In doing so, it follows the recent decision of companies like Crystal Cruises.
In a letter to Viking customers today, Chairman Torstein Hagen said '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 US 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.'
125% future cruise voucher
Customers on canceled voyages are offered a 125% future cruise voucher. This is fully transferable, so it may be given to someone else, and it may be applied within the next 24 months to any river, ocean or expedition cruise.
If the voucher is unused by the expiration date, customers can return it to Viking for a full refund. Any vouchers already applied to canceled sailings will automatically be reinstated for 24 months.
Otherwise, customers who prefer a refund should request it before Aug. 24, 2020.
'Risk-Free Guarantee'
Travelers who use their voucher to rebook your cruise by Aug. 31, are eligible for Viking's 'Risk-Free Guarantee,' allowing them to change their plans up to 24 hours before departure without change fees.
Hagen also touted Viking's small vessels — ocean ships with occupancy for up to 930 passengers and river vessels that carry up to 190 passengers — as an advantage, in that they 'provide a much safer environment than mega-liners.'
He said the company is finalizing additional health protocols in cooperation with leading international experts and will be sharing more information about this very soon.'
Viking Venus and Viking Saigon in 2021
Looking forward, Hagen pointed to the launch of Viking's seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, and a new vessel on the Mekong, Viking Saigon, in 2021.
In 2022: Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, Viking Mars, Viking Mississippi
In 2022, the line's first expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are scheduled to debut with trips to Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes. An eighth ocean ship, Viking Mars, is to debut, along with Viking's first vessel on an American river, Viking Mississippi.
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