Viking Suspends All River And Ocean Cruises

The news was stunning but sensible. Amidst the tidal wave of travel bans, airline cancellations, port closings, and shutdowns of museums and major attractions imposed to halt the spread of COVID-19, Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen announced it would be temporarily suspending operations of all river and ocean cruises embarking from March 12 to April 30, 2020.

"We believe Viking will be in a better place to provide the experiences our guests expect and deserve," Hagen wrote in a note posted on the company website on March 11, 2020."This is a decision we made with a heavy heart, but with present circumstances what they are, we are unable to deliver the high-quality Viking experience for which we are known."

Guests affected by the suspensions will be offered the choice of a fully transferable voucher for a future cruise valued at 125% of all monies paid to the company, or a refund equal to the amount paid.

The post also noted that a guest on a Viking river cruise in Southeast Asia was exposed to COVID-19 while in transit on an international airline. While not exhibiting symptoms, the guest was placed in quarantine, as well as 28 other guests.

A videotaped version of the Viking announcement is also available online. Any guests with questions or in need of further information are advised to contact Viking Customer Relations at 1-877-523-0579 or email customerrelations@vikingcruises.com.

Founded in 1997, Viking has grown exponentially over the last 23 years-rapidly expanding from river cruises to ocean cruises. Earlier this year, the company announced ambitious plans to also launch expedition cruises.

Today, Princess Cruises also announced a 60-day "voluntary and temporary" suspension of all cruises.

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