The cancellation policy from Viking explains exactly how and when you can cancel your cruise booking, and what cancellations fees are applied to rear cruises. Policy details include cruise fares, air-inclusive package details, hotel buys, offer deals, and promotions. Any cancelation will need to be in written form and sent to the Viking office (by mail, e-mail, fax). Viking explains various situations where a refund will apply, and processes for refunding you, but you will not be refunded for any trip segments that were pre-purchased for your trip once your trip is complete. Knowing and understanding this policy will go a long way toward helping avoid unnecessary charges.
Viking Cruise Cancellation Deadlines and Fees
Cancellation fees for Viking are based on the cancellation date. The earlier the cancellation occurs, the lower the penalty. For standard cruises, booked after August 1, 2018, the fees start at $100 per passenger when cancelled greater than 120 days before the cruise. For Grand & World Cruise Voyages, you have to cancel at least 180 days in advance of your cruise, to get the smallest penalty. The price you forfeit will increase the closer you get to your cruise date. In fact, if you cancel at the last minute, you will forfeit the entire fare.
How to Cancel a Viking Cruise Reservation?
To cancel, you must send a written notice to Viking’s Woodland Hills, CA office. Verbal or email cancellations are not accepted. If your booking includes airfare purchased through Viking and tickets have been issued, you must return them before receiving any eligible refund for the air portion.
Refund Eligibility Under the Viking Cancellation Policy
Returns and refunds depend on when you cancel. If you cancel early – 120 days or greater before departure for regular cruises – you will only incur a $100 fee. For Grand Cruises or World Cruise Voyages, you must cancel prior to 180 days for any fee. Shore excursions – any optional excursions offered – are generally refundable, provided you cancel 48 hours before the excursion’s scheduled start time.
Cancellation Penalties by Cruise Type and Booking Date
For standard cruises (booked on or after August 1, 2018):
- 120+ days before departure: $100 USD per passenger
- 119–90 days: 20% of full fare
- 89–70 days: 35% of full fare
- 69–50 days: 50% of full fare
- 49–30 days: 75% of full fare
- 29–0 days: 100% of full fare
For Grand and World Cruise Voyages (booked on or after August 1, 2018):
- 180+ days before departure: $1,000 USD per passenger
- 179–150 days: 20% of full fare
- 149–120 days: 40% of full fare
- 119–90 days: 60% of full fare
- 89–60 days: 80% of full fare
- 59 days or less: 100% of full fare
Viking Air, Hotel, and Land Package Cancellation Rules
If you booked airfare through Viking, refunds are only processed after returning your original airline tickets. Hotel and land packages may follow the same cancellation penalties as your cruise fare. Always check the terms for bundled services to avoid unexpected costs.
What Happens If You Miss Your Viking Cruise Departure?
When you miss your departure on board your ship without prior notice, you are marked as a “no-show”. In such event, Viking’s policy states that you will lose 100% of your fare, with no refunds.
Travel Insurance and the Viking Cruise Cancellation Policy
Travel insurance offers the protection of not losing all of the cost of your trip if you are forced to cancel due to any covered reason. Viking recommends purchasing coverage to protect your investment against unforeseen events such as illness, injury, or travel disrupts.
Tips to Avoid Viking Cancellation Charges
- Confirm your travel dates before you process your booking!
- Cancelations should be done as early as possible—120 days or more if you booked a standard cruise and 180 days or more for Grand Voyages.
- Read all of the package details regarding air, hotels, excursions, before you submit your payment.
- You may also want to think about travel insurance coverage.
Conclusion
The Viking cancellation policy is severe, but it is as clear as a bell. If you follow the rules, cancel on time and/or, decide to buy travel insurance. Regardless of being on
