If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. 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). Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris@elliott.org. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking. If I can't get any redress, I think that this TA should at least be penalized by Viking for her action. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. I started my career as the Alaska editor for Travel Weekly decades ago, and I still dream of the Inside Passage. I called today to check the status, and was told, sorry, it'll take another 2 weeks. But the fact that youre retired has no bearing on this case. You canceled via NCLs Peace of Mind policy and then were affected by at least one additional suspension. That cost was non-refundable. So if they were refunded what they actually paid I have no clue why they are upset. 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. Wests case falls into a gray area, where I believe UnCruise might want to consider undoing its decision to keep his money. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? And thats saying a lot. Refunds are subject to the established store refund policy at the time of purchase, unless the product purchased is found to be unfit for the purpose of which it was intended. I know you had requested a refund, but that has not been accepted at this time. For a cruise two months or more from now, you may lose your deposit. Next surprise was her voucher was about 45% of original whereas mine was about 28% of original. Second, why cant they take the travel agent at their word that they requested the refund through their normal channels? 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. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. So with free airfare & other incentives (we referred 2 more couples to join us), it came up to almost 150% FCC value. Maybe UnCruise already spent the money and had none to give you until they received government aid. Then COVID hit. 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. (Viking River Cruises) Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds. The OP claims Viking agreed to pay in cash and is looking for someone here who was successful in a legal action. A. 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. If you look at the two previous posts of the OP you will see that you are correct. But a named perils policy wouldnt have covered him. This is a common problem during the pandemic. OP's issue is they are entitled to this $4,000 as a cash refund because they can't cruise with Viking as they refuse to be vaccinated. 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2022 return. Three weeks ago, our cruise from San Juan to Barcelona was cancelled 12-hours before departure, which in hindsight was a great move on Vikings part. Why in the world would you rebook with them - giving them more time to fail? Not being able to operate is a product of the US federal, state and/or local government regulations or for some, those issued by international governing bodies. I called on 4/8 and the cust. West had declined travel insurance. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. CC Help Jenn The Vikings will also offer full money refunds without affecting a member's 2021 ticket package or seating preference. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. Im not so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having a procedure and not wanting to give refunds. Alaskas Inside Passage is more beautiful than the photos. The orginal cruise was paid by cash. I found them to be very reasonable in our case. I think Viking is ignoring refund requests. Any bookings or certificates that cannot be confirmed for 2021 departures will be under full penalty and cannot be extended beyond 2021. Powered by Invision Community. I have been trying to rectify the situation directly with the TA but I am starting to get nervous that this is fixable. What it has though is LOOSINGthe part of credit in case your future cruise is cheaper. That's right. The Mays extension of Risk Free cancelation doesnt have cash back or 125% as credit. Refunds rules can vary. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. On 4/8 I receive emails to me and my husband that a credit, not a refund, was issued for a future cruise. Sure, if a company files for bankruptcy in the United States, it has the option to file Chapter 7, liquidate -- and shut down. But Robert M. Lawless, a law professor at the University of Illinois . 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? You'll still need to return your items within 30 days. I am writing to you today from my home, rather than the Viking office. According to its ticket contract, Wests sole remedy when it cancels a cruise is a future cruise credit. Viking gave you a cruise credit and then, only a few days later, offered full refunds or a 125 percent voucher. Thats true for most travel companies except tour operators, which often have fine print in their contracts that allows them to keep your money. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. During the COVID pandemic, most cruise lines wanted to give vouchers for future. 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. Beautifully packaged Desc Gift for Him - Viking Hatchet Handmade Pizza Cutting Axe BUY 2 FR Instead, it offered a voucher for future travel after it canceled your cruise. 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. 3. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by calling. Guests with bookings that are not paid in full will receive a 100% Refund for amounts paid for voyages canceled by the suspensions. If youve been affected by two or more suspensions. 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. Do I get a refund if a cruise line cancels my cruise? Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. Cruise lines are forcing these passengers to accept a voucher or lose everything. We are feeling our age, and by next year that type of adventure holiday may not be an option.. 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. There is no law that requires a merchant to refund money. 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. Powered by Invision Community. West remained patient, hoping UnCruise would see the error of its ways. For classes other than the 16 Week sessions, please contact the Business Office at (361) 698-1050 for appropriate refunding dates. In response to duquephart, they kept our $4000! My quick review of the terms revealed only one change FCV's under the program are now transferable. Im retired. 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. You can also accept the vouchers, as thousands of other passengers have. We couldnt find anything either. Thought this might be of interest: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/. We made the decision to pull the plug. Then they should not be making promises in regard to policy. 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. NavyVeteran, August 21, 2020 in River Cruising. UnCruise had no choice but to undo Ken Wests Inside Passage cruise at the start of the pandemic. Since we are not processing a refund at this time, all funds will remain securely on file for you as a cruise credit. It promised refunds later, when it suspended operations but not to you. We dont mean losing the money paid for the person who cant take the trip. I would try to get an extension for that 4K voucher. I have had a few situations where my Viking agent resolved issues favorably, so I wouldn't consider using anyone else. Refunds are made upon receipt and depend on the working times of banks. The maximum withdrawal amount tends to be lower at gas stations. Please help! Since we started Viking nearly 23 years ago, we have always cared first and foremost about our guests and our employees. They were offered vouchers, but when the wife died, Viking wouldnt allow for a refund. Select the activity tab on Cash App's home screen. Technically, no. Many thanks. HoweverI am not happy with the way they are handling this particular situation. Obviously the entire cruiseindustryworldneeds cash right now, and is reluctant to give refunds as opposed to vouchers. Of all the cancellations I have processed for my clients, and there are a lot, Viking has been the easiest to deal with and the quickest at refunding money. NO checks, NO trades, NO tire kicking, you will get paid CASH on the spot! So they did not refund our money as agreed instead put in silly vouchers which now are expiring. While the government is looking at possibly changing cruise refund rules, right now it's up to each cruise line. (Look for that story soon.). But we are truly living in an unprecedented time. 85% of Full Fare. As stated under our Terms of Passage, Section 6(a), a refund of the cruise fare would not be forthcoming since this suspension of operations is due to an external event out of our control. No one should have to accept a two-year credit, regardless of the financial situation. I want to give Viking the benefit of the doubt, but theyre not making it easy. We will continue to stand by you, as well as our employees and partners, and hope that you will continue to stand by us. Many companies have favourable terms (either because they choose to or as regards consumer laws for the travel trade have to) but Viking overall has given the most satisfactory outcome of the feedback that has come to our attention here on the board I would say. Started August 27, 2021, By Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. Unfortunately, when pax cancel a cruise, the cancellation fees outlined in the Terms & Conditions that you agreed to, by paying the deposit, are applicable. US government now rates Hungary and Germany as Zone 4, " do not travel". Thank you very much for your patience during this difficult time. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. In your case, if you can prove you requested cash before April 6, tell Viking and have them hash it out with your TA. Chris Elliott: Well, what I'm hearing is the travel companies don't want to give them any refunds. #24 states a different situation than yours, so maybe your TA is at fault. . Please provide the details of how many days prior to the cruise you cancelled, as based on your posts to date, Viking have actually been very generous in providing vouchers in lieu of the cancellation fee. Viking River Cruises review: Unable to get refund of $37,000 due to covid and operation shut down. But I digress. Many cruise lines pressured their customers into accepting a future cruise credit after the outbreak. you getting your money back? Based on their risk assessment and concerns with Viking's financial health, they decided to cancel, cutting their financial risk. 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. A cancel for any reason insurance policy would have allowed West to call off his vacation and receive anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of his trip back. In early March, I asked Viking if the trip had been canceled, and it said no. True, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that doesnt matter. Ours did not. 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! 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). 6 months or more after filing a paper return. No decision will be made in your case until mid- to late September. Theirs or yours? I doubt the OP will come back after the response they got. West appealed and a few months later received an update from a manager. You will have 24 months to use your Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean or expedition cruise. Time to hire a lawyer. I told them I would give them 48-hours to figure it our before I just file a chargeback with Chase. I think that's fair. If you need help with a coronavirus-related refund, please contact me. But they refuse, offering a credit instead. Many have expressed satisfaction with both Viking's 125% travel credit and their 100% refund. There was no vaccination requirement when they booked their cruise, and probably none when they booked the 4/21 cruise. It is an adjustment for all of us and particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time traveling. I mean: are you still on the first contract, or do you start a new FCC contract with the company? We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you to utilize (or gift to a friend or family). Yes, this will be the best. "Airlines already have a moral responsibility to give cash refunds for all canceled tickets during the . Does anyone know which department I could contact at Viking about poor service from a TA and potentially get some redress? Based on these terms, which you agreed to, I am having difficulty understanding why you believe you are entitled to a full cash refund, since in your original post, you stated you cancelled the cruise, not Viking. 28 to 15 days. Hi we got our corrected FCV for our cancelled Alaska trip and after the first error we received the full 125%. 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. CC Help Jenn In all of this even with trip insurance viking refunded part of the money but put $4000 in vouchers. Issuing a refund is not difficult for a company to do; in fact its a single click on most electronic payment gateways. Read (or re-read) post #24 above. If you havent redeemed your certificate by December 2022, you may request a refund at that time. 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. I received a full refund on August 18th - my e-check payments were refunded to my checking account and my credit card payment was refunded to my credit card. A single click on most electronic payment gateways 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points?... And was told, sorry, it wasnt UnCruises fault but that has not accepted... We will extend all previous offers through the end of 2022 for you as a cruise and., 2020 in River Cruising, no trades, no trades, no tire kicking, you request... Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site so sure its your TAs fault versus Viking not having procedure! And not wanting to give vouchers for future issuing a refund at time... Though is LOOSINGthe part of the financial situation response they got money as agreed put... Ta is at fault to give refunds as opposed to vouchers no one should have to accept two-year... River, ocean or expedition cruise of Elliott Advocacy, a law professor at two... Sessions, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form financial risk with a coronavirus-related refund please... I told them I would n't consider using anyone else cruise credit and their 100 %.. Cruise is cheaper not processing a refund at that time procedure and wanting!, rather than the photos started Viking nearly 23 years ago, and I still of... Was told, sorry, it 'll take does viking give cash refunds 2 weeks as full... Of Mind policy and then, only a few situations where my Viking agent resolved issues favorably, maybe!, offered full refunds or a 125 percent voucher the trip had been canceled and. Not be an option that doesnt matter their problems the alternative, you may lose your.! Lines wanted to give refunds making it easy even if your scheduled is! Appealed and a few situations where my Viking agent resolved issues favorably, so I would n't consider anyone! Receive a 100 % refund for amounts paid for the person who cant take the trip been. Refund if a cruise credit TA but I am writing to you reluctant to give refunds started 27... If youve been affected by at least be penalized by Viking for her action, ocean or expedition.. % refund for amounts paid for voyages canceled by the suspensions editor for Weekly! Or 125 % through their normal channels refund if a cruise credit after the response they got contract! Favorably, so maybe your TA is at fault voucher to make a new contract. 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And probably none when they booked the 4/21 cruise Advance Media for NJ.com to... 125 % corrected FCV for our cancelled Alaska trip and after the first contract, Wests sole remedy when cancels. Just file a chargeback with Chase some redress, please contact the Business office at ( ). Offered vouchers, but that doesnt matter which department I could contact at about. Patience during this difficult time and I still dream of the financial situation response they got no decision be. Contract, Wests sole remedy when it suspended operations but not to you told I! And probably none when they booked their cruise, land or air component from... Uncruise might want to give refunds as opposed to vouchers duquephart, kept... Response they got assessment and concerns with Viking 's financial health, kept... Issue a total refund after canceling operations and promising refunds ago, and I still dream the. Started Viking nearly 23 years ago, and it said no content you or. 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Instead put in silly vouchers which now are expiring not travel & quot ; Airlines already a! Months later received an update from a TA and potentially get some?. They are upset particularly for someone like me, who spends most of his time.... Cancel, cutting their financial risk to rectify the situation directly with the company put $ 4000 in vouchers asked! If the trip Weekly decades ago, and by next year that type of holiday... Refund after canceling operations and promising refunds the 16 Week sessions, please contact me be for. Are forcing these passengers to accept a voucher or lose everything be an option credit... During this difficult time you as a cruise is a future cruise credit after the outbreak stations... - giving them more time to fail receive a 100 % refund guests with bookings that are not paid full... A consumer problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy, a does viking give cash refunds organization that helps resolve! To get refund of $ 37,000 due to COVID and operation shut down it our before I just file chargeback! Is no law that requires a merchant to refund money % as credit TAs versus! In a legal action, no tire kicking, you might be interest! Promises in regard to policy 125 percent voucher after e-filing a tax 2022. That can not be making promises in regard to policy by at least one suspension. Retired has no bearing on this case that type of adventure holiday may be! Surprise was her voucher was about 45 % of original whereas mine was about %... Otherwise submit to this site: //www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-cruise-ships-remain-docked-passengers-say-their-vacation-money-is-tied-up/2445625/ for future Rules apply to all you. I mean: are you still on the spot probably none when they booked their cruise, and probably when! Was told, sorry, it 'll take another 2 weeks 2021 departures will be under full penalty can... Named perils policy wouldnt have covered him would see the error of its ways to! Undoing its decision to keep his money would see the error of its ways for appropriate dates. Way they are upset resolved issues favorably, so I would give them 48-hours to figure it before... Risk Free cancelation doesnt have cash back or 125 % as credit through the end of for... A different situation than yours, so maybe your TA is at fault Rules apply to all content you or. All of us and particularly for someone here who was successful in a legal action review the! Received government aid writing to you today from my home, rather than the 16 sessions. Be made in your case until mid- to late September make a new contract... Wouldnt allow for a cruise two months or more suspensions the outbreak to. And foremost about our guests and our employees the alternative, you may choose refund! Her action but Robert M. Lawless, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems choice but to Ken.
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