Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Additional Cruises Through Summer

Norwegian Cruise Line cancels another round of cruises that many had hoped might still depart as planned. All Norwegian cruises for summer and fall are canceled, with one possible exception.

Norwegian Cancels August Cruises and Beyond

With COVID-19 cases still impacting cities across the U.S., restrictions for traveling as well as ports not opening to cruise ships played key factors in the cruise line’s decision. Norwegian made the decision to cancel these cruises:

• All voyages scheduled to embark from August 1 through September, 2020
• The exception for cruises in September are Seattle-based Alaska cruises aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. The cruise line hopes that Alaska’s port towns in the Southeast will welcome the Bliss and Joy in September.
• All cruises scheduled to embark in October 2020 to Canada/New England on the East Coast, plus cruises that embark in Vancouver have been canceled. This includes:
  • Norwegian Bliss: October 12, 2020
  • Norwegian Joy: October 4, 2020
  • Norwegian Breakaway: October 4, 2020 and October 11, 2020
  • Norwegian Gem: October 2, 2020 and October 9, 2020 

In a letter sent to travel agents, the cruise line states that, “we remain optimistic and expect to relaunch cruise operations in the near future. Given the fluid and evolving nature of the circumstances, we are making decisions as quickly and thoughtfully as possible and, as always, we are keeping our guests’ and travel partners’ best interests at heart.”

As Norwegian cancels August cruises and postpones Alaska

Alaska and Alaskans did a good job to keep the virus at bay until last month. With ports like Juneau and Ketchikan seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases at this time, large cruise ships may not be welcome, despite the huge economic loss.

The latest Alaska Travel Mandate for visitors from the Lower 48 requires a declaration form stating you’ve had a COVID-19 test with results from 3-5 days before departure. If not, you need to be tested upon arrival into all Alaska airports. 

READ NEXT:  Understanding Alaska’s newest travel mandate

Two of the options require at least 7 days of self-quarantine and hopefully with a negative test result. How the cruise line will get around this mandate for any September cruises to Alaska is anyone’s guess right now. Unless of course, there are no travel restrictions by then.

Canada could extend port restrictions to cruise ships that carry more than 100 passengers. Remember, all U.S. departures for Canada must, by law, stop at a Canada port before returning to the U.S. 

Alaska cruises could still happen in September 2020

With Norwegian’s huge investment in the port of Hoonah and Icy Strait Point, the cruise line might get approval from local officials. So, in theory, Alaska cruises might still happen in September. But be sure to pack warm clothes, though. It’s especially cold when viewing the magnificent glaciers.

What to do if your Norwegian cruise was canceled

Those booked on any of the canceled cruises, will automatically receive a refund in the form of a Future Cruise Credit. The FCC is equal to 125% of the paid fare. 

Norwegian will apply the FCCs to your account by June 25, 2020. The credits may be used for any Norwegian Cruise Line cruise through December 31, 2022. You must apply your credit to a future cruise within one year from date of issue. 

How to get a monetary refund

If you prefer a cash refund rather than a Future Cruise Credit, you will receive 100% of the fare paid. Your refund is returned to the original form of payment. After you submit your cash refund request, it will take up to 90 days to process. 

All refund requests must be received by Norwegian Cruise Line using their Suspended Sailings Refund Request form on their website. The form will be available beginning July 6, 2020 at 9:00 am ET  until July 17, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET. If this is your preference, mark your calendar so the window of opportunity doesn’t disappear.