Viking River Cruises
reviews and complaints

Re Booking no's. 5206225 and 5985105. We booked a Viking Rhine River cruise for April 2020 in 2018 and paid for it. In March 2020, due to the threat of the CV pandemic we cancelled that trip and we're told that would be fine, as we had purchased their cancel for any reason insurance. A week after that Viking cancelled all upcoming cruises including the one we had just bowed out of. They encouraged us to book for the following year. We then booked the same trip for April 2021 and again paid for their cancel for any reason insurance. In early 2021 Viking cancelled our cruise. I have written to Viking's Customer Service department requesting a full refund of the money they they have had in their possession for three years now. They said they could only refund $5, 945.84 to us. However they said they need to keep the balance of $15, 731.26 as that amount is a voucher, not actual cash. I explained that we paid them in actual US dollars so I expect they should provide a refund in actual US cash. They wrote telling me I could rebook for another cruise within two years and use the amount we previously paid. Viking says "we have done our best to provide peace of mind to all our guests every step of the way." It is impossible for us to have peace of mind with Viking keeping over $15, 000 of our money and not releasing it to us. It is also impossible for us to think of booking another cruise over the next couple of years. Viking thinks we should just book another trip some other time. Considering the state of the pandemic and how it is not abating, how rules are changing daily and how there is total uncertainty as to whether or not any plans for a cruise can ever be completed as planned, we do not envision that we would be able to safely take a cruise of any kind, nor travel anywhere over the next two years. In addition, I'm told that people that used American Express to pay for their trips, have used Amex as an advocate and have received full refunds of their "vouchers." We are asking for a full reimbursement of all money that Viking has told us they cant refund.

We booked a Viking River cruise for August 2021. Viking's covid policies, as described on their website, require vaccinations, masks, and frequent testing. Fine and understandable. The itinerary for this trip describes multiple instances of free time to independently explore the various ports along the cruise route. Independent exploration is absolutely essential to us, and a material term of our booking agreement. The four of us are experienced independent travelers, and our plan was for the four of us to explore together, mostly independently. Viking offers some included port tours, and I asked if it would be permissible to leave a group tour if we chose to take one. I had concerns my parents, particularly my father, would not be able to keep up with a group. The booking agent assured me that, not only would it be acceptable to leave after starting a group tour, but "Viking encourages that kind of behavior."

Our excitement about this trip ended when we happened to learn, three weeks before departure, of complaints that Viking was not letting passengers disembark at ports unless they were part of Viking-sponsored group tours. That is completely unacceptable, and contrary to Viking's explicit promises. I called customer relations to ask about that policy, and the person who took my call was unaware of it. After placing me on hold, however, he confirmed that Viking did seem to have such a policy, but there was no one on duty at that time who could address my concerns. I thereafter made several calls and sent several emails to Viking with my concerns. My booking agent's supervisor finally called and said she had listened to the call with my booking agent, so she is aware that he told me we would be "encouraged" to independently leave a group tour if we wanted or needed to. Despite Viking's explicit promises, on its website and through its agent, that we would be free to independently explore at each port, Viking insists that our remedy is limited to a travel voucher. I understand that Viking is having a difficult time because of covid, but that does not excuse deliberate, fraudulent misrepresentations.

Before learning of this fraud, we booked a second trip with Viking, for next summer. We cannot apply a travel voucher from the cancelled trip to next summer's trip without losing the benefit of a cancellation policy that currently applies to that booking. Viking customer relations basically says "tough luck." Viking seemingly does not care about its customers or its reputation. Why would anybody pay to take a cruise that confines passengers to a boat except while on Viking-approved group tours? Why would anyone travel with a company that makes fraudulent representations?

We would not have booked this trip, or our trip for next summer, had Viking been honest about its intentions. Viking fraudulently procured our booking and is refusing to address its actions.

We booked a Rhine river cruise in September of 2019 for October 2020. In April 2020, our final payment was due so we decided to cancel instead because we knew it was going to be cancelled anyways (which it was). I was told that if I left my deposit with Viking that I would get a voucher worth 25% of our deposit in addition to the deposit that they already had and that I would get 2 years to book it. At no time, was it explained that my original deposit would be transferred to a voucher and was no longer eligible to receive a refund on it. In October, 2020 we booked a the same cruise for 2021. It was not explained that our voucher would now be "spent" and no longer eleigible for a refund. In June, we were told that all cruises to Europe were for those with a Covid 19 vaccine. Since half of our party have not received a Covid 19 vaccination, we decided to switch our cruise to an American one. There were none available before 2023. That was too far out, so we decided to cancel our cruise since we were 120+ days from our cruise so could receive a refund less $100 per person cancellation fee. We got our refund, but not the amount of our original deposit (In my case $967) I've had many emails ignored (with the exception of the automated response of that Viking would respond in 72 hours). On Friday, after filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, I received an email from Sergio inthe customer relations department. After finally connecting with him by phone on Tuesday, his response was that Viking is transparent and that we were told that we agreed to the right of a refund when we accepted the extra voucher. This is simply untrue. Right now, I'm out $1167 (967 original deposit + $200 cancellation fee). This is not right.

On January 22, 2020 my wife and I booked a Viking River Cruise for Portugal's River of Gold on the VIKING OSFRID (Cruise OSF200818T), Booking # 5912671 which was to take place August 15, 2020 through August 25, 2020. On June 8, 2020 Viking notified us that the cruise had been cancelled so we ended up rebooking for the following year for August 14, 2021 through August 24, 2021, Booking # 6055477. During the rebooking process I was informed that I would need to buy the travel protection insurance again if I wanted it because when I purchased it for the original trip that was cancelled the insurance was also cancelled. I told the person that it wasn't my fault that the trip was cancelled and the money I spent on the original insurance should still apply to the rebooked trip. Well after a bit of back & forth discussion I ended up buying the travel protection insurance again (still did not make sense). On June 24, 2021 we received an email from Viking stating that the cruise was a go. However, there was a new requirement that "all guests must be fully vaccinated at the time of departure." Well we are not able to meet this requirement so since I bought the travel insurance for both of the cruises I figured it would be no problem to cancel and get my money back. When I called on Monday June 28, 2021 to cancel the trip Leah the Viking representative said that I could not get a refund but they could issue vouchers that are good for 2 years. Well, since we still will not be able to meet their vaccine requirement in the future, the vouchers are useless to us. I explained that I purchased the additional travel insurance so why am I not able to get a complete refund? Leah explained that when they rebooked us for August 2021 they issued vouchers and from that point on we are not able to get a refund. This was never explained to us at the time we rebooked. If it had been clearly explained at that time I would have claimed our refund back in June 2020. Leah said to call Tripmate, the Insurance company and file a claim which we did on June 28, 2021.
We are very disappointed and upset with Viking. They have changed their requirements which will not allow us to travel with them, they have held on to our money for over a year and now they refuse to give us a refund!
I want a full refund. I believe that Viking's actions regarding cancellations and re-bookings are definitely deceptive and unethical (if not illegal).

On, or about July 8, 2020, I was contacted by a Donovan Murphy, a cruise specialist with Viking Cruises. I had previously expressed an interest in the "Paris to Normandy" cruise, but did not go further due to the COVID shutdowns in the US and Europe. Mr. Donovan basically promised me numerous enhancements and upgrades if I booked this cruise. I booked the cruise for two people and set the cruise date in April, 2021. In December, 2020, I paid the FINAL payment on this cruise ($10, 202.88). In February, 2021, as I expected, Viking cancelled the cruise scheduled for April, 2021, due to existing COVID restrictions in France. I was advised that I would receive a voucher worth 125% of my earlier payment. Unfortunately, my guest then decided that she no longer wanted to go on the cruise. I was advised by Mr. Murphy that she needed to send Viking an email voluntarily returning her share of the voucher to me. She did this, as requested. Now begins the problem! I received another invoice from Viking on June 17, 2021 stating that I now owed another $3, 169.20! I have contacted numerous officials with Viking hoping to resolve this issue, but to no avail. One cruise specialist, Lauren Deger, encouraged me to pay the extra fee. To make matters worse she said if I did happen to find another person I would have to pay an additional $5, 267! Now the cost of this cruise is up to $18, 639.08! I then requested to just cancel the cruise and I would take my original amount of $10, 202.88, and book a cruise with a company who treated their customers better than Viking. I was then told that I could not receive a refund if I cancelled, as Viking only issued vouchers. What a wonderful policy for Viking River Cruises! On a personal note, prior to this incident, I had heard nothing but good reports about Viking and their cruises. This was going to be the trip of a lifetime for me and now I have no interest in even traveling abroad.

Initially I booked river cruise for August of 2020 and I paid in full on January 2, 2020. Because of Covid they cancelled our cruise. They offered voucher that i redeemed. They cancelled our cruise again. We booked cruise in third time. We supposed to go for the trip on coming August. Just accidently I found that Viking had changed their Terms and Conditions on May 22nd, and they require vaccination. We did not sign under this Terms and Conditions. Vaccination is a person only business and choice. We asked for cancellation and refund. They said "No. Voucher cannot be cashed. You can rebook". No, Viking, I am cancelling because I will not be going for vaccination, and you are proposing to accept this: "You acknowledge that Carrier's COVID-19 Policies and Procedures may or will include... vaccination of guests with documentary proof satisfactory to Viking". I am trying to resolve this since June 4th. We paid $10, 495.00. Viking holds the money and they set up the policy that has no sense for the consumers, but benefits the company. Booking 6081431.

Had a river cruise - Rhine River. End of July. They cancelled for covid 4 months early and now offering same cruise. This was 2nd cancel and now it's open. So now I really wanted to go there and I had to make other arrangements then they open up the same exact cruise same dates everything. So upsetting. I understand COVID but did it need to get cancelled that far in advance and this is an example of no. That's too early now I'm out of a trip. Not happy

On October 31, 2019 we booked the Rhine river cruise booking numbers 5802671 and 5802674. We were concerned about Covid and on Friday March 8 called Parker Chiranian and he told us to rebook which we did. Three days later, on Monday March 11, Viking cancelled the cruise. At no time during this conversation did he tell us we could not get a refund. Found out later that when Viking cancels, which they did, they give you a platinum voucher, which after 2 years you can get a refund of all monies. We rebooked for April7-14, 2021 which Viking cancelled again. In a letter from Viking it stated we could get 125% voucher or a refund if I called before February 26, 2021. On February 17, the same day I received the email I called Viking and talked with Alipio and asked for a refund. He stated we had vouchers so no refund. He also stated that if we didn't use the vouchers within 2 years I would lose 18, 668 dollars. Viking has had my money for over 2 years with no service provided. The only way I found out about the platinum vouchers was chatting online with Teagen on May 26, 2021. I was in retail for 45 years and our company's motto was the customer is always right. Apparently, not so with Viking. Please refund all monies paid to Viking on my Capital One credit card. Thank you in advance for your swift resolution to this problem.

My wife and I are long time Viking customers having taken 9-11 cruises, river and ocean.

In 2019 we booked the Viking Homelands ocean cruise for August 2020. Viking canceled the cruise due COVID. Fair enough. So we rebooked for August 2021. Recently they canceled on us again. So we are in the process of rebooking again for 2022. Fingers crossed they don't cancel one more time.

When we rebooked the first time we were provided a $400 each "past client discount". Now in the process of booking the third time the discount offered suddenly dropped to $200 each passenger. Thus the cost to us is proposed to increase at no fault of our own. As a result I have not completed the proposed booking 6385750.

I might also point out that Viking has had use of the $14, 000 I paid years ago while all this is going on. Also continuing to cancel is much more complicated, stressful and costly for us than it may appear. In conjunction with changing the cruise we have to change multiple air flights, hotel reservations, train reservations and a land tour of Iceland on the way to Bergen, Norway.

My husband and I booked our first cruise to depart April 2020. We purchased travel insurance and according to Viking Cruises, travel with no risk policy. Then the pandemic occurred and Viking cancelled all cruises. We were told that we had to reschedule and that we would could not get a cash refund. I sent a email requesting a refund and I never received a reply. I rescheduled for 4/2021. In December my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers and per his doctor he can not travel. I spoke with Viking Cruises Customer Relations and I was told to cancel my booking and submit a claim with Trip Mate with only my husbands medical issues not mine. I trusted this person and submitted a claim as suggested. During that time I was diagnosed with breast cancer and due to ongoing treatments for 5 years not to travel. Then my claim was denied and we received vouchers good for one year. 4/21-4/22. Which we can use. (Booking 5809426 and 5982895)
Your help is greatly appreciated.
That you!

I am so very angry with Viking. I made a reservation with a group for Rhine river in 2020. That trip got cancelled for obvious reasons and that's fine. I rescheduled with the 125% for the same trip at the end of July 2021. Around 4 months prior I get an email that the trip is cancelled. That was so pre-mature. This should have been handled one month at a time. But, no, they cancelled 4 months out. Then, I was so angry that I wanted my money back. It was as if they were keeping our money hostage and I had to fight for my own money on something viking cancelled. Now to make matters worse, Viking is now selling the rhine river cruise for the exact dates I had originally scheduled. I cannot tell you how very very angry I am over the poor decisions of Viking. Covid is one thing, poor decisions is another. I cannot tell you how many hours i wasted in back and forth changes over two trips planned and nothing to show for it. Not a fan of Viking and I have never been on a Viking cruise. Thanks for all the fun!

Booking 5652826 - Viking Cruise Cancelled (Paris to Swiss Alps)

Paid for trip in full September of 2019 ($14, 134). Canceled February 24, 2020 due to COVID-19. Had "Cancel for Any Reason Insurance". Viking canceled cruise 16 days after we did. Received vouchers from Viking for $2, 519.20 which have expired 3/20/21. Viking issued us voucher for insurance in the amount of $1, 438. Total vouchers in hand $3, 957.20.
Insurance should be refunded as there was no trip to insure due to their cancellation. Numerous discussions with Viking and Trip Mate to no avail. Others have received full refunds. Some because of no action on their part and some by going to the media. Feel totally defrauded.

Richard Marnell!
I am not happy with my refund and also with my grandsons-booking #5754182 and later#6000551. for 2019 and 2020. Both cruises were cancelle due to covid19. I have paid $3738.90 and received back to me $3255.40 leaving me short of $483.50. which was my deposit. My grandson, Kevin Airel paid in $3758.30 and received back $2475.80 leaving him shot of $1282.50 [$799 + $483.50] which is deposit and airfare. Isee we each have vouchers for $669.60 but feel these vouchers should be after ALL money is retuned back to us for possible cruises which i may NOT able to do because of my medical condition. Getting a FULL refund would help me greatly. Joseph Kraska & Kevin

In 2020, I paid $10, 600 for a Viking River cruise that was first postponed by Viking then cancelled in April 2021. Viking issued a voucher but will not refund until the voucher expires in April 2022. Viking has been unjustly enriched at my expense by holding my money for almost two years. I have received no benefit while Viking insists on using a voucher plan designed to confuse and defraud consumers.

We booked a River Cruise on the Danube for July 2019 that was cancelled due to covid. We were offered to rebook for July 2020, which we did. We were told we could cancel up to 24 hours of departure. Now, Viking has cancelled the cruise again. We do not want to rebook, but Viking has said we can't get a refund, we can only rebook. We think this is not being handled fairly since we are not able to travel now, and this is the feeling of scored of other people.

Booking: 5990866 - Lyon to Provence June 2022 trip
Cheryl Carr and Michele Reese
April 2020 canceled covid - rebooked Apr 21. Decided to change to Oct 21 due to Covid still escalating. Again changed to June 2022 and upgraded our cabin paying more hoping Covid would just be done by then as it was still raging when we changed to June 22. When the change was made to October we had our cabin credits but when changed to June we lost our cabin credit of $500. The agent did not say it would be lost nor was this indicated in any printed documents or emails to me. I just saw the credits were not there upon reviewing the documents last week. I did call and email Viking but both just said you lost it and when I asked how this was relayed they could not respond because it was not. My cabin mate and I would like to respectfully ask you to please reinstate at least half of our cabin credit which would be $250. Thank you very much we greatly appreciate your consideration in reinstating a cabin credit. My email is [protected]@hotmail.com

I am a travel agent with AAA and my clients orignally reservered and paid in full for a cruise was scheduled to depart on October 17, 2020. They paid a total of $7821.00 for two. Viking cancelled the cruise due to COVID. Instead of getting a full refund they used Viking vouchers to rebook for October 31, 2021. Due to uncertaining of travel and also medical issues the clients are requestinbg a full refund. The normal cancellation penalty for this cruise is $100.00 per person. I spoke to reservation's supervisor and she said because they used vouchers on the booking Viking is refusing to refund. This vouhers are actually my client's money that they paid on the original cruise. Viking needs to refund my client's original cruise!

Rhine River Cruise April 2020
Original Booking #5654495

Viking offered Risk Free cancellation-Covid
Booked same cruise for April 2031-#5980530
Received vouchers for future cruise 2022-23.

Viking rep said we could Request REFUNDS because we are elderly and highly susceptible to Covid. Impossible to travel safely.
Requested Jan 14, 2021
Request denied Jan14, 2021

Being that there is little chance of going on any Viking cruise safely due to above we deserve full refunds:
Donna Lee Burtrem $4866.75
Christine Boardman Kebbel $4866.75

This lack of remuneration by Viking is clearly criminal since Covid makes traveling for us impossible.

Sincerely,
Donna Lee Burtrem
Christine Boardman Kebbel

Viking cruise cancelled by us due to unforeseen circumstances, and all was refunded minus $200 which they state they are authorized to keep. With their advertisement for their"new risk free guarantee", it was understood we could cancel under these terms. It was, however, hidden in the terms that this isn't actually true. It is no risk if you transfer it to a new booking at a later date. False advertising! Hidden clauses are a scam. Large companies that take advantage of customers will not see those customers ever again.

In 2019, we did the Province cruise and were pleased with the itinerary and service. Later that year, we booked a Viking Ocean cruise to Alaska for 2020. The cruise line cancelled this cruise due to the Virus pandemic. We fully understood. When we contacted Viking concerning our refund, she really encouraged us to accept the 125% voucher We were told we could cancel at anytime and receive a full refund.

In early 2020 we booked a river cruise for April 2021 along with two extensions in Italy and Amsterdam. Along with business class air, the total cost was in excess of $15, 000.

In February of this year, Viking again cancelled this cruise due to the virus. The Viking CEO even issued a letter guaranteeing full refunds. Shortly after the cancel we contacted Viking and were told that a full refund would be forthcoming in 21 days.

After nearly six weeks, I again telephoned Viking to determine the status of our refund. The cruise line agent told us the small credit card payments had been refunded, but the larger balance wouldn't be available until after February 2023 when our vouchers expired.

How does Viking justify holding someone's money for more than four years without ever delivering a service? This is nothing more than a financial scam by Viking and will not be tolerated.

Give me our money and I will be finished with your company forever.