Windstar Cruises has announced its decision to suspend all cruise operations beginning Saturday, March 14 until April 30.
They cite the closure of ports, airline suspensions, restrictions on public gatherings, and the health and quarantine risks – all caused by the coronavirus – as reasons for the decision to suspend their sailings.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Princess Cruises has suspended cruise operations of its 18 ships for two months, affecting voyages departing from March 12 to May 10.
Guests who are currently on a cruise that is set to end in the next five days, will not be affected by the suspension. These cruises will continue to sail as per their itinerary. However, a cruise that has an itinerary that extends beyond March 17 will end at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.
During this time, Princess’s operations and medical teams will remain on standby to address any matters that could directly affect guests and crew on board.
Princess is also implementing a policy waiver that gives guests who made bookings on or after February 4, 2020, the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice.
In addition, guests who accept this offer will be given a future cruise credit benefit that can be applied to the cruise fare. The future cruise credit is valid for any voyage departing after May 10, 2020 to May 1, 2022 but if the guest does not wish to accept the credit option, they can complete an electronic form on the company’s website to request a cash refund.
Princess is also committed to protecting agent commission on cancelled bookings that were paid in full and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.
The company plans to lift the suspension and return to cruise operations on May 11, 2020.
In other COVID-19 cruise related news updates:
Viking Cruises:
Viking Cruises has suspended river and ocean cruise operations until May 1, 2020, impacting voyages departing from March 12 to April 30.
Guests will be offered the choice of a future cruise voucher valued at 125% of the monies paid to Viking, or a refund equal to the amount paid. The voucher is valid for 24 months and can be used to book any river, ocean or expedition cruise. For additional flexibility, guests who are unable to use their voucher will receive an automatic refund equal to the original amount paid.
Virgin Voyages:
Virgin Voyages has postponed its upcoming Scarlet Lady events in New York until further notice.
Instead, Lady Scarlet will sail to its new homeport in Miami, where family and friends of crew members will be invited to attend a complimentary test sailing.
