Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Dream Cruise Turns to Nightmare

For many travelers, booking a cruise is the realization of a lifelong dream. Being able to sail to exotic destinations while enjoying luxurious amenities and fine dining is an aspirational vacation. So when Viking announced its 2023 Around the World Cruise, adventurous souls rejoiced at the chance to circumnavigate the globe by ship over 245 days. At prices starting around $100,000 per person, it represented the ultimate escape.

Yet dreams can turn into nightmares, as disappointed cruisers recently discovered. On July 11th, Viking alerted guests that construction delays meant the Viking Neptune would not be ready in time for the late 2021 departure. Just like that, a cruise five years in the planning was canceled.

Stunned passengers flooded Viking's social media with reactions ranging from anger to despair. Many had already paid in full and made extensive preparations. As one guest put it, "We sold our house, bought an RV, and planned to tour the USA for a year prior. That's all gone now too."

Others expressed sheer heartbreak. "I'm devastated. I saved for years to do this amazing trip. I turned 70 this year and don't know if I'll be healthy enough in 2022," wrote one woman. For her and others, this trip represented a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that may now never happen.

Making matters worse is the lack of warning. One might expect construction delays with a massive new ship, but Viking gave no indication of trouble until cancelling outright. Left in the lurch, cruisers complained of wasted money on flights, hotels, and excursions.

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Full Refunds for Booked Passengers

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Shipbuilder Fincantieri Takes Blame

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - 245-Day Odyssey Around the World Scrubbed

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Viking Neptune to Set Sail in 2022 Instead

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Cruise Would Have Visited Six Continents

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Passengers Vow to Try Again Next Year

Despite the heartbreak of having their dream voyage canceled, many determined cruisers have vowed to try again when the Around the World Cruise launches in 2022. Their perseverance speaks to the magnetic allure of circumnavigating the globe by ship.

Sailing around the world represents far more than a vacation for those who booked the original odyssey. It is the fulfillment of lifelong goals and bucket list aspirations. After investing substantial time and money into planning the trip, passengers are not about to give up so easily.

Sue K., a retired teacher from Michigan, admits feeling crushed when news of the cancellation arrived. “I cried for two days straight,” she said. “But this has been my dream since I was a little girl looking at maps. I’m absolutely trying again next year, even if I have to win the lottery to pay for it!”

Ken T., an Australian business executive, echoed this steely resolution among cruisers. “We’re all obviously gutted, but I haven’t heard of anyone canceling outright,” he said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. We’re all prepared to do whatever it takes to make it happen.”

Indeed, passengers have demonstrated remarkable flexibility in the wake of their plans going awry. Those who booked extensive land excursions through Viking have worked tirelessly to rearrange hotel stays, tour guides, and private transfers.

Others have scrambled to change international flights booked over a year in advance. Travelers flying in from Australia, Asia and Europe faced the biggest logistical challenges. But all remain undeterred in their quest.

“I had to completely rebook four international flights and three domestic connections, but it’s just money at the end of the day,” revealed Dina K., a retired attorney from Texas. “This trip is what matters. We’ll make it work, whatever it takes.”

Most cruisers expressed supreme confidence that that Viking will make things right in 2022. The company’s full refunds and generous future cruise credit have reinforced that trust. “Viking has always treated us well. I’m not worried about next year,” notes Bernard T., a Canadian sales executive.

Indeed, Viking’s sterling reputation has kept nervous passengers from abandoning ship, so to speak. The cruise line is known for delivering superb service and treating guests like family. Many cruisers cited the relationship they’ve built with Viking over multiple vacations.

Smooth Sailing No More - World's Longest Cruise Abruptly Canceled After Ship Construction Delays - Cruise Industry Disappointed Over Cancellation

The abrupt cancellation of Viking's 2023 Around the World Cruise sent shockwaves far beyond just those booked on the sailing. Across the broader cruise industry, companies and enthusiasts registered dismay and disappointment.

For veteran cruisers like Jerry K., the news hit hard. "I've sailed with Viking many times and love their ships. I was really excited to see them expand into exotic around the world itineraries," he lamented. "It's a shame they couldn't pull it off for 2023 but I'm still eager to see it happen someday."

Industry analysts also rued the lost potential of such an ambitious new offering. "This had the chance to be a game changer, attracting major media coverage and new cruisers to the concept of circumnavigating by ship," explained cruise expert Nate D.

"Look at all the ways cruising has evolved over the decades. Mega-ships, private islands, roller coasters on board—it's an industry of big dreams," noted Jimmy K., editor of Cruise Fanatic magazine.

"No other vacation compares to literally circumnavigating the planet by ship," enthused longtime cruiser Barb R. "Even though I'm disappointed, when Viking gets this right in 2023 I'll be at the front of the line to book."

That resilient enthusiasm heartens those invested in cruising and its future. They know their community thrives on chasing bold dreams across the seven seas. With time, even this setback will fade.