Cruise lines cancel voyages in China

THE growing health emergency in China has begun to affect some of the major cruise lines, with MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean both cancelling cruises departing from the country to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement, MSC said it was required to cancel a planned sailing on board MSC Splendida from Shanghai on 28 Jan, in line with guidelines mandated by the Chinese Government.

Guests who had purchased tickets for the cruise have been given the option to receive a full refund or book on an alternative sailing with an equivalent price.

Rescheduled bookings will receive additional onboard credit for any cruise departing before the end of the year.

The cruise line also indicated to CW that Splendida is likely to remain in port for the duration of the cruise from 28 Jan to 01 Feb.

“We will continue to closely monitor the public health and safety situation in China and are consulting with int’l and local health authorities...and will strictly follow their advice & recommendations,” MSC said.

Meanwhile Royal Caribbean has informed CW that it has suspended Spectrum of the Seas sailings that were due to depart Shanghai on 27 & 31 Jan.

The decision was made in consultation with the World

Health Organization and are characterised as “preventive measures” to protect the health of its guests and crew.

Guests who were booked on the sailings will be given full refunds.

Royal also stated that pax who have travelled to the Hubei Province in China would be denied entry to its ships, and anyone who has visited other regions in China in the past 14 days would also need to undergo medical screenings.