Is Viking Cruise Line in Financial Trouble?

By Anna Duncan

It has been a tough year for the travel industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and cruise lines have been hit particularly hard. Among the cruise lines that have felt the impact of the pandemic is Viking Cruise Line.

What is Viking Cruise Line?
Viking Cruise Line is a luxury cruise line that offers river and ocean cruises in various parts of the world. The company was founded in 1997 by Torstein Hagen, who is still its chairman.

The Financial Situation:
Since the start of the pandemic, Viking has had to cancel many of its sailings due to travel restrictions and safety concerns. This has resulted in significant financial losses for the company. For example, in March 2020, Viking had to halt all operations because of COVID-19, resulting in a loss of revenue estimated at $250 million per month.

In addition to cancellations and lost revenue, Viking also faced challenges with refunds and customer complaints. Many customers were unhappy with how long it took to receive their refunds or with the customer service they received when trying to reschedule their trips.

Viking’s Response:
To address these challenges, Viking implemented several initiatives to help customers affected by cancellations or delays due to COVID-19. These initiatives included offering future cruise vouchers worth 125% of what customers paid for their canceled trips instead of providing full refunds.

Viking also introduced new health and safety protocols on its ships that comply with regulations from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These measures include daily temperature checks for staff and passengers, social distancing guidelines, and increased sanitation measures.

Conclusion:
While it is true that Viking Cruise Line has been impacted by the pandemic like other cruise lines, it has taken steps to address its financial situation and ensure customer safety moving forward. However, it is important for potential travelers to do their own research and weigh the risks and benefits of taking a cruise during these uncertain times.

Overall, Viking Cruise Line remains a top contender for luxury river and ocean cruises.