Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – the parent company for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceana Cruises and Regent Seven Seas has extended their “no sail” policy through June 30, 2020.
While many cruise passengers from around the world will fee the impact, it’s certainly the correct choice for both Norwegian, its crewmembers and passengers.
Touting “safety as their # 1 priority” the cruise line suspended sailings for the next two months. A twitter release read:
We voluntarily suspended cruise voyages across our fleet through May 14, 2020. Today, we are extending this suspension through June 30, 2020. We plant to relaunch cruise operations with embarkations beginning July, 1 2020.
Working closely and in partnership with local, state, federal and global agencies, we are committed to taking all appropriate steps and actions to combat the spread of COVID-19. The health, safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our highest priority. We greatly appreciate the understanding of our valued guest during these fluid, unprecedented and challenging times.
No Sail for Cruise Ships in U.S.
However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an existing “No Sail” policy for cruise lines embarking from U.S. ports. That policy states that cruise lines until at least early July.
That “No Sail” policy may be extended based on decisions made by the CDC in light of ongoing developments.
The original order effectively banned cruise ship operations in light of the COVID-19 epidemic until the earliest of any of three conditions was met – as of yet, none of these have…
1- If the Secretary of Health and Human Services declares that the COVID-19 public health emergency has expired;
2- If the CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order, based on public health or other considerations;
3– 100 days from the date of publication (April 9) of the order in the Federal Register.
Not Feeling Sorry for Norwegian Cruises
It’s important to not that Norwegian is being investigated for continuing to promote its cruises despite being aware of the impact of Coronavirus on cruise ships.
In an early March Miami New Times article, Leaked Emails: Norwegian Pressures Sales Team to Mislead Potential Customers About Coronavirus it was reported that “some managers have asked sales staff to lie to customers about COVID-19 to protect the company’s bookings.”
This certainly contradicts Norwegian’s PR Release touting its focus on safety over profits.
Concerns About Your Cruise Vacation and Coronavirus?
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