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Viking Cruises Policy—As of 3/16/21 |
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NEW!—Announced March 16th
Itineraries Affected by Temporary Suspension of Operations—Updated March 16, 2021
On March 11, 2020, Viking was the first cruise line to suspend operations of our river and ocean cruises. Our commitment to our family of guests and employees is that their safety and wellbeing is always our top priority.
As travel restrictions around the world continue to make international and cruise ship travel particularly complicated, we have made the decision to extend our suspension of previously scheduled departures through May 31, 2021. Guests and their travel advisors on impacted itineraries have been notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.
If itinerary changes are required, impacted guests and their travel agents are notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.
Limited Restart of Operations in the United Kingdom — Updated March 16, 2021
Viking plans to restart limited operations, with three domestic UK sailings for UK guests beginning in May 2021. This limited restart is possible because the Government of the United Kingdom signaled that it would allow the resumption of domestic cruises in the UK beginning in May 2021. All other previously scheduled Viking departures through May 31, 2021 remain cancelled.
Guests on these new domestic UK voyages – the eight-day England’s Scenic Shores itinerary – will be among the first to sail on board Viking’s newest ocean ship, Viking Venus, which will be delivered in April. Guests will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in proprietary research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of scientific and medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found on our website here.
Announced February 17th
Dear Viking Guest,
I hope this letter finds you healthy and well – and that your 2021 is off to a positive start. Since we started Viking 23 years ago, our family of loyal guests, dedicated employees and valued partners has been at the center of each decision. This dedication to our Viking family and our mission—to create meaningful experiences that are destination focused, allowing you to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered.
In March 2020, when we suspended operations at the start of the pandemic, we did not expect that now, nearly a year later, our operations would still be suspended.
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.
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.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
We want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we 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.
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.
We continue to focus on the future, as we plan for further expansion of our river and ocean fleet. Later this year, we will welcome our newest ocean ship, Viking Venus – and in 2022, we will welcome our new purpose-built expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, as well as our first U.S. river vessel, Viking Mississippi. We should mention that we are also investigating whether there can be some itineraries other than our standard itineraries that could be operated also before the end of May. If some of these should open up we will certainly let you know.
In the meantime, we invite you to join us on Viking.TV, our award-winning enrichment channel where we host daily livestream video sessions and privileged access to some of the world’s most fascinating people. For the time being, Viking.TV is a way for us to continue exploring the world in comfort—from home.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can travel together and look forward to welcoming you on board.
Sincerely yours,
Richard Marnell
Executive Vice President, Marketing
Announced December 8th
On March 11, 2020, Viking was the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean cruises. Our commitment to our family of guests and employees is that their safety and wellbeing is always our top priority.
In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations across all scheduled departures fleetwide through March 31, 2021.Guests and their travel advisors on impacted itineraries have been notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.
If itinerary changes are required, impacted guests and their travel agents are notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.
Dear Viking Guest,
As we near the end of this very unusual year, I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. Since we started Viking 23 years ago, our family of loyal guests, dedicated employees and valued partners has been at the center of each decision. This dedication to our Viking family and our mission—to create meaningful experiences that are destination focused, allowing you to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered.
In March, when we became the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not expect that by December our operations would still be suspended. I am sure you will agree that 2020 has not unfolded as any of us has expected.
But there is hope on the horizon. Given the scientific advancements with COVID-19 therapeutics, as well as the recent significant progress toward multiple vaccines, we are now quite optimistic.
At Viking, we are committed to maintaining the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. We are fortunate to have a fleet of small, Norwegian-registered ocean ships with only 930 guests, and Switzerland-registered river ships with only 190 guests. We believe that our smaller ships—which feature spacious public areas and staterooms—already provide a much safer environment than mega liners. We have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness—and we are currently finalizing additional protocols to make Viking even safer, in cooperation with leading international experts, including our new Viking Chief Health Officer, Dr. Raquel C. Bono, M.D., a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps.
As part of the Viking Health & Safety Program, Viking has become the first cruise line to complete the installation of a full-scale PCR testing laboratory at sea. The laboratory on board Viking Star has enough capacity for up to daily testing of every crew member and guest, which provides flexibility to respond to COVID-19 prevalence levels around the world. In the coming months, we are completing the installation of PCR laboratories on the remainder of our ocean ships; we will also have a strong network of Viking-dedicated shoreside laboratories for our river ships. Our Chairman, Torstein Hagen, will be sharing more information with you about our new operating procedures very soon.
While these recent developments are very encouraging, the world’s recovery from this pandemic continues to be sporadic, and the ability to travel freely across all borders still remains some time away. As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must continue to wait.
Because we are a private, closely-held company, we do not have to rush the decision to return to service. As our Chairman has said before, we will only sail again when it is safe for our guests, our crew, and the communities we visit. It is in that spirit that we are extending our temporary fleetwide suspension of scheduled departures through March 31, 2021.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
As a guest whose voyage has been impacted by these cancellations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher. This voucher includes 100% of the monies paid to Viking, plus an additional 25% value. As you consider your options, the added value provides an opportunity to enhance your trip—by choosing 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 are 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.
As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise—with Viking or your Travel Advisor—by December 31, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.
However, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request it before December 21, 2020. Details can be found here.
We will continue to focus on the future at Viking, as we plan for further expansion of our river and ocean fleet. In 2022, we will welcome our new purpose-built expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, as well as our first U.S. river vessel, Viking Mississippi.
In the meantime, we invite you to join us on Viking.TV, our award-winning enrichment channel where we host daily livestream video sessions and privileged access to some of the world’s most fascinating people. For the time being, Viking.TV is a way for us to continue exploring the world in comfort—from home.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can travel together and look forward to welcoming you on board.
Sincerely yours,
Richard Marnell
Executive Vice President, Marketing
Announced November 19th
On March 11, 2020, Viking was the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean cruises. Our commitment to our family of guests and employees is that their safety and wellbeing is always our top priority.
In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations across all scheduled departures through January 31, 2021. We have also cancelled additional sailings further into 2021 because of regional complexities.
If itinerary changes are required, impacted guests and their travel agents are notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.
Dear Viking Guest,
I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. Since we started Viking 23 years ago, our family of loyal guests, dedicated employees and valued partners has been at the center of each decision. This dedication to our Viking family and our mission—to create meaningful experiences that are destination focused, allowing you to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered.
In March, when we became the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would not have imagined that in November we would still not be sailing. It has truly been an unusual year for all of us.
However, given the scientific advancements with COVID-19 therapeutics, as well as the recent significant progress toward a vaccine, we are now quite optimistic.
At Viking, we are committed to maintaining the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. We are fortunate to have a fleet of small, Norwegian-registered ocean ships with only 930 guests, and Switzerland-registered river ships with only 190 guests. We believe that our smaller ships—which feature spacious public areas and staterooms—already provide a much safer environment than mega liners. We have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness—and we are currently finalizing additional protocols to make Viking even safer, in cooperation with leading international experts.
As part of this new program, Viking has become the first cruise line to complete the installation of a full-scale polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing laboratory at sea. The laboratory on board Viking Star has enough capacity for up to daily testing of every crew member and guest, which provides flexibility to respond to COVID-19 prevalence levels around the world. In the coming months, we are completing the installation of PCR laboratories on the remainder of our ocean ships; we will also have a strong network of shoreside laboratories for our river ships. Our Chairman, Torstein Hagen, looks forward to sharing more information with you about our new operating procedures in early December.
While these recent developments are encouraging, the world’s recovery from this pandemic continues to be sporadic, and the ability to travel freely across all borders remains some time away. As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must wait.
Because we are a private, closely-held company, we do not have to rush the decision to return to service. As our Chairman has said before, we will only sail again when it is safe for our guests, our crew, and the communities we visit. It is in that spirit that we are extending our temporary fleetwide suspension of scheduled departures through January 31, 2021. We are also cancelling additional sailings further into 2021 because of regional complexities.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
As a guest whose voyage has been impacted by these cancellations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher. This voucher includes 100% of the monies paid to Viking, plus an additional 25% value. As you consider your options, the added value provides an opportunity to enhance your trip—by choosing a longer itinerary; adding a pre/post cruise extensions; 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 are 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.
As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise—with Viking or your Travel Advisor—by November 30, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.
However, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request it before November 30, 2020. Details can be found here.
As this unusual year comes to a close, we are focused on the future—and we have many bright spots on the horizon. We continue to plan for further expansion as we add to our river and ocean fleet—and, in 2022 we will welcome our new purpose-built expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, and of course, Viking Mississippi.
In the meantime, we invite you to join us on Viking.TV, our award-winning enrichment channel where we host daily livestream video sessions and privileged access to some of the world’s most fascinating people. For the time being, Viking.TV is a way for us to continue exploring the world in comfort—from home.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can travel together and look forward to welcoming you on board.
Sincerely yours,
Richard Marnell
Executive Vice President, Marketing
Announced August 12th
On March 11, 2020, Viking was the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean cruises. Our commitment to our family of guests and employees is that their safety and wellbeing is always our top priority.
In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations across all scheduled departures through December 31, 2020.
If itinerary changes are required, impacted guests and their travel agents are notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.
Following is an important message from Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, who has also recorded a video message that can be viewed here.
Dear Viking Guest,
On March 11, when we became the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would not have imagined that in August we would still not be sailing and that I would be writing this letter to you. Every day I am encouraged by the scientific advancements toward COVID-19 therapeutics and a vaccine. But as you well know, recent events have shown us that the recovery from this pandemic will be sporadic, and the ability to travel freely across borders remains some time away. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department has lifted some travel advisories for Americans, but many countries are still limiting tourists. As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must wait.
Just last week, on August 5, we celebrated our 23rd anniversary. Viking is a very different company today from when we started in 1997 with four river ships. But one thing has not changed in the last two decades. Since Viking’s very first day, our commitment to the safety and welfare of all those on board our vessels and to our mission—to deliver experiences that focus on the destination, allowing you to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered. I have said before that we will only sail again when it is safe to do so. We are a private, closely-held company, which means we do not have to rush the decision to return to service.
It is in that spirit that we are extending our temporary suspension of operations through December 31, 2020—at which time we believe the world will be in a better position, and international travel will be less complicated.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
As a guest whose voyage has been impacted by these cancellations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher. This voucher includes 100% of the monies paid to Viking, plus an additional 25% value. As you consider your options, the added value of the 125% Future Cruise Voucher provides an opportunity to enhance your trip—by traveling in a different season; adding a pre/post cruise extensions; upgrading your stateroom category; upgrading to business class air or even choosing a different itinerary. Our 2021 and 2022 seasons are now available for booking. Your Travel Advisor or Viking can assist you in exploring all your options.
Voucher Benefits
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.
Additionally, any vouchers you may have applied to this booking have automatically been reinstated, are valid for 24 months and are available for your immediate use.
As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise—with Viking or your Travel Advisor—by August 31, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.
Alternatively, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request it before August 24, 2020. Details can be found here.
Looking Forward
At Viking, we remain focused on the future. We are committed to maintaining the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. We are fortunate to have a fleet of small, Norwegian-registered ocean ships with only 930 guests, and Switzerland-registered river ships with only 190 guests. We believe that our smaller ships—which feature spacious public areas and staterooms—provide a much safer environment than mega liners. We have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness—and we are currently finalizing additional protocols to make Viking safer, in cooperation with leading international experts. We will be sharing more information about this very soon.
Also, we continue planning the expansion of our fleet. Next year, we will launch our seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, as well as a new vessel on the Mekong, Viking Saigon, which will set a new standard for modern river cruising in Southeast Asia. In 2022, we will welcome our new expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which will explore Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes. Also in 2022, we will welcome our eighth ocean ship, Viking Mars, and launch our first ship on an American river, Viking Mississippi.
In the meantime, I wish you good health—and I invite you to join us on Viking.TV, where we host daily livestream video sessions with some of the world’s most fascinating people. For the time being, Viking.TV is a way for us to continue exploring the world in comfort—from home.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can once again welcome you on board.
Sincerely yours,
Torstein Hagen
Chairman
Announced July 8th
A Letter from Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen - July 8, 2020
Following is an important message from Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, who has also recorded a video message that can be viewed here.
Dear Viking Guest,
Today, I am writing to you from my office in Switzerland, where we are back to a nearly regular work schedule – with the necessary social distancing, of course. In Europe, countries are beginning to open up, but the process will continue to be slow and cautious. Like you, I look forward to traveling again and I am encouraged by the scientific advancements being made around the world to overcome COVID-19.
Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have faced multiple challenges and emerged stronger each time. The commitment to our mission—to create meaningful experiences that are destination focused, allowing you to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered. As a private company, we have the flexibility to do what is best for our family of loyal guests, dedicated employees and valued partners.
Extending Temporary Suspension through September 30
We were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations and have continued to evaluate the situation, responding accordingly. While restrictions related to COVID-19 are beginning to ease in some countries, travel remains complicated. Therefore, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through September 30, 2020.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
As a guest whose voyage is impacted by these cancellations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher. 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 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 are 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.
As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise—with Viking or your Travel Advisor—by July 31, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you the peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.
Alternatively, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request one before July 17, 2020. Details can be found here.
Looking to the Future
As the world continues its path to recovery from COVID-19, we remain focused on the future. We are committed to maintaining the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. We are fortunate to have small ocean ships with only 930 guests, and river ships with only 190 guests and their spacious design will help facilitate social distancing as needed. We have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness—and are now finalizing additional protocols to make traveling with Viking even safer. We will be sharing more information about this very soon. Also, during this time of non-operation, we are further training our crew and preparing our fleet to welcome you on board again.
At Viking, we are looking to the future and the expansion of our fleet. In June we celebrated the float out of our seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, as she touched water for the first time in Ancona, Italy. She will set sail in 2021. In 2022 we will welcome our new expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, that will sail the Arctic, Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. We will also launch our first ship on an American river in 2022, when we welcome Viking Mississippi to our fleet.
Until we can travel together again, I invite you to join the many who have been enjoying Viking.TV and its growing library of enriching content. Listen to guest lectures; get an inside look at life at Highclere Castle; and participate in conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating people. Viking.TV is a way for us to continue exploring the world in comfort – from the comfort of home.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can once again welcome you on board.
Sincerely yours,
Torstein Hagen
Chairman
Announced May 28th
A Letter from Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen - May 28, 2020
Dear Viking Guest,
I am writing to you from my home, where I have been with my family. This has truly been an unprecedented time in world history, and for those of us who spend much of our time traveling, staying home has been a continuous adjustment. Like you, I look forward to traveling again and I am encouraged by the scientific advancements being made around the world to overcome COVID-19. Although socially distant, we have all come together like never before. Many of us have done so on Viking.TV, which I hope you have been enjoying.
Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have faced challenges and emerged stronger each time. Our family of loyal guests, dedicated employees and valued partners has been at the center of each decision. This dedication to our Viking family and our mission — to create meaningful experiences that are destination focused, allowing you to explore the world in comfort — has never wavered.
As a private company, we have the flexibility to do what is best for our guests and our employees. We are committed to maintaining the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry and we are fortunate to have small ocean ships with only 930 guests, and river ships with only 190 guests. We have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness — and are now developing additional protocols to make traveling with Viking even safer. We will be sharing more information about this very soon. Also, during this time of non-operation, we are further training our crew and preparing our fleet to welcome you on board again. Since our first announcement, many of you have expressed concern for our crew, and I want to reassure you that we are continuing to take good care of them.
Further suspension through August 31
We were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations. We have continued to evaluate the situation, responding accordingly. While restrictions related to COVID-19 are beginning to ease in some countries, travel remains complicated. Therefore, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through August 31, 2020.
A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%
As a guest whose cruise falls within the extended window of suspended operations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering the enclosed 125% Future Cruise Voucher. 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 a longer itinerary; adding a Pre/Post cruise extension; or upgrading your stateroom category. Additionally, any vouchers you may have applied to this booking have automatically been reinstated, are valid for 24 months and are 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.
As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise – with Viking or your Travel Advisor – by June 30, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you the peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.
Alternatively, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request one before June 12, 2020. Details can be found here.
Looking to the Future
I am delighted to note that in the past couple of weeks, hope has emerged here in Europe. In Switzerland, restaurants and shops opened two weeks ago, and I must admit it was a great treat to go to my favorite Italian restaurant the other day. Last week, I had my first day in the office – with a mask and proper distancing. It now also looks as though the local borders in Europe are starting to open up.
At Viking, we are looking to the future and the expansion our fleet. Early next year, we will launch Viking Venus; and, in 2022 we will welcome our new expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, that will sail the Arctic, Antarctic and North America’s Great Lakes and, of course, Viking Mississippi.
Until we can sail again, I invite you to join the many who have been enjoying Viking.TV over the past nine weeks. I particularly encourage you to engage with the live streaming every weekday at 11AM PT/1PM CT/2PM ET, where you can meet and engage with some of the world’s most fascinating people. If you have missed any sessions, they are all archived online, where you can continue to explore the world with us—from the comfort of your own homes.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can once again welcome you on board.
Sincerely yours,
Torstein Hagen
Chairman
Announced May 1st
Book Now! Plan Your Voyage Risk Free
We understand that some of our guests might be hesitant about making a cruise reservation or traveling at this time.
That is why Viking is offering a limited-time offer—the most flexible of any cruise line—so that you can plan your voyage with peace of mind. The Risk-Free Guarantee allows guests to change their cruise date up until 24 hours before their planned departure—and Viking will waive any fees. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made by May 31, 2020. That means that if you reserved your cruise in 2019 or if you reserve a new cruise tomorrow, you will be covered, regardless of itinerary or departure date.
Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works:
The Viking Difference:
At Viking, your experience means the world to us. We hope that the flexibility provided by this guarantee truly puts your mind at ease when it comes to the decision of whether or not to travel. We look forward to exploring the world with you, whenever and wherever you choose to sail with us.
Announced March 31st
On March 11, 2020, Viking was the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean cruises. Our commitment to our family of guests and employees is that their safety and wellbeing is always our top priority. In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020.
Dear Viking Guests,
I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. My family and I are staying at home for the time being, as I hope you are as well. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. But we are truly living in an unprecedented time.
Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. I feel we have become one large Viking family of 500,000 guests each year and 10,000 employees. 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. This has always been Viking’s ambition and will remain so.
I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. 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 are using this period of non-operation as a time for additional training and initiatives to ensure we have the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. 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.
In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020.
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. 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. You will have 24 months to use your Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition 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. These 125% Future Cruise Vouchers will also be fully transferable.
Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling Viking at 1-833-900-0951 or your Travel Agent by April 6, 2020.
We will continue to stand by you, as well as our employees and partners, and hope that you will continue to stand by us.
Sincerely yours,
Torstein Hagen
Chairman
Book Now! Plan Your Voyage Risk Free
We understand that some of our guests might be hesitant about making a cruise reservation or traveling at this time.
That is why Viking is offering a limited-time offer—the most flexible of any cruise line—so that you can plan your voyage with peace of mind. The Risk-Free Guarantee allows guests to change their cruise date up until 24 hours before their planned departure—and Viking will waive any fees. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made by April 30, 2020. That means that if you reserved your cruise in 2019 or if you reserve a new cruise tomorrow, you will be covered, regardless of itinerary or departure date.
Risk-Free Guarantee: How it Works:
The Viking Difference:
At Viking, your experience means the world to us. We hope that the flexibility provided by this guarantee truly puts your mind at ease when it comes to the decision of whether or not to travel. We look forward to exploring the world with you, whenever and wherever you choose to sail with us.
Announced March 11th
Viking Cruises has decided to temporarily pause river and ocean ship operations through April 30, 2020. Due to this cancellation, you have careful choices to consider regarding the monies put towards your reservation. Please review the enclosed options and contact us as soon as possible with your decision.
Additionally, if you are unable to use your Future Cruise Voucher, Viking will automatically issue a full refund for the amount paid if the voucher expires. These vouchers will also be fully transferable.
Please note that if you booked any shore excursions independent of the cruise line, you must cancel them directly with the shore excursions company.
If you purchased April or Travel Insured insurance through Online Vacation Center, you may use it within two years of the original departure date on a different cruise or package booked with our Company. If you do not wish to transfer your insurance to a future booking, please contact us as soon as possible and we will work to provide you a refund.
And please remember, Viking's Risk-Free Guarantee is still available.
This temporary exception to Viking’s standard booking terms is applicable to two groups of guests:
Those who are covered by the temporary exception to the standard booking policy can change their cruise date or cancel their cruise at any time up until 24 hours before their planned departure, without incurring fees. In either case they will be issued a voucher for future travel valid for 24 months, which can be used on a new reservation for any river, ocean or expedition cruise. These vouchers are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Other terms and conditions apply.
Announced March 2nd
For all current and new bookings made by April 30, 2020 (any destination or year), guests may postpone their cruise without incurring cancellation fees up until 24 hours prior to embarkation.
Clients will be issued a Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 100% of all funds paid to Viking and can be used for future travel within 24 months of issuance on river, ocean or expedition cruise.
If you have flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to flight departure time.
If you have arranged your own flights, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the cruise embarkation time or your hotel check-in, whichever is first.
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