Should I cancel my cruise because of coronavirus?
Note that the below content was published before COVID-19 spread and infected a much higher number of people. We've updated some information, and you can see when various lines are expected to start sailing again by visiting our tracker here.
Wondering if you should cancel your upcoming trip because of coronavirus (COVID-19)? It's a question we've been asked a lot the last several months. Here we'll offer our personal opinion on the matter, direct you to updated cancellation policies, as well as point out some things you should consider either way...
The Big Question: Should you cancel your upcoming cruise?
Ask this question online and you're going to find a variety of opinions - none of which are wrong, they're opinions. So, my opinion?
No. There have been many sailings which have been cancelled, and there may be more to come. Once cruising does return though, we're optimistic about the safety factor. Since the start of the pandemic the industry has worked hard to keep up with the latest science, improve HVAC systems to include HEPA filtration, limit capacities, implement contact tracing, testing protocols, and more. Nothing is without risk - but cruise lines are uniquely positioned to maintain control over every part of the cruise experience. A hotel can do everything right, but if all of the guests go to a concert nextdoor and come back, they have a problem. Cruise lines not only have new procedures for the cruise itself, but for shore excursions - and this level of control, we feel, combined with the latest science, positions them well to offer safe experiences. Safety is of course, in the interest of cruise lines as well.
Will trip insurance cover coronavirus?
The answer to this question really depends on what scenario you're trying to insure against. If you've not already, you should definitely read our article that helps you pick the right trip insurance policy for you. In short though, unless you have a travel insurance policy with a "cancel for any reason" clause, then if you choose to cancel your trip because you're concerned with coronavirus, you will not be reimbursed. Now, if your cruise ends up being canceled, and you find yourself with flights or other trip-related expenses, this may be something many travel insurance policies can help with. There is a big 'but' though, and that is that many insurance policies have clauses that exempt otherwise covered incidents from being covered if they're the result of an epidemic. Fine print matters when picking travel insurance, and a good travel agent can help you sort through policies.
Are cruise lines taking steps to prevent outbreaks on ships?
Absolutely! Cruise lines are well aware of the concern, and for weeks have had special screening processes, enhanced disinfectant procedures, and they're canceled dozens of sailings, at nearly incalculable costs because of the hit the industry has taken as a whole. You can read a February 7th statement from the Cruise Line International Association, outlining just some of the actions the industry is taking. In the end, the cruise industry has zero interest in putting passengers or crew in harms way, or spreading any sort of infection. Each situation varies, but we've seen lines go above and beyond in some cases, helping guests make alternative arrangements, providing complimentary consultation with ship medical staff, and more.
What about norovirus and influenza?
It's winter in North America, and that means cold and flu season - it also means that on land and sea, norovirus infections are up. The reality is though, that you're far more likely to get norovirus on land than on a cruise ship. Really - we ran the numbers based on CDC data, and you can read about it here. No one watches the news to hear about 200 individuals who all came down with a stomach bug at some point in the last couple days while at home, work, etc. A cruise ship though? That story makes people click and tune in. The flue/influenza is another concern on land and sea, with the US CDC estimating that so far this season there have been at least 26 million flu illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths from flu - the majority of serious illnesses affecting those who haven't been vaccinated.
If You Do Want to Cancel - Cruise Line Cancellation Policies
In the past weeks cruise lines have been trying to kee guest confidence high and ships filled, but they're also sensitive to the concerns that potential travelers have. As such, most cruise lines have temporarily adopted policies that allow for guests to cancel their cruise in exchange for a future cruise credit, as late as 48 hours before cruising. This means you may not need to make a decision anytime soon. It also means you can go ahead and book that trip you were looking at in May (for example), knowing that if the situation and/or your personal considerations change, you can reschedule the sailing.
Of crouse each cruise line has different policies, but we've keeping a running list of these policies for each line, which you can check out here: Having Second Thoughts about Cruising? Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival & Others Allowing More Flexible Cancellation Terms Amid Coronavirus Spread
Wrapping It up for Now
Just like I mentioned at the top - the choice is yours, and one you should make based on facts about the current status of the coronavirus outbreak (this is a dynamic situation), your traveling party's general health, and your tolerance for risk. The overwhelming majority of cruisers in 2021 will have a great time, just as nearly 30 million did in 2019. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor, or consult government resources, such as the US Centers for Disease Control or your local health department. Whatever you chose to do, on land or at sea, please practice thorough and frequent hand-washing.