Although the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport remain open, Princess Cruises and its parent Carnival Corporation are aware of the hardships the L.A. wildfires have placed on residents and upcoming cruisers.
Editor's note: This article was updated on Jan. 22.
As such, the line is offering guests residing in evacuation zones — or whose homes have sustained significant damage — the ability to cancel cruises scheduled to depart through Jan. 30.
“Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line, is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires,” the line said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to all those affected during this challenging time. At Princess Cruises, we are proud to be part of the Los Angeles community, and we remain committed to supporting our neighbors as we face these challenges together."
Those who opt into the revised cancellation policy will get a future cruise credit equal to the value of their reservation, and full refunds will be granted for any extra purchases made, including shore excursions and Princess Packages.
The credit will be valid for any Princess Cruises sailing leaving from Los Angeles in 2025.
Carnival Corp. furthermore has issued the following statement from CEO Josh Weinstein:
"The images from the fires in Southern California are truly heartbreaking. Seeing the destruction of homes, businesses, and entire communities is both tragic and unprecedented.
"California holds a special place in our hearts, as it is home to many of our team members and has been a significant part of our operations for decades. Our colleagues, families, friends, neighbors and many loyal guests remain deeply affected, with some still temporarily displaced and others unable to ever return home. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these devastating fires, and we are committed to helping residents, first responders and firefighters on the ground.
"To support wildfire relief efforts, together Carnival Corporation, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn are donating $100,000 that will be generously matched dollar-for-dollar by the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, for a combined total contribution of $200,000 to World Central Kitchen (WCK). The WCK relief teams are on the ground providing free hot meals to emergency workers, first responders and families affected by the continuing wildfires.
"Our teams are helping in other ways too. During the next two weeks, Carnival is inviting guests aboard its three Long Beach ships to join in supporting WCK. Princess will share opportunities for its team members in other parts of the country and world to help those affected through donations, volunteering or other ways of assisting. Holland America is inviting guests to help with relief efforts through its 'On Deck for a Cause' walks temporarily supporting Direct Relief’s work to take medical supplies to people displaced by the fires, as well as respirators for those in the fire zone.
"I invite each of you to join in these efforts by volunteering or contributing in your own way to help. You may also choose to donate directly to World Central Kitchen through this link as I will be doing personally. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.
"We understand the emotional toll of events like these, and your well-being is always our priority. Please reach out to your managers or HR teams if you need support or have any concerns.
"The true brilliance of our culture and the heart of our people shine the brightest when we unite in shared compassion to help others. I am both proud and honored to be part of this team."
Editor’s note: If you know a member of the travel community who has been impacted by the LA Wildfires, please add their GoFundMe or other donation links to this Google Doc.
