Viking in Russia in September: Refunds for Shore Excursions? Viability?

[Aapreciate]

Hello, everybody.  I am so excited to start cruising again!  I have now retired so hoping to do a bit more (though DH has not yet so not a lot more yet).

 

My mom is scheduled to go on a Viking trip to Russia (Moscow to St. Petersburg) in September.  I have two questions for the great brain trust here:

 

1.  Mom's TA said she can book all the shore excursions she wants on Viking and then get refunds even right before them if she cancels.  She's 80+ so she might need to cancel if she gets tired.  Does anyone know if this is the way Viking works?  I have not cruised them before.

 

2.  Is anyone else looking to cruise in Russia in September?  How viable does that seem to folks who are watching things?

 

Thanks in advance, so much, for your help with this!

 

Kathy

[dogs4fun]

September 2021 does not seem realistic - Russia is not currently issuing visas and I believe that a cruise in 2021 is highly unlikely. I would recommend booking for 2022.

 

[Coral]

I agree about this summer not happening. I would see if they allow her to rebook for next year.

[AnhaltER1960]

According to the Viking website as of April 6th, Viking have cancelled all their Russia and Ukraine sailings in 2021. Look here: https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/my-trip/current-sailings/index.html