Cruise Ships Banned From South Pacific Islands Due to Coronavirus Fears

Fears of novel coronavirus spreading to the pristine South Pacific islands have prompted an unprecedented move by local tribal chiefs to close the ports of Lifou and Mare to cruise ships.

The decision is understood to be temporary and will affect schedules for this weekend (February 1-2, 2020).

Carnival Australia spokesperson David Jones confirmed the move. “On behalf of our guests, we are naturally disappointed that officials at Mare and Lifou have cancelled cruise ship visits for this weekend,” he said.

“While we respect this decision, we reaffirm that any risk to guests, crew and the local population is considered very low. Our medical experts are in close contact with international public health agencies and Carnival has implemented recommended screening, prevention and control measures for our ships.”

Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor have replaced their scheduled calls to Mare and Lifou with visits to Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu. Passengers on board both ships have been advised of the itinerary changes and shore excursion payments have been refunded.

Royal Caribbean’s 10-night South Pacific cruise, which departed Sydney yesterday, has also been impacted. Radiance of the Seas will skip Lifou and Mare; the revised itinerary calls at Noumea, Port Vila, Luganville, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines.

Source: Cruise Critics