Cruise lines scramble to adjust policies amid coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know
As coronavirus concerns stir waves of uncertainty for cruise ship passengers who are now trying to cancel or postpone their trips, the industry is scrambling to adjust its policies to placate customers.
“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” said Richard Fain, the chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
The cruise company announced its new “Cruise With Confidence” policy Friday morning.
Carnival on Friday also announced changes to its policies on rescheduling itineraries.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said it will allow guests to cancel cruises as late as two days before departure.
The new “Cruise With Confidence” policy applies to passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea ships.
Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of their choice in 2020 or 2021, according to Fain. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.
“Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress,” Fain said in a statement. “Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.”
This rain check option will also apply to future bookings so passengers can adjust those plans without penalty, Fain said.
“We think putting more control in our guests’ hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary,” he said.
The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020, and will be offered by the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea.
Full details of the “Cruise with Confidence” policy can be found at the respective brand websites: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises.
Carnival
Carnival has also adjusted its policies amid COVID-19 concerns and a rush of passengers clamoring to cancel or change their trips. The changes allow for flexibility and provide several options, said Colleen Oliverio, Carnival’s vice president of guest services.
Guests who choose to keep their booking as currently scheduled for departures between Friday, March 6, and May 31, will receive the following Onboard Credit amounts:
▪ $100 per cabin for three- and four-day cruises.
▪ $150 per cabin for five-day cruises.
▪ $200 per cabin for six-day and longer cruises.
“If you choose to continue to sail with us, we will automatically apply your onboard credit to your sail and sign. There is no need to call us,” Oliverio said in a statement.
Guests booked on Carnival Radiance European itineraries will have to wait a few days for the company to finalize some itinerary changes and a special offer that will be announced shortly, Oliverio’s release said. Carnival has also posted a travel health advisory on Carnival.com.
If you booked before March 6, and if you decide to change your vacation plans, Carnival will allow those booked on sailings between March 6 and May 31 to move their booking to a new date and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of the nonrefundable cancellation fee.
Guests booked on sailings departing March 9-31 can move their bookings to a future date up to three days before sailing. If the cruise departs between March 6-8, call Carnival at 800-764-7419 for this offer.
Guests booked on sailings departing between April 1 and May 31 can move their bookings to a future date by March 31.
The Future Credit Cruise must be used for a sailing by March 31, 2021.
If you opt for this offer, after you book your cruise, provide that new booking information to have your Future Credit Cruise processed at www.carnival.com/request-forms/reimbursement-form.aspx.
“We continue to implement increased monitoring, screening and sanitation protocols to protect the health of our guests, crew and the residents of the destinations we serve,” Oliverio said. “Our measures are designed to be flexible to adapt to changing conditions and recommended best practices.”
Other cruise lines
Cruise Critic has also posted updates for several other cruise lines — including Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Viking and others.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 11:31 AM.
