Royal Caribbean Cruises suspends again

ROYAL Caribbean Cruises has extended its global fleet suspension until 12 May, adding a month to the original resumption date of 11 Apr revealed earlier this month (CW 15 Mar).

Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Azamara and Silversea voyages will all be affected.

In a statement issued earlier today, the cruise line said it was apologetic for any inconvenience the expanded cancellations would cause to its customers.

“We are working with our guests to address this disruption to their vacations, and we are genuinely sorry for their inconvenience,” the line said.

“We are also working with our crew to sort out the issues this decision presents for them.”

The 12 May date will apply to all regions except for Alaska, Canada and New England sailings, which will now commence from 01 Jul, a decision taken out of the cruise line’s hands when the Canadian Government announced earlier this month that its ports would be closed to any ship carrying more than 500 passengers until at least Jul in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Scheduled sailings on board Voyager of the Seas will also be knocked back slightly further to Jun due to ongoing port closures.

As a result of the latest cancellations, the line is allocating all affected guests with a 125% future cruise credit to be used for sailings until 31 Dec 2021.

These credits will be automatically issued by email on 30 Apr, and any guests considering a full refund will have up until 31 Dec 2021 to make up their minds due to the “fluid situation”, with funds to be returned within 30 days of making the request.

Air and hotel purchases made through the cruise line will also be fully refunded.

For customers impacted by the first suspension who have since paid more money for a booking during the extended suspension period, they will receive two 125% cruise credits, one for the original booking and another equal to 125% of any funds paid towards a cruise fare as part of a new booking.