Cruise Companies Revise Cancellation Policies

Cruise lines are scrambling to revise cancellation policies in an effort to stimulate cruise bookings in the wake of the Covid-19 fallout.

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a Peace of Mind policy, offering guests who book voyages through 30 September 2020 the opportunity to cancel up to 48 hours prior to the sail date and receive a 100% future cruise credit for use on any sailings through 31 December 2022.

The offer applies to new bookings as well as voyages departing from 10 March 2020. www.ncl.com/nz/en/ why-cruise-norwegian/book-with-confidence

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched Regent Reassurance whereby guests can cancel sailings up to 30 days prior to departure, and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to a new booking within one year on any 2020 or 2021 Regent voyage.It applies to all existing bookings and new bookings made by 30 April 2020 on all voyages departing between 3 April 2020 and 1 November 2020.  www.rssc.com/ coronavirus-statement

Oceania Cruises has a new Traveler’s Assurance booking policy effective immediately for all existing and new bookings made by 30 April 2020 for any voyages departing between 10 March 2020, to 30 September 2020.

Passengers can cancel up to 48 hours prior to cruise departure and will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid. Additionally, should there be another applicable public promotion that offers a better value through amenities or price, passengers may take advantage of that promotional offer and/or price.  www.OceaniaCruises.com/Assurance

RCI has introduced a Cruise with Confidence policy where passengers can cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. It applies across the the company’s global brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea on new and existing bookings of cruises departing on or before July 31 2020. Guests will receive a full credit usable on any future sailing in 2020 or 2021.

Silversea Cruises has also temporarily eased its cancellation policies for new bookings on sailings departing between 1 June and 31 December 2020. Passengers will be able to cancel up until 30 days prior to departure, paying only a customary administrative fee on the cruise fare. Silversea will negotiate on guests’ behalf for the same cancellation options on other components of the booking such as air travel, hotels and shore excursions.  www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html

(Source:  TRAVELink MEMO, issue 2079)