Given the evolving nature of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities — CLIA ocean cruise line members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for guests and crew who have recently travelled from or through Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government.

These enhanced policies, which came into effect as of 03 March 2020 AEST, build upon those which were first implemented on 31 January 2020 and continue to allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be permitted to board.

  • Boarding will be denied to all persons who have within 14 days before embarkation travelled from, visited or transited via airports in Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government, as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Preboarding screening will be conducted for all persons who have within 14 days before embarkation traveled from, visited or transited via airports in any destinations listed on the U.S. CDC “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel” page. Illness screening includes symptom history checks for fever, cough and difficulty breathing in the 14 days before embarkation and taking of temperature.
  • Boarding will be denied to all persons who have within 14 days before embarkation had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having Coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
  • Preboarding screening will be conducted to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19.

In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to the coronavirus and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.

The health and safety of passengers and crews is, and must remain, the top priority for the cruise industry. These measures, while more restrictive than our previously announced enhanced protocols enacted on 31 January, are intended to reflect the industry’s commitment to ensuring necessary precautions are in place as the situation continues to evolve.

This is an ongoing challenge for many sectors, including the cruise industry. However, it is important to note that cruise lines have extensive experience monitoring the health of passengers, providing care as needed, and responding as necessary to evolving circumstances. Individual cruise lines will be able to advise of their specific measures and matters that may relate to their own guests and operations.

Globally, the majority of cruise itineraries are continuing to operate as normal.

As an industry we are working to reassure guests that right now, our number one priority is the health and safety of passengers and crew. This is undoubtedly a challenging moment for the entire travel industry—and one which is being taken very seriously by all. Cruise lines are constantly monitoring the situation as it rapidly develops and will continue to adapt, as needed, to provide for the needs of guests and crew.

Washington, DC (15 March 2020)— The FCCA and CLIA today released the following statement related to U.S. ports and returning ships:

U.S. ports are open to returning ships, and passengers are able to disembark and fly home as confirmed by a National Interest Exemption (Exemption) issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 13, 2020. This includes passengers who are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and foreign diplomats. Non-U.S. citizens will be able to fly home to their home countries.

As a result of this Exemption, CLIA and FCCA have requested that all ports in the Caribbean, South America and other areas keep their ports open to cruise ships sailing on itineraries related to U.S. ports to allow passengers to return as soon as possible to their homes.

Coronavirus Cruise Line Supsensions

Please see below the current suspension dates and compensation offerings for a range of cruise lines. Please note, this information is constantly changing and the information below is accurate as of Thursday 19 March.
Cruise Line Suspension to date Current compensation offered
Azamara 10/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund If your Azamara booking has been impacted it has automatically been cancelled and the applicable Future Cruise Credit will be created and emailed to you within 4-6 weeks. Should you wish to proceed with the refund option instead, please click here to request this directly from Azamara
Carnival Australia 12/04/2020 100% Future Cruise Credit + Onboard Credit (depending on cruise duration) or 100% Refund If your Carnival Australia booking has been impacted it has automatically been cancelled and the applicable Future Cruise Credit will be applied to your past passenger number. Should you wish to proceed with the refund option instead, please click here to request this directly from Carnival Australia
Carnival International 09/04/2020 100% Future Cruise Credit + Onboard Credit (depending on cruise duration) or 100% Refund
Celebrity Cruises 11/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund If your Celebrity Cruises booking has been impacted it has automatically been cancelled and the applicable Future Cruise Credit will be created and emailed to you within 4-6 weeks Should you wish to proceed with the refund option instead, please click here to request this directly from Celebrity Cruises
Cunard 11/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund If your Cunard booking has been impacted it has automatically been cancelled and the applicable Future Cruise Credit will be applied to your past passenger number. Should you wish to proceed with the refund option instead, please click here to request this directly from Cunard
Cruise and Maritime Voyages 24/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit + discounts on Additions Package and Shore Excursions or 100% Refund
Holland America 14/04/2020 125% of the base cruise fare as a Future Cruise Credit + US$250 onboard credit per person or 100% Refund Should you wish to proceed with the Future Cruise Credit option please click here to process this change directly with Holland America. If you wish to receive a full refund, please contant our team
MSC Cruises Compensation offering will be dependant on departure date and will be advised to affected bookings by email.
Norwegian Cruise Line 11/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund If your Norwegian cruise has been impacted, you will receive a notification directly from Norwegian after 23 March which will outline the steps to process your cancellation. Please await this email.
Oceania 11/04/2020 125%-150% Future Cruise Credit (Depending on departure date) or 100% Refund (Must be notified by 27 March 2020)
P&O Cruises Australia 11/04/2020 200% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund Should you wish to proceed with the Future Cruise Credit option please click here to process this change directly with P&O Cruises Australia. If you wish to receive a full refund, please contact our team.
Princess Cruises 10/05/2020 125 – 225% Future Cruise Credit depending on departure date or 100% Refund If your Princess booking has been impacted it has automatically been cancelled and the applicable Future Cruise Credit will be applied to your past passenger number. Should you wish to proceed with the refund option instead, please click here to process this directly with Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas 11/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund (NB: Refunds will take between 12 – 14 weeks)
Royal Caribbean 10/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund If your Royal Caribbean booking has been impacted it has automatically been cancelled and the applicable Future Cruise Credit will be created and emailed to you within 4-6 weeks. Should you wish to proceed with the refund option instead, please click here to request this directly from Royal Caribbean
Seabourn 13/04/2020 125% Future Cruise Credit or 100% Refund