Coronavirus Concern

[Insatiable]

I am concerned over the increasing level of infection transmission of the coronavirus especially in confined environments like a cruise ship.  Noting this morning's news (Feb. 5, 2020), https://www.foxnews.com/health/at-least-10-people-test-positive-coronavirus-cruise-ship-death-toll-490   I don't believe this a fear mongering.  This is now a reality.

All cruise passengers are looking forward to great vacations and we pray this new threat can quickly  be contained but I would like to hear the positions Cruise lines will be taking in the near future.  I do not have travel insurance at the present time.  Will insurance be necessary for all of us?   Many of us have invested in flights, hotels and extended travel arrangements.  How are each of you, my fellow travelers handling your plans?

[SrCruizer]

We have several upcoming VO cruises booked & have travel insurance for all of them. But it is our understanding that the insurance we have purchased won’t cover us if we make the decision to cancel due to virus concerns. However, there are many different travel insurance companies & plans. If thinking about insurance, you would need to carefully research the various plans out there and see if one covers your trip if it’s your decision to cancel. Now if Viking cancels, you would get a refund but that doesn’t cover other travel arrangements you have made either pre or post cruise.

[pineapple1176]

Viking seems to be taking the Coronavirus outbreak seriously. We received this email today for our April Trade Routes of the Middle Ages Cruise.....
 

Dear Viking Guest,

Thank you for choosing Viking for your upcoming voyage.

As you may be aware, an outbreak of coronavirus, that causes respiratory illness, was detected in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. We are monitoring the situation closely and are heeding travel guidelines from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

Please know the safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority. While your journey may not be in the general vicinity of the outbreak, as a precautionary measure, we have implemented enhanced health screenings (via a health care questionnaire) for all guests boarding our vessels within the next 90 days. Additionally, any guests who have traveled from or through mainland China within 14 days of the beginning of their trip with us, will not be permitted to embark the ship. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming sailing, or have recently visited China within 14 days of your itinerary, please contact Reservations at 1-855-300-3970, Monday through Friday, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, PT.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

[Small is better]

And now no financial worries if you decide to cancel. We got this email just two days ago from Viking. Airlines are doing similar things and even our travel insurance that we purchased on our own will allow us to reassign the policy to another date at no charge. 

02MAR2020

Dear Viking Guest,

As you undoubtedly know, the coronavirus COVID-19 is causing concern in the general public and among those of us engaged in travel. At Viking, the safety and security of our guests and employees has always been our top priority. We have implemented enhanced health screening procedures for all guests and staff before boarding our vessels and everyone is required to complete a health care questionnaire before embarkation. We continue to reiterate the importance of individual hygiene, sanitizing and washing of hands.

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely including the travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department and information updates issued by the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. and the World Health Organization in Switzerland.

This is a situation that can change from day to day, and we can well understand that the decision of whether or not to travel may be weighing on your mind – particularly for those with imminent departures.

In view of this we are for the time being making a temporary exception to our cancellation policy so that you can be free to postpone your cruise at any time up until 24 hours before the planned departure, without incurring any cancellation fees. You will be issued a voucher for future travel valid for 24 months, which can be used on any Viking product (river, ocean or expedition). This temporary exception to our standard cancellation policy is applicable for all guests who currently have a reservation with Viking and for all new reservations made through April 30, 2020.

The temporary exception to our cancellation policy is as follows:

• Notification of your intent to postpone your current cruise must be received as follows:

If you have flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of your flight's departure.

If you have arranged your own flights, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of embarkation of the cruise or your hotel check-in, whichever is first.

• Cancelled reservations will be reimbursed in the form of a Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 100% of all funds paid to Viking.
• Future Cruise Vouchers may be used toward any future river, ocean or expedition cruise with Viking and will be valid for 24 months from issuance.

If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor or Viking at 1-833-900-0951, Monday through Friday, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, PT.

We hope you will choose to join us as planned. We will continue to update you on any changes in itineraries or circumstance that may be relevant. In the meantime, we hope that this temporary exception to our policy will help put your mind to ease.

Sincerely yours,

Richard Marnell
Executive Vice President

[Insatiable]

These are concerning times for everyone. Many lives are on 'hold' and I for one pray this scenario plays out quickly with minimal loss of human life and disruption to the futures of all peoples and countries involved.  The financial implications are incalculable. I did breath a sigh of relief when Viking  announced their policy in fairness to its guests and I respectfully thank them.  There are airlines, hotels, tour groups, restaurants, AirB&B's, small businesses all are holding their breath to determine whether their businesses and livelihoods will survive.

We, the people who have the luxury or travel, understand the responsibility we have to support these entrepreneurs.  The  disruption to our lives is a minimal inconvenience.  Stay prayerful and optimistic!