Norwegian Unresponsive to the Coronavirus in Asia

[ace2542]

3 hours ago, Norwegian Cruise Line said:

The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We have proactively implemented several preventative measures outlined below due to growing concerns regarding Coronavirus infections in China. We will continue to consult with The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take appropriate additional action as needed. 

Policies currently in place include:

1.     Any guest that holds a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport, will be unable to board any of our ships, regardless of residency.

a.     Except U.S. Alien Residents holding an Alien Resident Card (ARC), also known as a "Green Card".  It is recommended that these guests also carry their passports from their country of citizenship if available.

 

2.     Guests who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 30 days of their voyage embarkation, regardless of nationality, will not be allowed to board any of our vessels. The standard incubation period recognized by the WHO and US CDC for this virus is 14 days.

a.     Guests who are denied boarding will be issued a refund when they provide proof of travel.

 

3.     The recent Hong Kong port closure will result in itinerary modifications and we will share the revised itinerary as well as further details as they become available.

 

4.     Prior to the port closure in Hong Kong, we implemented non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from this destination and any guest who registered a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher, were not allowed to board. Guests on these voyages were also subject to temperature screenings when returning from shore excursions at ports of call.

a.     Guests who were unable to sail due to a high temperature were advised to open a travel insurance claim with their insurance provider.

 

5.     For all guests, we will continue standard pre-boarding health reporting and evaluation. Any guests who appear symptomatic are subject to pre-boarding medical evaluations including but not limited to temperature checks as deemed necessary.

 

6.     Any guest who exhibits symptoms of any respiratory illness while on board will be subject to additional screening at our onboard Medical Center and may be subject to potential quarantine and disembarkation.

 

7.     We have implemented additional cleaning and disinfection protocols on board all voyages. These protocols will be enforced in addition to our already rigorous sanitization standards in place.

 

8.     Any of our crew members that hold a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport, will not be allowed to board any of our ships, regardless of residency.  In addition, crew members who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau within 30 days will not be allowed on board our ships.

 

9.     Singapore and the Philippines are not currently allowing Chinese nationals to disembark at their ports. Guests with a Chinese passport who are traveling on voyages that disembark in one of these regions will not be allowed on board our ships. If additional port restrictions are put into place we may have to modify this policy as needed.

a.     Guests who are denied boarding due to this will be issued a refund.

 

The above measures will remain in effect until further notice and are subject to change at any time as we evaluate the situation and continue to consult with local health authorities as well as the WHO and US CDC. At this time, we have made a number of itinerary changes and none of our vessels are currently calling to ports in China.  We also have the flexibility to alter our itineraries as needed to avoid areas of concern. All itineraries that call in China for the next six months are currently under review and we will communicate any itinerary revisions as soon as possible. As always, we will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action as necessary. We apologize for the inconvenience to any guests affected by these measures put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests and crew.

 

So if I am reading this correctly you have fired all your Chinese/Hong Kong/Macau crew members? That bad that is.

Edited February 8, 2020 by ace2542

[Atgatsea]

My guess is NCL doesn’t care because they have their own insurance and a team of lawyers working for them at the direction of unscrupulous executives.  The more revenue being generated now will count towards the current bottom line thereby supporting the stock price and counting towards executive bonuses.  NCL is fully insured again lawsuits and damages from customers and/or crew who may get sick and sue them.  The lawyers and insurers will handle all aggrieved individuals themselves while the executives remain insulated and beyond reproach in their slick, air-conditioned executive offices in S. Florida.  We need a method for contacting these executives directly so they can be de-insulated.  If anyone has contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for NCL’s decision makers (CEO, VP of Passenger Services, or the individual who keeps posting that fallacious ‘guest safety is our number one priority’ post on behalf of NCL, etc.), I ask that the information be shared with this forum so that we may try to contact these corrupt individuals who are playing with our safety in the name of unjust enrichment.  Even if they never change their decision, then at least they are made aware that their actions are wrong and that they are hurting NCL’s brand and future bottom line.

[Masekr11]

2 hours ago, Dreamingdaze said:

As mentioned earlier maybe this forum needs to get to the press or main news and maybe the ship is forced to be checked by someone before these people disembark! 
The WHO seems to be asleep nothing is being updated how can this be escalated?

Anyone else agree? 
They are potentially putting so many people in danger! 
I have just seen the quarantined ship guests having fresh air, it looked worse than the most serious criminals on exercise ! 
 

It is an absolute disgrace. This is not my idea of a relaxing and recharging holiday that was promised, or what I paid for!!  I feel so stressed?

Yes, I 100% agree!  I’m going to contact one of the tip hotlines and give this message board as a place for them to see all our complaints. 

Edited February 8, 2020 by Masekr11

[Masekr11]

3 hours ago, ppcox said:

Why do you think it’s  a sold out cruise? The riots have stopped it being full and upgrade offers are the same I have seen every day for a month. Mini suite upgrades were min $40pp at one time.

I posted a couple pages back that I contacted NCL when I saw the cruise was no longer on the site. They stated it was “sold out” which is why it was removed as an option. This was yesterday, one day after several people saw all cabins available.  You are correct, I’m getting emails everyday about cheap upgrades for my 2/17 cruise even though I was told it was sold out. 

[JCopp]

Honest and direct NCL. Stop playing games with your customers!!

[herdingdogmom]

6 hours ago, Bevi65 said:

It's all a bit odd. I predict a cancellation announcement within the next few days.

I think you are right.  Things are changing rapidly in Singapore with the new cases in people who had not traveled to China.  Also, the reported cases in the French Alps that originated from a man who was in Singapore for 3 days last month.

[Norwegian Cruise Line]

Updated: 2/8/2020

The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We have proactively implemented several preventative measures outlined below due to growing concerns regarding Coronavirus infections in China. We will continue to consult with The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take appropriate additional action as needed.

 

Policies currently in place include:

• Any guest that holds a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport, will be unable to board any of our ships, regardless of residency.
  • Except U.S. Alien Residents holding an Alien Resident Card (ARC), also known as a "Green Card" traveling on itineraries that sail from a US port and end in a US port.
• Guests who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 30 days of their voyage embarkation, regardless of nationality, will not be allowed to board any of our vessels. The standard incubation period recognized by the WHO and U.S. CDC for this virus is 14 days.
  • Guests who are denied boarding will be issued a refund when they provide proof of travel.
• The recent Hong Kong port closure will result in itinerary modifications and we will share the revised itinerary as well as further details as they become available.
• Prior to the port closure in Hong Kong, we implemented non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from this destination and any guest who registered a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher, were not allowed to board. Guests on these voyages were also subject to temperature screenings when returning from shore excursions at ports of call.
  • Guests who were unable to sail due to a high temperature were advised to open a travel insurance claim with their insurance provider.
• For all guests, we will continue standard pre-boarding health reporting and evaluation. Any guests who appear symptomatic are subject to pre-boarding medical evaluations including but not limited to temperature checks as deemed necessary.
• Any guest who exhibits symptoms of any respiratory illness while on board will be subject to additional screening at our onboard Medical Center and may be subject to potential quarantine and disembarkation.
• We have implemented additional cleaning and disinfection protocols on board all voyages. These protocols will be enforced in addition to our already rigorous sanitization standards in place.
• Our crew members who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau within 30 days will not be allowed to board our ships.
• Singapore and the Philippines are not currently allowing Chinese nationals to disembark at their ports. Guests with a Chinese passport who are traveling on voyages that disembark in one of these regions will not be allowed on board our ships. If additional port restrictions are put into place we may have to modify this policy as needed.
  • Guests who are denied boarding due to this will be issued a refund.

 

The above measures will remain in effect until further notice and are subject to change at any time as we evaluate the situation and continue to consult with local health authorities as well as the WHO and U.S. CDC.

 

At this time, we have made a number of itinerary changes and none of our vessels are currently calling to ports in mainland China. We also have the flexibility to alter our itineraries as needed to avoid areas of concern. All itineraries that call in mainland China for the next six months are currently under review and we will communicate any itinerary revisions as soon as possible. As always, we will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action as necessary.

 

We apologize for the inconvenience to any guests affected by these measures put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests and crew.

[GettotheSun]

Well, one thing I would say is at least CC provides NCL a platform for some communication.  Better some than none.

 

[JCopp]

2 minutes ago, Norwegian Cruise Line said:

Updated: 2/8/2020

The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We have proactively implemented several preventative measures outlined below due to growing concerns regarding Coronavirus infections in China. We will continue to consult with The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take appropriate additional action as needed.

 

Policies currently in place include:

• Any guest that holds a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport, will be unable to board any of our ships, regardless of residency.
  • Except U.S. Alien Residents holding an Alien Resident Card (ARC), also known as a "Green Card" traveling on itineraries that sail from a US port and end in a US port.
• Guests who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 30 days of their voyage embarkation, regardless of nationality, will not be allowed to board any of our vessels. The standard incubation period recognized by the WHO and U.S. CDC for this virus is 14 days.
  • Guests who are denied boarding will be issued a refund when they provide proof of travel.
• The recent Hong Kong port closure will result in itinerary modifications and we will share the revised itinerary as well as further details as they become available.
• Prior to the port closure in Hong Kong, we implemented non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from this destination and any guest who registered a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher, were not allowed to board. Guests on these voyages were also subject to temperature screenings when returning from shore excursions at ports of call.
  • Guests who were unable to sail due to a high temperature were advised to open a travel insurance claim with their insurance provider.
• For all guests, we will continue standard pre-boarding health reporting and evaluation. Any guests who appear symptomatic are subject to pre-boarding medical evaluations including but not limited to temperature checks as deemed necessary.
• Any guest who exhibits symptoms of any respiratory illness while on board will be subject to additional screening at our onboard Medical Center and may be subject to potential quarantine and disembarkation.
• We have implemented additional cleaning and disinfection protocols on board all voyages. These protocols will be enforced in addition to our already rigorous sanitization standards in place.
• Our crew members who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau within 30 days will not be allowed to board our ships.
• Singapore and the Philippines are not currently allowing Chinese nationals to disembark at their ports. Guests with a Chinese passport who are traveling on voyages that disembark in one of these regions will not be allowed on board our ships. If additional port restrictions are put into place we may have to modify this policy as needed.
  • Guests who are denied boarding due to this will be issued a refund.

 

The above measures will remain in effect until further notice and are subject to change at any time as we evaluate the situation and continue to consult with local health authorities as well as the WHO and U.S. CDC.

 

At this time, we have made a number of itinerary changes and none of our vessels are currently calling to ports in mainland China. We also have the flexibility to alter our itineraries as needed to avoid areas of concern. All itineraries that call in mainland China for the next six months are currently under review and we will communicate any itinerary revisions as soon as possible. As always, we will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action as necessary.

 

We apologize for the inconvenience to any guests affected by these measures put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests and crew.

Stop insulting us with your BS! Never again Norwegian Cruise Lines!

[tumblew467]

For those who asked here is the email that I found from someone who posted on CC

 

Astuart@ncl.com

 

 

The basic NCL contacts (no FDR contact) LINK:

https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/norwegian-cruise-line-ncl/

[hamrag]

2 minutes ago, JCopp said:

Stop insulting us with your BS! Never again Norwegian Cruise Lines!

I agree, this is bordering on intimidation and bullying by pushing this into the faces of those who are enraged with NCL right now......to be clear I am not, but they really are beginning to take the Michael....and NCL it is far from clever to behave in this way!

[JCopp]

2 minutes ago, hamrag said:

I agree, this is bordering on intimidation and bullying by pushing this into the faces of those who are enraged with NCL right now......to be clear I am not, but they really are beginning to take the Michael....and NCL it is far from clever to behave in this way!

As they continue to play their games I had 2 more opportunities to tell people about NCL today. Like us they couldnt believe NCL's stance in this situation. I can assure you neither of them will be sailing with NCL in the future! 

[Bevi65]

More cases emerging out of Singapore over the last few hours as someone posted above.  I highly doubt they are going to allow ship loads of passengers coming and going during this time. They have a pretty well organised and structured system there.  

[Masekr11]

33 minutes ago, tumblew467 said:

For those who asked here is the email that I found from someone who posted on CC

 

Astuart@ncl.com

 

 

The basic NCL contacts (no FDR contact) LINK:

https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/norwegian-cruise-line-ncl/

Thanks, I sent an email to this address. Also sent one to Katty (kbyrd@ncl.com) and Harry Sommer (hsommer@ncl.com). Harry’s email came back with an automated message thanking me for reaching out and said Katty will be contacting me which I doubt is true. 

[Lou33]

6 minutes ago, Bevi65 said:

More cases emerging out of Singapore over the last few hours as someone posted above.  I highly doubt they are going to allow ship loads of passengers coming and going during this time. They have a pretty well organised and structured system there.  

 

Yes, I wouldn't be surprised if Singapore would close the port to cruise ships.  But where would the Jade go?  The ports in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and Philippines are closed to all cruise ships.  The HAL Westerdam has no port available to disembark passengers.  Singapore may be the last remaining port in all of Asia which has an actual cruise terminal, where they are equipped to disembark passengers, luggage, load supplies etc. 

[JCopp]

3 minutes ago, Masekr11 said:

Thanks, I sent an email to this address. Also sent one to Katty (kbyrd@ncl.com) and Harry Sommer (hsommer@ncl.com). Harry’s email came back with an automated message thanking me for reaching out and said Katty will be contacting me which I doubt is true. 

Corporate office phone # 1-305-436-4000

[ace2542]

So you haven't fired your chinese/hong/macau staff then? Makes you minds up.

[ace2542]

1 hour ago, JCopp said:

Stop insulting us with your BS! Never again Norwegian Cruise Lines!

Have you noticed they have the changed the wording of the advice because of my response.

[Lou33]

It was just announced that Malaysia is now closed to cruise ships.  The Celebrity Millennium was due to stop in Malaysia, then Bangkok, then Singapore.  The passengers on board were just notified that they are ending the cruise early and going back to Singapore immediately!  They are getting a 100% refund and 50% FCC.  They provide hotel accommodations in Singapore if guests need additional nights.  They get complimentary internet and phone access.  

 

Which cruiseline will you choose for your next cruise???

[ace2542]

1 minute ago, Lou33 said:

It was just announced that Malaysia is now closed to cruise ships.  The Celebrity Millennium was due to stop in Malaysia, then Bangkok, then Singapore.  The passengers on board were just notified that they are ending the cruise early and going back to Singapore immediately!  They are getting a 100% refund and 50% FCC.  They provide hotel accommodations in Singapore if guests need additional nights.  They get complimentary internet and phone access.  

 

Which cruiseline will you choose for your next cruise???

 

Do they have O Sheenans? Because I do love that at 3.30 in the morning I have to admit

 

[JCopp]

4 minutes ago, Lou33 said:

It was just announced that Malaysia is now closed to cruise ships.  The Celebrity Millennium was due to stop in Malaysia, then Bangkok, then Singapore.  The passengers on board were just notified that they are ending the cruise early and going back to Singapore immediately!  They are getting a 100% refund and 50% FCC.  They provide hotel accommodations in Singapore if guests need additional nights.  They get complimentary internet and phone access.  

 

Which cruiseline will you choose for your next cruise???

Let's Compare!

[jaapie]

Anthem of the Seas Updates
February 8th, 2020 at 5:00 PM EST
We'll share our next updates tomorrow, February 9th at 9:00 AM EST.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this situation, that is so challenging for all of us. As we previously shared, we received an update from the CDC. Unfortunately, due to the volume of tests they are conducting for Coronavirus, they will need the next 24-48 hours to complete the test. Given the timing, we are going to push the departure date to Monday in order to have conclusive results before sailing.

Our goal is to now set sail from Cape Liberty, New Jersey on Monday, February 10th at 3:00 PM EST. Boarding will begin at 11:00 AM EST and all guests must be onboard by 2:00 PM EST. Please see our revised itinerary.

 

DATES	DAY	ORIGINAL ITINERARY	REVISED ITINERARY
2/7	Friday	Cape Liberty, New Jersey	-
2/8	Saturday	Cruising	-
2/9	Sunday	Cruising	-
2/10	Monday	Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida	Cape Liberty, New Jersey
2/11	Tuesday	Perfect Day at CocoCay	Cruising
2/12	Wednesday	Nassau, Bahamas	King's Wharf, Bermuda
2/13	Thursday	Cruising	King's Wharf, Bermuda
2/14	Friday	Cruising	Cruising
2/15	Saturday	Cape Liberty, New Jersey	Cape Liberty, New Jersey

 

You may be wondering why our itinerary changed from a Bahamas cruise to a Bermuda cruise. With a Monday afternoon departure, we wouldn’t arrive into Nassau until around 3:00 PM and would need to depart later that evening to make our way back to Cape Liberty – not a great experience. Given that our goal is to provide you with the best vacation possible, we made the decision to sail to Bermuda, where you’ll have more than a day and a half in port to explore. Plus, the weather forecast is looking favorable in Bermuda during our visit.

We know how much you were looking forward to beginning your vacation, and we cannot apologize enough for the impact this situation has caused. But we can try to make up for it. 

Should you chose to join us, our updated compensation is:

• A 50 % refund, which will be added to your Onboard Account as a refundable onboard credit.

• And, because we know that this is not how any of us wanted this to go, and we want you to give us another shot, we will be also provide you with a 50% future cruise credit.

• In addition, if you purchased an internet or beverage package, unlimited dining package, or pre-paid your gratuities, you’ll receive a prorated refund as a credit for the 3 days your cruise was shortened by to your Onboard Account.

• Any pre-purchased Royal Caribbean International shore excursions for the impacted ports will also be refunded to your Onboard Account.

All credits applied to your Onboard Account can be used anywhere onboard, and any unused credits will be refunded back to your credit card on file about 3 – 5 business days after the sailing ends.

If you choose not to sail, we completely understand and you may cancel and receive a full refund. You do not need to do anything to cancel, no need to call or contact us for this, as we want to make it as easy for you as possible. If you do not show up to the pier, we will understand that you decided not join us and we will automatically process your refund. You should see it on your account 3-5 days after our updated departure.

If you decide to sail and are local, we ask that you please relax at home and make your way to the cruise terminal on Monday. If you flew in, we’ll assist you with hotel accommodations up to $200 USD per stateroom, per night. If you decide to cancel, and flew in, we will assist you with air change fees to get you back home. We will cover $200 USD per person for domestic flights or $400 USD per person for international flights. Please send your receipts to RoyalGuestRelations@rccl.com for reimbursement. And lastly, if you booked your airfare with us and choose to cancel, we will help you reschedule your return flights home.

As promised, we will continue to keep you informed and will share an update with you tomorrow at 9:00 AM EST, even if there is no new news.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we ensure your safety and wellbeing.

 

 

[mugtech]

What is the latest on the Jade?  Are or were passengers being kicked off in Thailand so that the Jade can port in Vietnam?  We are scheduled to cruise RCI out of Singapore stopping in Vietnam, any Info would be helpful.

[Bonobochick]

AP on twitter is now reporting 811 deaths in China. 

 

Edited February 9, 2020 by Bonobochick
fixed something.

[mking8288]

2 hours ago, tumblew467 said:

For those who asked here is the email that I found from someone who posted on CC

Astuart@ncl.com

 

The basic NCL contacts (no FDR contact) LINK:

https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/norwegian-cruise-line-ncl/

 

Andy Stuart is gone, no longer with NCL as of January 2020.  Short of reaching FDR (wishful thinking) - Katty Bryd, VP is probably ... until the new COO step forward.  Probably too busy preparing for Q4 earning release in about 10 days.  🙄 

 

I rather be proven "wrong" to get anything than a canned response, the pattern above with these "official" NCL posts speak for itself.  

 

It is business, as we all know it.  Isn't that true for other cruiselines, airlines and in the hospitality sector as a whole.  

Edited February 9, 2020 by mking8288