Cruise Lines to Cancel or Suspend Operations Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
What started out at the beginning of this week with coronavirus / COVID-19 reaching pandemic status, Viking and Princess Cruises were the first cruise lines to cancel cruises and temporarily suspend cruise operations.
Nearly every cruise line around the world, including even small Katarina Line in Croatia, announced they will suspend cruise operations and cancel upcoming cruises beginning as soon as tomorrow.
A complete list of cruise lines cancellation, refunds and rebooking policies are at the end of this article.
It’s not only cruise ships sailing the oceans and seas, but river cruise lines have joined in to try to avert the spread of coronavirus. Cruise lines from A to W have announced cancellations.
Interesting observation: Cruise lines that were the most difficult to find their statement for the decision to suspend operations because of coronavirus were the luxury lines.
Here is the latest list of cruise lines to suspend operations and cancel cruises due to coronavirus / COVID-19.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has cancelled all Europe river cruises until April 25, 2020. The entire fleet operations is suspended until that time.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is temporarily pausing global operations for travel through April 30, 2020.
Azamara
Azamara Cruises announced that it is suspending cruising in the United States for 30 days. Beginning at midnight, March 14th, they are pausing all US sailings for 30 days.
Carnival
Carnival will suspend operations on all departures for 30 days effective at midnight tonight.
Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises announced that it is suspending cruising in the United States for 30 days. Beginning at midnight, March 14th, they are pausing all US sailings through April 11, 2020.
Costa Cruises
After returning current passengers to their respective ports to return home, Costa will suspend all cruise operations until April 3, 2020.
Crystal Cruises
will be cancelling Crystal River Cruisesโ voyages scheduled to embark from March 26 to April 11 as well as Crystal Espritโs April 10 sailing.
Crystal Cruises to cancel Crystal Serenity sailings until April 21, 2020. Crystal Symphony, all Europe departures through May 8, 2020. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are set to recommence sailing on April 21 and May 8.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney has suspended all operations of new departures starting March 14 through March 31, 2020.
Emerald Waterways
Part of the Scenic Group which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Evergreen Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways suspends all River Cruises from now until April 30th
Katarina Line
Katarina Line, based in Croatia, will cancel all departures from now until at least the end of April.
MSC Cruises
The Swiss-based cruise line has decided to cancel all Caribbean cruises from Miami from March 14 – April 30. Their Mediterranean, Antilles, Emirates have also been canceled.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian decided to suspend cruise voyages across the fleet, effective immediately. This action is in effect for voyages with embarkation dates from March 13 to April 11, 2020.
Oceania Cruises
Beginning March 13, all travel from Europe to the United States will be restricted for 30 days. Subject to update.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations and cancel cruises for its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas coronavirus statement that beginning March 13, all travel from Europe to the United States will be restricted for 30 days.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is suspending cruising from ports in the United States for 30 days. Beginning at midnight tonight, March 13th, they are pausing all of their US sailings for 30 days.
Scenic Cruises
Part of the Scenic Group which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Evergreen Cruises & Tours, Scenic Cruises will cancel all River Cruises from now until April 30th
Silversea
Part of the Royal Caribbean family, Silversea will also follow suit and suspend operations for 30 days beginning now.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld made the decision to suspend all European itineraries until April 23rd.
Viking
Viking was the first cruise line to announce the decision to suspend operations and cancel cruises. On March 11, 2020, Viking decided to temporarily suspend operations of their river and ocean cruises. This applies to embarkations taking place between March 12 to April 30, 2020. The ocean, river and soon expedition cruise line plans to resume operations on May 1, 2020, continuing all further sailings as originally planned.
Virgin Voyages
The fledgling cruise line stated that they have decided to postpone their Showcase Tour launch and the inaugural sailing for Scarlet Lady until July 15, 2020.
Windstar
Wiindstar states they will temporarily suspend operations worldwide for cruises embarking March 14 through April 30, 2020.
READ MORE:
Cruise line cancellation, refund and rebooking policy list.