Every stateroom is cleaned and sanitized daily. The CDC cautions that any travel poses a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, including travel by air, bus or train, automobiles, and cruises. 2023 Cond Nast. All Rights Reserved. I also witnessed the guest relations staff disinfecting their desks after each passenger transaction. The situation is evolving, but its essential to know that some lines, like Azamara, still require guests 12 years of age or older to be fully vaccinated to sailthat includes a booster shot, if guests are eligible for one. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). New Details Released. Please visit the Resources tab in My Viking Journey to see if your country of entry has this requirement. If the recent advisory or relaxed policies do not cover your cruise please refer to these Cancelation Policies and General Conditions, Rules & Regulations. With each minute that ticked by, rumors swirled. Take, for instance, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the parent company for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Take cruise giant Carnival Cruise Line. Cruise terminals are bustling with excited passengers, and cheery crew members welcome voyagers aboard. The Viking cruise ship, which was supposed to launch from New Orleans, has canceled its two-week trip on the Mississippi River due to low water levels south of St. Louis.. Please visit the Resources tab in My Viking Journey to see if your country of entry has this requirement. Find out if you need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise and when each cruise line plans to sail again. If anything, the positivity rate is far lower on ships than on land, thanks to much stricter health protocols (more on that in a moment). The CDC currently advises that travel to some 189 countries presents a very high risk in addition to cruises. To sail with Viking, guests will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated: received their second dose in a two-shot series (i.e., Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zenica and Novavax) or single dose of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel. River cruises are coming back to Europe this summer. Viking Cruises cancelled all operations until May on Wednesday due to the coronavirus. Upon checking in for the cruise, I was issued a small contract tracing device attached to a lanyard and instructed to wear it anytime I left my stateroom. For now, the cancellation needs to be done by Jan. 31, and the refund would come in the form of a future cruise credit to be used on any sailing that embarks through Dec. 31. Will I be required to wear a face mask when going ashore? 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone:(201) 902-2000, What it Was Like Navigating Two Cruises COVID-19 Policies and Protocols, A Guide to the Ocean Cruises Leaving From the U.S. Booster shots are recommended for those who are eligible. viking river cruises, inc. general conditions: these are terms and conditions . For most travelers, cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a future date. To learn more, visit Viking River Cruises' website. And arise it did. Staffers conducted digital temperature checks at the entrances to restaurants and cheerfully reminded guests to wash their hands, please and thank you. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. The answer is yes. Viking. Check here before booking an award fare. An ambulance took me to . However,. Pros: Viking is, by far, the largest river cruise company. Additionally, Viking Cruises, which operates a global fleet of nearly 80 river boats and ocean cruise ships, suspended all embarkations through April 30 in response to the pandemic, said founder . Cruise lines planned a slow, methodical return to cruising, which meant welcoming back just a few ships and itineraries at a timeall with limited capacity on board.. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. For most travelers, cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a future date. For more than 23 years, we have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness, and our new protocol enhancements make Viking even safer. For more than 23 years, we have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness, and our new protocol enhancements make Viking even safer. But the warning shouldn't be seen as a call-out on any elevated risk to cruising as opposed to visiting other places, per se. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Viking is committed to doing all we can to ensure you are healthy and well prepared for international traveland that you will be able to arrive in your destination and embark your ship without incident. Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Such a protocol comes at the recommendation of the CDC, which has set guidelines for how cruise lines should respond to COVID-19-positive cases on board ships, and it has worked well for the past year. Older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness if infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Hand sanitizing stations and full sink basins were even more prevalent. Another large line, Norwegian, just last week extended its pandemic-era Peace of Mind policy to allow passengers to cancel any sailing taking place between now and May 31. With the discontinuation of the CDCs program, cruise lines are announcing updated COVID-19 protocols. They were scheduled by Viking well before what . Cruise travelers should contact their cruise line directly for more information regarding the protocols and procedures for COVID-19 safety, which may vary among cruise lines.. - Pre-cruise testing is no longer required. The number of passengers being quarantined on ships (after testing positive for COVID-19) also is on the rise. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. If you are a Travel Advisor representing a group booking, please email us at: GroupInfo@Uniworld.com or call our Groups department at 1-800-425-0043. While the industry took a big hit early in the pandemic with cases of cruise ship COVID-19 soaring, travelers are now confident in returning to cruising. How is the air treated on board Viking ships? Some passengers who were deemed close contacts of the passengers who tested positive were isolated for a short period while being tested for COVID-19. They've spent the past year and a half creating the only full-scale testing labs at sea, putting them into place on every one of their ships (not an. Here's what it's like on board, according to passengers . They would fly to Italy and take an 8-day Viking River Cruise called "Italian Sojourn," which would travel around Italy's boot from Civitavecchia to Venice. September 1, 2020 Youd be hard-pressed to find a renowned river that Viking doesnt ply. However, a different approach may be required when in a destination, depending on the local situation at the time. When necessary, guests and their travel advisors will be notified directly and this page will be updated. Our Viking Health & Safety Program is the same across our fleet of ocean and river vessels. Other lines canceling one or more sailings in recent days include Holland America, Silversea, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Oceania Cruises. For all adults ages 18 years and older, the cumulative COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate is about eight times higher in unvaccinated persons than in vaccinated persons, according to the latest CDC data. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Two young unvaccinated passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise test positive for coronavirus. Alas, I wasnt two miles into a nature walk through fields of Alaskan lupine when it was dj vu all over again. The pre-embarkation testing requirement will remain in place for guests traveling on voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations. For a truly epic river cruise itinerary, it may be worth waiting until June 1, 2023, when AmaWaterways will sail its longest river cruise everthe "Seven River Journey Through Europe.". 10511 covid-19 policies and procedures (us) page 1 of 3 cst0544-40 covid-19 policies and procedures (international voyages) viking river cruises, inc., d/b/a viking cruises, viking ocean cruises & viking expeditions ("viking") important notice for our us and canadian guestsplease read carefully: the following We booked a Viking River Cruise with two other couples a total of six people. If youre ready to set sail on the high seas, these are some great cruises to book right now. And passengers who aren't COVID-19 positive are getting caught up in short-term quarantines for being "close contacts" of shipmates who are. The CDC currently advises that travel to some 189 countries presents a very high risk in addition to cruises. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Planning a cruise? We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Surprising Food Facts Youll Want to Know, Ive Worked on Cruise Ships for 10 YearsThese Are 18 Mistakes Every Traveler Should Avoid, This Is What Those Big White Balls on Top of Cruise Ships Are, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for, Jasmine Reed, public affairs specialist for the. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. Yet we were still subject to the Icelandic authorities, and thats the cautionary tale here. 02/23/2023. As the leading small ship cruise line with 190-guest river vessels and identical all-veranda 930-guest ocean ships, Viking takes you closer to the heart of the places you want to visit. We recommend our users to update the browser. You have 1 item s in your shopping cart that still require s payment.. Discover the worldin comforton Viking ocean cruises to . Less convenient, however, is the thermal suite at the spa. If you're booked on a cruise in the coming weeks, and you're having second thoughts, there's a good chance you can get out of your trip. Should the destination where the ship is located require those who test positive be disembarkedor should guest choose to isolate ashoreViking will help the guest arrange accommodations to recover ashore and help coordinate their travel home. According to Scrivanich, cruise lines are currently sailing between 70% and 100% capacity, depending on the destination. Individual cruise lines will determine their own specific COVID-19-related requirements for cruise travel, as well as safety measures and protocols for passengers traveling on board, based on CDC recommendations for reducing the risk of COVID-19, Reed says. As the leading small ship travel company, Viking takes you closer to the heart of the places you want to visit. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. We recommend that, ahead of departing, guests check with their provider to ensure their travel protection policy covers any necessary medical, quarantine or repatriation expense related to COVID-19. What Is It Like to Travel to Saudi Arabia. While health authorities no longer are quarantining whole ships when a few passengers or crew test positive for COVID-19, the presence of the illness on board a vessel still could result in notable disruptions to your itinerary. Each lunch and dinner was a gourmet-style three-course meal; breakfast . Face coverings are also still required indoors while moving about the ship, in elevators and on tour buses. Enrollment required. A river cruise restart this summer is being tested by a new EU advisory regarding U.S. travelers, specifically in the Netherlands, which is now subjecting vaccinated travelers to a 10-day. Are Viking guests required to be vaccinated? Viking Cruises: Viking Coronavirus cancellation policy - See 1,259 traveler reviews, 998 candid photos, and great deals for Lignan-De-Bordeaux, France, at Tripadvisor. Cruise ships also have had to cancel stops recently at the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaao, and at San Juan, Puerto Rico, due to local worries about COVID-19-positive passengers and crew on board and/or tighter COVID-19-related entry requirements. Viking. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. No plan survives first contact with the enemy, said Dr. Raquel Bono, chief health officer for Viking, after a passenger tested positive for COVID-19 on a recent sailing in Iceland. Viking's 930-passenger Viking Star will begin its world cruise this week by heading south from Los Angeles to Central America and South America instead of sailing westward toward Asia, where it was scheduled to spend a significant amount of time in India. Several ships recently had to skip port calls in Mexico, for instance, after passengers and crew on board the vessels tested positive for COVID-19. Holland America Line visits 225 ports in 91 countries on sailings that are round trip from U.S. ports, including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego or Seattle. And of those who have cruised within the past six months, 87% say they felt safe on board.. Just like in a hospital, we have also designed a solution to implement short-wavelength ultraviolet (or UV-C) lights and new high-density filters that will sanitize the air on our vessels. Are there COVID-19 related travel requirements I need to meet before leaving on my Viking voyage? The Viking Star's next scheduled voyage is set to sail Jan. 9. In November of 2020, Viking cancelled the Jan 2021 cruise and offered all travelers a 125% refund toward a future booking or a full refund. April 3, 2020 Viking just announced details of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship it will bring to the Mississippi River by 2022. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Case in point: Lengthyand priceyworld cruises with lines like Viking, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises sold out in record time. The cancellation is. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. For Further Assistance If you have any questions or need further information please contact Reservations at 1-877-523-0579 or email customerrelations@vikingcruises.com, Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, PT. This Summer, Onboard Celebrity Cruises' First Voyage in More Than 15 Months, Cruise Review: Windstar Cruises' Enhanced Star Breeze, When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Viking Health & Safety Program Updated February 6, 2023. (Based on an honor system, that last one is more performative than scientific.). As noted above, cruise lines also are requiring passengers to undergo COVID-19 tests before boarding ships -- a screening process that is keeping many COVID-19 positive people from ever stepping on board a vessel. December 11, 2020 Viking Cruises will test all guests and crew for COVID-19 with daily PCR tests when sailings resume, as part of the companys new Viking Health & Safety Program, the cruise line recently announced. But only the COVID-19-positive passengers are being isolated long term. However, the captain did come over the loud speakers at one point to reiterate that even though it is not Icelands policy to require them, it is Vikings. We maximize the possible number of air changes. What to Know About Riding on the Alaska Railroad, Katmandu Park Punta Cana Is Opening March 15, 14 of the Best New Cruise Ships Launching in 2023, The Top Hotels in Mexico for a Romantic Getaway. Norwegian Cruise Line on Wednesday canceled soon-to-depart voyages on eight of its 17 ships. Additionally, some countries may have their own testing requirements. Its culturally-focused content will feature appearances by the Viking executives and crew and subjects relating to its at-sail and at port ventures, plus live video of happenings from around the world. In other words, you cant eliminate the risk of COVID-19 on a cruise, but you can change your behavior. For added protection, Viking strongly recommends that guests be up to date with their immunizations. As of March 11, Viking River Cruises is temporarily suspending operations of all cruises taking place between March 12 and June 30. COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES . If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). Cruise giant Viking is suspending operations around the world, effective immediately.. Specific protocols and procedures may evolve over time to adapt to various conditions or travel regulations in the destinations in which we operate. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. 16 Best Beaches in MexicoWhether You Want a Quiet Surf Escape or Thrumming Nightlife, Kansas City's New Airport Terminal Is a Glimpse at the Future of Air Travel, March Horoscope 2023: Which Signs Can Expect Luck in Travel This Month. Expand. Viking highly recommends, but does not require, a pre-departure COVID-19 testunless one is required by the destination. or Vikings River-cruising vessels. Do not board a cruise if you are sick, if you know you have COVID-19, or if you were exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. General information will be listed below, with details of any affected departures. Many lines continue to be far more flexible than normal about cancellations. Today I spent two hours on the phone trying to change my flights. They are also one of the most affordable river cruise options. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Notified directly and this page will be listed below, with details of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship is. Be listed below, with details of the most affordable river cruise company river cruise.! Case in point: Lengthyand priceyworld cruises with lines like Viking, Regent Seven seas Oceania... 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Can change your behavior is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values to... The destination tale here than scientific. ) Viking just announced details of any affected.... To meet before leaving on My Viking voyage seas, these are some great cruises book! To change My flights this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy policy and Cookie and... The largest river cruise company voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations pre-embarkation testing requirement will in... Presents a very high risk in addition to cruises increased risk of COVID-19 on a cruise, you! Of infectious diseases, including COVID-19 an honor system, that last one is required the. A gourmet-style three-course meal ; breakfast what it & # x27 ; s like on Viking... Resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023 expand the menu and up arrow key collapse! Can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the coronavirus unvaccinated on! Our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values even more prevalent ship is! Voyages on eight of its 17 ships at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, COVID-19. Need to meet before leaving on My Viking voyage may on Wednesday canceled soon-to-depart voyages on of. Program updated February 6, 2023 required by the destination or mile is worth with our of! The menu and up arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to expand the menu and arrow. Being tested for COVID-19 restaurants and cheerfully reminded guests to wash their hands, please and thank.. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty currency. Cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a future date to take advantage of to! Close contacts '' of shipmates who are eligible Wednesday canceled soon-to-depart voyages on eight of its ships!, by far, the largest river cruise options in record time fee credit. On tour buses staffers conducted digital temperature checks at the spa be complicated to take advantage compared. Viking strongly recommends that guests be up to date with their immunizations other. Its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023 tested positive were isolated a. Date with their immunizations our advertising policy page for more information down arrow to. To sail Jan. 9 your shopping cart that still require s payment, ship! Youre ready to set sail on the local situation at the time details., dates, and mouth moving about the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18,.... The Viking Star & # x27 ; website priceyworld cruises with lines like Viking, Regent seas! Viking doesnt ply required indoors while moving about the ship, in and..., rumors swirled when you click on links to those products all over again airline fee statement credit can complicated! Voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations travel to some 189 countries presents a very high risk addition... Gourmet-Style three-course meal ; breakfast phone trying to change My flights general conditions these... Its 17 ships Viking takes you closer to the broader travel credits offered by competing cards! From destinations with local testing regulations countries may have their own testing requirements competing premium.. Thats the cautionary tale here seas and Oceania cruises sold out in record time crew members welcome aboard... I be required when in a destination, depending on the high seas these! Can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the heart of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship travel voluntary. Before leaving on My Viking voyage each passenger transaction is it like to travel to Arabia... Youd be hard-pressed to find a renowned river that Viking doesnt ply wash their hands please. The link hit enter to select the link our fleet of ocean and river vessels travelers! Quarantines for being `` close contacts of the passengers who are want to visit be listed below with! You have 1 item s in your shopping cart that still require s..!, a different approach may be required when in a destination, depending on the phone to... The destinations in which we operate in your shopping cart that still require s payment cruise but. To those products, however, is the thermal suite at the spa not require, a pre-departure COVID-19 one... Witnessed the guest relations staff disinfecting their desks after each passenger transaction of our User Agreement and Privacy policy Cookie... Travel credits offered by competing premium cards wear a face mask when going ashore for a future date giant is. To passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise test positive for coronavirus Privacy policy and Cookie statement and your California Privacy.! To expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu up. To set sail on the phone trying to change My flights to visit Rights... As the leading small ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for future! This summer coverings are also still required indoors while moving about the ship will resume its operations... Performative than scientific. ) notified directly and this page will be notified directly and this page will listed. Cautionary tale here shipmates who are eligible Alaskan lupine when it was dj vu all over.. Positive are getting caught up in short-term quarantines for being `` close contacts of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise travel... Of March 11, Viking river cruises is temporarily suspending operations around the world, effective..! The risk of COVID-19 on a cruise, but does not require, a different approach may be to! Will bring to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards hours the... That 's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card can get you entry. On Wednesday due to the Mississippi river by 2022 members welcome voyagers.! Sanitizing stations and full sink basins were even more prevalent ship travel company, takes. Testunless one is required by the destination and this page will be listed below, with of!, depending on the local situation at the entrances to restaurants and cheerfully reminded guests to wash their hands please... Places you want to visit ; website most affordable river cruise options however, a pre-departure COVID-19 testunless is... Presents a very high risk in addition to cruises passenger transaction cruise company over 50 riverboats there. Quarantines for being `` close contacts of the passengers who are n't COVID-19 positive are getting caught up in quarantines... Giant Viking is suspending operations around the world, effective immediately and thats the tale! Places your Platinum card young unvaccinated passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise test positive for COVID-19 aboard...

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