Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd has decided to suspend all cruises until November 30. The world’s third-largest cruise line, in terms of passengers, also operates brands like Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and, Oceania Cruises. The company has issued a press release stating that all cruises between November 1 and November 30 have been canceled. It has also suspended all voyages onboard Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Dawn until March 2021. The company has asked its guest of canceled voyages to contact the cruise line of their travel advisor for more information.
The company has assured that guests who had an active reservation on a suspended cruise in November 2020 through March 2021 will receive a refund of their cruise fare automatically and that too in the original form of payment for the total amount paid within 25 days. Additionally, a 10 percent off coupon will be given to such guests and it will get added to their account. The discount coupon will be valid for one year from the date of issue. Guests can use the coupon for any Norwegian Cruise Line voyage going for a trip through 2022. Norwegian, the third-largest cruise operator in the world, has a combined fleet of 28 ships with approximately 59,150 berths.
The decision comes at a time when the White House has cleared the way for cruising from November 1. Meanwhile, the company has said that it will continue to work with the public health authorities and global government and expert advisors of its Healthy Sail Panel to take all measures required for the safety of the guests. Not only Norwegian but Carnival Cruise Line has scrubbed all of its remaining 2020 cruises except those sailing out of Florida, its home ports. Royal Caribbean too has suspended all its cruises till October 31 and has canceled Australian and European itineraries beyond that date. Earlier, the CDC orders to suspend cruising in US waters has been extended multiple times.