Royal Caribbean has announced it has canceled eight sailings out of China through March 4 due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus Forces Canceled Royal Caribbean Sailings
With the deadly Coronavirus impacting the cruise industry not just in China but around the world Royal Caribbean has canceled eight sailings. The cruise line has announced that eight cruises out of China are canceled until March 4, 2020. Some itineraries are also being altered as countries increase restrictions for travelers who have been to China.
Just like other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has increased its own restrictions to help stop the spread of the deadly virus and protect guests and crew. Here are the new measures which are now in effect:
- Regardless of nationality, the company will deny boarding to any individual who has traveled from, to or through mainland China or Hong Kong in the past 15 days. These guests will receive full refunds.
- There will be mandatory specialized health screenings performed on guests who have been in contact with individuals who have traveled from, to or through mainland China or Hong Kong in the past 15 days, all holders of China or Hong Kong passports – regardless of when they were last in China or Hong Kong and guests who report feeling unwell or demonstrate flu-like symptoms.
- These standards also apply to all employees, crew members and contractors of RCL
Royal Caribbean has already been impacted by the Coronavirus after canceling sailings for Spectrum of the Seas which is the only ship in the fleet currently based out of China. With no sign of the virus stopping now more cruises are impacted.
Also Read: 10 Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus on Quarantined Princess Cruise Ship
The cruise line will continue to monitor developments and make changes as needed. So far the deadly Coronavirus has infected more than 24,000 and killed 494 mostly in China. Countries are tightening borders due to the virus and this is also having a knock-on effect on many cruise ship port of calls.
