Princess Cruises Shut Down Due to Coronavirus

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Princess Cruises just announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for 60 days. This response to the coronavirus pandemic will impact voyages departing from March 12th to May 10th, 2020. Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said the following about this “difficult business decision”…

“By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world.”

Anyone currently onboard a Princess cruise scheduled to end in the next five days will continue to sail through their planned itinerary. Passengers already aboard cruises that extend beyond March 17th will disembark early “at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.”

Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for canceled cruises to a future cruise of their choice. As an incentive to book a new cruise with this option, anyone doing so will also receive a “generous” future cruise credit which can be applied to their cruise fare. Guests will also be able to complete an online request for a cash refund on Princess.com.

At this time, guests are asked not to call the Reservation Call Center due to anticipated high call volume. You can read the complete notice from Princess Cruises here, and watch a video statement from Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, on YouTube. At this time, the cruise line plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing on May 11, 2020.