Viking Cruises will not start back up again until the fall of 2020, the company announced on Wednesday, July 8. In a letter published on the company's website, Chairman Torstein Hagen wrote that Viking would extend its fleetwide suspension of passenger shipping operations through October 2020.
Hagen wrote that in Europe, countries were beginning to open up, but the process would "continue to be slow and cautious.” He added he looked forward to travelling again and was "encouraged by the scientific advancements being made around the world to overcome COVID-19.”
“While restrictions related to COVID-19 are beginning to ease in some countries, travel remains complicated. Therefore, we have made the decision to extend our temporary suspension of operations through September 30, 2020.”
Viking was the first cruise ship line to suspend voyages because of the pandemic, announcing its fleet's temporarily pausing on March 11.
Hagen said that clients with affected / canceled bookings would be offered a Future Crisis Voucher valid for the next 24 months (worth 125% of the paid fare) plus “exclusive and enhanced terms.”
“If you are unable to use your voucher by the expiration date, simply return your expired voucher to Viking, and we will send you a refund equal to the original amount paid to Viking,” he said.
Those who want a refund immediately should request it before July 17.