RCCL-Royal Caribbean Group announced that most voyagess in the RCI-Royal Caribbean International's schedule through October 1, 2020, were cancelled. The news comes after the USA's CDC agency extended its No-Sail Order through September 30. Before the announcement, the shipowner (RCCL) planned to restart its US-homeporting operations on September 16.
In a letter to travel agencies, RCCL said that “in alignment with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the suspension of all cruise operations is now extended through September 30, 2020 (excluding China sailings).”
As part of Royal Caribean Group, the subsidiaries Celebrity, Silversea and Azamara also extended their fleets' pause, resuming on October 1, 2020. However, these brands (unlike the sister brand RCI-Royal Caribbean International) have some exclusions - mainly itineraries in Europe and Asia.
Royal Caribbean is giving impacted passengers 3 options:
- Refund: 100% of the refund amount paid.
- Lift & Shift: Move the voyage to sail in 2021 with fare and promotions protected.
- 125% FCC (Future Cruise Credit) available for any booking on/before December 31, 2020, and cruising by April 30, 2022.
The new announcement covers the 2 weeks of sailings departing September 16-30 that were previously open for sale.