The line clearly followed its protocols to the letter, and did everything in its power to protect its guests and crew. As the CDC states, the virus spreads easily in close quarters on ships, and passengers and crew are all at risk. Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Suffice it to say that for now, the Viking cruise experience is alive and well, and Iceland is stunningly beautiful. We provide a risk-free solution for the crew when cleaning filters, as viruses are killed and not simply trapped in the filters. Discuss cruise ship travel with your healthcare provider. Viking Cruises. 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 . Our office is open Monday through Friday from 6 . Check here before booking an award fare. With the cost and recent challenges with air travel, we are seeing strong interest in cruises that are a short flight or drive from guests homes, Bodensteiner tells us. On September 10th of this year while on a river cruise with Viking to Eastern Europe I fell on the dock and broke my femur into three pieces. The CDC regularly issues travel advisories concerning risks associated with COVID-19. 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. 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. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Effective July 25, 2022, it will no longer require pre-cruise testing, except in ports where the country requires it. Things are getting iffy again for cruisers -- at least for those with near-term bookings. 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. 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. Viking had already operated two Welcome Back circumnavigations of the island nation with zero incidents, and we anticipated the same. Viking River Cruises. Still, the Iceland Coast Guard told Viking Sky to leave Seydisfjrdur. Does Vikings Travel Protection Plan cover COVID-19 costs (e.g., medical treatment, quarantine, repatriation, etc.)? General information will be listed below, with details of any affected departures. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). But on a whole, whether youre taking a singles cruise, couples cruise, adults-only cruise or all-inclusive cruise, there are almost no reminders of the pandemic. Without those precautions in place, I wouldnt have even considered traveling on a cruise ship during a global pandemic. 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. At the end of December, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 5,013 COVID-19 cases had been reported on cruise vessels operating in U.S. waters during the last two weeks of the month, up from just 162 cases during the first two weeks of the month. 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.. 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 Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. There are still entry requirements for certain countries and other nuances that will impact travel. So can you still find a deal? 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. If you do go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship. With each minute that ticked by, rumors swirled. A new itinerary from Viking Cruises, it's an eight-day circumnavigation of the island nation, running clockwise from Reykjavk. Viking ocean and river ships, however, differ in size and number of venues. Are there COVID-19 related travel requirements I need to meet before leaving on my Viking voyage? Can I explore the cities/towns we will visit independently while on my cruise? The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link, Notice to Guests Regarding Advice from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 and Cruise Ship Travel. Hey, whats another year of dreaming? Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. The details of the COVID-19 boarding procedures will be provided to guests in an . This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. The new ship, aptly namedViking Mississippi, will sail between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota, with the inaugural trips slated for August. Every stateroom is cleaned and sanitized daily. 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. As arguably the hardest-hit industry in the tourism sectorcruise ship COVID-19 fears meant 81% fewer passengers embarked on a cruise in 2020 versus 2019ships are more than ready to be back and sailing at full capacity. Viking. Scrivanichs clients are also pleased with what they find on board the ships. Viking Health & Safety Program Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to the Viking Health & Safety Program. The state has not seen the same seasonal workforce it enjoyed before the pandemic, and more jobs in Alaska rely on highly skilled workers with specific licenses for small planes, boats and buses., Even if there are minor staffing issues in select destinations, passenger feedback on Cruise Critic is positive. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Effective Aug. 1, 2022, we will no longer require guests to complete pre-cruise COVID-19 testing, unless required by local regulations, a spokesperson for the company said. 877-66-VIKING. 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.. I was also impressed by the health and safety measures Viking had instituted since pausing its operations more than a year earlier. Get tested 35 days after your trip and stay home for 7 days after travel. Another company that just announced a change in testing requirements is upmarket cruise line Azamara. I was nervous about cruising after 16 months of a largely self-imposed lockdown, but eager to dip my toe back into international waters. 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. River cruise lines are enhancing their COVID-19 health and safety protocols as they wait for European borders to reopen . 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. In normal times, you'd lose all your money if you backed out of a seven-night Norwegian cruise with fewer than 31 days' notice. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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. Two young unvaccinated passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise test positive for coronavirus. Will I be required to wear a face mask when going ashore? Places on the Level 4 list currently include Canada, much of Europe and nearly every country in the Caribbean. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Just like the cancellations of airline flights to Asian and European countries, travelers with reservations on several cruise lines may be worried by the growing spread of COVID-19, the disease. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection; Viking River Cruises; . Despite Iceland Public Health clearing Viking Sky for its shore excursions, Iceland Coast Guard prohibited it. 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. If they test negative, they typically are allowed out of their rooms to rejoin the rest of their fellow cruisers on board. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, cruise-related jobs dropped by 51% from 2019 to 2020. 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. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. Are you requiring that I take a COVID-19 test before traveling to a Viking ship? One line, Viking, is testing every single passenger for COVID-19 every day. Although an unfortunate situation, no one seemed upset with Viking, and all healthy parties were able to disembark as scheduled at the end of the cruise. 210515 covid-19 privacy notice us uk (ver.1) page 1 of 4 cst2052644-40 covid-19 privacy notice viking river cruises, inc., and viking river cruises uk limited what is the purpose & scope of this document? If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on a recently concluded Viking Cruises' voyage. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. - Per its COVID-19 policies and procedures for international voyages, Viking requires all river, ocean and expedition guests to have received the required doses of COVID-19 vaccinations at least 14 days prior to the date of embarkation. Nonetheless, like a true warrior, the company stepped up to the challenge. However,. USNS MERCY. Specific protocols and procedures may evolve over time to adapt to various conditions or travel regulations in the destinations in which we operate. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. The Risk-Free Guarantee allows guests to change their cruise date up until 14 days before their planned departureand Viking will waive any fees. As such, guests traveling on either an ocean or river ship may experience minor day-to-day variations in how we implement our overall program. If the recent advisory or relaxed policies do not cover your cruise please refer to these Cancelation Policies and General Conditions, Rules & Regulations. For Further Assistance If you have any questions or need further information please contact Guest Services on 0800 298 97 00, Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 am - 4pm (closed on bank holidays). From Reykjavk, I joined an ice cave excursion to Langjkull, the second largest glacier in Iceland. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. 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. Most guests remained in good spirits, understanding the risks of traveling amid an ongoing pandemic. Short on time, most visitors to Iceland head straight for the Blue Lagoon or heavily touristed Golden Circle. They have kept all . The next days itinerary had us docking in Djpivogur, an even smaller hamlet than Seydisfjrdur, so you can imagine our surprise when guests were told that most shore excursions would move ahead as planned. Case in point: Lengthyand priceyworld cruises with lines like Viking, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises sold out in record time. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. James Beard Award Finalist in Journalism and award-winning food and travel writer, blogger, book author, social media expert, and culinary travel business owner that is pursuing her passion for food, travel, and experiencing world cultures by working with and sharing the stories of extraordinary destinations and unique culinary artisans around the world. All Rights Reserved. How is the air treated on board Viking ships? 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. And of those who have cruised within the past six months, 87% say they felt safe on board.. TPG values it at $1,600. 2023 Cond Nast. And our third and final port of call was completely off limits to us. 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. or Vikings River-cruising vessels. Viking has suspended operations through at least March 31, 2021, according to the company -- more than a year after the cruise line first cancelled sailings on March 11, 2020. 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. When crew test positive, they and their close contacts must stop working and isolate, even if asymptomatic, leaving shipboard venues short-staffed. This offer covers all Viking reservations that are made between November 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 on any 2022 voyage. Many lines continue to be far more flexible than normal about cancellations. . In addition, every stateroom goes through a deep-cleaning sanitization process between each cruise. Our contact tracing devices were activated, and Viking tracked down any person on board who may have encountered said guests for any meaningful amount of time (determined as 15 or more minutes and within six feet of distance). The CDC cautions that any travel poses a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, including travel by air, bus or train, automobiles, and cruises. Virgin Voyages: August 2021. The number of passengers being quarantined on ships (after testing positive for COVID-19) also is on the rise. The infected passenger was isolated onboard, and any spread was curtailed. A 55-year-old traveler on a $1,000 cruise for seven days might pay just over $100 for CFAR insurance. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Please Note: Guests who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 1090 days should bring either a physician certificate of recovery or a positive PCR test result from within that time window. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. The CDC cautions that any travel poses a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, including travel by air, bus or train, automobiles, and cruises. Celebrity Cruises from Florida and Viking Cruises from Iceland since June 12. 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. Solution for the Blue Lagoon or heavily touristed Golden Circle, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled on! To products from one or more of our advertisers, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips from!, the Iceland Coast Guard prohibited it Iceland Coast Guard prohibited it minute that ticked by rumors... 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