The cruise industry has been scrambling for weeks since the first case of the coronavirus was reported. Carnival Cruise Line has announced that they will be implementing a new, enhanced screening process to keep the coronavirus from infecting passengers and crew members on their ships.
As part of this screening, if a guest is determined to be contagious and not able to board at the terminal, he or she will receive a full refund. In addition, sick guests will be reimbursed for transportation to return home and will be given a 20 percent credit for a future cruise vacation.
Carnival ensures travelers that they are working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to keep their screening procedures for illnesses updated. If a passenger has traveled to one of the effected countries, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea or Macau within 14 days of the scheduled cruise departure, he or she will not be allowed to board the ship and will be able to take advantage of the available refund policy.
Similarly, Crystal Cruises is offering passengers who fall under these restrictions or who are ill before boarding either a 100 percent refund or a 125 percent future cruise credit. However, unlike Carnival Cruise, these passengers must notify Crystal Cruises of their illness within seven days of departure. If they are outside of that seven-day window, they will be charged cancellation fees.
The cruise industry has no choice but to take this crisis seriously, especially after a Princess Cruise ship was quarantined for two weeks. The ship was kept in Yokohama Bay, Japan, with 3,700 passengers on board. It was reported that 700 guests on the ship were diagnosed with the virus. Passengers have since been evacuated and four passengers passed away due to the illness.
Carnival has assured the public that all its ships in North America and Australia have been inspected and are cleared to sail as scheduled. As of today, no voyages have been cancelled.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
