Viking Final Payment

[gnome12]

55 minutes ago, sharkster77 said:

The bottom line is travel insurance----too many folks got burned when Vantage went under recently---one should never be vulnerable to losing thousands of dollars in this way.

 

I feel safe depositing early with Viking because of travel insurance---I'd otherwise be a fool.

 

And I prefer to add trip cancellation/interruption insurance only at final payment (or when I have a reasonable amount at risk). I don't cover the deposit, because I can easily afford to eat a reasonable amount (up to about $500 Canadian). If I made final payment way out, I would have to purchase travel insurance at that point which I am not prepared to do.

[pontac]

On 7/2/2023 at 5:36 AM, Host Jazzbeau said:

Wait.  Not getting a discount is better???

 

The situation is the other way around than stated, though the effect is the same. Companies started introducing higher prices for customers using credit cards to cover extra costs of credit card fees.

 

The EU ruled that the price must be the same, i.e. a company can't charge more for customers paying with a card. Many companies do not now accept Amex one the ground of its higher charges.

[FionaHB]

I totally agree. We booked this one (we have 38 cruises under our belt) because we had never tried them. But I doubt I’ll rebook for your reason. Besides being bad customer consideration, there are too many other cruises that don’t do this—for the same price. When I shared this with their travel assistant, she pretended to be surprised!

[Cisterna]

4 hours ago, sharkster77 said:

The bottom line is travel insurance----too many folks got burned when Vantage went under recently---one should never be vulnerable to losing thousands of dollars in this way.

 

I feel safe depositing early with Viking because of travel insurance---I'd otherwise be a fool.

 

Yes and the caveat is you must read the fine print on the insurance.  Many have added a provision that bankruptcy or insolvency   is not covered!,  Chase sapphire recently added that exclusion to their trip insurance. City Bank dropped their travel insurance trip cancellation/interruption  years ago. 

[franski]

6 hours ago, Cisterna said:

Yes and the caveat is you must read the fine print on the insurance.  Many have added a provision that bankruptcy or insolvency   is not covered!,  Chase sapphire recently added that exclusion to their trip insurance. City Bank dropped their travel insurance trip cancellation/interruption  years ago. 

Another issue is related to cancellation.  If the company gives you a credit for a cancelled cruise, you don't qualify for money from the insurance company.

 

Fran  

[Cisterna]

14 minutes ago, franski said:

Another issue is related to cancellation.  If the company gives you a credit for a cancelled cruise, you don't qualify for money from the insurance company.

 

Fran  

Correct ~  Ok ~ enough of this ... let's think happy thoughts and start making an excursion list!

 

[phoenixjewel]

I found this thread, and realize it's a little older but I have discovered the same issue with final payment due date on a Viking cruise.  I booked in a couple of months ago and just realized the final payment is due in early 2024 but the sailing is later in 2025; making the final payment due a full 18 months in advance.  I called them, thinking it was a print error and they meant the same date in 2025, which would be 6 months in advance.  But, they confirmed it's 18 months.  In addition to the risk of paying that far out as well as the loss I'd experience on interest/growth of my hard saved earnings, I didn't budget for this trip in early 2024.  I booked it in the year I planned to pay for it, as my travel budget for 2024 is already spent or earmarked. 

 

I realize I could cancel and then rebook in a year and see when they would request final payment (whether immediately or within 6 months of departure).  By then I would be comfortable parting with the funds.  But, the price of the trip could go up or it could even sell out.  I'm a bit disillusioned based on what I'm reading on this thread.  Anyone ever try this tactic - cancel and rebook later?  Changing cruise lines isn't really an option at this point because I'm going with friends (though I booked into a solo cabin) and this is their selection,

[Coral]

On 12/17/2023 at 3:43 PM, phoenixjewel said:

I found this thread, and realize it's a little older but I have discovered the same issue with final payment due date on a Viking cruise.  I booked in a couple of months ago and just realized the final payment is due in early 2024 but the sailing is later in 2025; making the final payment due a full 18 months in advance.  I called them, thinking it was a print error and they meant the same date in 2025, which would be 6 months in advance.  But, they confirmed it's 18 months.  In addition to the risk of paying that far out as well as the loss I'd experience on interest/growth of my hard saved earnings, I didn't budget for this trip in early 2024.  I booked it in the year I planned to pay for it, as my travel budget for 2024 is already spent or earmarked. 

 

I realize I could cancel and then rebook in a year and see when they would request final payment (whether immediately or within 6 months of departure).  By then I would be comfortable parting with the funds.  But, the price of the trip could go up or it could even sell out.  I'm a bit disillusioned based on what I'm reading on this thread.  Anyone ever try this tactic - cancel and rebook later?  Changing cruise lines isn't really an option at this point because I'm going with friends (though I booked into a solo cabin) and this is their selection,

There are other lines. You may actually get more bang for your buck on a higher line that doesn't require payment this far in advance. I won't book with Viking due to this.

[gnome12]

On 12/17/2023 at 4:43 PM, phoenixjewel said:

I found this thread, and realize it's a little older but I have discovered the same issue with final payment due date on a Viking cruise.  I booked in a couple of months ago and just realized the final payment is due in early 2024 but the sailing is later in 2025; making the final payment due a full 18 months in advance.  I called them, thinking it was a print error and they meant the same date in 2025, which would be 6 months in advance.  But, they confirmed it's 18 months.  In addition to the risk of paying that far out as well as the loss I'd experience on interest/growth of my hard saved earnings, I didn't budget for this trip in early 2024.  I booked it in the year I planned to pay for it, as my travel budget for 2024 is already spent or earmarked. 

 

I realize I could cancel and then rebook in a year and see when they would request final payment (whether immediately or within 6 months of departure).  By then I would be comfortable parting with the funds.  But, the price of the trip could go up or it could even sell out.  I'm a bit disillusioned based on what I'm reading on this thread.  Anyone ever try this tactic - cancel and rebook later?  Changing cruise lines isn't really an option at this point because I'm going with friends (though I booked into a solo cabin) and this is their selection,

 

4 minutes ago, Coral said:

There are other lines. You may actually get more bang for your buck on a higher line that doesn't require payment this far in advance. I won't book with Viking due to this.

You would certainly get more bang for your buck as a solo traveller; Viking has the highest single supplement for non-suite cabins that I have seen.

[Coral]

Just now, gnome12 said:

 

You would certainly get more bang for your buck as a solo traveller; Viking has the highest single supplement for non-suite cabins that I have seen.

As a solo traveler, I definitely agree! Viking is not the line for me even if it was my first choice.

[ural guy]

3 hours ago, gnome12 said:

 

You would certainly get more bang for your buck as a solo traveller; Viking has the highest single supplement for non-suite cabins that I have seen.

Phoenixjewel is traveling with her friends.  She doesn't want to change lines.

 

 

[Roz]

On 9/12/2023 at 5:58 PM, gnome12 said:

And I prefer to add trip cancellation/interruption insurance only at final payment (or when I have a reasonable amount at risk). I don't cover the deposit, because I can easily afford to eat a reasonable amount (up to about $500 Canadian). If I made final payment way out, I would have to purchase travel insurance at that point which I am not prepared to do.

 

@gnome12, don't know if this applies in Canada,  but in order for pre-existing conditions to be covered,  insurance needs to be purchased within 14-21 days of the initial deposit.  

[Host Jazzbeau]

2 hours ago, Roz said:

 

@gnome12, don't know if this applies in Canada,  but in order for pre-existing conditions to be covered,  insurance needs to be purchased within 14-21 days of the initial deposit.  

Not with all policies.  Allianz plans sold through travel agents include pre-existing even if bought at final payment.

[Roz]

43 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Not with all policies.  Allianz plans sold through travel agents include pre-existing even if bought at final payment.

That's good to know. 

[Coral]

10 hours ago, Roz said:

 

@gnome12, don't know if this applies in Canada,  but in order for pre-existing conditions to be covered,  insurance needs to be purchased within 14-21 days of the initial deposit.  

As with @Host Jazzbeau - I buy Allianz at final payment and it includes pre-existing conditions. I buy it through my TA. I had an injury on my last trip and utilized Allianz and they were excellent to deal with. I can't say enough great things about them. They flew me back to the US with a paramedic escort within 48 hours of me calling them. It was not life threatening. Within 24 hours, they sent me flights to approve, 48 hours later on a plane in Business Class with medical escort.

[Host Jazzbeau]

3 minutes ago, Coral said:

As with @Host Jazzbeau - I buy Allianz at final payment

Actually, I buy at first deposit – the minimum to cover the deposit.  This locks in the rate at my current age, no matter how far in the future the cruise actually sails.  Then I increase at final payment.  "The best of both worlds."

[Coral]

1 minute ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Actually, I buy at first deposit – the minimum to cover the deposit.  This locks in the rate at my current age, no matter how far in the future the cruise actually sails.  Then I increase at final payment.  "The best of both worlds."

I am a last minute cruiser. I rarely book more than 6 months in advance. Though I have a Tauck tour held right now until pricing comes out. I put $900 down and when pricing comes out, I can either accept or get my money back. I think I will insure that trip when pricing comes out as that $900 is then non refundable. This is celebrating a friend's birthday in Oct 2025 and it is rare for me to book that far in advance. Though it is an itinerary I have not been to any ports and I want to try Tauck. 

 

My Allianz plan I bought recently was $50 for $900 hotel coverage. Best money I spent IMO as they were amazing. I can't say enough positive things. The only thing that sort of went wrong was my TA submitted my home number to them. When I got home, they had called several times and left messages. Though they encouraged me to call them back to check if flights were finalized, etc....so it wasn't a big deal. I did call back and they communicated via email. It was just funny to get home and realize they called my home number several times.

 

Allianz is good about transferring coverage to another trip if you cancel a cruise also if you didn't use their insurance.

[Host Jazzbeau]

@Coral – agree on all points.

 

The one thing I would suggest for your 2025 Tauck cruise is to use an Amex card rather than MC or Visa for the deposit.  If things go pear-shape, Amex will look back further to allow you to charge back on the card – and thereby preserve the insurance for a roll-over to another trip.

[Roz]

@Coral and @Host Jazzbeau, thanks for sharing your experience.  Lots of good information here for all cruisers. Isn't CC great? 

Edited December 20, 2023 by Roz

[terry&mike]

5 hours ago, Roz said:

@Coral and @Host Jazzbeau, thanks for sharing your experience.  Lots of good information here for all cruisers. Isn't CC great? 

Yes, it is. To me, this is when CC is at it's best, travelers helping travelers - providing information, answering questions, offering suggestions or advice. Over the years I have learned a mountain of information from the posters on these boards, and am grateful. 

[Coral]

6 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

@Coral – agree on all points.

 

The one thing I would suggest for your 2025 Tauck cruise is to use an Amex card rather than MC or Visa for the deposit.  If things go pear-shape, Amex will look back further to allow you to charge back on the card – and thereby preserve the insurance for a roll-over to another trip.

That would be great if I had an AMEX card! I had planned to get one for a big trip but never did. I did learn that from this boards that AMEX treated people the best.

 

I put the $900 down already but pricing hasn't come out yet. Supposedly in January or February, they will release pricing and then I can decide if I am going or not and then it becomes non-refundable. Our group has 4 of the 6 single cabins when we held the cabins in October. I think it is 6 cabins they have for singles (maybe 8). It is a Tauck land, rr trip and then river cruise.

 

I am off next week. I will look into getting an AMEX card. The problem is the one I want is $$$$ and I have a ton of medical bills from my accident last trip that Allianz paid well on but since I chose to return to the US, I had to pay for all the deductibles/out of pocket on my surgery on my own dime until insurance kicked in.

[3Shelaghs]

Cancelled for this reason. But as someone said, there are many other cruise lines that do not operate with this heavy handed final payment burden 1-1/2 years out from cruise. Why would fiscally responsible people hand over thousands to an unknown to make your money work for them?? 

I would think as times get tougher, the company will need to rethink their rules.

Cheap upfront deposit sales fill the beds, but how many of them actually take that cruise? 

When I enquired re booking close to sail date, I was told final payment is due at that time. No deposit, just full payment.

They also do not offer cancellation insurance for Canadians. Strange since most other lines do. Nor do they offer prepurchase of transfers without land portion.

Some one should draw up a spreadsheet of which lines offer what. On a snowy day, by the fire, dog at your feet, start the research!

[capecodollie]

I was the original poster of this subject back in March.  I just made final payment this week for the 2025 trip.  While I contemplated cancelling, I had discounts and vouchers totaling over $3000 committed to this trip.  I was "pot committed" so to speak.  I also purchased Viking's trip insurance, about $1700 on a $13,000 trip.  There were other policies that were less expensive, but Viking's was the rare policy that let's you "cancel for any reason".  I felt that was worth a couple of hundred dollars extra.

 

I have learned some of Viking's reasons for the extraordinarily early full payment.   As part of their business model they require full payment so they can staff their ships, book personnel for excursions and lock in provisions at today's rates (or as much as possible).  So for them, it's an inflationary control.  Apparently early, committed (paid in full passengers) has contributed to their success.

 

From the customer's viewpoint, by booking and paying so far in advance, you MAY be locking in a fare that is less expensive than it would have been had you booked it six months ahead of sailing instead of sixteen months.  Combine that with the 3.3% they knock off for an ECheck payment, or whatever you may receive on your rewards credit card, and perhaps it's a wash on the interest you would have earned on that money....perhaps.

[gnome12]

2 hours ago, capecodollie said:

There were other policies that were less expensive, but Viking's was the rare policy that let's you "cancel for any reason".  I felt that was worth a couple of hundred dollars extra.

Just remember that you don't get cash back, only future cruise credit if  you use the "cancel for any reason" provision, which keeps you coming back to the early payment requirement and, if you are a solo traveller - I know that you aren't the one who most recently commented so probably not - stuck with the 100% single supplement.

[notamermaid]

10 minutes ago, gnome12 said:

Just remember that you don't get cash back, only future cruise credit if  you use the "cancel for any reason" provision, which keeps you coming back to the early payment requirement and, if you are a solo traveller - I know that you aren't the one who most recently commented so probably not - stuck with the 100% single supplement.

The early payment and the, in many cases related to here on cruisecritic, policy of getting a voucher rather than money back (refund) is what makes me never to want to travel with Viking. Added to that, the idea that they will bus me through Europe when there is flooding or low water is a turnoff.

 

On 12/17/2023 at 10:43 PM, phoenixjewel said:

Changing cruise lines isn't really an option at this point because I'm going with friends (though I booked into a solo cabin) and this is their selection,

A tough decision. I will never need to make it as such early full payment is not an issue in Germany, it just does not happen. It will be a gamble if you go for cancelling. Yes, it may well sell out as the marketing of Viking works perfectly. Brutally speaking, are you willing to go along with the decision of your friends, could you sway them to another line if you wanted to? How important is it for you to gamble for a better deal and then potentially loose the cabin? How important is it for you to go?`Why are they willing to part with money so early, what is their reasoning?

 

I hope another past cruisers who has cancelled and rebooked comments here and that you find the solution that is right for you.

 

notamermaid