Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced an extension of its previously announced suspension of global cruise voyages to include all itineraries between Oct. 1 and Oct 31., 2020. The suspension will be in effect for all three of its cruise brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The company has also extended its guest Peace of Mind policy and introduced a final payment schedule for 2020 voyages that allows final payment 60 days prior to embarkation, instead of the standard 120 days.
In order to ensure transparency, NCLH will provide an update at the end of each month regarding the status of voyage suspensions, including any potential extensions. Guests currently booked on cancelled voyages are asked to contact their travel advisor or the cruise line for further information.
In an effort to instill consumer confidence, NCL’s Peace of Mind policy will now allow guests sailing on cruises booked by Aug. 31, 2020, with embarkation dates from Jan. 1, 2021 to Oct. 31, 2021, to cancel their cruises 14 days prior to departure. Those who take advantage of the policy will receive a full refund in the form of a future cruise credit, which may be applied to any sailing through Dec. 31, 2022. The policy, which also allows guests to cancel up to 48 hours prior to embarkation for 2020 sailings, was initially launched in March 2020 to reassure guests during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about the Peace of Mind policy click here.
“Now more than ever, travelers are looking for freedom and flexibility and that is what Norwegian Cruise Line is all about,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, in a press release statement. “Our Guests First philosophy compels us to put guests at the heart of every decision, which is exactly what we are doing by enabling them to cancel very close-in to their anticipated embarkation date and by delaying final payment to just 60 days prior to departure. We recognize the uncertainty we are all feeling right now so it is important guests know that we have their best interests in mind.”
NCLH has also recently announced a collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group to develop enhanced cruise health and safety standards in response to the pandemic. The Healthy Sail Panel is comprised of top experts in public health, infectious disease, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations. It is tasked with collaboratively developing recommendations for cruise lines to advance their public health response to COVID-19, improve safety, and achieve readiness for the safe resumption of operations.
The company has recently unveiled a year’s worth of voyages with itineraries sailing to all seven continents through April 2023, including more than 20 new ports of call.
For more information visit ncl.com.
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