Can I Transfer My Viking Cruise to Another Person?

Viking cruises are not transferable to others as per the terms of the Passenger Ticket Contract, which makes certain that bookings are not transferable and only valid for the booked passengers.

Now you have a question: Can I pass my Viking cruise along to someone else?

This is the real fact most people wouldn't know until it's too late. The Viking's Passenger Ticket Contract states that bookings are not transferable and only valid for the passengers whose names appear on the reservation. For instance, you can't give your cruise to someone as if it were a concert ticket.

Moreover, this isn't a detail of fine print. It's an integral aspect of Viking's booking process and it's used in most cases where a complete passenger change out is desired. If you thought you could just give your spot to someone else, Viking's norm is that's not possible.

However, there are a couple of things you can do. But don't panic yet!

Although direct passengers' transfers are not allowed, there is still some flexibility depending on the situation. Here's a straightforward explanation of what Viking does and doesn't do:

As you can see, there is not a lot of choice, but it's not that there is no choice at all. It's all about knowing which one door is still open to make any decisions.

This is one thing you can do in your favor. If you made a booking directly with Viking, you can contact them to have it converted into a booking with a travel agent. Move usually occurs within 30-60 days of the original booking, and must be completed prior to final payment.

This doesn't imply the cruise is transferred to a different passenger now. Rather, it means that a travel agent will assume responsibility for your booking. In some cases, however, it can be beneficial to deal with a travel consultant as they are often in direct contact with Viking and have a better understanding of them and the circumstances they can be helpful with.

In case you're stuck, having a travel agent be a part of the equation isn't really one of the most clever things you are able to do.

2. Cancel and Rebook Under the New Passenger's Name.

This is the straightforward method but it does require a price tag. When the Viking cruise name change policy is followed, the change of who is on the booking is normally done by canceling the original booking and rebooking the sailing for the new traveler.

Before taking this turn, here are some things to remember:

• Cancellation fees will probably be in effect and will escalate closer to the departure date.

• This new passenger will have to pay the same rate as the one at the time of booking, possibly higher than your initial rate.

• Promotions and early bookings discounts will not be transferred to the new booking.

Also, one should note that the Viking cruise name change fee structure is not always clearly disclosed. The actual cancellation and rebooking costs may vary depending on your sailing distance away. For the best number, get a direct contact from Viking or speak with your travel agent before making any decisions.

Unfortunately, future cruise vouchers offered by Viking cannot be transferred. They are only available for the original passenger and will not be handed down to someone else, even a close family member.

Unfortunately, under the current Viking cruise transfer policy, if you were hoping to give it to someone else or use it for a different traveller on your cruise, this isn't possible.

You can take some steps now to make you more flexible in the future rather than waiting for a problem to occur:

• Purchase travel insurance: A complete travel insurance policy will help you save from losing out on the entire investment when you have to cancel your cruise for various reasons such as illness, damage in the case of emergency or unexpected events.

• Book from the beginning with a travel agent: Agents may be able to speak up for you in ways that you can't, and have direct access to Viking's support teams.

• Please read the Passenger Ticket Contract carefully prior to booking: All the terms of transferring and cancelling are explained there as well, so that no one will be surprised later.

• If you're faced with a change in circumstances, don't put it off: The sooner you call Viking or your travel agent, the more options you'll have available.

Whether you need to swap passengers, make a name change or just want to know what the Viking cruise name change cost will be in your case, the initial step is to call Viking directly or your travel advisor as soon as possible.

Procrastination will only narrow your options even more. Viking's customer service team can explain what you can do depending on the type of booking, departure time and type of fares. Each situation is unique, and the sooner you have clarity, the more you will be able to be in the right position to make the right call.

The greatest lesson to be learned here is to not wait till the last minute. Contact early, consider options, and purchase a good travel insurance plan before you need it. It is that one step that may literally save you thousands of dollars in cruising expenses you just can't take.

Want to learn more about your personal booking? The best advice is to use as much as time as you can with Viking or a travel agent that has the experience of understanding the intricacies of cruise contracting.