The U.S. Department of State has recently issued a travel advisory for U.S. citizens traveling by cruise ship. The most current advisory text may be viewed by clicking here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/cruise-ship-passengers.html
In light of the current Coronavirus outbreak and State Department Advisory, Viking River & Ocean Cruises has temporarily modified their cancellation policies and we wanted to share what options you have for your cruise.
The new temporary Viking Risk Free Booking Policy allows you to change or cancel your cruise date up until 24 hours before your planned departure. This policy covers all Viking reservations that are made by April 30, 2020.
This temporary exception to their standard booking terms is applicable to two groups of guests:
- All guests with reservations made prior to March 8, 2020, inclusive of all itineraries and years of departure.
- All guests who make a NEW reservation through April 30, 2020. This includes reservations for all departure dates and products currently available for sale.
Those who are covered by the temporary exception to the standard booking policy can change or cancel your cruise at any time up until 24 hours before your planned departure, without incurring fees. In either case you 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.
Notification of intent to change or cancel your cruise reservation must be received as follows:
- If you have flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of your flight’s departure.
- If you have arranged your own flights, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of embarkation of the cruise or your hotel check-in, whichever is first.
All change or cancellation fees incurred will be reimbursed in the form of a Future Cruise Voucher. Future Cruise Vouchers may be used toward a new reservation for any future river, ocean or expedition cruise and will be valid for 24 months from issuance.
Due to these considerate new cancellation policies, you may want to delay any final decision with regard to your upcoming cruise. Previously, you had to cancel prior to your final payment due date. As noted above, this is now significantly revised for 2020 sailings, thus providing significant additional time (past final payment) to make any final decisions to cruise, while this evolving situation develops. These new policies also allow you to consider a new future booking, with the same revised cancellation policy, for 2020 departures as well.
Additionally, should you choose to modify any reservation booked with Best Price Cruises & Tours, we will waive all agency ship or sailing change fees through December 31, 2020. Should you choose to cancel a sailing departing in 2020, our agency cancellation fee will be applied as a $100 future cruise credit toward any new cruise or cruisetour made with our agency departing on or before December 31, 2021.
At the current time, nearly 600,000 people sail on cruise ships every day on over 200 cruise ships at sea and on rivers. Nearly every cruise line has now adopted enhanced & significant wellness screenings. Most pre-boarding screenings include temperature scans, enhanced medical forms, and information regarding previous recent countries traveled. Secondary, more thorough medical screenings are also being performed, when deemed necessary, by most cruise lines. Enhanced sanitation procedures have also been instituted to help mitigate risk. The top priority of every cruise line is your safety.
We realize deciding to keep or cancel your upcoming cruise vacation is a highly personal decision. Please rest assured our Expert Travel Advisors are here to support you. Should you have additional questions or concerns please call us at:
1-800-672-7485
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