02/20/2020 - 20:44
- Clarín.com
- travels
Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in China , several cruise companies chose to change ports so as not to pass through the most affected places or reschedule travel dates. One of them was MSC Cruises , which updated the MSC Bellissima itinerary for its next 28-night trip sailing from the Gulf to Asia, on March 21.
The updated itinerary, from March 21 to April 18, will see the cancellation of visits to the port of Shenzhen (Mainland China ); Hong Kong ; Keelung ( Taiwan ), and the incorporation of Laem Chabang / Bangkok ( Thailand ); Phu My City / Ho Chi Minh ( Vietnam ); as well as an extra day in Kobe ( Japan ). In addition, the ship will also land on Sir Bani Yas Island, instead of Khor Fakkan, both in the United Arab Emirates.
To protect the health and safety of its guests and crew around the world, MSC Cruises "began on January 24 a series of precautionary actions throughout its fleet with respect to the new COVID-19 that originated in China," They reported in the company.
While they clarify that there are no cases on board any of the company's ships , the measures "are additional steps to ensure the health and well-being of all guests and crew," they added.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: "The decision to reposition the boat from Shanghai to Singapore was taken taking into account the best interest of the safety and well-being of our guests and crew, hence the decision to cancel our next three trips scheduled in China. ”
“ Many major airlines have canceled or reduced their frequency of flights to China and our cruise trip , a maritime tradition whereby a ship moves from one part of the world to another for a new sailing season, was booked completely with guests that flew from abroad to enjoy the experience of a unique itinerary, ”he concluded.
Earlier, they canceled the departure of the MSC Splendida, which was scheduled for January 28; and Royal Caribbean of the Spectrum of the Seas, planned for January 27 . Everything due to the Royal Caribbean virus was going to carry out a four-day cruise that had to start on January 27 in Shanghai; He was going to arrive on Naha on 29, Okinawa Island, Japan; and was scheduled to end on 31 in Shanghai.
From that company they said that "in light of the latest advances in the outbreak of coronavirus in China, we are suspending the exit of the Spectrum of the Seas, currently our only ship with a base port in China."
Costa Cruises, meanwhile, reported that it canceled the departures on January 25 and 31 of the Costa Serena; January 27 and 31 departures from the Atlantic Coast; the cruises of January 26 and February 2 of the Costa Venezia and the cruises of January 25 and 30 and February 2 in Costa neoRomantica. Passengers were able to choose between full refunds, or were given the option of choosing new alternative navigation dates before the end of 2020 with a credit on board of $ 50.
Crystal Cruises replaced the stopovers in Hong Kong with those of the port of Keelung in Taipei for their February 2, 7 and 15 departures from Crystal Symphony.
Safety Measures of MSC Cruises
In order to "ensure the health and well-being of all guests and crew", guests embarking on a cruise must take into account the following:
- Any person who has traveled to or from Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao in the last 30 days, or who has visited or transited through airports, will be denied access to the ship . The same rules apply to the travel companions of these guests (father, spouse, son, siblings or a companion sharing a cabin).
- Guests with signs or symptoms of diseases such as fever (≥38 ° C), chills, cough or shortness of breath will be denied boarding . The same rules apply to your travel companions.
-Any person who, within 14 days prior to shipment, has had close contact or has helped care for any person suspected or diagnosed with coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to the new coronavirus, is will deny the boarding.
-Guests with a Chinese passport who have not traveled from Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao in the last 30 days and who are in good health can access the ship. However, the authorities of certain countries do not temporarily allow Chinese passport holders to travel to their territories.
-Guests and crew are always recommended to follow health and safety guidelines, such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds and all other recommended public health procedures.