The luxury cruise line Viking Cruises, which operates river cruises and ocean vessels, has decided to extend its pause on cruise operations.
Viking Extends Pause on Cruises
Viking has joined other cruise lines by extending its pause on cruise operations. The cruise line was the first to announced a voluntary suspension on operations for river and ocean sailings on March 11, 2020.
However, that suspension will now have to remain for longer, at least through August 31, and sailings will now resume from September 1, 2020. Even though many countries are gradually coming out of lockdown the travel restrictions remain an issue along with many cruise port closures around the world. The situations in different destinations will be evaluated continuously and there could be further delays on when cruise ships will return to service.
Guest booked on sailings within the extended window will be compensated with a 125% Future Cruise Credit which is similar to most other cruise lines. Guests will be able to take advantage of the added value by booking a longer voyage in the future and more.
Also Read: What’s Going on With My Cruise Refund?
The credit can be used on sailings within the next 25 months across ocean and river offerings. Guests can also simply receive a full refund on their cruise fare if they no longer wish to go ahead at all with their cruise vacation.
Viking is hoping there will be no more extensions and there is plenty look forward to in the future. Chairman Torsten Hagen said in a letter:
“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.”
This news follows our post earlier today on two other cruise lines extending their pause on operations. You can check the full list on when cruise lines will return to service right there.
