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 Viking. 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. Take cruise giant Carnival Cruise Line. October 1, 2020 December is already known as the most wonderful time of the year, but its about to get a lot better for cruise lovers. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Citing the growing spread of the new coronavirus, the line late Wednesday said its entire fleet of more than 70 river ships and six ocean ships would stop operating as current sailings come to an end.. All sailings scheduled to start tomorrow through April 30 have been canceled. The CDC currently advises that travel to some 189 countries presents a very high risk in addition to cruises. Sign Up for Our Monthly Cruise Newsletter. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 6 . 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. If you do go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship. On Viking river cruises, meals are offered in the formal dining room or on the Aquavit Terrace, which has al fresco dining. (Proof of a positive test result is required.). Viking Cruises cancelled all operations until May on Wednesday due to the coronavirus. In addition, every stateroom goes through a deep-cleaning sanitization process between each cruise. Will I be required to wear a face mask while on board? Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas has also had to make itinerary changes, including canceling port calls, due to at least 55 cases of coronavirus on board. When we boarded the Viking Sky in Reykjavik, Iceland, little did we know that a suspected case of COVID-19 would be joining us. One region particularly affected is Alaska, where the shoreside personnel staffing levels have impacted excursion availability and staffing, Gray Faust says. While cruise ships have recorded relatively few cases of COVID-19 over the past year, in part due to unusually strict health protocols, the number of passengers and crew testing positive on ships has been rising sharply in recent weeks along with the greater surge on land. Plus, a "perfect storm" of soaring COVID-19 cases and rough winter weather has wreaked havoc with airline operations for weeks. Meanwhile, just getting to ships is becoming increasingly stressful, as getting the pre-cruise COVID-19 test that's often required before cruising is getting more difficult. We provide a risk-free solution for the crew when cleaning filters, as viruses are killed and not simply trapped in the filters. Bermuda requires visitors 10 and older to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than five days before arrival and fill out a travel authorization online. Viking. viking river cruises, inc. general conditions: these are terms and conditions . 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. When crew test positive, they and their close contacts must stop working and isolate, even if asymptomatic, leaving shipboard venues short-staffed. While some ships only are testing passengers who report feeling ill for COVID-19 (and close contacts of those who subsequently test positive), other ships are testing every single passenger at least once per voyage, sometimes more. And passengers who aren't COVID-19 positive are getting caught up in short-term quarantines for being "close contacts" of shipmates who are. April 5, 2020 Vikings long-awaited entry into the domestic river cruise market will bring not only a new player but also a whole new type of sailing experience. It had all the makings of a memorable tripjust not for the reasons I expected. April 3, 2020 Viking just announced details of the purpose-built, 386-passenger cruise ship it will bring to the Mississippi River by 2022. WESTERDAM. . 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. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Our team members and guests are thrilled to be on board again, Bodensteiner says. Please visit the Resources tab in My Viking Journey to see if your country of entry has this requirement. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you do go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guests who decide to travel are advised to take the following precautions to protect others for 14 days after their return from a cruise ship voyage: The above warnings and recommendations above are subject to change without notice. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. 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.. Credits for canceled cruises and pent-up demand meant cruise lines had no trouble filling their ships in 2021. July 8, 2020 Often credited with popularizing river cruising globally, Viking has in recent years expanded dramatically; the company now has 63 ships sailing in Europe, with additional vessels in Asia and Egypt, and is coming soon to the United States. Clients who have not traveled for the past two years want to treat themselves and do it right!. 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. We were nearly an hours drive into my first excursion of the daya hiking trip rich in Icelandic folklore about elves, faeries, and trollswhen our tour guide announced that our bus must immediately return to port. Should you have additional questions about your voyage, please visit the Viking River Cruises FAQ. One line, Viking, is testing every single passenger for COVID-19 every day. A 55-year-old traveler on a $1,000 cruise for seven days might pay just over $100 for CFAR insurance. Easy peasy. Set to launch in December 2022, highlights of the sailing include light displays, Cajun cuisine, and VIP access to Graceland. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. For 25 years, we have always had the highest standards for health and cleanliness, and our protocol enhancements make Viking even safer. SILVER SHADOW. 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. The easing of our testing policy marks a step in the right direction toward a return to normalcy for the travel and cruising industry, Carol Cabezas, the president of Azamara, said in a statement. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). A line-by-line guide, added cruise ships to its list of "Level 4" destinations, A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. While Viking has also launched an award-winning ocean cruise line, the company built its reputation in river cruising. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Still, it's important to note that most of these "cases" of COVID-19 are asymptomatic or mild, only discovered during routine testing. The pre-embarkation testing requirement will remain in place for guests traveling on voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. To ensure your journey is smooth and that you are able to fully enjoy your voyage as planned, we highly recommend that all guests take a pre-departure COVID-19 test, no more than three days prior to beginning your journey. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. A new itinerary from Viking Cruises, it's an eight-day circumnavigation of the island nation, running clockwise from Reykjavk. For updated information refer to https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-cruise-ship near the time of your cruise. 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. 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. One hand hadnt talked to the other, or they were speaking different languages, or simply couldnt agree on whose authority reigned supreme. 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. cruise tour through viking river cruises, inc., d/b/a viking cruises, viking ocean cruises and viking expeditions ("vr"). Guest feedback is positive on all metrics including service, cuisine, programs, cleanliness of the ship and more, she says. That includes large cruise excursions to Alaska, where governor Mike Dunleavy is . Find out if you need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise and when each cruise line plans to sail again. 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. As I saw myself during a cruise to Antarctica in recent weeks, many sailings are operating relatively normally, even when there are COVID-19 cases on board. COVID-19 had been detected on the ship. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Credit card showdown: Capital One Venture vs. Capital One Venture X, JetBlue adds 3 new NYC-area routes as Northeast Alliance hangs in the balance, It's back: Best-ever bonus of 70,000 miles on the Alaska Airlines Business card, Thrills for all ages: 6 best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). After trundling across its frozen expanse in a former NATO rocket launcher, I slipped into a raincoat and waterproof booties and tunneled to its epic blue center. This week, Viking announced that it would resume some river cruises in Portugal, France and along the Rhine River in July. Riviera River Cruises, which operates throughout Europe, says it will . Yet we were still subject to the Icelandic authorities, and thats the cautionary tale here. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. And our third and final port of call was completely off limits to us. WORLD DREAM. 2023 Cond Nast. 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. 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.. Viking Cruises has extended the temporary suspension of its operations until May 31, 2021, due to ongoing travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. 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. Get tested 35 days after your trip and stay home for 7 days after travel. Viking Sky cases: 1 fully vaccinated adult; COVID-19 protocol if someone tests positive. Read the full article > Cruise Fever: Viking.TV Hosting Astronauts This Week for Space Week Discussions The CDC is providing support. 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). www.vikingrivercruises.com. 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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. At this time, we expect the ship will resume its scheduled operations on February 18, 2023. This creates an onboard population that is far less likely to experience serious symptoms of COVID-19 than a cross-section of people on land, according to CDC data. 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). 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. Can I explore the cities/towns we will visit independently while on my cruise? cruise ships have recorded relatively few cases, requiring all or nearly all passengers to be fully vaccinated, Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? 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. 10405 COVID-19 Policies and Procedures (Ver.1) Page 1 of 3 CST0544-40 . Virgin Voyages What happens if I am confirmed to be a close contact with a guest who tests positive? Yes, Viking requires all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to departure. 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. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Does Vikings Travel Protection Plan cover COVID-19 costs (e.g., medical treatment, quarantine, repatriation, etc.)? The cruise industry is no stranger to staffing issues. Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before cruise ship travel. Staterooms were stocked with hand sanitizer and disposable masks, intended to be worn in any enclosed public space when not actively eating or drinking. Guests who had disembarked on the morning the COVID-19 case was discovered were returned right back to the ship by local Icelandic authorities. No other segment of the travel industry has been as uniform in requiring almost every customer to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. Theres a higher level of comfort around taking a cruise than there is flying on an airplane, staying at a hotel, going to an indoor concert, attending an indoor house party and dining in an indoor restaurant, she says. 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. 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. Upon their return home, Viking Customer Relations will contact the guest and their travel advisor directly regarding any necessary refunding or rescheduling. Please continue to check this site for the most up-to-date version of the Viking Health & Safety Program. There are still entry requirements for certain countries and other nuances that will impact travel. Cruise lines are going to extreme measures to make ships safe, but local regulations and authorities can complicate things. But things are different this year, what with reduced restrictions on cruise ships and delayed or canceled flights across the country. If the trip cost $5,000, the premium would be closer to $500. DIAMOND PRINCESS. It was smooth sailing for the first half of the trip. That said, the option to spend your time outdoors versus inside the ship gives you the ability to somewhat lower your risk compared with, say, air travel. COSTA LUMINOSA. We maximize the possible number of air changes. Viking While the Delta variant of Covid-19 continues to swirl, many travel companies are cautiously churning back to business, albeit with modified protocols. 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. The new ship, aptly namedViking Mississippi, will sail between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota, with the inaugural trips slated for August. 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. The Great Cruise Shutdown is finally coming to an end. 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