UPDATED 2:20 p.m.
Cruise Lines International Association ocean-going cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from U.S. ports of call for 30 days as public health officials and the U.S. Government continue to address COVID-19, the association announced today.
The announcement means that all 10 cruise ships from various companies scheduled to visit Hilo through April 12 have been cancelled. All cruises to Kailua-Kona during that timeframe also have been suspended.
“CLIA cruise line members are voluntarily and temporarily suspending operations from the U.S. as we work to address this public health crisis,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO, CLIA. “This is an unprecedented situation. Our industry has taken responsibility for protecting public health for more than 50 years, working under the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prides itself on its ability to deliver exceptional vacation experiences for guests, as well as meaningful employment opportunities for crew. This has been a challenging time, but we hope that this decision will enable us to focus on the future and a return to normal as soon as possible.”
The temporary suspension will take effect 6 p.m. HST.
“CLIA ocean-going cruise lines are focused on the safe and smooth return of those currently at sea onboard ships that will be affected by this decision,” the association said.
Guests who are booked on cruise itineraries which will be impacted by this decision are encouraged to contact their travel advisors or reach out to their cruise lines directly. For additional information, please contact press@cruising.org.
PREVIOUSLY
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today announced a voluntary suspension of all cruise voyages embarking between March 13 and April 11 for its three cruise brands.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which travels interisland, had four visits scheduled for Hilo and Kailua-Kona through mid-April. And its ship The Norwegian Jewel had two visits to Hilo scheduled for that same period.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The temporary suspension is aimed at contributing to efforts around the globe to contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the company said. The measure is taken in an abundance of caution, and the company has not experienced any confirmed cases of COVID-19 across its 28-ship fleet.
“The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our highest priority. With the COVID-19 coronavirus impacting communities around the globe, we have enacted a voluntary temporary suspension of cruise voyages across our brands effective immediately,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Earlier this week, Princess Cruises announced it was suspending all cruise operations for two months in response to the virus, which infected passengers on two of its ships earlier this year.
Between Thursday and May 10, there were nine scheduled port calls for Princess Cruises ships at Hilo Harbor, beginning with a planned stop by the Star Princess next Wednesday, while two port calls were scheduled at Kailua-Kona.