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Spending $22,000 on a European river cruise was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime for Atlanta couple John and Rosemary Kaasa. After a major health scare, the 15-day voyage was meant to be a celebratory return to travel.
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But from the start, the journey was riddled with problems. Sweltering cabins, equipment failures and other frustrations piled up, leaving the Kaasas and many fellow passengers sick and miserable instead of rested.
“There was no escaping it. It was miserable,” John Kaasa said told Channel 2 [1] consumer investigator Justin Gray.
A $22K cruise plagued with failures
From the start, problems mounted. Their first ship’s air conditioning failed during a European heat wave, leaving passengers in stifling cabins for days. When low river levels forced a transfer to a second ship, the Kaasas hoped for relief, but that vessel’s cooling system also broke down, and a leaking ceiling made conditions worse.
Then, sickness began spreading through the ship.
“I’d walk up and down the hall, and all you could hear was people coughing one room after another,” John Kaasa said.
By the time the trip ended, both John and Rosemary were diagnosed with bronchitis. Frustrated, Rosemary took her complaint to the top, writing directly to Viking’s CEO. The company’s initial response was a $1,000 credit toward another cruise. She decided to escalate further, reaching out to Channel 2 Action News.
Only after she escalated to Channel 2 did Viking revisit the case and reach an amicable settlement. The couple believes they wouldn’t have seen a refund without media pressure.
“We were beyond angry — just very, very disappointed,” John said.
It seems to be part of a broader pattern when it comes to travel. In 2024, U.S. airline customers filed a record 66,675 complaints with the Department of Transportation, according to a report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund [2].
Read more: Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
How to protect yourself before you set sail
The Kaasas’ ordeal highlights a common problem: getting refunds or compensation from travel companies can be a long, uphill battle. That’s why protecting yourself before you book is so important. Here are some things you can do.
Know who to call: If you booked directly with the cruise line, start there. If you use a travel agent, lean on them to navigate the best course of action.
Review cancellation rules: They’re not exactly glamorous reading, but they’ll tell you how much money you’d lose if you back out close to departure. Refundable deposits offer flexibility if plans change.
Consider travel insurance: While it may feel like an extra expense, but it can save you thousands of dollars if illness, delays or emergencies strike.
Escalate any issues: If you do encounter an issue that the company won’t resolve, agencies like the Department of Transportation [3] or consumer watchdogs can step in.
The Kaasa’s story serves as a reminder that even a carefully planned dream vacation can go off course, and why travelers should protect themselves before setting sail.
How to save for your dream vacation
Not every vacation turns into a horror story. With proper research and smart planning, you can turn your trip into a collection of moments you’ll never forget.
Whether it’s a family getaway or a solo “eat, pray, love” style adventure, saving up for it can make all the difference.
If you’re planning to or already have an existing vacation fund, consider keeping it in a high-yield savings account and make sure your money works harder for you.
With a Wealthfront Cash account, you could earn up to 4.50% APY on your uninvested cash for your first three months (0.50% APY boost on top of the 4.00% base variable APY) provided by program banks. That’s over ten times the national deposit savings rate, according to the FDIC’s September report.
With no minimum balances or account fees, as well as 24/7 withdrawals and free domestic wire transfers, you can ensure your funds remain accessible at all times. Plus, Wealthfront Cash account balances of up to $8 million are insured by the FDIC.
Another option you may want to consider is certificates of deposit (CDs) if you’re planning for your vacation months in advance. CDs typically offer higher interest rates compared to savings accounts, but the initial deposit remains locked in during the investment period.
You can shop around for CD rates offered by banks and financial institutions near you through MyBankTracker.
MyBankTracker offers side-by-side comparisons of CD rates, terms, and features, helping you find the best option without having to visit multiple websites or field calls from agents. You can also get personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, preferred investment period and risk tolerance.
Americans spend an average of $7,249 on a trip in 2025 — a 24% hike since last year, according to a survey conducted by Squaremouth. But there are ways to offset this cost.
For instance, you can earn up to 8% cashback on gas, dining, and groceries with Upside. Whether you plan on going to fine dining restaurants or your local greasy spoon, you can find and claim offers at locations near you and earn cashback on every transaction.
Plus, you can get an extra 25 cents off per gallon with code MONEYWISE25 on your first transaction when you sign up — a handy perk especially if you’re vacation includes a long road trip.
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Article sources
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[1]. WSB-TV. “This couple says their ‘trip of a lifetime’ turned into a nightmare. Here’s their warning | WSB-TV”
[2]. U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “Plane Truth 2025: Airline complaints rise”
[3]. Department of Transportation. "Refunds"
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.