Viking, one of the world’s leading ocean and river cruise lines, is now aiming for September for their cruise ships to return to service.
Viking was the first cruise line in the world to pause cruise operations back on March 11. The cruise line was hoping to return to service in July but said that they had no choice but to cancel cruises through August.
Viking’s Chairman Torstein Hagen said that further suspension in cruises is due to restrictions related to COVID-19. While restrictions are beginning to ease in some countries, he said that travel remains complicated. Hagen also said that their commitment is to their family of guests and employees and that their safety and wellbeing is always their top priority.
Guests who were booked on one of the canceled cruises can receive a 125% Future Cruise Voucher. The voucher is fully transferable and can be gifted to family member or friend. If you are unable to use the voucher by the expiration date, you can return the voucher to Viking for an refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking.
If you prefer a refund over a voucher, you can request a 100% refund before June 12, 2020.
Hagen went on to say that hope is beginning to emerge in Europe as restaurants and shops have begun to reopen.
Viking is looking to the future with the launch of their new cruise ship in 2021, Viking Venus. The cruise line is also launching their first two expedition ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, in 2022.
The expedition ships will cruise to the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Great Lakes.
To round it off, Viking will begin offering cruises on the Mississippi River on Viking Mississippi in 2022.
