Viking River and Ocean Announce New Suspensions

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Viking has announced that all their ocean and river cruises scheduled to depart on our before May 31, 2021, are now suspended.  Including all sailings of the Viking Sun.

Per the emailed announcement to their travel partners, dated February 17, 2021, Viking makes the following summary and statements -

Summary:

• We are quite optimistic, given the scientific advancements with COVID-19 therapeutics, and the recent and significant progress toward multiple vaccines. While recent developments are very encouraging, local travel restrictions continue to make international travel—and cruise ship travel—particularly complicated.
• 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  guests to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered.
• 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, including the addition of PCR testing facilities on all ocean ships. More information is available at www.viking.com/health-safety.
• 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 stay committed to doing the right thing for our guests, our partners, our crew and our employees.

Those affected by this latest round of suspensions have the following choices -

Option #1 - A Future Cruise Voucher valued at 125% of all monies paid to Viking, which will be included with their communication.

• 100% of monies paid plus, 25% more value, allowing your clients additional flexibility and choices for future travel.
• Redeemable on any Viking product, ocean, river or expedition.
• Fully transferable, extra flexibility if your client decides they want to pass the voucher on to a loved one.
• 24 months to redeem, to ensure your clients have ample time to select a new voyage, when they are ready to return to Viking.
• Refund, if the 125% voucher expires, Viking will refund the original monies paid to the original form of payment.
• No risk. Your client can enjoy additional value or refund if not used.

Option #2 - If your client prefers to forgo the added-value voucher, they can request a refund equal to the amount paid by February 26, 2021.

Despite these setbacks, it is time to book your next Viking Cruise.  We are now booking through to 2023 and many dates and sailings are selling out quickly.

Better days are ahead, awaiting you to make your dreams come true.

Need assistance, have questions, feel free to reach out to your Viking cruise expert at Cruise Planners - Linda Kolanko