How are airlines, tour companies and cruise lines dealing with the current Coronavirus

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Earlier, no one truly realized the magnitude of the situation, and that is what caused Princess Cruises among others to get caught in the situation that they did.  

In Princess Cruises defense they were caught at a bad place in time.  The coronavirus was a relatively new illness that was beginning to plague China.  As with all other cruise lines it was business as usual.  In the end not,  and Princess was caught in a predicament.   

Even though passengers are required to complete a Health Questionnaire before boarding a ship, it is startling to know how many people will lie for fear that they will miss their vacation.  The result is what we have seen with both the coronavirus as well as the norovirus.  The norovirus is really the stomach flu on land.  The result is that many on board end up contracting the virus.

It was not Princess' choice to quarantine an entire ship in Japan because of passengers with the coronavirus.  The government of Japan demanded that this be done, and would not allow the ship to leave its waters.   A quarantine is not an unusual occurrence for those deemed to be ill and contagious.  However, an entire ship, extraordinary.   

This call was a poor one as it did not create the results that the Japenese government was hoping to achieve.  Since the coronavirus was still in its early stages there was no knowing just how contagious this virus could be or how long as it took before the passengers would be relieved of what some people like to call "entrapment".   The U.S. and Canadian government, among others, came and rescued their citizens from their predicament and brought them home.

In light of what happened and its history, the cruise lines, airlines and tour companies are steadily reacting to the situation on a day to day basis.

Cruise lines and airlines cancelled all sailings from/through China for a certain period of time and continue to do so on an as needed basis. 

Many cruise lines, airlines and tour companies are offering the ability to delay travel plans for a future date.  Some are even waiving penalty fees.  

Most cruise lines are changing their final payment dates to be closer to sailing.  However, if you cancel your cruise within what was your original final payment date to the date of departure, you will be penalized.  Check with your travel advisor or cruise line for exact and current policies for your destination and dates.

The airlines were first charging cancellation penalties for opting to cancel.  This is changing day by day as people express their concern to travel to largely infected areas such as China, Iran, South Korea and now Italy.  Check with your travel advisor or airline for their current policy.

Please note that the only region in Italy that is affected is Northern Italy.  Not Rome or areas to the south, and more specifically  the entire country.

Folks, do not cave to the hoopla and fear that the media is thriving on.  Stay informed by reputable organizations such as the WHO.  Not secondhand information through another source allegedly quoting the WHO.  Go to WHO itself for updates.

Stay well.  As we all should, we need to take whatever precautions we need to not to get sick at any given point in time.  Whether it is the common cold, stomach flu, influenza, or any other known illness that can be contagious.  

We cannot stress enough the need for regular washing of your hands.  Wash your hands after using the restroom and every time you return to the office and or home.  Use handsanitizer.  Use disinfecting wipes to wipe down solid surfaces EVERYWHERE.  Home included.

My advise to all is to remain calm.  Watch.  Wait and See.  Be diligent and informed from the correct resources.  Don't live in a bubble unless you happen to be a hermit.

Here's wishing you all much health and happiness!