Holland America, Carnival and Princess cruise lines announced last week they are canceling more sailings through spring, meaning more passengers will be eligible for refunds or future credits. The move comes as cruise lines grapple with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s tough framework for reopening that was issued last year.
Holland America canceled all cruise departures through April 30, including sailings to destinations in Alaska, the Mediterranean, Canada and New England, a news release stated Wednesday. Passengers who paid in full will receive a 125% credit; those with unpaid bookings will receive credit in the amount of double their deposit. Credits are good for 12 months from the date of issue. If you are seeking a refund, you must file before Feb. 15 with a Cancellation Preferrences Form.
Princess Cruises canceled cruises through May 14, including destinations in the Caribbean, California and early-season sailings in Alaska and Europe, according to a statement.
Passengers may receive a refund or 125% future cruise credit (you have until May 1, 2022, to book and until December 2022 to sail). You may also request a refund with the form.
Carnival had canceled all U.S. homeport sailings through March 31 and now has announced ship-by-ship cancellations. For example, cruises on the Carnival Miracle from San Diego and San Francisco have been canceled through Sept. 16. The cruise line said the cancellations include “many 10-day and longer itineraries not allowed under the CDC guidelines.” Passengers may request a refund through Sept. 30 with the form.
The line also offers future cruise credits equal to the cost of the cruise plus $300 to $600 onboard credits. Cruise ships in U.S. ports have been stilled for 10 months. The CDC issued its first no-sail order March 14 because of the spread of COVID-19 and has extended it several times.
On Oct. 30, the agency sketched out new rules for ships carrying at least 250 passengers in U.S. waters. To start, cruise ships would have testing, quarantine and isolation areas on the ship as well as a lab to test crew and passengers. Ship capacity would be limited, and mock voyages would be planned to test the ship’s ability to curb the risk of spreading the virus.
— MARY FORGIONE/LOS ANGELES TIMES
