CCWineLover

14 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

It is a buyers' market.

Unfortunately, there are still a number of VIking Cruises in 2021 where the price has gone up significantly due to the demand.  (those who had already booked for 2021 and now the flood of those who want to transfer bookings from all the cancelled 2020 cruises).    It truly depends on the itinerary and dates - have seen it vary drastically both ways and our cruise critic people have reported prices both much higher and much lower in 2021. 

1 hour ago, What was that? said:

We are scheduled to board Venus on 26 January in Barcelona for the Iberian Explorer B2B with In Search of the Northern Lights, so it is quite natural that I would be interested in this topic. Late update: Italian government has extended the lockdown until Easter (12 April) - stay tuned...

 

The good news is that I have completed my air reservations with Viking Air, got just what I asked for, and no additional charges. I would also like to mention that we will do a one-night stopover at LHR both going and returning, and the Viking Air agent had no problem booking it. That stopover both ways helps us - in Reno, NV - get flights at reasonable times by decoupling the get out of (or return to) Reno from the flights to Barcelona and return from Bergen (we will take the train to Oslo, then fly on Viking-arranged air to LHR, overnight there and home the next day).

 

Now I am going to go wash my hands!

Economy? Economy Plus?  Business?   Let's hope the airlines don't cancel/change flights too drastically by then.

1 hour ago, Not a Georgia Peach said:

Someone on another thread posted the complete letter which included "Our reservations team is currently in the process of issuing 125% Future Cruise Vouchers. However, if you prefer the alternative, you may choose a refund equal to the amount paid, by contacting your Travel Agent by April 6, 2020. "

I can confirm via our Travel Agent that this is the case.  If you want a 100% cash refund, you have to decide by April 6.   Then it becomes a 125% Credit Voucher.  That voucher must be used within 24 months, after which it becomes a 100% cash refund    Pluses and minuses to both that I can see - a lot depends on the trip insurance bought I would think - whether it can be transferred to a new cruise or whether you are out totally if you just take a refund.  Also if you have a plan for using the credit.  I imagine the extra 25% would be used to cover the increase in most cruise prices for 2021 if you are wedded to the particular cruise that Viking has cancelled (versus looking for deals).    Lots of factors to consider in a short time for sure.  Still not clear if the voucher can be used for other items like gratuities, excursions, beverage package, airfare, and more.

2 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Homelands. June sailing Stockholm to Bergin. PV1.

2020 - $9199

2021 - $8799

At least that's how it was when I posted.

Thanks!

Ours is Into Midnight Sun, June sailing London to Bergen PV3.

2020 - $7599

2021 - $8999      +$1400 per person increase

We received notice that Viking has extended the suspension of operations for an additional 2 months to include May and June.

Since our cruise planned is in June, we have been offered the 100% refund of monies paid or the 125% Future Cruise Voucher good for 24 months that has to be on a brand new booking.  We have only a week to decide which to take. (April 6).    Several factors come to mind - in 2021 the same cruise is almost 20 % more.   Will Viking be around for awhile?  Will there be cruising before the vaccine comes out (which could be at 12-18 months away still not until mid 2021.   Lots to think about.  What are everyone's thoughts?

From Viking:

".... I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made everyday life more complicated. On March 11, we were the first cruise line to announce a temporary suspension of operations through April 30, 2020. In the time since that announcement, many of you have expressed concern for our crew, and I want to reassure you that we are taking good care of them. We are using this period of non-operation as a time for additional training and initiatives to ensure we have the safest and healthiest fleet in the industry. As a private company we do not have to worry about quarterly profit expectations – and that flexibility allows us the ability to do what is best for our guests and our employees.
In that spirit, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through June 30, 2020."

13 hours ago, Hanoj said:

Viking is not in the banking business, at least not in the sense of leveraging deposits into new lending. Viking is leveraging customer deposits to expand their fleet as a source of interest free financing. Things got lopsided a few years ago and Viking’s insurers (there are specific terms used for this in maritime operations that presently escapes me) demanded the company strengthen its balance sheet, which it did by granting equity to a Canadian pension fund, among others, for capital infusions. This was reported in the media and I think a recent Forbes article recounted some of this. Prior to the outside equity investment, Viking’s financial position was weak and considered too risky for the insurers. How is this possible? It has to do with international accounting standards. When Viking collects the full fare 12 months in advance of embarkation, the “credit” is recorded on the financial statements as a liability (i.e., a debt - either deferred or unearned revenue). The credit doesn’t become revenue until earned, which generally is when there is no risk of forfeiture from Viking’s perspective (i.e, satisfy the terms of the cruise contract). Although the company may have been flush with cash, there was a high debt to equity ratio (debt/equity) which can be an indicator of financial weakness or distress, enough so that the insurers wanted to share losses with other parties if the company is unable to deliver on its contractual obligations. Ironically, the company’s debt/equity ratio (assuming the company is not borrowing at interest to pay customer refunds) is improving, but it’s viability is being threatened. 
 

Some have suggested the company will be fine because of Chairman Hagen’s net worth. Back in 2019 his net worth (value of assets over liabilities) was reportedly around $3 billion USD. Undoubtedly most of this was the value of his interest in Viking which is based on a hypothetical sale of the company in an arm’s length transaction (neither party in distress). It represents the “blue sky“ or goodwill of the company. When Viking needed the equity infusion a few years ago I doubt Hagen had sufficient liquid assets available to make the infusion himself, or if he did he wasn’t willing to risk it. I suspect his net worth has declined precipitously during this pandemic. I suspect the company will need outside financing to weather this crisis, especially if the company is not able to resume operations soon. 

Hanoj - what a good explanation you have given.  This really helps in understanding what has gone on and what the future may hold.  Thank you for taking the time to detail this out.

22 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Our cruise is not cancelled yet but I assume it will be. The same cruise next year, same time of year, same stateroom, is $400 cheaper than what we currently have. How does that make sense?

Am wondering what itinerary you have.  Our Midnight Sun cruise in late June will almost certainly be cancelled.  Viking is pushing a "sale" on Midnight Sun cruise for next June/July.  Our same 2021 cruise, same cabin category will cost us $2800 more that what we paid for 2020.  (which amounts to a 20 % increase).   Certainly no deals on Viking for us.

This is obviously a popular itinerary (like the Iceland cruises).  Perhaps yours is not as popular.

7 hours ago, deec said:

We too are waiting on 2 flights one to London(june) and one to China (october) on Delta that we booked on our own. Waiting..it will be hard to use that much $$$ with Delta in one years time if we can not cruise.  Maybe we will go to Hawaii?  any other ideas?  another Safari?

Dee - we have decided to do the same thing (as we are on the same June 27 Midnight Sun cruise).  We are resigned to the fact that we will totally lose our money (business class) to London from SFO, but one never knows - perhaps the airlines will just cancel outright.  Last check with a US Airline was that they would give you 6 months to book/fly with them from the date of cancelling your flight with them.  I understand their objective, but that won't fly (pardon the pun!).

I am quite confident that the June 27 cruise will not be going, but we hope we get the 125% credit on Viking.

We also have the cruise in October from Rome/Italy.  I am now thinking that likely will not go either, and if it even does, there won't be much to see.   So that one will probably be cancelled as well, with yet another loss in airline dollars.    I think we'll just reconcile that 2020 is written off and hope for the best next year!  Cheers!

10 hours ago, DaveSJ711 said:

 

You can add shipbuilders to your list.  The Italian company, Fincantieri, is under contract to build several new vessels for Viking.  Due to the COVID outbreak, however, the firm has suspended operations at least until March 29.  It will be interesting to see if and when the operations resume.     

I would imagine all those ships Viking had planned are on hold as well then.  Who knows, perhaps the Venus will be it for the future years.

1 hour ago, chpal said:

Looking forward to happier times, and now spending self-isolation time planning future cruises!  So that I'm ready to book our first Viking cruise when things open up again, can someone give me some advice regarding the overhang on Penthouse Veranda suites? I'm not referring to there just being a "roof" on the balcony, but an actual overhang, cutting down on the sunshine on the balcony.

 

 Studying the deck plans, there is apparently a significant overhang from the deck 7 Aquavit Terrace over the deck 6 suites from 6095 to 6073 (that's the side of the ship we want to be on).  Is there any overhang on the staterooms from 6015 to 6001 or, going down a deck, from 5105 to 5083 or from 5035 to 5009? 

 

To be clear, we're not concerned about noise, but rather having our view of the sky blocked!  Any advice would be helpful.  

 

Thanks!

An excellent question - and one that had many many replies, comments, and great feedback, with pictures, from previous forums in Viking Ocean - within the past couple months or so.   I suggest doing a search and you'll find quite a bit of info and insight on your questions.

2 hours ago, aungrl said:

Andy, how was the day today?  Looking forward to reading your next blog update, as well as anything you might post here, too.

Yes indeed - let us live vicariously with the people who are just lucky to have been at the right place (ship) at the right time and are able to enjoy things.  The good news is, I'll bet you all now REALLY appreciate every meal, every aspect of the daily like onboard ship.  Probably no complainers or whiners anymore, that's for sure.  You'll all have a very special bond that will live for years.  I am thankful for you all and wish you well.

But let us know how things are going!

30 minutes ago, DaveSJ711 said:

Well said.  The “live free or die” mindset just doesn’t work when a global pandemic strikes the global village.

 

Washington state, where I live, is ground zero for the outbreak in the U.S.  More than half the deaths from COVID have occurred in my state alone.  Fortunately, the Washington governor, Jay Inslee, has taken the outbreak very, very seriously.  Just yesterday, Gov. Inslee ordered all restaurants, bars, entertainment, and recreational facilities to close temporarily. 

 

Also yesterday, I returned from Buenos Aires after a great cruise on the Viking Jupiter.  I made it out just in time.  (The Argentine government closed the BA airport to international flights a few hours later.)  While it was tough to go from the Jupiter’s “comfort bubble” to the ground-zero situation here in Washington, I’m glad I’m home and glad my state government is taking substantial efforts to combat the virus.  I’d rather be here than anywhere else, including on a cruise ship.

Dave - I'm so glad that you made it home safely!  We were on Jupiter in SA last Dec/Jan.  Were fortunate.  Am glad you had the chance to experience the Falklands as well!   We lived in Seattle many many years and still have numerous friends there, so know the situation well.  Please stay safe, calm, and self-quarantined.  HOpefully by 2021 this too will pass....

5 hours ago, PasadenaDave said:

Clay,

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed reading of your travels.  I enjoy reading blogs and finding your posts on this thread led me to your blog and I am now up to date to January.  I especially like hearing about the satisfaction with Viking.  I have done Princess four days from Los Angles, Los Angeles to Hawaii roundtrip, and Vancouver to Los Angeles and my wife has done the Panama Canal.  We have reserved for Viking Venice to Istanbul in April 2021 with a pre-cruise stay in Venice.

 

We are concerned that after a Viking Cruise we can never return to a lesser cruise line.

 

We find that when flying Los Angeles to Europe, it is good to have a few days with downtime to adjust and be fresh when the real fun begins, not that we don't have fun during our time adjustment period

You are so correct, PasadenaDave!  I grew up in Pasadena and still enjoy it (well - maybe in the future when we are allowed to leave our houses after the Governors orders on Seniors).

We have taken several Viking Cruises now and cannot go back to anywhere else.   We certainly hope that the crisis will be over by 2021 so we can sail again.  It might take that long.  Viking has been so good at offering decent packages to move to future years on existing cruises.    We fly either LAX or SFO to Europe and can't agree more that some days of downtown are essential.  We can't imagine flying into Europe and immediately boarding the ship!  Talk about stress and tension - we are beyond that now.  Hope we can meet up sometime on a future Viking Cruise!

Kent and Pam

Safe travels to you both!  And thank you again for taking the time and effort to share your experiences - it has been much appreciated!   Hoping we can meet sometime on a future cruise.

14 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

Technically true but when the pesky mosquito bites me then settles in on the back of your neck for another snack it seems a difference with not much distinction.  We have sailed to dozens of countries known to have active malaria and, so far, have avoided the "bad" mosquitos.  Not trying to run your point down just saying the world wide ugly panic is unprecedented in any of the many previous epidemics in history.  

I agree with you Jim.  There certainly are differences in transmissions, deaths, cases, statistics, etc.   .... but this world wide absolute panic is somewhat surprising to us.  I did read an article that said the major difference between this pandemic and the previous ones that occurred in the past years is that today there is social media everywhere and constant talking heads on 24 hour news channels.  (which certainly has helped fuel the panic!)

6 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

Thanks.  I’m hoping not! The chaos part. 😂

So so sorry for your cruise news - having to turn back to Miami.   It is another reminder that we should all enjoy each day we have while cruising and not be whiners and worried about little things that happen on a cruise ship. You both have been so exemplary in sharing your enjoyment and zest for life onboard!  We thank you for that.

We just hope that you, and all of us cruisers, will get to go again someday soon, even if that is not until 2021.

Safe travels home.   Again shows why Viking is the best!

Spectacular evening!  Do enjoy!  Thanks again for sharing with us all so we can live it vicariously. :)

1 hour ago, deec said:

Thank you!  We have a Viking Credit for a Transatlantic Cruise that we just cancelled :(.  We well may apply it toward the SA itinerary. CCWineLover we hope that our "Into the Midnight Sun" can happen without a problem!

Hi Dee -

Yes hoping things will be in less panic mode by June.  We plan to hold off until then since we have our own air that we'd take a huge hit on by cancelling.   Wishing you luck on applying to an existing booking.  We just explicitly asked our Travel Agent who told us Viking told them the credit could only be used on a brand new booking and not to a cruise already booked but with just a small deposit on it.  But on CruiseCritic we've heard otherwise.  Our agent said they had no knowledge of that.

We'll just see what happens I presume.

It was indeed a bit scary when the State Department says US Citizens should not go on a cruise ship.   We are in good shape, but I must admit, getting stuck somewhere for a long time only because someone happened to be on our ship who tested positive (crew or passenger), or ports decided to close to us, would be quite disappointing.   The Ships of the Damned with no port to call home!  (like the Viking Sun is these days)

2 hours ago, TayanaLorna said:

Hello all future SA & Chilean Fjords cruisers.  We were on the January 24, 2020 Santiago to Buenas Aires cruise and it was fabulous.  We have been sorting and editing our almost 2000 photos and i have started a blog with our stories .  Its the first time for me so its a learning experience.  I only have 2 days published at this point - our do it ourselves pre-cruise - but hope to publish one day per week.  It may take me 20 more weeks but info will be up well before the 20-21 cruises.  If anyone is interested, check out Tomko2Travel.blogspot.com

Thank you so much, Tayana, for starting your blog.  Just read it and loved the pictures of the ILoveChile Tours in the Andes.  I think we have those same pictures!  It really brought back such great memories to cherish (in these days of doom and gloom).  I look forward to reading more as it comes out.  It was indeed such an amazing itinerary and trip.

1 minute ago, Clay Clayton said:

I just met with the onboard future sales person and he pulled up the actual spreadsheet with numbers of passengers and crew.  According to that there are 525 guests aboard. That’s 56.4% occupancy by my calculation. Since the ship was almost sold out (as I recall there were under 12 staterooms showing available for sale a few weeks ago so something around 40% must of taken advantage of the revised cancellation offer. 
 

Having so few aboard really does make for great service!  

Thanks, Clay, for all your insights and factual information!  Will be very interested to hear how it goes when you reach Europe - and of course, a lot depends on the next couple weeks on what the airlines and cruises do.  I heard Oceana is cancelling all cruises to Italy.  Perhaps you'll finished your cruise in France?  or Monaco?

12 minutes ago, garycarla said:

 

For all practical purposes, Vancouver is Alaska.  Alaska cruises almost always start/end in either Seattle, Vancouver or Seward (Anchorage).  Viking is not doing RT like some and doing one way north, and then a return southbound.

Yes, I know the above (1 way cruises).  Was just saying they are not going to Seward directly but to Canada (Vancouver) directly from Asia.  Those who are from British Columba (and Canada) will have a good laugh at your "Vancouver is Alaska" !!    🙂

But I know what you mean.

Our Travel Agent just informed us that Viking is moving the Orion to Alaska early to initiate 5 new (additional) Alaska cruises beginning April 26, 2020.   The prices are indeed good, not half of the existing cruise on June 5, but almost.  I would imagine people may take advantage of this despite the risks and potential worse weather.  Airfare free on April 26 and $99 on others.

An interesting note:   based on the first cruise starting in Vancouver, that would seem to indicate that the Orion is proceeding there first rather than direct to Alaska.

I've seen posts now from people who say you can use the voucher on a cancelled cruise and apply it to a not yet totally paid existing booking.  I've also heard others say that Viking would not let you do this - it had to be for a brand new booking.

Spoke to our Travel Agent today and they said Viking had informed them it does indeed have to be a NEW booking and cannot be applied to an existing booking.

Has implications, if true, for how and what you wish to do regarding cancellation.

For example, if you have two cruises booked and both are out past 6 months (so just deposit made), if you cancel one, you would still have to book a 3rd new cruise sometime in the future.  Hmmm.

Has anyone any valid experiences in this either way from a cancel?  New booking or applied to an existing one?

27 minutes ago, Homerody said:

We also planned Oslo - Bergen on our own.  The only issue we had was using our US issued credit card purchasing the VY train tickets (BTW - the 100 NOK pp upgrade offered for train ride is worth it in my opinion).  Using papal for payment worked fine - as recommended elsewhere on CC and other travel sites.

Interesting, Homerody.  Am wondering what the issue is here.  We've purchased train tickets in many European cities via our credit cards without ever a problem.  We had intended to do so for the Bergen-Oslo tickets too although we have to wait a bit to get to the 90 days ahead time.  And our friends last year also recommended doing the upgrade.

Perhaps it is something either in the VY site itself or in certain types of Credit Cards.

2 minutes ago, Mich3554 said:

The Sun has drawers in the closet as well, just like the Jupiter.  The Sun was our first trip.

 

We are also light packers, so the amount of closet space was not an issue for us.  

Thanks, Michelle!  I thought I'd heard someone tell us that the Sun did not have drawers.  That is actually great for us as we are on the Sun in June (Into the Midnight Sun) - and we actually liked the drawers!   Hope all is well and let's hope we all get to keep cruising!