Coronavirus Testing Impacting Cruises

Please see the following blog post for resources to assist you during this time of global health emergency.  We will try to keep you posted on breaking news here as well.

Coronavirus Travel Advice

We understand that there are many news reports about specific sailings that are being impacted as a result of Coronavirus. Below is what we currently know and our comments are in red. We will update you as new information becomes available.

Princess Cruises

Grand Princess Statement from Princess Cruises (Facebook, posted approximately 9 hours ago)

We have received word from state and local response operations that Grand Princess will proceed to the Port of Oakland on Monday (was initially scheduled for Sunday) to begin disembarking guests who require acute medical treatment and hospitalization. Exact timing is still being determined in a coordinated manner with all operations resources. These guests will be transported to medical facilities in California. Disembarkation will continue Monday (this may now happen Tuesday based on updated arrival day) for other guests. According to Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, following health screenings, guests who are California residents will go to a federally operated facility within California for testing and isolation, while non-Californians will be transported by the federal government to facilities in other states. Crew will be quarantined and treated aboard the ship. We will provide additionally information as we receive it.

Royal Princess Statement from Princess Cruises (Facebook, posted approximately 11 hours ago)

We were requested by the CDC that we share information about a crew member who previously served on Grand Princess and transferred to Royal Princess fifteen days ago. After sharing all information and details about the crew member, the CDC approved clearance for Royal Princess Friday, to sail Saturday, with no restrictions placed on the vessel. However, late Saturday afternoon, the CDC informed us of their decision to issue a “no-sail order” until the crew member was tested for COVID-19. We have unfortunately been unable to obtain this test given the lateness of the request. The crew member is past the maximum incubation of COVID-19, has been evaluated and has never developed any respiratory symptoms or fever. The crew member had no known contact or exposure to other guests or crew who were ill on Grand Princess. The crew member received a precautionary screening by the Medical Staff upon boarding Royal Princess to test for respiratory symptoms, including fever. Due to the unknown timing of obtaining the test and results or anticipated response, we have cancelled the cruise.

Our guest services and ground operations teams are activated and are working to assist guests who purchased air independently by providing lists of local hotels with availability. We will reimburse our guests up to $300 per booking for one-night’s hotel costs in Los Angeles and have booked our EZair guests in a LAX airport hotel. We share in our guests’ disappointment in the cancelled cruise and are sorry we could not communicate sooner given the lack of information. Therefore, all guests will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, Princess Air, Princess Cruise Plus pre- and post-cruise hotel packages, prepaid shore excursions and other prepaid items purchased through Princess Cruises. Unexpected expenses, such as air change fees, reimbursement of reasonable non-refundable out-of-pocket expenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis when submitted to our office. As the cruise has been cancelled the day of departure, each guest will also receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit equal to the cruise fare paid on this voyage.

Regal Princess (Various News Reports)
This news is breaking now. According to reports, the Regal Princess which was supposed to dock in Ft. Lauderdale earlier today is being held off the coast of Florida. Two crew members who previously served on the Grand Princess are currently sailing on the Regal Princess and are being tested. The most official information we have is the attached letter that was provided to passengers who are currently onboard Regal Princess.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Panorama Official Statement from Carnival Cruise Line

As you may have heard, Saturday, guests on Carnival Panorama, were unable to disembark the vessel in Long Beach, Calif. due to a medical issue with a passenger that was sent to the hospital and tested for Coronavirus. At 10 p.m., the results came back negative and guests were cleared to disembark in Long Beach, the cruise company said in a statement: "The precautionary COVID-19 test on a Carnival Panorama guest has come back negative and guests have been cleared to disembark in Long Beach. The guests were notified by Carnival Panorama Captain Carlo Queirolo at 9:45 pm PT.   The next Carnival Panorama cruise to the Mexican Riviera will now operate as a six-day cruise, departing on Sunday and those guests have also been notified.

Costa Cruises
Costa Fortuna

Malaysia and Thailand have barred a cruise ship carrying about 2,000 people, including 64 Italians, from docking due to fears about the new coronavirus, an official said Sunday (Mar 8). The Costa Fortuna was first turned away from the popular Thai holiday island of Phuket on Friday, despite there being no suspected virus cases aboard, according to its operator.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette departed from Miami, Fla. on Friday and had to return twice due to incidents, which were not Coronavirus related. According to Dream Vacations Franchisee Mara Hargarther who is onboard, the cruise line is giving everyone two days value of OBC and a 25% refund of cruise fare. They are still awaiting an itinerary update.