As devastating wildfires continue to sweep through the Los Angeles region, cruise lines are stepping up to provide flexibility for affected travelers through more lenient cancellation policies.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have both announced measures to accommodate passengers facing hardships caused by the fires, which have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and claimed at least 24 lives.
Norwegian Cruise Line has waived cancellation fees for those booked on voyages departing in January and February. "Our hearts and thoughts are with all of those impacted by the wildfires affecting the greater Los Angeles region," the company shared on its website. “While we currently do not have any ships sailing from the region, it is affecting many of our guests that call the area home.”
To assist impacted passengers, Norwegian is providing 100 percent future cruise credits, which will enable them to rebook at a later date without losing money. In addition to this, the cruise line has pledged $50,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in disaster relief efforts.
Similarly, Princess Cruises, headquartered in California, has implemented a fee-free cancellation policy for passengers scheduled to embark from the Port of Los Angeles this month.
“While the Los Angeles World Cruise Center and Los Angeles International Airport remain fully operational and unaffected by the fires, we are keenly aware of the hardships faced by many in our community,” the cruise line said in a statement sent to USA Today. “To support our guests residing in evacuation areas or whose homes have sustained significant damage, Princess Cruises is offering the flexibility to cancel their cruises scheduled to depart between January 11 and January 30, 2025.”
Princess will also provide future cruise credits equal to the full amount of passengers’ paid fare, which can be used for any sailing departing from Los Angeles this year. Additionally, Princess will provide refunds for pre-purchased additional items, such as shore excursions.
Firefighters have made some progress in battling the blazes over the weekend, but high winds expected to return on Monday could further complicate containment efforts.
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