Like mainstream ocean cruise lines and river cruise lines, expedition and small-ship brands are modifying their operating statuses and cancellation policies to reflect the challenging times posed by the novel coronavirus. It’s important to remember that as small-group vessels, some are still safely operating. Only select fleets are suspending sailings and hope to be back online soon. Until then, here is when each brand is currently scheduled to return to service (if not still cruising), and how they are handling cancellations.
These statuses and policies are often changing, but we will continue updating this article as we are notified of modifications. In the meantime, this is meant to be a helpful overview, and we recommend this page often and verifying with each line for the latest details.
Adventure Canada
Adventure Canada plans to resume service in 2021.
All 2020 voyages have been canceled due to the Canadian government’s advisories against unnecessary travel and international travel, as well as the closure of the Canadian Arctic to cruise travel for the duration of this year.
“We wholeheartedly support these measures,” the line said. “Everyone’s health and well-being must be top priority. This is a very difficult challenge for our clients, staff, crew, partners and the communities we work with. But we know that the steps we all take now allow us to plan for much better outcomes in the future.”
www.adventurecanada.com
Alaskan Dream Cruises (updated July 9)
Alaskan Dream Cruises plans to resume sailings on Aug. 1.
In 2020, Alaskan Dream will operate five small expedition vessels with capacities ranging from just 12 to 76 guests,” the line said. “Due to our high crew-to-guest ratio, we are uniquely positioned to monitor the health of our guests at embarkation and throughout each expedition. To assist us in this effort, we will be sending out a pre-expedition questionnaire to mitigate potential health risks.”
www.alaskandreamcruises.com
American Cruise Lines (updated May 29)
American Cruise Lines plans to resume service first aboard the American Song on June 20 followed by the American Harmony on June 28. The line is also targeting late June/July to restart in Alaska.
Passengers scheduled to sail onboard before that time will receive a 125% future cruise credit that can be redeemed on any 2020 or 2021 cruise. Or, passengers can request a 100% refund.
What’s more, American Cruise Lines has revised its cancellation policy. For sailings through Aug. 31, guests may cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full future cruise credit.
Note to Advisors
Advisor commissions that could be affected by either Cruise with Comfort or suspended operations will be 100% commission protected for cruise vouchers issued, according to the line. Commissions will be paid based on the original sailing date for any payments made toward commissionable items.
"Our travel advisor partners have appreciated our commission policy in particular, because it compensates them sooner than later for their efforts,” said Susan Shultz, vice president of trade relations. “Plus, Cruise with Comfort has helped advisors sell, because it allows guests the ability to cancel their cruise up to 24 hours before the cruise begins.”
www.americancruiselines.com
Aurora Expeditions (updated June 12)
Aurora Expeditions plans to push its April 2 Patagonia and Chilean Fjords sailing and April 25 Costa Rica and the Panama Canal cruise to 2021. It will also push its Arctic 2020 voyages between May and October, and Antarctica sailings through Dec. 26, to 2021 and 2022. As for Antarctica voyages after Dec. 26, an update will be coming in July. Meanwhile, the Iceland, Greenland & East Canada itinerary has been altogether cancelled.
Note to Advisors
“We are working around the clock to provide as much assistance as we can to both travel agents and passengers alike in the coming weeks and months,” the line said.
www.aurora-expeditions.com
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (updated May 26)
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line plans to resume service for Grand Celebration on July 25 and for Grand Classica on Oct. 3.
All guests affected by canceled sailings will receive a 125% future cruise credit good towards any departure through Dec. 31, 2021. Or, passengers can request a 100% refund.
Guests set to travel through Dec. 21 on non-canceled sailings can also reschedule up to 24 hours before departure for trips before Dec. 28. penalty free.
Note to Advisors
“We remain deeply dedicated to our valued travel advisor partners and are committed to doing everything we can to help them through this difficult moment,” according to the line. “We will overcome this together, just as we have many other things in the past.”
www.bahamasparadisecruise.com
Celestyal Cruises (updated June 30)
Celestyal Cruises plans to resume service March 6, 2021.
Passengers set to cruise before this date will receive a 120% future cruise credit that must be applied by Dec. 2021 for itineraries through Dec. 2022. Or, passengers can request a 100% refund.
Celestyal’s cancellation policy has also been updated: Guests booked on sailings through Dec. 31, 2021 can change their departure date up to 30 days before a cruise. This applies to new reservations made until Aug 31, and the credit can be used towards voyages through Dec. 31, 2022.
“We apologize to our valued guests and travel partners for the inconvenience this further temporary suspension will cause,” the line said. “However, I’m confident they understand that we take into consideration all aspects that will ensure the health and safety of our guests and crew.”
www.celestyalcruises.com
Cruise & Maritime Voyages (updated May 11)
Cruise & Maritime Voyages plans to resume service July 1.
Guests affected by cancellations will receive a 125% future cruise credit valid until March 31, 2021. Or, passengers can request a 100% refund.
www.cruiseandmaritime.com
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (updated May 11)
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises plans to resume service probably mid-June.
We very much regret this development and the inconveniences caused to our guests due to the external circumstances, which, as you appreciate, are out of our control,” the line said.
Note to Advisors
“In case of further route changes, we will, of course, actively inform all our booked guests and travel agencies.
www.hl-cruises.com
Hurtigruten (updated May 11)
Hurtigruten plans to gradually resume service June 16 for Norwegian coastal cruises. Various global expedition cruises have been canceled through September. North American Roald Amundsen summer sailings have also been canceled.
“Following June 16, they will make decisions for each and every voyage individually and will update all booked guests on any changes that will affect their voyage as soon as possible,” according to the line.
The line is supporting free rebooking of canceled sailings, offering affected guests 125% future cruise credit, plus a 10% discount on any future sailing from July 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021. Also, any departure between March 12 and Sept. 30 may be freely rebooked to voyages from July 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.
www.hurtigruten.com
Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic (updated May 15)
Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic plans to resume operations in July.
“We are tentatively rescheduling guests’ expeditions for the same period in 2021, pending confirmation from them that this date is acceptable,” according to the line. “If it is not, we will work with them to reschedule a more convenient date.
To provide the most flexibility, guests will also get a 25% travel certificate to upgrade their cabin or bring along a family member or friend, or they can take the full amount plus the 25% bonus and it apply all to a future cruise.
Note to Advisors
“Recognizing that encouraging travel at this point is harder than at most times, and to support travel partners, Lindblad is also offering an incremental $1,000 per person per booking for all new bookings made during that same time period,” the line said.
Lindblad notes that it is up to travel advisors to determine how they would like to use the $1,000, whether for incremental commission, reduction in the price of the trip, to help in offsetting the cost of flights (or air change fees if they are helping a client rebook their travel) or some combination thereof.
“You know your clients and their situation best, so we are putting the power in your hands,” said Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad. “Our guests and travel partners show loyalty to us; we should reciprocate.’”
www.expeditions.com
Ponant and Paul Gauguin Cruises (updated June 17)
Ponant is suspending some service throughout June and July. Subsidiary Paul Gauguin Cruises plans to return to service in July 2020.
According to the lines: “For a departure in the coming months, we advise you to kindly wait until we can get back to you. Our dedicated Team meets every day to evaluate the best possible options for our upcoming cruises. If, despite all our efforts, we are obliged to cancel your cruise, our team will contact you, at the latest 7 days before your departure, to inform you and to propose an alternative trip. In this case, we will offer you a credit towards a future cruise that is also transferable to a family member."
Ponant’s revised cancellation policy allows any new 2020, 2021 and 2022 cruise bookings to be fully refundable up to 90 days after confirmation. For 2020 departures, a full refund or future cruise credit can be received up to 30 days before sailing.
www.pgcruises.com
www.ponant.com
Quark Expeditions (updated May 11)
Quark Expeditions plans to resume service Oct. 1.
"If you are currently booked on an Arctic and/or North Pole 2020 voyage with Quark Expeditions, you will be contacted directly via Quark Expeditions or your booking agent with details on rebooking your voyage,” according to the line.
Quark’s updated cancellation policy for 2020 departures allows guests to cancel for a 100% future cruise credit for the amount of deposits or other partial payments, or 120% future cruise credit if full payment has been made.
www.quarkexpeditions.com
Sea Cloud Cruises (updated May 12)
Sea Cloud Cruises plans to resume service in July.
“In view of the current concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, the shipping company has further strengthened its already strict preventive measures for health protection onboard both ships,” according to the line. “The well-being of passengers and crew, which includes their health and safety, is the highest priority for Sea Cloud.”
To ensure confidence, the line has modified its cancellation policy so that guests can cancel up to six weeks before embarkation on sailings through Dec. 31, 2021 for a refund minus a $27 processing fee.
www.seacloud.com
SeaDream Yacht Club (updated June 12)
SeaDream Yacht Club plans to resume service on June 20 from Norway. Mediterranean voyages remain suspended through August.
“We are doing our very best to avoid canceling voyages and disappointing guests,” according to the line. “As a small, family-owned company, we thank our loyal guests for their support and understanding during these challenging times."
Should a cruise be canceled, SeaDream will contact guests directly. The line also asks travel advisors to contact the company directly for questions about specific voyages or cancellation options.
www.seadream.com
Star Clippers (updated May 11)
Star Clippers plans to resume service in July.
“Any passenger affected by this, or with any queries, should contact Star Clippers, or via their travel professional, for clarification,” the line said.
www.starclippers.com
UnCruise Adventures (updated June 12)
UnCruise Adventures plans to resume service July 25.
According to the line, "Our team is working to provide travel options to our loyal guests on similar itineraries and boats. If your itinerary is affected by these changes and suspended operations due to COVID-19, you will receive an email notification or be contacted by your travel professional or an UnCruise Adventures team member."
Clients with questions about upcoming trips are encouraged to contact their travel advisor or UnCruise sales counselors by calling 888-862-8881 or emailing [email protected].
www.uncruise.com
Victory Cruise Lines (updated May 27)
Victory Cruise Lines (VCL) plans to resume service in 2021. The line will provide a 125% future cruise credit to guests affected by cancellations. Or, passengers can request a 100% refund.
Note to Advisors
“VCL thanks its guests, travel agent partners, vendors and team members for their patience and understanding during this rapidly evolving situation," the line said. "The decision to suspend service was a difficult choice, but necessary in response to federal and state mandates.”
www.victorycruiselines.com
Zegrahm Expeditions (updated June 12)
Zegrahm Expeditions plans to resume service July 11.
"If your trip begins between now and July 10, 2020 you will be contacted directly by our Expedition Advisors,” according to the line. "Your patience is appreciated as our Expedition Advisors are working through departures in turn by departure date."
For trips not being repeated, guest can receive a 110% future cruise credit for 2021. The credit must be applied within 12 months of issue.
www.zegrahm.com
