As the coronavirus cripples worldwide travel, one of the largest cruise liners in the world has decided to suspend all voyages.
The suspension will be effective as of today until April 30.
Currently, Viking Cruises operates one cruise in the Middle East, which runs from India through the Arabian Sea and in to Oman’s Muscat and Salalah, and then on to Jordan and Egypt.
“We believe Viking will be in a better place to provide the experiences our guests expect and deserve after this time and plan to resume operations on May 1, 2020, continuing all further sailings as originally planned,” the company said via statement.
The announcement was emailed to all currently booked guests.
“I am sure you recognize that COVID-19 has made travel exceedingly complicated. An increasing number of ports, including Venice, Monte Carlo and Bergen, have temporarily closed to cruise ships; major attractions such as the Vatican and other museums have been closed; and some countries are imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors,”
“In recent days we have had an experience where a river cruise guest in South-East Asia was exposed to COVID-19 while in transit on an international airline. While this guest is not exhibiting symptoms, she has been placed in quarantine. Separately, the remaining 28 guests will also be quarantined.”
Ships currently sailing will continue on their planned itineraries, however new voyages will be on hold.
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