Coronavirus and Cruising

Hi guys! Some of you might be wondering about the impact of the Coronavirus on your cruise. Although it is not changing itineraries or cancellations outside of Asia, all the lines (as well as airlines and tour companies) are adding additional safety and security measures for your safety and the safety of the crews.

Attached is a great article from Cruise Critic that really provides lots of information about the current industry response to the virus.

January 31, 2020

Following an outbreak of coronavirus that has sickened thousands of people and killed more than 100, Cruise Critic answers some of the questions travelers have. Read on to learn about what the virus is, how cruise lines are handling the unfolding situation, whether it’s safe to visit China and whether travel insurance will cover you if you cancel.

What is coronavirus, and why am I hearing about it?

There has been an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus known as coronavirus (or novel coronavirus), which has been traced to a market in Wuhan, China. There have been more than 4,000 cases of the respiratory illness identified in China, most in the inland province of Hubei, and more than 100 deaths have resulted. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Which countries are affected?

The illness has spread in China, and additional cases have been identified in more than a dozen other countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Thailand, as well as the U.S., Canada, Australia, France. Germany and United Kingdom.

Hong Kong and Taiwan are both under CDC warnings, which basically suggest travelers follow normal precautions, such as handwashing. Normal operations are underway at Hong Kong’s Tai Tak Cruise Terminal and the Hong Kong International Airport.

Currently, at least one cruise ship is being held due to concerns about Coronavirus onboard.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include fever, cough, respiratory infection and shortness of breath. According to the CDC, the symptoms may occur two days to two weeks after exposure. Not all cases of coronavirus are severe, and some people with the virus might not even know they have it.
 

How does it spread?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is believed the spread of the virus is mostly through close contact, specifically “respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread.” The risk to the general American public is low at this time.

What are cruise lines doing about it?

Although risks to passengers and crew are low, cruise lines are implementing screening, prevention and control programs. Lines are also denying boarding to people who have traveled recently to Hubei Province or Wuhan in the past 14 days. Cruise lines have also begun canceling sailings and making itinerary changes.

How will I be affected on my upcoming cruise?

In addition to the typical pre-cruise health form, when you board you might have your temperature checked. If you have a fever of more than 100.4F and/or are showing signs of respiratory illness, you could be denied boarding. If you become ill with a respiratory illness during your cruise, the onboard medical center will likely evaluate you for coronavirus. In addition, ports of call might screen disembarking passengers for fevers.
 

Should I cancel my cruise to China?

The CDC has implemented a Level 3 warning for mainland China. The recommendation is to avoid non-essential travel to China.

Does my travel insurance cover me if I cancel my trip?

An outbreak of virus is not covered under most travel insurance plans for trip cancellation purposes, according to Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com. If you purchased a Cancel for Any Reason optional upgrade, however, there should be some level of trip cancellation protection available.

Does travel insurance cover if I get sick while traveling?

You might be able to claim benefits under the trip interruption coverage and the emergency medical coverage, according to Sandberg. The medical coverage should reimburse you for medical expenses incurred during the trip. You can read more in our cruise travel insurance primer.

What will happen to cruise itineraries long-term if the disease continues to spread?

Cruise lines are repositioning some ships for the short term. It is too soon to tell whether there will be major itinerary changes down the line.

Where can I find more information?

You can find information about coronavirus on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website.

You might also be interested in information about travel vaccinations and how not to get sick on a cruise.

I happened to talk to Holland America yesterday for a client and was told that, barring Asia sailings, no special cancellation procedures are in place for guests who chose to forego their sailing due to the virus.

Hmmm, another good reason to purchase Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance!

Since I will be sailing as of Sunday I will give you a first hand account from the ship staff with regard to precautions and preparations regarding Coronavirus.