Princess Cruises to Pause Global Ship Operations for Two Months

Move comes after two of company’s cruises stricken by coronavirus

By Dave Sebastian March 12, 2020 Wall Street Journal

Princess Cruises is pausing global operations for its 18 cruise ships for 60 days as the brand has suffered from a fallout from coronavirus pandemic.

The suspension applies to voyages departing March 12 to May 10, Princess said Thursday. The cruise line is owned by Carnival Corp.

“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,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess.

Cruise ships have been known as incubators for the pathogen, with the Grand Princess ship being the company’s latest cruise to be stricken by coronavirus. Hundreds of people became infected with coronavirus on another ship, the Diamond Princess, when it docked in Japan in January.

Princess said those currently onboard its cruises that will end in the next five days will continue to sail through the end of the itinerary so as to avoid disrupting future travel arrangements.

The cruise operator said guests can get full credit for their canceled itinerary for a future cruise. Customers can also opt to request a cash refund, Princess said.

Write to Dave Sebastian at [email protected]