As the Coronavirus turns
Published Wednesday, March 11th 2020 - Updated Wednesday, March 11th 2020As the fear and paranoia of the Coronavirus now known as to CO-VID 19 is growing it is taking its toll on the travel industry.
Each day some new and the travel companies are now making accommodations based on when you travel as to whether they will be offering future travel credits, full refunds, or bonus offers if you do continue to travel (very few do this).
Nobody likes losing money. Everyone would love to have you travel. Depending on who you listen to, you as the traveler have to make a decision on what is best for you.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has begun a program that requires passengers 70 years and older to have completed a Certificate of Medical Fitness that must be completed by a medical professional stating that they are healthy enough to travel.
All airlines are implementing pre-boarding screening of all passengers. Those who have traveled to/from certain countries such as China, Singapore, Italy, and more are not being allowed to board unless more than 14 days have passed prior to boarding. The latest is that it is being extended to 30 days for precautionary measures.
Most airlines for travel in March are offering goodwill credits. These can be used towards future travel. Each airline has their own policies and you must check with your travel advisor or airline for more details as to what the current policy is if you wish to cancel. Depending on where you are going your flight(s) may be cancelled for you and you will receive a full refund (again depending on the airline's policy).
The majority of the cruise lines are encouraging you to cruise unless you are over the age of 70 and/or have an underlying medical condition (heart, lung, immune disorder, etc). In this event they will offer you a refund and a future cruise credit for the portion that would normally be a penalty. This only pertains to those sailings scheduled to sail in March, and depending on the cruise line, beyond.
Carnival is offering bonus shipboard credit up to $200 per cabin for those scheduled to sail in March or April provided you do sail.
Some cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are allowing you to cancel up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure without penalty. Again, if you cancel you will receive a future cruise credit in the amount paid and would not be refunded to your original form of payment.
Hotels. Every brand has their own policies. Some are refunding your money or giving a future trip credit provided you or your travel advisor booked directly through them. They are not allowing this allowance to those who have booked through discounting agencies such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, etc. One of the drawbacks of utilizing the low price leaders. Even through a Travel Agent.
Contact your travel advisor, and if you haven't done so in the past, do use one in the future. They are your advocate. Their partnerships and relationships come in priceless in times like this and working together to make for the most happy and peaceful resolution to minimize everyone's losses.They stay informed. They will be able to best guide you to make the best decision that is right for you.
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