Norwegian Cruise Line said that due to growing concerns
about coronavirus in Asia, it is canceling all of the Norwegian Spirit’s Asia
itineraries from April 15 through December.
The cruise line has not said yet where the ship will be
redeployed.
Norwegian said in a statement to booked passengers that it was giving them a full refund
and a future cruise credit worth 10% of the cruise fare. Norwegian also said it
would cover up to $300 per person for any airfare change fees.
The Spirit’s 24-day cruise from Cape Town, South Africa, to
Singapore departing March 22 will no longer conclude in Singapore. The
itinerary has been revised to a 27-day sailing ending in Piraeus, Greece.
Guests who choose to sail the modified itinerary will
receive a 50% refund to the original form of payment, Norwegian said. Guests
can also choose to cancel the cruise by Feb. 14 and receive a full refund.
“While it is always our intention to maintain original
itineraries, at times, unforeseen circumstances require us to make
modifications. We appreciate our guests’ patience during this time,” Norwegian
said in a statement.
Norwegian also said that
any guest with a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport will be unable to board
any of its ships, regardless of residency. The only exception is a U.S. Alien
Resident with a Green Card traveling on itineraries that sail from a U.S. port
and end in a U.S. port.