lizzytish55

We booked the Rhine Discovery cruise in April of 2016. It was scheduled to depart 1 week after the bombing in Brussels took place. Viking offered us a 'cruise voucher' and we were told there were no restrictions except that we were required to book within a year. Sounded like the best option as we fully intended to reschedule. We had purchased separate insurance (not through Viking) that would have completely covered the cruise with a refund. We wish had opted to place the claim. We received via email, 2 vouchers (one for my husband and one for me) in the amount of the full cruise - cruise, hotel and air. There was nothing in the email indicating that there were restrictions of any kind and no other paperwork.

Four months later, here we are trying to book a cruise and use our vouchers. Three different representatives in Customer Relations told us in no uncertain terms that we could not use any part of the voucher on anything other than the cruise portion. So, it wasn't valid for air through Viking, for the land portion of the trip or any extensions which meant we would use only 1/2 of the amount of the voucher. Needless to say we were very upset!

Thankfully, we finally reached an individual who reviewed the situation under which the voucher was issued and we were finally given the full amount towards our cruise. For the person who also received their voucher under the same circumstances keep calling customer relations until you reach someone who will help you.

However, be warned. Viking insurance that you purchase and than use under the 'cancel for any reason' comes back as a voucher that can only be used on the cruise part of your trip. That is why when you book a trip they list the cruise, hotel, air and extensions separately. So, do your homework before you purchase Viking insurance. They are EXPENSIVE (almost twice the amount of other insurance) and what you think you are getting isn't what you actually get. I'm not sure how the insurance works for a medical or death claim so look carefully before you buy.

Best of luck redeeming your vouchers! I hope you can use them without problems.

Thank you so much for your responses. I have reposted my question in river cruising as you suggested.

My husband and I are considering an 8 day Viking cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest that leaves on October 29th. Has anyone ever cruised during that time of year? Is it really cold and rainy? I'd hate to go and not be able to do much because of the weather.

Thank you!!

My husband and I are considering a Viking cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg on October 29th. The cruise would end on Nov. 6th. Has anyone ever done this cruise during this time of year? We are concerned about the weather. Is really cold and rainy during this time or is it more like fall weather - brisk but nice? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!