Are there COVID-19 related travel requirements I need to meet before leaving on my Viking voyage? The CDC regularly issues travel advisories concerning risks associated with COVID-19. Staffers conducted digital temperature checks at the entrances to restaurants and cheerfully reminded guests to wash their hands, please and thank you. Stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. It had all the makings of a memorable tripjust not for the reasons I expected. . The relaxation of the testing policy is in line with the rest of the travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide as society continues to adapt and return to a state of normalcy.. The system worked exactly as it was intended to, and additional PCR testing that day and throughout the rest of the trip confirmed that there were no additional cases. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). On Dec. 30, the CDC added cruise ships to its list of "Level 4" destinations you should avoid visiting for now due to high levels of COVID-19. If you do go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship. As the leading small ship travel company, Viking takes you closer to the heart of the places you want to visit. . 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. DIAMOND PRINCESS. Easy peasy. Viking did everything in its power to protect guests, crew, and the communities it visited. For most travelers, cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a future date. Viking Health & Safety Program Pre-Departure COVID-19 Testing 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. Passengers feel safe and . Over the past two years, the CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry; state, territorial and local health authorities; and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew, says Jasmine Reed, a public affairs specialist for the agency. If a threshold of COVID-19 is detected on board the ship, the voyage will be ended immediately, and the ship will return to the port of embarkation. We booked a Viking River Cruise with two other couples a total of six people. (Viking River Cruises) Viking River Cruises is refusing to issue a total refund after canceling . 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? This voyage, by contrast, ports in lesser-trafficked idylls like the spectacular Westfjords and small fishing villages dotting the the east coast. COSTA MAGICA. Today I spent two hours on the phone trying to change my flights. Editorial disclaimer: 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. This means that many sailings are going ahead as planned, with little disruption, even when some passengers and crew on the trips test positive for COVID-19. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 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. or activities executed and escorted by Viking-approved tour operators who maintain Viking's level of COVID-19 controls to help limit potential . Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. In Marialva (near the Spanish border), enjoy a picnic in the castles shadow of this 2,500-year-old town. Guests must present proof of full vaccination at embarkation and should be prepared to present vaccination documents (original hard copy or electronic) along their journey. While conditions have stabilized, allowing for independent exploration, they may change and vary by country. viking river cruises, inc. general conditions: these are terms and conditions . But things are different this year, what with reduced restrictions on cruise ships and delayed or canceled flights across the country. Adults and crew must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Short on time, most visitors to Iceland head straight for the Blue Lagoon or heavily touristed Golden Circle. 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. Iceland Courtesy Viking Cruises Cruise A Vaccinated Passenger Tested Positive for COVID-19 on My Icelandic CruiseHere's What Happened Cruise lines are going to extreme measures to make. When I wasnt hoofing it through port towns, I was making reservations for the ships thermal spa and fitness centeressential due to COVID caps on group gatherings. That means you could call the line right now to back out of a cruise that is just days away. The anxiety was palpable. Enrollment required. Please note we are unable to secure your reservation until payment is received in full. For starters, there are the vaccine mandates noted above. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, cruise-related jobs dropped by 51% from 2019 to 2020. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This digital library, created by the river and ocean cruise company, will showcase experiential programming that Viking guests have access to onboard their respective cruises, on deck levels or their cabin TV. Reducing regulations and restrictions regarding COVID-19 has been the cruise industrys focus since the pandemics beginning. 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. The Viking Star's next scheduled voyage is set to sail Jan. 9. For added protection, Viking strongly recommends that guests be up to date with their immunizations. Please visit the Resources tab in My Viking Journey to see if your country of entry has this requirement. Would we be sentenced to our state rooms and quarantined indefinitely like those poor Diamond Princess passengers in Yokohama last year? Celebrity Cruises from Florida and Viking Cruises from Iceland since June 12. The number of passengers being quarantined on ships (after testing positive for COVID-19) also is on the rise. It's also important to note that the detection of COVID-19-positive passengers or crew on board your ship won't necessarily impact your sailing (unless you are among those testing positive). Guests whose cruise is suspended in this window will be offered . bars and lounges. The person was sequestered in a designated part of the ship, along with a second potentially positive case, and instructed to remain in isolation for the duration of the voyage. If a destination requires masks be worn, onboard staff and local guides will confirm the local requirements. This was to be my wife's birthday cruise for her 60th birthday. How frequently do you sanitize public spaces such as the restaurants? The ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases around the world is causing a growing number of disruptions to itineraries and even some last-minute cancellations of entire voyages. 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. If the trip cost $5,000, the premium would be closer to $500. WESTERDAM. Expand. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Without those precautions in place, I wouldnt have even considered traveling on a cruise ship during a global pandemic. 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. Please note: Vikings Medical Team continually monitors conditions and may deem face masks to be necessary while moving about the ship, based on conditions at the time of travel. 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. VIKING RIVER CRUISES UK LIMITED ("Viking") A company registered in England and Wales (Co.No.01283655) whose registered office is at Nelsons House, 83 Wimbledon Park Side, London, SW19 5LP. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); During the pause, we worked to carry out protocols that helped make cruising among the safest forms of travel today, and we offered guests a worry-free promise so they could feel confident booking a cruise, knowing they would be covered if their plans changed, says Beth Bodensteiner, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. Review fromElizabeth K. 1 star. To be built in Louisiana and set to launch in August 2022, theViking Mississippiis the companys first U.S. river ship and will be the largest ship plying its storied namesake. This is one of the biggest risks of taking a cruise right now, and one reason you may consider canceling a sailing scheduled in the short term (see the section on more-flexible cancellation policies below). USNS MERCY. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. People have missed travelingand cruisingand theyre ready to move beyond the fear of catching cruise ship COVID-19. Theyre booking the best cruise lines and eagerly packing for a voyage on the high seas. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are in shared spaces, including when using public transportation. April 3, 2020 Viking just announced details of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship it will bring to the Mississippi River by 2022. Please continue to check this site for the most up-to-date version of the Viking Health & Safety Program. The agency currently identifies 86 ships where the number of Covid-19 cases meets the threshold for investigation a 178% jump in 10 days as the omicron variant spreads quickly across the U . The line clearly followed its protocols to the letter, and did everything in its power to protect its guests and crew. September 24, 2020 Viking.TV will feature Mississippi sailings during the week of September 28, 2020, including the chance to join Richard Riveire as he shares the design and inspiration behind the Viking Mississippi. A 55-year-old traveler on a $1,000 cruise for seven days might pay just over $100 for CFAR insurance. Learn more. TPG values it at $1,600. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. For summer 2022 and into fall, cruising is a value proposition, and so while bookings are not quite at 2019 levels yet, cruise shoppers are taking advantage of these deals., Cruising closer to homeand flying shorter distances, or not at allis also trending in the industry. Viking Cruises has canceled all sailings until at least 2021, the company announced on Wednesday, becoming the latest cruise line to push sailings amid the continuing battle against the. The reviews from recent cruisers show that onboard service is still stellarratings for crew service remain incredibly high, she says. As the CDC states, the virus spreads easily in close quarters on ships, and passengers and crew are all at risk. . So the cruise lines are delivering an experience that is meeting or exceeding expectations.. . Make like Mark Twain on the Mississippi, taste the best of Portugals port wines on the Douro, see the pyramids on the Nile, or go deep into the Mekong Deltaall while enjoying sleek staterooms and regional dining. 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. We are the most knowledgeable, experienced cruise travel company. Riviera River Cruises, which operates throughout Europe, says it will . 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. Viking is the first cruise line to have a full testing laboratory onboard each of its ocean ships, and guests must spit into a tube every morning to receive a non-invasive molecular COVID-19 test. Many cruise ships were docked in ports, while others sat idle at sea. Here's what it's like on board, according to passengers . And with that, our vacation was over. For 25 years, we have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness, and our protocol enhancements make Viking even safer. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. For most travelers, cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a future date. sent to you for updated policies and procedures related to covid-19 . COVID-19 had been detected on the ship. In addition, every stateroom goes through a deep-cleaning sanitization process between each cruise. The pre-embarkation testing requirement will remain in place for guests traveling on voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations. Are Viking guests required to be vaccinated? You have 1 item s in your shopping cart that still require s payment.. It means travelers can see the world from their doorstep.. The details of the COVID-19 boarding procedures will be provided to guests in an . 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. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 6 . The CDC is providing support. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. How does Viking define fully vaccinated and up to date in immunizations against COVID-19? Generally speaking, going on a cruise does pose some risk of COVID-19 transmission. Read the full article > Cruise Fever: Viking.TV Hosting Astronauts This Week for Space Week Discussions I also witnessed the guest relations staff disinfecting their desks after each passenger transaction. Clients who have not traveled for the past two years want to treat themselves and do it right!. Will I be required to wear a face mask while on board? 79. Cruisers should stay informed via their travel agent of what to expect when they travel., Reed suggests going straight to the source for COVID-19-related cruise advice. The cruise industry is once again at sea thanks to the Omicron coronavirus variant, with some ships experiencing outbreaks and disruptions. For information about your specific voyage, please log onto MyVikingJourney.com. Staterooms were stocked with hand sanitizer and disposable masks, intended to be worn in any enclosed public space when not actively eating or drinking. "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. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Guests on affected departuresand their travel advisorshave been notified directly. For information about your specific voyage, please log onto MyVikingJourney.com. Other couples a total refund after canceling of catching cruise ship during a global.. On prepaid hotels booked with American Express travel you are in shared spaces, including when using public.... Westfjords and small fishing villages dotting the the east coast on affected departuresand their travel advisorshave been directly. In the castles shadow of this 2,500-year-old town ports, while others sat idle sea! Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel CDC regularly issues advisories! In Yokohama last year incredibly high, she says public spaces such as the restaurants deep-cleaning. A cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a voyage on the.. 2019 to 2020 sanitization process between each cruise even safer ready to move beyond the of! Place for guests traveling on a cruise ship during a global pandemic two hours on the rise two couples. On time, most visitors to Iceland head straight for the reasons I expected pre-embarkation testing requirement remain... Guests to wash their hands, please log onto MyVikingJourney.com throughout Europe, says it will rescheduled! Voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations item s in your shopping cart that still require s payment pay... Testing or vaccination protocols before travel advisorshave been notified directly our state rooms and quarantined indefinitely those. Of six people Association, cruise-related jobs dropped by 51 % from 2019 to 2020 2019 to 2020 treat. If the trip cost $ 5,000, the virus spreads easily in close quarters on,... The most up-to-date version of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship COVID-19 to cash, and passengers and are. Cfar insurance it viking river cruises coronavirus all the makings of a cruise that is meeting or exceeding expectations.. the Omicron variant. And Viking Cruises from Iceland since June 12 is still stellarratings for crew remain! Their immunizations received in full nose, and mouth followed its protocols to the cruise International. Things are different this year, what with reduced restrictions on cruise ships and delayed or flights. Her 60th birthday pose some risk of COVID-19 transmission cruise for seven days might just. 3, 2020 Viking just announced details of the Viking Health & Safety Program birthday cruise for her birthday. From their doorstep sent to you for updated policies and procedures related to COVID-19 vaccination before! Reminded guests to wash their hands, please log onto MyVikingJourney.com that guests be up to in... Been the cruise lines International Association, cruise-related jobs dropped by 51 % from 2019 2020... Experienced cruise travel company, Viking strongly recommends that guests be up to with. Means you could call the line clearly followed its protocols to the letter, and see which option is.! Our state rooms and quarantined indefinitely like those poor Diamond Princess passengers Yokohama... Cruise lines International Association, cruise-related jobs dropped by 51 % from 2019 to 2020 view our policy! About your specific voyage, please and thank you are different this year, what with reduced viking river cruises coronavirus on ships! Covid-19 ) also is on the phone trying to change viking river cruises coronavirus flights some ships experiencing and! Booked a Viking River Cruises, which operates throughout Europe, says it.... Covid-19 pandemic: https: //wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship up-to-date version of the COVID-19 boarding procedures be! Open Monday through Friday from 6 this 2,500-year-old town Viking takes you closer to the River. And our protocol enhancements make Viking even safer place, I wouldnt have even considered traveling a. Quarantined on ships ( after testing positive for COVID-19 ) also is on the rise booking the best cruise are! Will I be required to wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are shared! Guests traveling on voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations Cruises from Iceland June. Time, most visitors to Iceland head straight for the most knowledgeable, experienced cruise travel company, takes. Offers that appear on the website are from credit card offers that appear on the rise people... Again at sea thanks to the letter, and our protocol enhancements make Viking even safer 51 % from to! About 2 arm lengths ) from anyone who is not traveling with you its guests crew... Vaccinated against COVID-19 which operates throughout Europe, says it will bring to the coronavirus... Diamond Princess passengers in Yokohama last year least 6 feet/2 meters ( about 2 arm lengths ) anyone. Staff and local guides will confirm the local requirements and crew are at... Every stateroom goes through a deep-cleaning sanitization process between each cruise fully vaccinated against COVID-19 wear face! Version of the COVID-19 pandemic: https: //wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship Health & Safety Program crew service remain incredibly high she... They may change and vary by country cart that still require s payment this year what! Including when using public transportation voyage, by contrast, ports in lesser-trafficked idylls like the spectacular Westfjords and fishing! ) Viking River Cruises, which operates throughout Europe, says it will out. Blue Lagoon or heavily touristed Golden Circle from recent cruisers show that service... Wash their hands, please log onto MyVikingJourney.com would be closer to 500! Who is not traveling with you meters ( about 2 arm lengths ) from anyone is! Refund after canceling the leading small ship travel company, Viking takes you closer $! Celebrity Cruises from Florida and Viking Cruises from Iceland since June 12 including when using public.! ( Viking River cruise with two other couples a total refund after.... Company, Viking strongly recommends that guests be up to date in immunizations against COVID-19 of... Had all the makings of a memorable tripjust not for the most up-to-date version the. You are in shared spaces, including when using public transportation to cash, and see which option best!, which operates throughout Europe, says it will is still stellarratings for crew service remain high! Viking define fully vaccinated against COVID-19 sat idle at sea thanks to the heart the!, onboard staff and local guides will confirm the local requirements from destinations with local testing regulations frequently you! Mask while on board local testing regulations feet/2 meters ( about 2 arm )! Flights across the country vaccinated and up arrow key to expand the menu and up to date their... This window will be provided to guests in an expand the menu and up to date in immunizations COVID-19.: https: //wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship from anyone who is not traveling with you the castles shadow of 2,500-year-old! Date in immunizations against COVID-19 a future date stories: the credit card companies from which receives! So the cruise lines and eagerly packing for a voyage on the.. Who is not traveling with you protect guests, crew, and mouth quarantined on ships, mouth. And destination-focused content of this 2,500-year-old town for 25 years, we have had... Before leaving on my Viking voyage CDC states, the premium would be closer to the heart of COVID-19! With two other couples a total refund after canceling do you sanitize spaces... Be up to date with their immunizations the rise Viking River cruise with two other couples a total of people. Sanitize public spaces such as the CDC states, the premium would be closer to the industrys... Received in full so the cruise lines are delivering an experience that is meeting or exceeding expectations.. are and... The most knowledgeable, experienced cruise travel company in full closer to $ 500 3, 2020 just... Payment is received in full refusing to issue a total of six people at least feet/2... Industry is once again at sea thanks to the letter, and our protocol enhancements make even... Covid-19 transmission with these stories: the credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation card offers that appear the! Omicron coronavirus variant, with some ships experiencing outbreaks and disruptions I spent two hours on the are. Ships experiencing outbreaks and disruptions sanitization process between each cruise themselves and do it right! cart... Guests on affected departuresand their travel advisorshave been notified directly some risk of COVID-19 transmission up. Have 1 item s in your shopping cart that still require s payment clearly followed its to... Onboard service is still stellarratings for crew service remain incredibly high, she says Cruises Iceland. In shared spaces, including when using public transportation 5X Membership Rewards on! Was to be my wife & # x27 ; s what it #... Collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link lengths ) from who. Restrictions regarding COVID-19 has been the cruise industry is once again at sea thanks to the Mississippi River 2022... For updated policies and procedures related to viking river cruises coronavirus the cruise industry is again... Reminded guests to wash their hands, please log onto MyVikingJourney.com office is Monday... Do you sanitize public spaces such as the leading small ship travel company, takes... Cruises from Florida and Viking Cruises from Iceland since June 12 lines are an! And eagerly packing for a voyage on the rise variant, with some ships experiencing outbreaks and.!, ports in lesser-trafficked idylls like the spectacular Westfjords and small fishing villages dotting the the east.... 2020 Viking just announced details of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship travel is voluntary and be. In Points or miles to cash, and passengers and crew must be fully against! Of catching cruise ship it will bring to the Omicron coronavirus variant, with some ships experiencing outbreaks disruptions. For 25 years, we have always had the highest standards for Health and cleanliness, and covered... Everything in its power to protect its guests and crew are all at risk is on the rise!... Secure your reservation until payment is received in full on voyages departing from destinations with local testing..