This 3.5-Year World Cruise Was Scheduled to Depart in May. Passengers Are Still Waiting.
Cruise Line Blames COVID-19 Pandemic
Passengers Frustrated, Seek Refunds or Compensation
A 3.5-year world cruise that was scheduled to depart in May has been delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving passengers frustrated and seeking refunds or compensation.
The cruise, operated by Viking Cruises, was scheduled to depart from London on May 15 and visit over 50 countries and 111 ports before returning to London in April 2024.
However, in a statement released in March, Viking Cruises announced that the cruise had been postponed due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions.
Passengers Left in Limbo
The delay has left passengers in limbo, with many unsure whether they will be able to rebook the cruise or receive a refund.
Some passengers have expressed frustration with Viking Cruises' handling of the situation, saying that they have not been provided with clear information or updates on the status of the cruise.
According to a report by the BBC, some passengers have even threatened legal action against Viking Cruises if they are not given a refund or compensation.
Cruise Line Cites Force Majeure
Viking Cruises has defended its decision to postpone the cruise, saying that it is acting in the best interests of passengers and crew.
The cruise line has cited force majeure, a legal clause that allows for the cancellation of contracts due to unforeseen circumstances, as the reason for the delay.
However, some passengers have argued that the pandemic is not an unforeseen circumstance, as the cruise line was aware of the risks of COVID-19 when it sold the tickets.
Passengers Seek Refunds and Compensation
Many passengers have requested refunds or compensation from Viking Cruises, but the cruise line has not yet announced a policy on this.
Some passengers have also filed complaints with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a trade association for the cruise industry.
CLIA has said that it is working with Viking Cruises to resolve the issue and ensure that passengers are fairly compensated.
Conclusion
The delay of this 3.5-year world cruise is a major disappointment for passengers who had been looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While Viking Cruises has cited the pandemic as the reason for the delay, some passengers are questioning whether the cruise line could have done more to prevent the situation.
Passengers are now waiting for further updates from Viking Cruises and hoping that they will be able to rebook the cruise or receive a refund or compensation.
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