Viking River Cruises suspends cruises in response to coronavirus
As cruise lines contend with the coronavirus outbreak, Viking River Cruises has announced it is suspending its river and ocean cruise operations. The cruise line released a statement on its website Wednesday saying the suspension of service will affect all cruises that were scheduled to depart through April 30. The cruise industry has been hit particularly hard by the outbreak as the State Department is warning Americans against cruise travel and some ports are closing off entry to incoming cruise ships. Following Vikingโs decision, Princess Cruises also announced a temporary suspension of its 18-ship fleet as public health officials work to contain the spread of the infectious disease. Viking guests whose travel plans were disrupted by the move will get a voucher for a future cruise thatโs good for two years.
Princess Cruises halting its fleet for 60 days over coronavirus pandemic
Princess Cruises is suspending its cruise operations for 60 days amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. The cruise line, which has seen several of its 18 cruise ships impacted by the outbreak, announced the decision to halt its fleet Thursday morning. Other ships including the Caribbean Princess and Grand Princess came under scrutiny as health agencies sought to screen passengers before letting them disembark. For those whose trips are impacted by the shutdown, the cruise line is offering to transfer their reservations to future cruises of their choice along with an โadditional generous future cruise credit benefitโ that can be applied to cruise fares or expenses while on board. Those who do not want credit toward a future cruise can fill out an electronic form to obtain a cash refund instead.