Itineraries Affected by Temporary Suspension of Operations—Updated August 12, 2020

On March 11, 2020, Viking was the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations of our river and ocean cruises. Our commitment to our family of guests and employees is that their safety and wellbeing is always our top priority.

In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations across all scheduled departures through December 31, 2020.

If itinerary changes are required, impacted guests and their travel agents are notified directly by Viking Customer Relations.

A letter from Chairman Torstein Hagen – August 12, 2020

Following is an important message from Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, who has also recorded a video message that can be viewed here.

Dear Viking Guest,

On March 11, when we became the first cruise line to temporarily suspend operations at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would not have imagined that in August we would still not be sailing and that I would be writing this letter to you. Every day I am encouraged by the scientific advancements toward COVID-19 therapeutics and a vaccine. But as you well know, recent events have shown us that the recovery from this pandemic will be sporadic, and the ability to travel freely across borders remains some time away. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department has lifted some travel advisories for Americans, but many countries are still limiting tourists. As keen as we may be to get back to exploring, for now, international travel must wait.

Just last week, on August 5, we celebrated our 23rd anniversary. Viking is a very different company today from when we started in 1997 with four river ships. But one thing has not changed in the last two decades. Since Viking’s very first day, 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 you to explore the world in comfort—has never wavered. I have said before that we will only sail again when it is safe to do so. We are a private, closely-held company, which means we do not have to rush the decision to return to service.

It is in that spirit that we are extending our temporary suspension of operations through December 31, 2020—at which time we believe the world will be in a better position, and international travel will be less complicated.

A Future Cruise Voucher for 125%

As a guest whose voyage has been impacted by these cancellations, we want to support you and protect your travel investment. Therefore, we are offering a 125% Future Cruise Voucher. This voucher includes 100% of the monies paid to Viking, plus an additional 25% value. As you consider your options, the added value of the 125% Future Cruise Voucher provides an opportunity to enhance your trip—by traveling in a different season; adding a pre/post cruise extensions; upgrading your stateroom category; upgrading to business class air or even choosing a different itinerary. Our 2021 and 2022 seasons are now available for booking. Your Travel Advisor or Viking can assist you in exploring all your options.

Voucher Benefits

To ensure you have the time and flexibility to plan for your next trip, the 125% Future Cruise Voucher has exclusive and enhanced terms. It is fully transferable, allowing you to gift it to someone with whom you would like to share the joys of travel. It can be applied within the next 24 months to any river, ocean or expedition cruise. If you are unable to use your voucher by the expiration date, simply return your expired voucher to Viking, and we will send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking.

Additionally, any vouchers you may have applied to this booking have automatically been reinstated, are valid for 24 months and are available for your immediate use.

As a reminder, if you use your voucher and rebook your cruise—with Viking or your Travel Advisor—by August 31, our Risk-Free Guarantee is applicable to your booking. This means you can change your plans up to 24 hours prior to departure, giving you peace of mind and the flexibility you need to make the best decision for you.

Alternatively, if you prefer a refund over the added-value voucher, please request it before August 24, 2020. Details can be found here.

Looking Forward

At Viking, we remain focused on the future. We are committed to maintaining the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. 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 have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness—and we are currently finalizing additional protocols to make Viking safer, in cooperation with leading international experts. We will be sharing more information about this very soon.

Also, we continue planning the expansion of our fleet. Next year, we will launch our seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, as well as a new vessel on the Mekong, Viking Saigon, which will set a new standard for modern river cruising in Southeast Asia. In 2022, we will welcome our new expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which will explore Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes. Also in 2022, we will welcome our eighth ocean ship, Viking Mars, and launch our first ship on an American river, Viking Mississippi.

In the meantime, I wish you good health—and I invite you to join us on Viking.TV, where we host daily livestream video sessions with some of the world’s most fascinating people. For the time being, Viking.TV is a way for us to continue exploring the world in comfort—from home.

Thank you for your loyalty and support. We eagerly await the day we can once again welcome you on board.

Sincerely yours,

Torstein Hagen

Chairman

Plan Your Voyage Risk Free

Viking is offering our guests the most flexible guarantee in the cruise industry, so they can plan their voyage with confidence. To learn more about this limited-time offer, click here.

For Further Assistance

If you have any questions or need further information please contact Viking Customer Relations at 1-877-523-0579 or email customerrelations@vikingcruises.com, Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, PT.