Princess Cruises announces a voluntary and temporary suspension of its ships for 60 days.

 

The cruise line remains committed to the health, safety and well-being of its guests, crew members and the communities visited around the world.

 

Cruise company Princess Cruises announced a voluntary suspension of its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), cruising from March 12 to May 10, as a precaution, subsequently unpredictable circumstances associated with the global spread of COVID-19.

 

“Princess Cruises is a global cruise company serving more than 50,000 guests from 70 countries every day, and many know that two of our ships have been affected by the spreading coronavirus,” said Jan Schwarz, President of Princess Cruises. “By taking decisive action by voluntarily suspending our ships, we intend to assure our regular guests, crew members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who travel with us, as well as those who do business with us, countries and the communities we visit around the world, ”added Schwartz.

 

Although this is a difficult decision, the company's managers firmly believe that it is the right one and is in line with the cruise company's core values. The representatives assure that the long-time and dedicated professionals at the cruise line will make the best use of this time to prepare the Princess Cruises fleet for a successful return to service, to serve guests with a high-class experience.

 

Those currently on a cruise that will end within the next five days will continue their cruise as expected until the end of the itinerary so as not to disrupt further travel arrangements. The current flights, which continue and will continue after March 17, will be completed at the most convenient location for guests, taking into account operational requirements. Princess Cruises will do everything possible to ensure that every guest returns home with the utmost care. During this time, their operational and medical teams throughout the fleet will remain vigilant in caring for and serving guests and crew members on board.

 

Princess Cruises offers guests the option to transfer 100% of the canceled cruise funds towards the future cruise. To add a bonus incentive for guests accepting this offer, the company will add an additional benefit on future cruise credit that can be applied to the cruise cost or in-flight expenses. In addition, Princess Cruises will honor this offer for those guests who made the final payment and canceled on or after February 4, 2020. The future cruise credit can be used on any flight departing before May 1, 2022.

 

If some guests are unable to use their future cruise credit, they can fill out an online form on Princess.com and request a refund. Princess Cruises asks guests not to call the booking call center due to the potential for large calls and the potential for long waiting times due to this unprecedented action. Guests and their travel advisors will be sent messages on how to manage cancellations and desired compensation. Information and instructions for requesting a refund are available online.

 

In a video posted on YouTube, Jan Schwarz states that: “Although this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is right and in line with our core values. Rest assured that our long-standing and dedicated professionals at our company will make the best use of this time to prepare the PrincessCruises fleet for a successful return to service, to serve our guests with an exceptional experience. "

 

Regular guests, employees, travel advisor partners and business partners around the world have asked what they can do to support Princess Cruises and over 35,000 crew members during these challenging times. The answer is simple - book a cruise with Princess Cruises and bring your family and friends with you. The company offers over 180 routes to popular and exotic destinations around the world.

 

Princess Cruises plans to return to service starting with cruises departing on May 11, 2020.