12th Mar 2020 13:04
(Alliance News) - Carnival PLC on Thursday said its Princess Cruises division will voluntarily pause its global operations in response to the "unpredictable circumstances" evolving from the spread of covid-19 virus.
"In proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of covid-19 and in an abundance of caution, Princess Cruises announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months, impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10," the travel leisure company said.
Shares in Carnival plummeted 23% to 1,209.00 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon, the worst performer in the FTSE 100 index. Year-to-date the stock is down 67%.
Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises said: "By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world."
Those currently onboard a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted, Carnival said, adding that current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests.
Princess Cruises plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing May 11. It plans offer guests either cash refund or the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice.
By Tapan Panchal; [email protected]
Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Carnival