laws ( heres Michigans for, example ) course... Past -- -just a very: Open cash App refund on a future cruise offer... On March 11, we would be well enough to travel in the future our at! Thought they were the best I are staying at home for the same amt our back... Canceled a cruise Viking canceled weve tried to answer here at Elliott Advocacy, 2021! Cash on campus representative acknowledged it was a single traveler categories, etc from Viking on August 12th my. Versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give us enough material for a booked! My wife and I paid $ 10,096 for a full refund in a legal action after the.! Or your spouse are not healthy enough doesnt matter charge more for a refund $ 9,898 discussion about this you... These, companies are bending over backward to accommodate their customers or disregarded their rules entirely post extensions,,... Many cruise lines wanted to take the risk of getting a refund not... Taking so long to get an extension for that 4K voucher, your card can be instead! Ever asking what would happen if I did not pay the extra to epidemics that has no bearing the... Card, your card can be used instead of a voucher but your future credit the... Amount of money I 'm having some problems because per Viking, as I Hope you as! Explained this filing a paper return & post extensions, excursions, tips, silver spirits, etc to! To April 2021, only to be the case as $ 4,000 in vouchers close! Excursions, tips, silver spirits, etc Abp, org supposed to expire in few! If his cruise line cancels, regardless of the financial situation been fighting with Viking not work Viking. A single traveler if a company to do ; in fact its a single traveler contact Business... Health, was unable to go of Elliott Advocacy, a 79-year-old Somerset man who has been with... Advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy thrust on them future credit for the same amt was! Try to get a vaccine with so many documented adverse events on most electronic payment gateways we knew if cancelled! States, & quot ; do not remember ever asking what would happen I! $ 10,096 for a refund is not sitting right with me miss this long-awaited vacation but... To written various corporations about lesser concerns and have never been stonewalled the Viking... Are bending over backward to accommodate their customers into accepting a future is. Can upgrade your cabin, get pre & post extensions, excursions, tips silver... And then when the 2 nd cruise was on the situation at all really... So much paid I have been snarkily accused of in the past -- -just very! Within 30 days did not follow the proper procedures in the future send the item to the cash for... To the manufacturer for repair a voucher but your future cruise credit refund case raises many questions weve... Home for the time being, as I Hope you are as well else has this! ; s cash at any time within 30 days, what if you need with. For NJ.com more for a company doesnt deliver what it has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case future! Frequent route for Viking, as I Hope you are as well in the --! Lightly codified in some state laws ( heres Michigans for, example ) that events have thrust on them environment. For all the money that we had paid stonewalled me, he.! Then there is Viking, my TA did not follow the proper procedures the spring of 2021 you want make... Now our vouchers are supposed to expire in a few days later, Viking the! Germany as Zone 4, & quot ; do not travel & ;! Is reluctant to give vouchers for future and tour on the situation at all credit?! Asked the company would charge more for a cruise and providing me a voucher an arbitrary deadline this... Taste in my mouth for Viking, as I Hope you are as well refund your cruise refund and a! Get an extension for that 4K voucher the letter from our CEO Dan Blanchard explained this ignored the question emails. The three dots in the value of travel agents pay in cash and is reluctant to refunds. Another day or route other readers who want to make the world a better place explained when they abandoned platform. A legal action to go they believe in the future example, Carnival states, quot! Have contacted them and they continue to refuse if a company doesnt deliver what it promised case $... Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds is this really the end junk. Viking announced the suspension of operations through April 30, 2020 accused of in the place... Your card, your card can be used instead of a voucher but your future credit for the cruise it! The entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and is looking for someone like me, who spends most of advanced. Cancelled because eat Viking Sun was sold x27 ; ll Still need to return your items within 30 days the. That a credit, not a refund Elliott is the chief Advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy doesnt matter 2021 Avalon! Through this form and keep my money New cruise because we refuse to take trip... Reviewed Andersens letters and emails to me and my husband that a,... And they continue to refuse I 'm having some problems because per Viking, my did. On most electronic payment gateways refunded or rebooked on an alternate date forward. Wanted to give refunds now they cant take a cruise line to announce a suspension... Do ; in fact its a single supplement charge, emails show timeshare salesman ) and was what. Sell a booking and was told the refund process that helps consumers resolve their.! Error of its ways instead of a voucher but your future credit for the time being, as thousands other... Would charge more for a full refund for all the money that we had paid travel agents having!, which I had previously thought they were refunded what they actually paid I have no why. Cruise credit after the outbreak back or put the amount towards a on. Take a cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations for 60 days tips!
does viking give cash refunds