Multiple cruise lines are avoiding China and canceling sailings due to the deadly outbreak of the Coronavirus which first started in the city of Wuhan.
Cruise Lines Cancel China Sailings
It’s a very worry situation at the moment in China as the deadly Coronavoris spreads not just across Asia but also the globe. At the moment the main impact is in China and as a result, multiple cruise lines have been forced to cancel sailings.
Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises which is the Carnival Corporation’s main operated in the region is one of the biggest to be impacted. Four ships have so far canceled sailings as follows:
- Costa Serena – January 25 and 31
- Costa Atlantica – January 27 and 31
- Costa Venezia – January 26 and February 22
- Costa neoRomantica – January 25, 30 and February 2
Costa Cruises released the following statement which mentions medical staff is available to conduct additional screening of guests, crew, and visitors:
Costa Crociere is dedicated to the health and safety of all guests and crew. We are strictly monitoring the situation of the so called “Wuhan Pneumonia” which is causing concern among Public Health Authorities and the traveling public.
The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are our absolute priority has increased health and safety measures as a matter of caution. The company adopts a specific protocol to help prevent the introduction and/or spread of any infectious diseases.
All guests and embarking crew are given a pre-boarding health questionnaire and medical staff are available to conduct additional screening of guests, crew and visitors. Anyone who has an illness of international public health concern will not be permitted to sail.
Costa maintains close coordination with the relevant Public Health Authority. All ships in our fleet are subjected to strict hygienic precautions.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has revealed on social media that due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus across China they have no choice but to cancel Spectrum of the Seas‘ January 27 departure out of Shanghai, China.
The cruise line stated:
Along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & The World Health Organization, we’ve been closely monitoring the recent news of the coronavirus in Asia. The concern is only with the Asian Ports.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is another cruise line that is being impacted by the virus. The MSC Splendida’s January 28 sailing out of Shanghai has already been canceled. The cruise line has stated that guests will receive a full refund and able to book a future sailing with additional onboard credit.
The cruise line is monitoring developments of the virus and at the moment the MSC Splendida will remain in port through February 1. This may change depending on developments. Guests on impacted bookings are also being informed.
Dream Cruises
Dream Cruises which is a luxury cruise line from Genting Cruise Lines is making changes due to the Coronavirus. The World Dream cruise ship will not be calling at Guangzhou (Nansha) on January 26, 2020.
However, the Genting Dream sailing departing from Singapore on January 27 will still go ahead. There will be health screenings as a precautionary measure to keep guests and crew safe. Guests also have the option to cancel their vacation and receive a full refund.
Deadly Coronavirus
The virus which is also known as (2019-nCoV) is a major concern across Asia since the outbreak first started in December 2019. The Chinese province of Hubei has been shutdown affecting more than 58 million people including the largest city of Wuhan which the virus first started from.
As of writing this, the Coronavirus has infected more than 4,000 people around the world with the majority based in China. All Chinese provinces have cases and it has spread to other countries including the United States, Canada, France, Australia, Japan and more. So far there have been more than 50 deaths from the virus.
Please do take a look at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) special section all about the Coronavirus with details, travel guidance and more, Click Here.
