Norwegian Cruise Line has put on hold operations of three more of its Florida-based vessels until the end of January.
The ships affected this time around are the Norwegian Dawn, the Norwegian Escape and the Norwegian Joy. For all three ships, the next departure date will be Jan. 29.
Norwegian has also further extended its operational pause to the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Getaway until Jan. 28. These vessels also operate from Florida.
Only one week ago, the cruise company also had to cancel the sailing of eight of its ships until April. The number of halted ships so far represents 70% of the Norwegian fleet.
“Due to ongoing travel restrictions, we’ve had to modify a few sailings and unfortunately have had to cancel [some operations,]” reads a press release.
All guests will receive a full refund as well as a future cruise credit worth 10% of the amount they paid. The credit is valid until May 31, 2023, and can be used on any sailing.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our number one priority,” the cruise posted on its website.
The cruise line has also had to shorten a 12-day round trip from Miami on its Norwegian Pearl ship, citing “COVID related circumstances.”
On the other hand, the company signed its first port agreement to resume operations in Hawaii, announced the Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division on Jan. 4.
Norwegian has not been the only Cruise line impacted by the tidal wave of coronavirus infections worldwide in the last couple of weeks.
Last week, Royal Caribbean Cruises had to halt operations of its Spectrum of the Seas after nine passengers were identified as close contacts to a local Hong Kong COVID-19 case.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has advised Americans to avoid cruise travel after launching investigations into onboard cases on more than 90 vessels.