The coronavirus outbreak situation has affected numerous people across the world. Cruise lines around the world have been feeling the impact of the coronavirus situation. Today (3/13/2020) Cruise Lines International Association Announced a voluntary suspension of US cruise operations. The voluntary suspension is scheduled to begin at 12:00am on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
(Note: Cruise lines can take this a step further and voluntarily suspend operations for longer if they wish).
What about cruises currently sailing?
There will be numerous cruise ships throughout the United States that are scheduled to dock tomorrow for homeport operations (this is normal). When these ships dock, the ships will conduct debarkation operations. However, this voluntary suspension of cruises means that embarking guests will not be getting on. For cruises expected to end at a later time, most likely these cruises will end their voyages at the normally scheduled time unless an individual cruise line makes the decision to end the cruise earlier or is instructed to do so by authorities.
What if my cruise was one of the sailings that is now suspended?
Check your cruise line's website for specific information about how cancellations are being handled. The entire coronavirus situation has been evolving over the past few weeks and cruise lines are having to constantly update information available to guests, travel agents, and employees.
I Need To Talk To My Cruise Line, But The Phone Lines Aren't Working: What Should I Do?
The only thing I can recommend is you keep trying. Several people have reported online that calling cruise lines has been extremely difficult and the phone wait times have been long. This is due to several people calling with questions and to cancel or modify a booking. If you use a travel agent, I recommend calling him or her.
This information is intended to be generic. For more information on the CLIA voluntary suspension I recommend you click here to view CLIA's press release. Please note, information is subject to change and can vary by cruise line. Please check with your cruise line for the latest information.
(Note: Cruise lines can take this a step further and voluntarily suspend operations for longer if they wish).
What about cruises currently sailing?
There will be numerous cruise ships throughout the United States that are scheduled to dock tomorrow for homeport operations (this is normal). When these ships dock, the ships will conduct debarkation operations. However, this voluntary suspension of cruises means that embarking guests will not be getting on. For cruises expected to end at a later time, most likely these cruises will end their voyages at the normally scheduled time unless an individual cruise line makes the decision to end the cruise earlier or is instructed to do so by authorities.
What if my cruise was one of the sailings that is now suspended?
Check your cruise line's website for specific information about how cancellations are being handled. The entire coronavirus situation has been evolving over the past few weeks and cruise lines are having to constantly update information available to guests, travel agents, and employees.
I Need To Talk To My Cruise Line, But The Phone Lines Aren't Working: What Should I Do?
The only thing I can recommend is you keep trying. Several people have reported online that calling cruise lines has been extremely difficult and the phone wait times have been long. This is due to several people calling with questions and to cancel or modify a booking. If you use a travel agent, I recommend calling him or her.
This information is intended to be generic. For more information on the CLIA voluntary suspension I recommend you click here to view CLIA's press release. Please note, information is subject to change and can vary by cruise line. Please check with your cruise line for the latest information.