Celestyal Cruises is taking preventative measures and suspending cruise operations until 1st May 2020. This action is as a result of the unavoidable circumstances arising out of the continued spread of COVID-19 and increased government advisories and restrictions from all over the world prohibiting guests from leaving and re-entering their home countries.
In a statement, the cruise company said: “We all currently face a situation that it is unknown, extraordinary, unpredictable, and constantly changing and, as a result, is causing major disruption to travel. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently said, every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight against COVID-19 and Celestyal Cruises is following this advice and that of health professionals and regulators around the world, and acting accordingly in order to reduce the risk of quarantine or medical detentions for guests and crew.
“In addition, with an increasing number of temporary closures to cruise ports for select nationals, major attractions and some countries imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors, a destination rich company such as Celestyal Cruises is prevented from delivering the promised experience at this time.
“Therefore, we have made the difficult yet responsible decision due to Force Majeure of suspending sailings between 14th March and 30th April 2020. We plan to recommence from 1st May 2020 with our three-night Iconic Aegean on Celestyal Olympia and 2nd May 2020 with the seven-night Eclectic Aegean on Celestyal Crystal as scheduled.
“For all named and fully paid guests impacted by this temporary suspension, we will offer the choice of either a Future Cruise Credit valued at 120% of original booking value or a refund of original amount paid. Guests will have until the end of December 2021 to use their Future Cruise Credit against any of our itineraries. For additional flexibility, anyone that has not used their Future Cruise Credit within the specified period, will automatically receive a refund equal to the original amount paid to Celestyal.
“To achieve better customer service, Celestyal Cruises will issue certificates for Future Cruise Credits for all impacted guests as per above to be sent directly to guests or their travel advisor, unless otherwise advised, so there will be no need to call our Contact Centre should you choose the Future Cruise Credit option.”
Affected sailings are:
- Seven-night Three Continents: 4th, 21st and 28th March 2020
- Seven-night Eclectic Aegean: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th April 2020
- Three- and four-night Iconic Aegean: 16th March until 30th April 2020
The statement continued: “During these challenging times, Celestyal Cruises will do all it can to support its guests, employees and partners and is hopeful that they in turn will show their support. As things return to normal, Celestyal Cruises looks forward to welcoming guests back onboard.”
