Hong Kong Suspends All Cruises for Two Weeks due to COVID-19 Concerns
Cruise lines offers refunds or cancellations options after cruises were suspended by the local government amidst heightened health protocols
Genting Dream and Spectrum of the Seas docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong PHOTO: HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD
The Hong Kong Government recently reimposed city-wide restrictions due to the recent concerns raised over an Omicron cluster earlier this week. As part of the heightened restrictions, cruise ships operating in Hong Kong will have to cease operations for 2-weeks.
This came after 9 close contacts of the Omicron cluster were traced to be onboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas 2nd January 2022 sailing. The ship returned to port a day ahead of schedule. Everyone onboard, including the six close contacts tested negative for the coronavirus.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas docked in Kai Tak Cruise Terminal PHOTO: CNN
As part of the prevention policies announced by the Hong Kong Government, Royal Caribbean will comply with the 14 day cruise suspension by canceling Spectrum of the Seas Jan 6, 9, 12, 14 and 17 2022 Ocean Getaway sailings.
In a release on their website, Royal Caribbean mentioned that they will “continue to monitor the evolving situation and work closely with relevant local authorities on our return to service. We fully expect to welcome our guests onboard Spectrum’s Jan 21 cruise.”
Guests affected by these cancellations will be offered
A transfer to future Spectrum sailings departing Hong Kong from 21/01/2022 to 26/01/2022, or sailings from 07/02/2022 to 17/03/2022. Your cruise fare will be protected in the same category, subjected to room availability per sailing.
Guests wishing to cancel will receive a full refund of cruise fare and pre-cruise purchases, including taxes and fees, to the original form of payment within 30 days.
Guests are requested to contact their travel advisor, or Royal Caribbean by 31 January 2022 with their preferred options.
Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream
Genting Dream Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
In compliance with the order of suspension, Dream Cruises will also cancel the following sailings from 9 January 2022 to 19 January 2022, on top of the previously cancelled 5 and 7 January sailings.
In a press release, Dream Cruises emphasized that “this cancellation is due to the government’s directive and NOT as a result of any COVID-19 related incidents on board the ship.” “Dream Cruises maintains the highest preventative and safety measures onboard its fleet and is committed to safeguarding the health of all guests and crew” it added.
Guests affected by this cancellation will be offered one of the three options, along with some added compensation:
TRANSFER CRUISE: Affected guests can transfer to a future Genting Dream cruise departing on 21 January to 27 April 2022 (Black-out dates apply: Feb 2, 4; Apr 15, 17). Booking conditions, cabin category, type of booking remain the same as the original cruise package (Subject to cabin availability).
As a gesture of goodwill, Dream Cruises will offer guests onboard credits of for guests who transfer to a future cruise (applicable only to guests who had previously paid their fare in full):
Original booking of a 2-night cruise: HK$300 per cabin
Original booking of a 3-night cruise: HK$500 per cabin
Affected guests will be required to top up the difference for new bookings made with a longer cruise itinerary (e.g. 3-night). If the new cruise fare / port charge is lower, the difference will be refunded via on board credits.
Administrative fees shall apply for any change(s) to the guest name.
Please note for affected Genting Rewards members who are sailing using Genting Points or cabin promotions, please contact our Genting Rewards members’ customer service hotline.
FUTURE CRUISE CREDIT: A Future Cruise Credit for the full fare amount (including Paid Cabin Fare + Paid Port Charges + Pre-Paid Gratuity, as applicable) is available to be redeemed for any Genting Dream sailings departing on 21 January to 27 April 2022 (Black-out dates apply: Feb 2, 4; Apr 15, 17). Please contact your original travel office or agency by 25 January 2022 for available options.
As a gesture of goodwill, Dream Cruises will offer guests onboard credits of for guests who transfer to a future cruise (applicable only to guests who had previously paid their fare in full):
Original booking of a 2-night cruise: HK$300 per cabin
Original booking of a 3-night cruise: HK$500 per cabin
All new cruise bookings are subject to cabin availability and prevailing rates. Affected guests will be required to top up the difference for new bookings made with a longer cruise itinerary (eg 3-night). If the new cruise fare / port charge is lower, the difference will be refunded via on board credits.
Please note for affected Genting Rewards members who are sailing using Genting Points or cabin promotions, please contact our Genting Rewards members’ customer service hotline.
CRUISE CANCELLATION: Affected guests may cancel their cruise and receive a full refund of their paid cruise fares including Cabin Fare, Port Charges, and Pre-Paid Gratuity (if applicable)
Please note for affected Genting Rewards members who are sailing using Genting Points or cabin promotions, please contact our Genting Rewards members’ customer service hotline
Dream Cruises added that they will continue to monitor the local situation and work closely with the relevant authorities and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
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