Coronavirus: cruising suspensions, refunds and updates

17 March 2020 . BY Carla Grossetti

Last updated . 27 April 2020

A comprehensive guide to help Australians keep on top of the latest cruising suspensions, compensation offers and updates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian government has banned all cruise ships which have sailed from a foreign port from entering Australian ports for 30 days in the latest round of travel restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The restrictions, which came into effect at 12 am on March 16, prompted the majority of cruising companies (who hadn’t already) to suspend operations well into April.

Here you will find up to date information on if your cruise is sailing, what companies are offering booked passengers and where to find more information.

Skip ahead to your cruise:

*note: all information is accurate as of 6 am of March 17 – but is expected to change as the story develops*

Ocean Cruising Companies

Cunard Line

Update: Cunard is temporarily suspending North American cruise departures from March 14 through April 11, 2020.

Cunard is temporarily suspending North American cruise departures.

Statement from Cunard

Cunard has temporarily suspended its North American cruise departures from March 14 through April 11, 2020. Cunard president Simon Palethorpe released a video statement saying the company was facing unprecedent times due to the coronavirus. He says the cruise line is continually assessing the impact of the latest developments and health advice and making adjustments to its itineraries and procedures.

“For those travelling to Cunard, I’d like to outline the measures we have in place to protect you and your holiday with us. Travel and medical screening is being conducted at all embarkation ports before any guests crew or visitors are allowed onboard our ships with further medical evaluation if necessary,” he says.

What Cunard is offering its passengers

Given this is an evolving situation and guidelines from the authorities are changing daily, Palethorpe says Cunard’s response and policies may be updated.

“We have temporarily changed our booking terms and conditions to provide flexibility for a voyage with us over the coming months. We want to make sure you have the holiday you deserve either at the time you have planned or at a time of your choice in the future,” Palethorpe said in the statement.

Given the circumstances, Cunard has temporarily relaxed its cancellation policy. If you’re booked on a Cunard voyage sailing before August 31, 2020, you may now cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure. Guests sailing before this date can transfer their booking to any Cunard voyage currently on sale, while those who cancel will receive a Future Cruise Credit equivalent to the cancellation fees (refunds will be given on any remaining monies paid).

For more information

For full details of screening measures and Cunard’s response to COVID-19, visit the website.

Princess Cruises

Update: Princess Cruises has suspended its fleet operations until May 10.

Princes Cruises has temporarily suspended its fleet operations.

Statement from Princess Cruises

In a statement released on March 12, 2020, the president of Princess Cruises, Jan Swartz, said it’s widely known that the cruise line has been managing the implications of the pandemic on two continents after passengers and crew tested positive for the virus on two Princess Cruises ships.

Swartz says the company’s proactive response – to pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months, will impact all voyages departing before May 10. “Current voyages that are under way and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for our guests. We will do everything in our power to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible,” Swartz says.

“By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” added Swartz.

What Princess is offering its passengers

Princess is offering full refunds to passengers who were expecting to sail with Princess before May 11 or the opportunity to transfer 100 percent of the fares paid to future cruises. Princess will also offer an additional Future Cruise Credit benefit that can be applied to a future cruise or onboard expenses as an extra incentive for passengers to accept a future cruise.

Princess will also honour this offer for anyone who had made their final payment, but cancelled their booking on or after February 4, 2020. This Future Cruise Credit can be used on any Princess voyage departing through May 1, 2022.

For more information

For full details of screening measures and Cunard’s response to COVID-19, visit the website.

Carnival Cruise Line

Update: Carnival Cruise Line announced on March 25 that it will extend its voluntary suspension of all Australian sailings until May 15, 2020.

Carnival Cruises will pause operations across its fleet of ships based in North America.

Statement from Carnival Cruise Line

In a statement released March 25, Carnival Cruise Line announced that after discussions with the Australian government and in support the efforts to manage and contain the virus, it has made the decision to extend its voluntary suspension with a plan to resume operations on May 15, 2020.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy stated, “The impact of COVID-19 is affecting business and personal routines around the world. We understand it is not ideal to have your cruise holiday postponed; however, we all have a role to play in stopping the spread of this virus during this unprecedented time. We will get through these tough times together and look forward to welcoming our guests back onboard again soon, when the time is right.”

What Carnival is offering its passengers

Carnival is contacting booked passengers directly regarding their upcoming cruise and their options.

For passengers booked on cancelled sailings of more than six days, Carnival is offering the option of either a full refund or a 100 per cent cruise credit, plus $600 per cabin in onboard credit. Those booked on cancelled voyages of five nights or less can choose between a full refund or a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit plus an onboard credit of $300 per cabin.

All taxes, fees, and line-sponsored shore excursions and beverage package costs will be refunded to the original form of payment.

Cruisers who booked independent airfare are advised to check with their airlines regarding flight changes, cancellations and refunds.

For more information

For full details on screening measures and Carnival’s response to COVID-19, visit the website.

P&O Cruises Australia

Update: P&O Cruises Australia announced on March 25 it was extending its voluntary pause in operations across Australia and New Zealand until May 15, 2020.

P&O Cruises Australia has temporarily cancelled all cruises.

Statement from P&O

P&O Cruises has responded to the global pandemic by voluntarily terminating all its operations until May 15.

In a statement released on March 25, P&O Cruises Australia president Sture Myrmel said the cruise line’s approach was about making it as simple as possible for guests in both Australia and New Zealand to have confidence in booking future cruises.

“We took this step today out of respect for our guests and to give them some certainty at a time when so much is shifting around them. We want to make it as easy as possible for our guests to make their future cruise plans by updating our approach to reflect what is happening at the moment,” Myrmell said in the statement.

What P&O is offering its passengers

P&O has offered passengers whose future voyages have been cancelled during the this period a full refund or a future cruise credit equal to 200 per cent of the cost of their original cruise.

P&O will also protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.

For more information

Those passengers who do not want to accept the Future Cruise Credit option should contact Customer Sales & Service on 1300 550 491 so a full refund of the cruise fare can be paid. For full details of screening measures and P&O’s response to COVID-19, visit the website.

Holland America Line

Update: Holland America Line (HAL) has announced it will suspend all cruise departures globally through April 14, 2020.

Holland America Line (HAL) has announced it will suspend all cruise departures globally.

Statement from HAL

HAL has made the decision to halt global cruise operations of its 14 ships for sailings until mid-April and shorten a few long cruises sailing at the time the operational pause was announced in order to help flatten the curve of new cases.

The president of HAL, Orlando Ashford, says it wants to ensure it’s doing everything it can to help stabilise the situation. Ashford said HAL will continue to focus on supporting guests and travel advisors impacted by these changes and preparing for cruise operations to resume. “As more details become known about future cruise itineraries, they will be communicated,” he says.

What Holland America is offering its passengers

HAL has announced it is temporarily changing its cancellation policy in order to allow guests to cancel their cruise or Alaska Land+Sea Journey departing through May 31, 2020.

Any cancellation will receive a Future Cruise Credit for the amount of the paid fare which can be used for another cruise in 2020 or 2021. There are terms and conditions: the FCC must be booked by December 31, 2020, and the cancellation must be made with a minimum of 72 hours in advance of departure date but no later than March 31, 2020.

The cruise line has several programs in place to support its guests during this uncertain time, including allowing more flexibility in cancellation policies and a Compassion Policy that lets higher-risk guests cancel at any time for supported health reasons.

Seabourn

Update: Seabourn is also suspending global operations of all five of its vessels for 30 days, beginning March 14, 2020. All sailings now underway will end by March 22, 2020.

Seabourn is also suspending global operations of all five of its vessels.

Statement from Seabourn

The president of Seabourn, Rick Meadows, says the health and safety of its passengers and the travel advisor community is a top priority. Meadows says the pause is also designed to reassure the hundreds of destinations it visits each year that it aims to be responsible in its operations as it brings travellers into their communities each time we visit.

“The decision is a voluntary response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19,” Meadows says.

What Seabourn is offering its passengers

Passengers affected by the temporary travel ban on Seabourn cruises will receive a 125 per cent refund as a Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to any voyage that departs through until December 31, 2021. Alternatively, Seabourn will provide a 100 per cent refund to the original form of payment to those who decline the additional future cruise credit.

For more information

Visit Seabourn’s News page for the latest health advisories, travel restrictions, and healthy travel tips.

Royal Caribbean International

Update: Royal Caribbean announces a global suspension on all current cruises with Royal Caribbean until April 11, 2020.

Royal Caribbean announces a global suspension on all current cruises.

Statement from Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. When Royal Caribbean and its fleet resumes its sailing itineraries after April 11 it will be with a comprehensive plan to respond to COVID-19 situations.

The cruise line company released a statement to the media that says it will comply with guidance from public health authorities around the world to enhance its rigorous global boarding and screening measures in order to protect passengers and crew. Royal Caribbean announced it will start taking the temperatures of all its passengers and crew to ensure no one with the coronavirus sets sail mid-April.

What Royal Caribbean is offering its passengers

If you are now onboard a cruise, Royal Caribbean plans to complete the sailing and disembark as planned. The company’s goal is to resume operations on April 11, 2020 and plans to provide passengers with a 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit to incentivise sailing with any of its ships by December 31, 2021

In a statement released on its website, Royal Caribbean says the amount of the refund will be based on the total cruise fare paid. The new ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy will enable travellers to cancel their sailings as late as two days before departure. Passengers have until December 31, 2021 to request a refund. Those that would prefer the lower value in a full refund can contact the company to start the refund process, if they are willing to give up the higher value of a 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit.

The company’s new ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy will enable travellers to cancel their sailings as late as two days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit. For all sailings departing after 31 July until 31 December 2020, a 30-day prior to sailing cash cancellation option will be in place. Guests booked on sailings between 1 June 2020 and 31 July 2020 will have a range of options from which to choose.

For more information
Visit Royal Caribbean’s itinerary updates for the latest health advisories, travel restrictions, and healthy travel tips.

Celebrity Cruises

Update: Celebrity is cancelling any sailings scheduled to depart from a US port for the next 30 days. It is also reviewing a new directive on European travel restrictions to comply with the new requirements and minimise disruption to passengers.

Celebrity Cruises is temporarily cancelling any sailings scheduled to depart from a US port.

Statement from Celebrity Cruises

In an open letter published on its website, Celebrity Cruises announced it would follow in its parent company’s wake and suspend cruising in the US until April 11.

The letter, dated March 13, 2020, said: “We are suspending cruising in the US for 30 days beginning at midnight on March 14 due to continued port closures and travel restrictions, as well as to help avoid the spread of the virus and to ensure the continued safety of our guests and crew.”

This decision is set to affect the launch of the cruise line’s newest ship, Celebrity Apex, which was set to launch in the UK on March 28.

What Celebrity Cruises is offering its passengers

The company’s new ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy will enable travellers to cancel their sailings with confidence up to two days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit.

For all sailings departing after 31 July until 31 December 2020, a 30-day prior to sailing cash cancellation option will be in place. Guests booked on sailings between 1 June 2020 and 31 July 2020 will have a range of options from which to choose. Guests who call to cancel a cruise will receive their FCC within one week.

For more information

For full details of screening measures and Celebrity Cruise’s response to COVID-19, visit the website.

Ponant

Update: PONANT has suspended cruises until further notice. The repatriation of passengers currently on cruises is being organised by PONANT in conjunction with partners, travel agencies and tour operators.

PONANT has suspended cruises until further notice.

Statement from PONANT

President & co-founder of PONANT Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée released a statement on March 10 that pointed to the enhanced safety and security measures it has implemented since February 26.
Sauvée says PONANT’s new protocol will ensure only passengers who are as assessed to be coronavirus-free will be able to board the ships.

“Since the start of the epidemic, PONANT has taken exceptional precautionary measures made possible thanks to the small size of the ships and the extensive and high-quality medical facilities aboard: equipment to do clinical analyses, a laboratory for biological and blood analyses, X-rays etc,” Sauvée says.

“The company also collaborates with the best world experts in epidemiology and infectious diseases,” he says.

What PONANT is offering its passengers

PONANT is offering 120 per cent credit on future cruises valid for departures for the following 18 months from departure date of the cancelled cruise.

PONANT’s new worry-free booking policy remains active until further notice. For any new booking, in case of cancellation, your cruise is fully refundable up to 90 days after confirmation.

For more information

For details on the worry-free booking policy, visit the website.

Azamara

Update: Azamara has announced it will be cancelling any sailings scheduled to depart from a US port until April 11.

Azamara has announced it will be temporarily cancelling any sailings scheduled to depart from a US port.

Statement from Azamara

Azamara announced in a statement last week that it would be suspending the fleet’s sailings until April 11, 2020 and conclude current sailings with modifications in order to provide guests with the best options for their safe return home.

In a statement issued on its website, an Azamara spokesperson said it was very optimistic that passengers would soon be excited about planning their next cruise vacation. “As always, the most important thing to us is the safety of our guests and crew. In the meantime, we must continue to monitor the global situation.”

“We will conclude all current sailings in our global fleet as scheduled and assist our guests with their safe return home.”

What Azamara is offering its passengers

If you’re scheduled to sail with Azamara before April 11, you will receive a 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with the cruise line by December 31, 2021.

This amount will be based on your total cruise fare paid. Azamara is also giving future passengers a little extra in the form of a Future Cruise Credit delivered via email.

Passengers who pre-booked any shore excursions through Azamara will also receive a full refund, while those who have made independent arrangements should contact their travel advisors as soon as possible.

Pre-purchased amenities and packages – like beverage, Internet or speciality dining, or an Azamara Upgrade – will also be automatically refunded. Azamara says it will happily process a full refund in the lower value if that is what passengers prefer.

“Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have plenty of time to make up your mind. You do not need to request your refund until December 31, 2021,” said a company spokesperson.

For more information

For more details on the Cruise with Confidence program, or Covid-19 travel advice from Azamara, visit the website.

Silversea

Update: Silversea is cancelling any sailings scheduled to depart from a US port until April 11.

Silversea is temporarily cancelling any sailings scheduled to depart from a US port.

Statement from Silversea

In response to the ban imposed by its parent company, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea has joined the rest of the fleet by suspending its sailings until April 11.

Passengers afraid of being caught out by the unfolding COVID-19 outbreak will be able to cancel their voyage without paying any penalty fees. In addition to letting passengers cancel up to 48 hours before they are due to set sail, Silversea will issue a full credit for cruises later this year or in 2021.

What Silversea is offering its passengers

Silversea Cruises is embracing Royal Caribbean Cruises’ initiative to suspend its fleet globally. All cruises currently sailing will arrive at their scheduled turnaround port as planned, disembark the guests and will not embark any new guests. You can find an updated list of the cancelled cruises here.

A 30-day prior-to-sailing cash cancellation option will be in place for all sailings departing after 31 July and until 31 December 2020. Guests booked on sailings between 1 June, 2020 and 31 July, 2020 will have a range of options.

For more information

For full details of screening measures and Silversea’s response to COVID-19, visit the website. Read about the new cancellation policy here.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Update: Norwegian Cruise Line has three cruise brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. In response to coronavirus, the company has suspended all cruise voyages embarking between March 13 and April 11.

Norwegian Cruise Line company has suspended all cruise voyages.

Statement from Norwegian Cruise Line

President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Harry Sommer announced on March 13 its decision to voluntarily suspend cruise voyages across its fleet after collaboration with federal officials. Sommer said this action is in effect for voyages with embarkation dates from March 13 to April 11, 2020.

“The safety, security and wellbeing of our guests and crew is our No. 1 priority. We have implemented several preventative measures due to growing concerns regarding COVID-19 infections. We will continue to consult with The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take additional preventative actions as deemed necessary,” he said.

What Norwegian Cruise Line is offering its passengers

In a statement released on its website, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it would provide its guests with future cruise credit and refund options.

Passengers who had planned a cruise voyage with one of the ships in the fleet will receive a 150 per cent refund of the fare paid in the form of a Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied toward any cruise through December 31, 2022.

For more information

Prospective passengers who are booked on voyages with embarkation dates between March 18 and April 11, 2020, are asked to contact their travel professional for more information. For full details of screening measures and Norwegian Cruise Line’s response to COVID-19, visit the website.

Hurtigruten

Update: Hurtigruten will stop operations on the Norwegian coast through to April 19th and all international expedition sailings are cancelled through to April 28th in response to the global coronavirus outbreak.

Hurtigruten’s ships on the Norwegian coast have suspended operations.

Statement from Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam says, that while Hurtigruten has not had any cases of coronavirus on board any of their ships they have decided to suspend operations and gradually take their ships out of service in light of the extraordinary circumstances the world is now facing.

“We have decided to voluntarily suspend all operations on the Norwegian coast through April 19th and through April 28th for our Expedition voyages. To ensure a smooth and safe pause to operations, Hurtigruten will gradually take ships out of service,” he said in a statement published on Hurtigruten’s website.

“The choice to temporarily suspend operations was a difficult decision to make, and it’s an emotional moment for me and the entire Hurtigruten team.

“At the same time, I firmly believe it is the only responsible decision in the extraordinary crisis the world is currently facing.”

Hurtigruten has been assisting its guests currently sailing along the Norwegian coast to return to their home countries and have now said the Norwegian government can access two of their ships for use domestically to distribute critical supplies and goods to local communities.

What Hurtigruten is offering its passengers

Hurtigruten is now implementing a new flexible and risk-free rebooking policy for all guests booked on a cancelled sailing or with departures before 30 September 2020.

“If you are affected by our cancellation of all departing sailings in the period from 18 March through 19 April 2020, please rebook your voyage for free here. This also applies to all cancelled expedition sailings through April 28th,” it says on the website.

A changed reservation will be credited as a Hurtigruten Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 100 per cent of what you paid (including fees). You will also get a 10 per cent discount on your future cruise.

Voyages set to sail between 20 April and 30 September 2020 are still scheduled to go ahead as planned at this time but you can still rebook your voyage free of charge should you wish to do so.

Note you must fill in the rebooking form by 30 April 2020 to secure your Hurtigruten Future Cruise Voucher and discount. You don’t need to choose the destination of your future cruise at this time, just fill in the form.

For more information

For more information on cruise suspensions and rebooking with Hurtigruten, visit the website.

Crystal Cruises (Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition)

Update: Crystal has cancelled sailings on Crystal Serenity until 21 April and Crystal Symphony until May 8 in response to the global spread of coronavirus. Reservations originating on the Crystal Serenity on the following dates have been cancelled: March 3, 2020, Sydney Australia; March 17, 2020, Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; March 28, 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Crystal Symphony’s 24 April sailing will now be cancelled. Crystal has also cancelled its river sailings that fall into the time frame between March 26 and April 11 as well as Crystal Esprit’s April 10 sailing.

Crystal has temporarily cancelled sailings on Crystal Serenity until 21 April and Crystal Symphony until May 8.

Statement from Crystal Cruises

CEO, Crystal, Tom Wolber, says the company has adjusted its cancellation policies to give travellers more flexibility so they can make the most informed decision as they get closer to their travel date. “While Crystal’s luxury sailings will continue to explore the world, we are happy to work with you should you choose to defer your trip to a later date,” Wolber says.

Wolber said in addition to its normal stringent and comprehensive health and safety protocols, Crystal has activated additional preventative measures relating to COVID-19 so passengers will feel prepared and confident in their decision to sail with Crystal.

What Crystal Cruises is offering its passengers

All passengers scheduled to embark the Crystal Symphony on April 24, 2020 will receive a 100 per cent refund of the cruise fare paid along with $500 per person for ‘air consideration’ (compensation toward flight expenses).

Crystal has also established a temporary cancellation policy to provide more flexibility for guests traveling onboard its ocean, river, yacht and expedition experiences:

Future passengers can cancel up to 7 days prior to first service and receive a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit for cruise monies paid and redeemable on cruises through the end of 2022.

For more information

For further details on embarking on a Crystal cruise, please visit the website.

Aurora Expeditions

Update: Aurora Expeditions are rescheduling their Patagonia and Chilean Fjords and Costa Rica and the Panama Canal voyages scheduled for 2nd April 2020 and 25th April 2020 respectively, to 2021. Passengers booked on all Arctic 2020 voyages will be contacted by close of business Tuesday 24^th of March with an update on the status of their voyage.

Aurora Expeditions have rescheduled two of their April voyages to 2021.

Statement from Aurora Expeditions

“To date we have implemented policies, procedures and practices in line with, or exceeding, the WHO guidelines. To allow greater flexibility, we are now at a point where the disruption created by COVID-19 requires that we change our course of action,” said Managing Director Robert Halfpenny in the statement.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and will make further changes as and when required.”

What Aurora Expeditions is offering its passengers

Passengers booked on the two postponed voyages have been informed via email about the specifics of what the change means for them. Final payments for all passengers travelling before 30 September 2020 can now be made up to 14 days prior to departure of the voyage instead of 90 days prior to departure*. They have also set up an insurance helpline to assist passengers with any travel insurance related questions at travel@auroraexpeditions.com.au

For more information

If you need support on rescheduling or cancelling your flights or your customer’s flights booked through Aurora Expeditions, you are able to reach out to the team for assistance on 1800 637 688 during business hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEDT. Visit their website for more information.

Aussie Specialists

True North

Update: At the time of writing, there was no plan to change itinerary or scheduled activity.

At the time of writing, True North has no plans to change itinerary or scheduled activity.

Statement from True North

A statement issued by True North on March 5 said the majority of guests who travel on the small ship are Australian residents. Additionally, guests who are not Australian residents or, who are Australian residents recently returned from overseas, are subject to this country’s current border control measures, which include travel bans and requirement for self-isolation.

True North is a small ship that has the capacity to accommodate just 36 guests, which means the level of risk is “greatly reduced compared to larger ships”. Hence, the risk of a coronavirus occurrence on the TRUE NORTH remains low.

What True North is offering its passengers

Extreme sanitation. A next-level protocol when it comes to sanitation and stringent cleaning processes will be applied. All surfaces and walls in the ship’s day use and accommodation areas will remain subject to frequent cleaning and disinfection and guests and crew members will be encouraged to use the hand sanitation dispensers.

For more information

For full details on coronavirus protection and management on True North, visit the website.

Coral Expeditions

Update: Coral Expeditions have suspended operations from 24 March up until 31 May. They stand ready to operate from 1 June, subject to prevailing government regulations and health considerations.

Coral Expeditions future voyages are planned to operate as scheduled.

Statement from Coral Expeditions

In light of the recent domestic travel restrictions and the state-level restrictions arising from the possible impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable indigenous communities along the coast, Coral Expeditions have decided to suspend operations.

“We have a proud tradition built over 35 years in existence and have seen through many external crises and disruptions over the years. We look forward to serving guests on our small ships once this situation passes, which it will!” they said in a statement published on their website.

What Coral Expeditions is offering its passengers

All bookings affected by the current travel restrictions or cancelled flights will be issued a 100 per cent future cruise credit for use on any Coral Expeditions voyage in the next 24 months (subject to available staterooms).

Coral Expeditions have said that guests will automatically receive an email with the credit voucher to the amount of their paid booking. They will also allow guests the flexibility to defer their travel plans and waive any rebooking fees through this period (T&C’s apply).

They have also extended their 10 per cent Early Bird offer on selected 2021 Australia itineraries for new bookings and complimentary deposit protection will be offered on all new bookings made until 30th June 2020.

For more information

A revised sailing calendar based on government advice will be published in the coming weeks on their website. You can contact their reservations team at explore@coralexpeditions.com to reschedule your travel at this time.

Guests who booked their tickets through travel agencies are advised to contact their agents for assistance as their team are providing them with regular updates.

River Cruises

APT

Update: Cancelled all tours and cruises until April 24. The company is also aware of the current restrictions to Alaska cruising and the impact that this will have on its Canada and Alaska program and will update the website accordingly.

APT has temporarily cancelled all tours and cruises.

Statement from APT

In a statement, APT Travel Group managing director Chris Hall says the company has been continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.

“As you are well aware, travel to all countries is now being affected in some way, with the Australian Government announcement of the recommended travel restrictions and many countries enacting new border control conditions, policies and restrictions,” Hall said.

“This is an unprecedented time and as such we are offering flexibility for clients due to depart on suspended tours or cruises to be able to continue to travel at a later date,” he says.

What APT is offering its passengers

Those whose plans with APT Travel Group (ATG) have been disrupted by the coronavirus will receive a Future Holiday Credit equal to 120 per cent of the value of the booking.

Credit will be available for multiple bookings if desired and is valid for travel on any Peace of Mind Guarantee is highly recommended for new bookings. This week ATG updated its temporary postponement policy for 2020 APT, Travelmarvel, Botanica and Travelglo bookings.

Enhanced pre-boarding health screening and reporting will now apply pre-departure.

For more information
For full details on the ATG product range, including pre-departure, river cruising, Adriatic Coastal cruising, ocean cruising and land touring, visit the website.

The Scenic Group

Update: The Scenic Group company announced last week that it will temporarily suspend all river cruise operations until April 30, 2020. The Scenic Group also includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises and Evergreen Cruises – and the Scenic Eclipse, an ocean-going vessel, which is not yet included in the temporary suspension.

The Scenic Group company announced it will temporarily suspend all river cruise operations.

Statement from The Scenic Group

The owner of The Scenic Group, Glen Moroney, said the health and safety of passengers remained the company’s primary focus. In a statement published on The Scenic Group’s website, Moroney said the company’s commitment to the health, wellbeing, and safety of guests and employees was at the core of everything we do.

“We appreciate this has caused significant concern and anxiety for our valued guests, trying to confirm their travel plans. The Scenic Group [Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Evergreen Cruises & Tours] has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all river cruises operations for guests embarking from now until to 30 April 2020. We have updated our cancellation policy to allow guests more time to make decisions about upcoming travel with Scenic, Emerald Cruises and Evergreen Tours,” he says.

What Scenic is offering its passengers

The Scenic Group is providing prospective passengers with affected tickets a 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit or full refund to the value of the amount paid. The Scenic Group also includes Scenic Eclipse, an ocean-going vessel, which is not included in the temporary suspension. Scenic and Evergreen have suspended cruising until April 30 due to the pandemic.

Passengers choosing a Future Travel Credit will have up to 24 months to travel on a Scenic Group river cruise.

For more information

For full details of the cancellation policy, visit The Scenic Group website.

Avalon Waterways

Update: Avalon has suspended travel across all destinations through April 30.

Avalon Waterways has suspended travel across all destinations.

Statement from Avalon Waterways

Although Avalon Waterways does not operate river cruises in China, its parent company Globus does have some Yangtze River cruises planned for 2020.

Globus issued a statement that said: “As a result of the recent coronavirus cases in China and the subsequent Chinese government-imposed closures to key tourist sites throughout the country, we are allowing any Globus family of brands guests with travel to mainland China that is scheduled through March 31, 2020, to re-book their vacation to an alternate date or destination in 2020 or 2021.

“The full value of the original China vacation [land portion] will be applied to the new one, although airfare changes may be required.”

What Avalon Waterways is offering its passengers

Your Avalon Waterways holiday can be moved without incurring cancellation fees for travel through to April 30, 2020. The Peace of Mind Plan includes a bonus credit of up to $300 per person to be added to your Future Booking Credit, redeemable for any future 2020, 2021 or 2022 cruise: A bonus credit of $300 for Avalon Waterways; bonus credit of $150 for Globus; Bonus credit of $80 for Cosmos, Escapes by Globus & Monograms.

Even better, your Future Booking Credit and additional bonus is redeemable on any holiday at any destination with any Globus family of brands (Globus, Cosmos, Monograms, and Avalon Waterways). It is also transferrable.

For more information

For full details of the Avalon Waterways’ Peace of Mind policy, visit the website.

Uniworld

Update: Uniworld Cruises suspended all itineraries until April 23,

Uniworld Cruises has temporarily suspended all itineraries.

Statement from Uniworld

CEO of river cruise specialist, Uniworld, Ellen Bettridge released a health and safety update this week that says after tracking the spread of the outbreak the company decided to do its bit to respond responsibly to the pandemic.

Bettridge says she knows this global situation has caused confusion and anxiety for many and that the details of your travel plans should not add to your list of concerns. “We have been closely monitoring the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, given recent news, we do not believe we can continue to offer the award-winning Uniworld experience you have come to expect and deserve at this time. We have therefore made the decision to suspend all European itineraries until 23 April.

What Uniworld is offering its passengers

Uniworld customers who have a vacation reservation during this temporary suspension period can rebook their travel dates on any 2020 or 2021 cruise or receive a Future Cruise Credit eligible to be used during the next 24 months.

Viking (River & Ocean)

Update: Viking Cruises led the way on March 12 when it was the first cruise line company to make the call to cancel all its river and ocean sailings until May 1. In its efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Viking temporarily suspended operations across its global fleet of 74 ships. Viking Cruises has suspended all ocean and river cruises until May 1.

Viking Cruises have temporarily cancelled all its river and ocean sailings. Photography: Imogen Eveson.

Statement from Viking Cruises

A statement on the website released by chairman Torstein Hagen on March 11 reads: “We believe Viking will be in a better place to provide the experiences our guests expect when we resume operations on May 1, 2020.”

Hagen says the company made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations of its river and ocean vessels embarking from March 12 to April 30, 2020 to ensure it is able to deliver the high-quality Viking experience for which it is known.

What Viking is offering its passengers

Viking is in the process of issuing Future Cruise Vouchers of 125 per cent of all monies paid to Viking. Passengers who would instead prefer a full refund can contact Viking on 138 747 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (NZ) or contact their Travel Agent by March 25, 2020.

For more information

Log onto MyVikingJourney.com for details regarding a specific voyage or visit the website to see changes affecting itineraries in March and April.