March 9, 2020 - As a result of the fear of the worldwide rampant COVID-19-virus, Royal Caribbean is informing about cancellation options for upcoming cruises. In accordance with the "Cruise with Confidence "policy, Royal Caribbean grants booked guests the right to withdraw up to 48 hours prior to departure. The measure is effective immediately until July 31, 2020.
The following is a press release from today:
With COVID-19 unsettling travel plans around the world, the Royal Caribbean Group allows guests to cancel their cruise up to two days before departure, giving them greater control over their vacation decisions.
Royal Caribbean - Freedom of the Seas / Willemstad
The "Cruise With Confidence" policy allows guests to start their cruise from Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea cancel up to 48 hours before departure. Guests receive a credit for the full fare, which can be redeemed on trips in 2020 or 2021 of their choice. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.
Celebrity Eclipse Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego
"Our previous policy was that guests had to cancel their cruises early, which created unnecessary stress," said Richard Fain, the company's chairman and CEO. "It's difficult to guess a month or more in advance which regions are of concern The coronavirus is already a challenge for medical experts, let alone for a family preparing for vacation. "When circumstances change as quickly as they have recently, it's good to know that you can Has the option to postpone the vacation to another time, "said Fain. "We think that if we give our guests more control, they will be able to make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or swap them for a different time or itinerary."
Azamara Quest in Hamburg
The policy applies to all cruises with a departure date on or before July 31, 2020 and is offered by Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara. For complete information on the Cruise with Confidence policies, guests can visit the brands' websites.