Well into college, I felt exceedingly cool ordering my first beer, a Corona, in a casino in Wendover, NV after the cocktail waitress rolled her eyes and informed me that: “we don’t carry Zima.” Now, 20 years later, I’ve become even more of a wuss having given up hops altogether in favor of alcohol disguised as a milkshake.
But it seems Corona has taken an entirely different trajectory, having evolved from a mainstream light Mexican beer best paired with limes and naive college-aged Utah women to a nasty virus leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe and even, in some cases, death. It has also led to worldwide panic, travel advisories and restrictions, and even quarantines, including of passengers aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship. So what does all this mean for those booked on a cruise or considering a cruise? If you or a loved one fall into either of those categories, you may be asking yourself the following questions:
Will the cruise line cancel my cruise due to coronavirus?
Should I cancel my cruise because of coronavirus?
What happens if I get quarantined on my cruise?
Will the itinerary of my cruise change due to coronavirus?
What can I do to protect myself from coronavirus on my cruise?
What are the risks in booking a cruise with the coronavirus going around?
Will cruise prices drop due to fears of coronavirus?
Let’s tackle each of these, but first, let me remind you that while I may be a Professor of Cruising and technically a “Dr.,” I am not a doctor of anything useful as it pertains coronavirus, such as medicine. Please consult with an actual medical doctor about any specific concerns you have about coronavirus and whether it is safe for you to cruise or fly. I also can’t predict the future or I never would have purchased a bunch of Carnival and NCL stock 6 months ago! Doh!
I wish I knew – I have three booked myself! However, we can learn something from what’s happened so far. Numerous cruises in those areas most affected by coronavirus, mainly in Asia, have been cancelled. If you’re scheduled on a cruise to or from Asia, it’s much more likely your cruise will be canceled or your itinerary changed. I’m also watching Italy closely both because of the number of coronavirus cases there and also because my family is planning a cruise from Venice in December (thankfully, we haven’t booked yet). And of course, I’m monitoring Seattle as coronavirus cases continue to increase here.
I wish I could give you a definitive answer here too, as I know this question is agonizing for many right now. But, things are changing quickly and every situation is different – only you can make that decision based on the timing of your cruise and your specific circumstances. However, I can provide you with some things to consider in weighing your options:
If so, you may have to eat the full cost of the cruise unless you have “cancel for any reason” travel insurance, the cruise is cancelled by the cruise line in which case they will fully refund your cruise fare (and might provide an additional gesture of goodwill), or if your cruise line has initiated a temporary flexible cancel policy (many cruise lines now have these – check with your line for the specific details). If you are past final payment and your cruise line does not have a temporary policy that would allow you to cancel without significant penalty, I would suggest NOT cancelling your cruise. If you can, I would wait it out until right before you’re scheduled to sail (as things are changing rapidly) and then make a decision as to whether or not you feel comfortable proceeding with your trip.
If you’ve only payed a deposit on your cruise, I would suggest not making any additional payments until you are required to and at that point you can weigh the risks and make a decision as to whether or not you want to cancel. Check for price drops though. And be sure to call the cruise line if you find them. They will usually honor the lower price until final payment.
In some cases, with the new temporary cancelation policies, it may also make sense to cancel what you have and rebook at a lower fare (if you’re past final payment and the cruise line isn’t willing to match the current fare). However, some cruise lines are also offering significant onboard credit to keep your current reservation. Do the math and see what makes sense for you if you decide to proceed forward with your cruise plans.
We know that the elderly, immunocompromised, and medically fragile are at increased risk of serious symptoms from coronavirus. While years of eating floor food (5 second rule!) have resulted in my immune system of steel, if you are elderly or in any way immunocompromised or medically fragile or are traveling with anyone who is, you’ll want to take that into consideration.
If so, this adds an additional layer of complication. If you haven’t purchased your airfare yet, I would strongly suggest you book refundable tickets or those that can be changed without penalty. Those will provide you flexibility to make a decision at the last minute if necessary without paying fees to cancel or change your tickets.
If you already have flights booked, check to see what the penalties are to cancel or change your tickets.
You may not have a choice but to skip your cruise if travel restrictions prevent you from flying to your departure port. However, in that case your airfare may be refunded if airlines are forced to cancel flights and cruise lines may cancel cruises leaving from ports with travel restrictions or large numbers of infections. As a resident of Seattle scheduled for three cruises from here, I’m watching things very closely and hoping everyone can safely cruise from here. Including me!
If you’re exhibiting any symptoms of coronavirus yourself or suspect you may have come into contact with someone with coronavirus, stay home and don’t travel.
We know from prior cruises that while unlikely, it’s possible that you could be quarantined or that your cruise debarkation delayed. This could have much more serious repercussions for those responsible for children or other dependents at home, those with essential job functions, or those who cannot afford to miss additional days of work. Which leads to the next question…
While we’ve learned a lot from mistakes made with the quarantine of the Diamond Princess and cruise lines are busy preparing contingency plans should any additional ships be denied entry to certain countries or ports, it’s prudent to take a few extra precautions in the unlikely event that you’re quarantined on your ship or another location away from home or your debarkation is delayed. Here are a few things I’d recommend:
I’d strongly suggest packing extra medication, especially prescription medication. Consider other essential items you might need for daily life as well – things that may not be available on the cruise ship. Diapers if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, for example.
If you’re leaving pets, children, or other dependents in the care of others while you cruise, be sure to have a contingency plan in place for them in the event that your return home is delayed.
This will be easier for some than for others. For us Professors of Cruising, it would be as simple as packing a laptop for a forthcoming article titled, “What It’s Like To Be Quarantined On A Cruise Ship” (that’s one I hope I never have to write!), but for some it might involve identifying a person to cover shifts, bringing along documents and files you might need or technology that would allow you to video conference into meetings, or avoiding scheduling anything critical for the weeks following your cruise.
It’s possible. This is starting to happen more and more as certain ports are refusing cruise ships for fear of the virus spreading. Remember that the cruise contract you sign specifies that ports may change or be cancelled at the will of the cruise line and compensation will not be provided (except for port fees refunded – but that’s generally a very small amount).
Knowing this possibility, I would be especially cautious in booking shore excursions. Any excursions booked through the ship will be refunded, but if you book private excursions or rent a car, read the refund policy very carefully. Reputable companies will refund your money if the port is delayed or missed.
In the event that you’re scheduled on a cruise soon and have decided to proceed with it (have a great cruise!!!), you may be wondering what precautions to take to protect yourself from coronavirus (and other illnesses for that matter). Here are my recommendations based on what I’ve read from experts:
Washing your hands frequently and rigorously for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water is the most important thing you can do to prevent transmission of the coronavirus (and most others).
You’ll want to take frequent advantage of “washy washy” (hand sanitizing) stations on your cruise ship, especially before meals, but will also want to pack your own alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use between hand washing. Currently every store in Seattle is sold out of hand sanitizer, but a quick Amazon search suggests you can still purchase it there. Here’s a link to what’s currently available on Amazon (double check the description to make sure it’s at least 60% alcohol): alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
While your stateroom will be cleaned by your steward, for an extra layer of protection, consider wiping down cabin surfaces (especially door knobs, light switches, faucets, and fixtures) with alcohol-based disinfecting wipes. Again, always double check the description to make sure they are alcohol-based.
Studies suggest that people may touch their faces up to 23 times on average per hour. This is a very efficient and common way to spread viruses. Make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face with your hands. It might even help to write a word or symbol on the tops of your hands to remind you – I’m currently sporting a pair of little angry-faced viruses.
Now’s the time for extroverts and “touchy feely” types to learn something from us introverts called: social distancing. While this can be tough on a cruise ship, try to maintain a distance of 3 feet from others around you when possible. This can minimize transmission of the virus from coughing and sneezing.
Experts have advised that most people should avoid purchasing or wearing masks. Exceptions are noted for those who are already ill (as they can prevent droplets from sneezing and coughing from spreading to others), have been advised to do so by their doctor (because they are immunocompromised, etc), or work in a healthcare setting.
There are several reasons why it’s not a good idea to purchase and wear masks. First, if everyone went out and purchased masks, the supply would quickly run out and those who really need them (those who are ill, immunocompromised, or work in healthcare settings) may not be able to access them. Second, they can provide a false sense of security (especially paper masks not specifically designed to prevent virus transmission). And third, they can actually lead to increased risk in some cases. How is that possible, you ask? Because masks need to be put on and taken off and can be itchy and sweaty. This actually causes people to touch their faces more which increases risk for virus transmission.
Public restrooms on cruise ships are particularly germy. Avoid using them whenever possible. If you do need to use them, wash your hands thoroughly and use a kleenex or towel to open the door and turn off the faucet.
Depending on your level of concern, I might also advise avoiding cruise ship buffets and soft-serve ice cream machines. Elect to eat your meals in full-service restaurants or order room service to minimize exposure to germs.
This also applies to you so you’ll protect your loved ones and the other passengers on your ship should you contract coronavirus (or another contagious illness). Be sure to always cover your mouth (using the inside of your elbow is actually safer than your hands) when you cough or sneeze and then immediately wash or sanitize your hands.
Were you thinking about booking a cruise, but wondering about the risks with coronavirus going around? Me too! Risks include your cruise being cancelled, your itinerary being changed, the flights to your cruise being cancelled, your return home from your cruise being delayed, and a (currently) very small risk of contracting or spreading the virus yourself during travel.
If you do elect to book a future cruise, I would strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance that includes “cancel for any reason.” Read policies very carefully as many standard cruise line policies have exemptions for pandemics and the like. Ensure you are covered if you either contract coronavirus yourself or decide to cancel due to fears of coronavirus. I always book through this site to compare rates and plans to get the coverage I want at the best price.
This is something to keep an eye on, especially if you live in a city with a cruise port, can cruise last minute, or are retired or able to work remotely. There are some great deals right now for those with some flexibility.
Also, if you already have a cruise booked, but are prior to final payment, watch for price drops and call your cruise line or travel agent to receive the lower price or a better cabin (most lines will adjust prices prior to final payment or provide an upgraded cabin or some onboard credit).
I know some of you clicked on this post hoping I’d give you a definitive answer to your question, “should I cancel my cruise due to coronavirus” or “should I book a cruise in the age of coronavirus?” I wish I could provide you with that, but I can’t. Every situation is different and I’m in the same boat, asking those very same questions (as are thousands of others).
My unique circumstances find me living in a port city and currently booked on three cruises from here, considering booking a cruise departing from Italy in December (we had planned a big extended family cruise to the mediterranean before news of the coronavirus hit), healthy and with flexibility to travel frequently and at the last minute, and residing in Seattle, a city with a higher number of coronavirus cases. As of today, I don’t plan to cancel my booked cruises and will sail on them if they aren’t cancelled by the cruise lines. I will continue to watch the situation in Italy and will follow all travel advisories. I will also watch cruise prices closely and will likely book additional sailings if prices drop far enough.
Wherever your circumstances find you, I wish you good health and plentiful and wonderful cruises, either now or in the future! And with that…
Class Dismissed.
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