Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises cancel calls

Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises have announced that they are cancelling their cruises in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Princess Cruises, which regularly makes calls to Cayman, on Thursday afternoon said it was suspending the global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months with immediate effect. The voluntary pause impacts voyages departing 12 March to 10 May.

Earlier on Thursday, Viking Cruises announced it was cancelling its cruises through April 30. Viking does not have Cayman on its regular call schedule.

The Regal Princess, which is owned by Princess, was expected to call on Grand Cayman Thursday, but by lunch the ship was recorded as missed on the Port Authority of Cayman Islands ship schedule.

Six Princess cruise ships, including the Regal, had been scheduled to stop in the Cayman Islands over the next two months.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Wil Pineau, commenting on the cruise lines decision, said it will have “significant impact” for the Cayman Islands.

“We hope that over time with the measure that are things will be able to return to normal once the virus is under control. It is going to impact various aspects of the economy from tours, tour operators and small businesses. The cruise industry is an important part of the economy. Sadly, we will begin to see the impact for many businesses,” Pineau said.

Pineau, who is the chair of the economic continuity subcommittee of support services cluster for Hazard Management of the Cayman Islands which is part of the National Emergency Operation Centre, said the Department of Tourism as been monitoring the situation and looking at the implications.

“From an economic continuity standpoint the government is taking measures to address the aspect of the impact for businesses and for workers who may be displaced as a result of the downturn in business from the cruise industry,” he added.

However Pineau pointed out that the current action from the cruise lines are not unexpected especially in light of US President Donald Trump’s suspension of travel to Europe.

“The reality is, certainly, we understand the reason why the cruise lines have taken the action that they have based on President Trump announcement in the US about travel. The most impact aspect is to keep the community safe and they [cruise companies] feel that this will help keep their passengers safe,” he said.

In its statement announcing the decision, Princess Cruises, which is owned by Carnival cruises, said the decision was taken as an “proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19” and was out of an abundance of caution.

In a video posted on YouTube President of Princess Cruises Jan Swartz said 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.”

She said Princess Cruises serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries.

“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,” said Swartz.

Princess Cruises said that those currently on board 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,” it added.

“During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew on board,” it said.

Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice, as well as future cruise credit benefit which can be applied to the cruise fare or on-board expenses.

Princess Cruises said it plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing May 11, 2020.

Full Coverage: Coronavirus