Cruise lines announce pause in voyages worldwide because of coronavirus

The Coral Princess Cruise ship prepares to dock in Juneau. Photo by Heather Bryant, KTOO - Juneau.
The Coral Princess Cruise ship prepares to dock in Juneau. Photo by Heather Bryant, KTOO – Juneau.

Princess Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises have announced they will pause operations through early May.

In an a video posted on Twitter, Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz said Thursday that the company will cancel all cruises until May. Some trips already sailing will be cut short.

“This is is perhaps the most difficult decision in our history because we understand the incredible impact it has on countless people,” she said. 

Read collected coverage of the coronavirus across the state.

The company assured customers it would credit them with a future cruise credit or cash refund and assured travel agents it would protect their commissions.

Viking announced a pause in operations on Wednesday.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings announced they would suspend sailings between March 13th and April 11th across its 28-ship fleet. The company has not had any confirmed cases onboard a vessel.

An earlier version of this post incorrectly said that the cruise schedule isn’t out yet.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

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