Princess Cruises has halted global operations of its 18 ships for 60 days in a pre-emptive move over the COVID-19 virus, its website announced last night.
The move comes only hours after Viking stopped all sailings of its ocean and river fleets, and also comes as cruise lines await the results of negotiations with White House officials in America over their new health and safety proposals.
Princess, which has a strong presence in Australia, has also revealed what will happen to our local ships.
“Princess Cruises will be doing everything possible to return each guest home with all possible care,” said a spokesman. “Guests on each of the ships – Sun Princess, Sea Princess, Ruby Princess and Golden Princess – will be advised of arrangements in relation to the completion of their respective cruises.”
The Australia-based fleet are:
· Sydney-based Sea Princess is currently on an Australia circumnavigation.
· Fremantle-based Sun Princess is currently on a domestic cruise to Australian ports
· Sydney-based Ruby Princess is currently on a New Zealand cruise
· Melbourne-based Golden Princess is currently on a New Zealand cruise
Sun Princess and Ruby Princess will complete their cruises as scheduled in Sydney. Pacific Princess, which is currently on a world voyage, will disembark guests in Australia.
The line’s website says: “In proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Princess Cruises announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10”.
Line president Jan Swartz says: “Princess Cruises is a global vacation company that serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries as part of our diverse business, and it is widely known that we have been managing the implications of COVID-19 on two continents.
“By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” added Swartz.
“While this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values. Rest assured the long-serving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.”
The website says those currently onboard a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary, so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted.
Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.
“Princess will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible. During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew onboard,” says the website.
It adds: “For those who are impacted by this business decision, Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice.”
The company says it will add an additional generous future cruise credit benefit which can be applied to the cruise fare or onboard expenses. In addition, Princess will honour this offer for those guests who had made final payment and cancelled their booking on or after February 4, 2020. The future cruise credit can be used on any voyage departing through May 1, 2022.
Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full and for the total amount of the future cruise credits, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.
If the future cruise credit option does not work for some guests, they will be able to complete an electronic form on Princess.com to request a cash refund.
Princess asks guests not to call the Reservation Call Center due to the possibility of high call volumes and the potential of long on-hold wait times due to this unprecedented action. Guests and their travel advisors will be sent communications on how to manage cancellations and desired compensation.
In a video posted on YouTube, Jan Swartz shares that “while this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values. Rest assured the long-serving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.”
“Loyal guests, employees, travel advisor partners and business partners around the world have asked what they can do support Princess Cruises and its more than 35,000 team members in these challenging times. The answer is simple – book a cruise with Princess and bring your family and friends along. The company offers over 180 itineraries to popular and exotic destinations around the globe.”
Princess Cruises plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing May 11, 2020.
MSC Cruises has also cancelled Mediterranean cruises across eight ships
The line announced that they are forced to adjust or cancel some of their itineraries due to the restrictions imposed by various government and port authorities, and the safety measures we put in place since January.
The affected ships include MSC Bellissima, Lirica, Opera, Sinfonia, Splendida, Grandiosa, Divina, Preziosa.
However, MSC Fantasia Genoa roundtrip departing April 4 remain unchanged.
“In the Emirates due to a limitation on passenger’s movement imposed by the local authorities we are cancelling the cruises of MSC Bellissima and MSC Lirica starting from March 14, including the Grand Voyages of MSC Bellissima on March 21 and that of MSC Lirica on April 18,” says the line in the statement.
“In the Mediterranean due to the limitation of movements requested by the Italian government, and the announced closure of Spanish ports we are cancelling the cruises of MSC Grandiosa from March 14 to March 28, and the cruises of MSC Opera from March 10 to April 21.
“In the Antilles due to the restrictions in Martinique we are cancelling the cruises of MSC Preziosa from March 14 to March 28. All these changes as well as smaller ones are summarized in the table below.
“Please note we may have to do further adjustments as the situation evolves. For the cruises we are forced to cancel we will offer to our guests a voucher equal to the value of the cancelled cruise, to be used for any future sailing departing before the end of 2021 plus an on board credit of €100 per cabin for cancelled cruises up to 6 nights and €200 for cruises of 7 nights or longer. Solely for the cancellation of MSC Bellissima Grand Voyage Dubai-Yokohama, and MSC Lirica Grand Voyage Dubai-Venice, we will offer and on board credit of €400 per cabin. This credit is refundable, valid for any period of the year and can be combined with any existing promotion.”
See their website for full details of affected sailings.
Virgin Voyages has decided to postpone the Showcase Tour launch of the line’s first ship Scarlet Lady until July 15, 2020 and her inaugural sailing to August 7, 2020. At Virgin Voyages, they are offering a range of options from a full refund and a voyage credit to extra special bonuses if you book a future sailing.
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Booked on the ruby for 21 march for our 50 year anniversary as being elite passengers find it disappointing but will rebook soon great cruise line customers come first
Thank you Princess.
Just returned from a cruise around New Zealand on Ruby Princess, after having a cruise cancelled on another cruise ship to Asia.
Was booked on Sun Princess in May, but you cancelled, although you offered us another 22 days, and out of Sydney.
Flights to Tokyo and out of San Fransisco was a huge problem……BUT
we are hoping to still do it….
Waiting till you advise us…
Love Princess…
Ann
Ihave booked on the Sea Princess dep Sydney to Dubai on the 12th May 2020.What I would like to know if Princess cancels due to the Corona virus will I be entitled to s full refund of my cruise
Thanks Sea Princess your decision is the right one. We disembarked last Sunday having completed the NZ trip, wonderful. The staff and crew are professional caring and attentive. Hi to Rene, Joel and Raffael, Jezza. Cheers Peter and Lesley
Thanks for that but – What advice does Princess have re getting refund for our domestic flights to and from Perth? We can’t get in touch with Qantas (who have only published info about international travel) and travel insurance is not cooperating.
Congratulations Princess for looking after the well being of staff, crew and passengers, well done and I know you will do everything in your power to have the Ships all in Ship Shape order to Welcome us back on board when you can safely say OK LETS ALL GO AND COME BACK NEW, AGAIN
Janice Caplin
Congratulations Princess Cruise this must have been a hard thing to do. We are planning a trip with you next year hoping the global situation well be ok
Well done Princess Thank you for being so caring about your guests and crew members awesome.
We sailed on Sapphire princess in Dec 2019 asia voyage absolutely loved it fantastic cruise awesome crew this was my first cruise ever and not long been back from the cruise when I booked another cruise with you in October 2020 sydney to fiji this time my son & fiancee will be going too their first cruise we are all excited.
I’m a bit nervy as I have under lying health issues.
So fingers crossed it will be safe to travel by then.
Annette
New Zealand
We too have been loyal cruisers with Princess & had an Asian cruise cancelled. Looks as though we could be considerably out of pocket from the cancellation as had paid changes to Air fares when the Departure port was changed. Still waiting for refund from Princess.
The right decision has been made to cancel as health comes first, Well done Princess. Have taken Princess up on cruise credit offer & rebooked an Australian cruise.
LONG BEFORE THIS VIRUS SCARE WE CRUISED ;AND WITH PRINCES LINE & WITH CMV,AS ANOTHER PASSENGER POINTED OUT,ON THE ATHENA(CMV) AT EACH DINING ROOM ENTRANCE A STAFF MEMBER WOULD REMIND PASSENGERS TO USE THE SANITISER BEFORE ENTERING. ANY SAFETY PROCEDURES NEED TO BE ENFORCED TO BE VALID. MANY PEOPLE DO THE RIGHT THING,BUT SOME…….
OUR LAST CRUISE WAS XMAS 1998 ON PRINCESS,JUST BEFORE MY PARTNER COULD NOT TRAVEL ANYMORE & THE STAFF WAS MOST SUPPORTIVE TO HIM AS HE STRUGGLED WITH WALKING & SEATING HIMSELF. THANK YOU FOR ,NOW,FOND MEMORIES OF THAT CHRISTMAS CRUISE NANITA & NIGEL
Well done Princess cruise, the cruise that we can trust. It’s sad our Scandinavia cruise on 25 Apr-6 May 20 has been cancelled. We look forward to reschedule soon.
We always had the wonderful time when cruising with Princess.
Hope and wish everyone in Princess cruise team are safe and healthy.
We have sailed with Princess extensively and always had wonderful times with them. This is just what you would expect from Princess – responsibility. We have two cruises booked with them sadly one will probably be cancelled, but they are doing the best thing, not only for their passengers but also for their crew. Congratulations Princess.
Thank you Princess Cruises, putting the welfare and health of your customers (Read Family ) before profits. I only sail with princess and may be bitterly disappointed if our World Cruise is cancelled but I am somewhat comforted by your caring actions. The very reason I chose to sail with you.
Will await your decision,
Lois
we have our 40th anniversary in Nov, all should be well by then we hope. But having read about the strict hand washing and sanitizer, i saw lots of people scoff at this line, saying we’re not that dirty, and waltz straight to the food area. I watched them very carefully, if they were there next time, we didn’t enter. Who thinks they are above cleanliness when your living with 2500 people. Terrible for Princess who make these rules for our safety. Keep up the great cruising and see you all in November on the Sapphire, for our sapphire wedding anniversary!
Our cruise in Oct on the Sapphire was cancelled weeks ago and that as to celebrate our 60th Wedding Anniversary.. ..so disappointed. We’ve now booked a half world cruise on 2nd July leaving from Southampton back to Sydney on th Sun. We’re hoping this one doesn’t get cancelled either. After 22 trips on the Princess line, as well as other carriers we stay with the one we love the best. Love you Princess, because you love us back.
Thank you Princess Cruises. We would have been just about to embark upon “Emerald Princess” in Ft Lauderdale, sailing 15 March, 2020. We would not have enjoyed immediately flying back to Australia, having just arrived in Florida!!!! We intended to stay for a few nights at a hotel near the Princess passenger terminal.
Luckily, by taking advantage of Princess’s Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees, we cancelled our cruise on Monday March 9, 2020 and decided not to leave Australia. We then rescheduled the same 15-day itinerary Panama Canal cruise aboard “Emerald Princess” for March 25, 2021. In the nick of time. We also upgraded our stateroom to a balcony on the Lido deck. We have been allocated generous onboard credit. We have rebooked our hotel in Ft Lauderdale.
CAPT David & Mrs Patricia Hayward (Retd)
“Avid Cruisers”
WELL HANDLED PRINCESS. WE HAVE TRAVELLED MANY TIMES ON PRINCESS AND HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD TO SAY ABOUT THEM. LOVE TRAVELLING WITH THEM. NEXT TWO CRUISES ARE ON SAPPHIRE TO NZ ON 28TH OCTOBER AND 20TH MARCH NEXT YEAR TO TASMANIA.
Sorry we can’t go to Fiji on 21st March, but health comes before pleasure. It would have been my 70th birthday party. Thank you for the future cruise credits and we will be back.
We have cruised with several companies (MSC, APT, P&O ,Holland America and CMV as well as 3 cruises with Princess. Our last cruise was on Diamond Princess in November just before the outbreak of the virus issues. I am not at all surprised that there were so many passengers affected on this ship. The policing and enforcement of hand sanitisation prior to entering the dining areas was the slackest we have experienced. The Horizon Buffet was the worst offender as people were just walking in without using the sanitisers or the washbasins provided at entry. On CMV cruise ships there was always a member of the crew present to ensure that everybody used the sanitiser or they were barred entry.
We too are booked for the 7th July on the Sapphire Princess
Sue and Ray
Hopefully all goes well for a May 10 sail for Princess as we are booked on the Sapphire Princess sailing June 8 from Perth to Brisbane. Our cruise from Singapore was cancelled & Princess has been quite good in setting up Sapphire Princess to service Australian Waters which we have taken advantage of. Fingers crossed that this goes ahead as we had a cruise to NZ on the Sea Princess cancelled on us but they were a little more generous this time with the Southeast Asia cruise credits.
Well done Princess for the bold move on you for looking after all and we will be there when you see its safe to travel on the Princess Line again
I’m cruising on 18 Th August to the Mediterranean melody for 3 weeks hopefully everything will be fine by then but if it is cancelled then a later date is fine better to cancel Than be sick
Cheers Linda
We have just returned from the Caribbean. Saied from Florida on the Caribbean Princess. Loved it immensely.
Good luck Princess, you will come back bigger and stronger.
A great decision.
We will definitely continue sailing with you, when this health crisis
has abated.
I have cruised with PRINCESS many times and my next cruise is from the 21st of Oct to the 5th Nov…all being well….out of Singapore up to Asia…just keeping fingers crossed that all will be well.
We are booked from Singapore to Sydney in November. Love Princess cruises
Sure it will go ahead by then. If not we will go later
Great cruise line! !
We are disappointed we won’t be sailing on Golden Princess from Sydney on the 8th of April as that was to be our 50th Wedding Anniversary gift to each other. But we do understand & thank Princess for looking after our welfare & giving us the chance to sail again at a later time.
We are really worried thou, as we booked a package Through a Travel agent of a cruise on Princess & flights I& motels in America + another cruise to Alaska with Carnival cruise lines then flights back to Sydney, so as we are pensioners that would be a lot of money to lose!
Disappointing as we were booked to cruise with Princess cruises early may but I believe the correct decision was made. I would commend them for making this difficult decision. My wife and myself have sailed with Princess quite a few times and will most definitely cruise with them in the future.
Well done Princess Cruises, it has made us feel safe knowing your are concerned for our safety. We have cruised 6 times with Princess and have 2 cruises booked from Fremantle, 1 leaving 4th June and the other 24th July. They are both for birthday celebrations so hope it is safe to cruise by then.
Our cruise is booked for May12th so might just squeeze in, either way good on you Princess for doing the right thing in response to this virus. Have done many cruises with Princess and hold them in high regard.
Good on you Princess. We love Princess and have sailed on her for quite a few years now. We have booked a September 2020 cruise. Hopefully all will be back to normal by then.
Congratulations Princess Cruise. A very responsible corporate response. Lets hope things come right shortly. Must be a tough time for the company. Good crisis management. Good luck
A decision that had to be made and being “on the front foot”, displays the quality of this wonderful cruise line. It definitely shows that they are the leaders in this business as that have put the safety of not only their passengers, but also their hard working staff before profits. Well done Princess Cruises.
Having sailed with Princess many times I have nothing but admiration for their organisation and their care and concern for passengers. This is obviously a very difficult time for all those wonderful people employed by them and we hope and pray that there is an early resolution to this now world wide problem. We look forward to sailing with Princess again.
Our next cruise with Princess is the 5th September. So looking forward to it. Love cruising with Princess. They always look after us. The staff are amazing.
Congratulations on a brave move, on behalf of a past and future cruise passenger ,thanks for putting crew and passengers before profit. Have my 5th cruise booked with princess and looking forward to it.
We will be sailing on the Sapphire Princess in July we hope this cruise will go ahead.
My wife and I have travelled with Princess since 2008 and have had wonderful experiences. we consider this a brave decision and one done with consideration for its passengers which has always been a principal for this wonderful cruise line.
Good job Princess, unfortunately the same cannot be said for their sister ships P&O Australia!!!
We are booked on a cruise departing 5th September and have our fingers crossed all will be well and truly resolved by then. We have every faith in Princess Cruises and look forward to travelling with you again … soon!
Princess you have done an amazing job in such difficult situation.We honour your decision and hope to be cruising with you again soon.
We have cruised with the Princess line ships for years now and love them. They are fabulous to travel on and we are going again as soon as possible. A great gesture Princess. Thank you.