RCL reverses its Coronavirus policy
ROYAL Caribbean Cruises (RCL) has reversed its ban on
Chinese passport holders, originally imposed amid
coronavirus fears.
Last week’s initial ruling from the company stipulated no
Chinese, Hong Kong or Macao passport holder would be allowed aboard the company’s ships,
across its Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International brands, but the ban has now
been lifted after accusations of discrimination from passengers.
The embargo is now just 15 days, and applies to those who
have travelled from, to or through China, Hong Kong or Macao.
The cruise line said it initially made the decision due to “governments around the world restricting travel for Chinese passport holders...now that these governmental restrictions have been clarified, we are able to
clarify our own policies”.
MEANWHILE, RCL has cancelled two more cruises due to the coronavirus outbreak, and cleared one other for departure.
Quantum of the Seas’ 15 and 24 Feb departures from
Singapore will now no longer take place, the cruise line has informed guests, who will be provided full refunds.
However, Anthem of the Seas has departed New Jersey, with
none of a group of 27 passengers who were tested for coronavirus returning positive.