As the COVID-19 viral outbreak continues to impact travel around the world, cruise lines update their cancellation policies to accommodate their guests. Recently, the CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, Sven Lindblad, outlined the cruise line's cancellation policies concerning the coronavirus.
Lindblad stressed that the health and safety of passengers remain the cruise line's top priority.
As to cancellations, Lindblad shared the following in a release:
"If we elect to cancel a voyage because we believe it would be irresponsible to go, you will receive a full refund. We are looking to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) to provide guidance. If a guest elects to cancel their 2020 expedition departing April 1 or later, provided they give us at least 24 hours' notice, we will provide them with a 100% credit for their expedition fare which they may use on any future expedition in 2020 or 2021. This policy will stay in effect at least through June 30, 2020."
Lindblad is also offering travel advisors $1,000 per person booking all new bookings made within this time period. This is to allow advisors to determine how they would like to use, whether in the form of incremental commission, reduction in the price of the trip, to help in offsetting the cost of flights (or air change fees if they are helping a client rebook their travel), or some combination thereof.
"I know that many of you are working hard to help clients who have travel plans to affected regions that may now be disrupted. And I am sure that many other of your clients are putting off travel planning for later in 2020, concerned that their funds may be at risk if circumstances cause a change of heart," Lindblad said in a letter to travel advisors. "We believe these should be valuable tools for you to communicate to travelers, as we have 100% taken the financial risk out of booking and provided a meaningful incentive."
"You know your clients and their situation best, so we are putting the power in your hands." Lindblad continued. "Our guests and travel partners show loyalty to us, we should reciprocate."
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