Most people have put their holiday plans on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Cruise voyages have been suspended and flights have been cancelled, leading to an influx of refunds. But while cruise customers were hoping for their future voyage plans to remain intact, their holiday dreams may have just been dashed.
Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd said that covid-19 is still having a “significant impact on communities” across the globe.
He said: “With COVID-19 continuing to have a significant impact on communities throughout the world, we are extending our temporary suspension of cruise voyages across our three brands through May 10.
While we understand this disruption may inconvenience our loyal guests and valued travel partners, we are committed first and foremost to protecting the safety, security and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit.
“We appreciate their continued understanding as we navigate through these unprecedented times and do our part to help global efforts to contain this pandemic.”
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Guests who are currently booked on voyages with embarkation dates between March 13 and May 10 2020 on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises have been asked to contact their travel agent or the cruise line for more information.
Royal Caribbean said that the move was to provide “peace of mind in guest travel planning”.
They said they are now extending its ‘Cruise with Confidence’ cancellation policy to September 1 2020.
The updated policy will allow customers to plan flexibly and cancel their voyages up to 48 hours prior to sailing for any reason.
However, guests will not receive a cash refund but credit instead which is usable on any future sailing of choice in 2020 or 2021.
Company chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: “Guests are reacting positively to our Cruise with Confidence policy.
“Because it enables them to make informed decisions and to better manage complicated travel plans during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.”
“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings.
“Because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility.”
The extension applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.
The policy applies to all cruises with sailing dates on or before September 1, 2020, and applies to the company’s global brands.
Royal Caribbean Cruises is a renowned global cruise company that controls and operates four brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises.
