Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands extend the suspension of sailings

Norwegian Sky leaving the Port of Miami, photo credit Dave Jones

Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have extended the suspension of all cruises until June 30.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands extended the current extension from May 11 as they bid to help stem the spread of Covid-19.

The company said it will continue to work with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the federal government and global public health authorities to take “all necessary precautions” to ensure the health, safety and security of guests, crew and the communities it visits.

“We are committed to taking all appropriate actions to combat the spread of Covid-19 and, as such, have extended our global voyage suspension through June 30,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “We continue to work closely and in partnership with the US CDC, global public health authorities and local, state and federal governments to build upon our already rigorous health and safety protocols to ensure that our brands are ready to safely resume operations with these new protocols in place.

“Our teams are working around the clock to do what is right by our loyal guests and valued travel partners and we greatly appreciate their understanding as we continue to adapt to the ever-evolving global health environment.”

Guests who are booked on voyages with embarkation dates between May 11 and June 30, 2020, on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises are asked to contact their travel agent or the cruise line for more information.

Norwegian Cancels Sun Alaska Program; Drops Prices On Other Ships

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the Norwegian Sun’s summer program, ranging from May 21 to October 18, has been cancelled, citing a fleet redeployment. The ship was poised to sail long itineraries to Alaska.

Guests booked on Norwegian Sun departures from May 21 to August 12, 2020:will receive a refund in the form of a future cruise credit worth 125% of the fare paid, which will be valid for a period of one year and can be applied to any future published sailing through December 31, 2022.

Guests booked on cruises from August 13 to October 18 will receive a 100% refund of the fare paid which will be reimbursed to the original form of payment. Additionally, guests who rebook their vacation by April 27, 2020, for any sailing beginning October 1, 2020, will receive a 20% discount off the voyage fare.

“In conjunction with the cancellation of the Norwegian Sun voyages to Alaska, you will notice we have reduced our rates for cruises in July, August and September across the three vessels that will continue to sail Alaska – Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Jewel,” the company said, in a letter sent to travel partners. “We urge you to review the pricing on those dates, as you will likely find extremely favourable fares.”

When the Major Cruise Lines Plan to Restart Service

Spectrum of the Seas

The major cruise lines are planning to start operations again as soon as May in most cases.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is planning to start some operations by May 11, according to a statement.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it has decided to extend the suspension of sailings of its global fleet. At this time, it aims to resume service where it can on May 12.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has decided to further extend the pause of its cruise operation through May 29, according to a statement. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said, extending its operations pause from April 30 for another month.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced an extension of its previously announced voluntary suspension of all cruise voyages to include voyages embarking between April 12 and May 10, for its three cruise brands: Norwegian, Regent and Oceania.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises has extended the voluntary suspension of its cruises until April 30.

Princess Cruises

Princess plans to resume some cruise operations on May 11.

AIDA Cruises

AIDA has stopped operations through April 30.

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it has decided to extend the suspension of sailings of its global fleet. At this time, it aims to resume service where it can on May 12.

Holland America Line

Holland America has cancelled sailings scheduled to depart through May 14.

TUI Cruises

TUI Cruises has paused operations through April 30.

The above are the top 10 cruise brands by market capacity, according to the 2020 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.