Due to recent developments related to COVID-19 and port closures in some countries Royal Caribbean has decided to cancel the Jewel of the Seas cruise.
Jewel of the Seas Cruise Cancelled
Royal Caribbean has cancelled the following Jewel of the Seas sailing after two passengers were tested for COVID-19 and due to travel issues around the world. The vessel has remained docked in Dubai as the two guests were tested for the deadly virus after coming down with flu-like symptoms. The results have already come back as negative which is good news.
The Port of Abu Dhabi was also closed to cruise traffic due to coronavirus fears. Jewel of the Seas was scheduled to call there on March 11 but that never took place. The vessel instead headed back for Dubai in the UAE.
Royal Caribbean posted the following update:
Due to developments related to coronavirus (COVID-19) and port closures to cruise ship travel in some countries, we have made the decision to cancel our March 16th sailing for Jewel of the Seas, as well as all April sailings for Quantum of the Seas. Guests will receive a full refund of their cruise fares.
The current cruise which departed Dubai on March 9 has been impacted and guests are receiving a full refund in the form of an onboard credit. A letter was sent out that the current sailing may have to be cancelled. Passengers will be able to remain on the ship and use it as a hotel with the cruise line also helping in arranging travel to get back home.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the following March 16 sailing has been cancelled. Jewel of the Seas was scheduled to depart Dubai on March 16 for the 7-day cruise including calls at Sir Bani Yas island, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The cruise line has also announced the cancellation of Quantum of the Seas sailings in April 2020. Passengers will be getting a full refund if their Quantum of the Seas cruise is cancelled.
This news comes as President Donald Trump yesterday banned all travel from Europe to the United States. The cruise industry is being hot hard and two cruise lines have already decided to suspend all operations around the world.
Royal Caribbean does have a strict screening in place before guests embark for their cruise. There is a cancellation policy in place to provide confidence for passengers in going ahead with their cruise.
