According to the Strait Times, following the coronavirus outbreak and with several ports in Asia ceasing their operations, major cruise lines decided to reroute or even cancel their sailings over ports in the region.
In fact, Celebrity Cruises will move its Celebrity Millennium cruise vessel to the United States three months earlier than it was scheduled.
Up until today we had not intended to cancel the remaining season in Asia. However, due to continuous and unpredictable changes in travel restrictions and port closures, we feel this is the best decision for the health and safety of all. The Asia market remains of great importance to us and we look forward to returning there very soon.
…said Celebrity Cruises’ spokesman.
Moreover, Celebrity Constellation has been rerouted off Dubai, as the debarkation and embarkation was first planned in Singapore on 17 March. The cruise company informed that will refund its guests with the affected bookings.
At the same time, Royal Caribbean cancelled the two sailings of Quantum of the Seas, which were planned to depart from Singapore 15 February and 24 February.
For the records, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess was set to sail from Singapore on 13 February, but its departure was cancelled as well.
Overall, in light of the coronavirus situation, Holland America Line’s cruise ship Westerdam finally disembarked its passengers in Cambodia’s coastal city Sihanoukville following the company’s updates that the 20 samples taken from passengers onboard the vessel have been confirmed as negative.
