MSC Cancels Three China Cruises Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Image: Cruise ships in Shanghai, China. (photo via silkwayrain/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Cruise ships in Shanghai, China. (photo via silkwayrain/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 2:42 PM ET, Thu January 30, 2020

Due to coronavirus concerns, MSC Cruises canceled MSC Splendida's three upcoming four- and five-day itineraries departing from Shanghai to Japan and will instead reposition the ship to Singapore, where it will commence on its 27-night "Grand Voyage" itinerary to the Middle East and Europe on Feb. 14.

The sailings were slated for Feb. 1, 5 and 9.

"The decision to reposition the ship from Shanghai to Singapore has been taken in the best interests of the safety and wellbeing for our passengers and crew, as was the decision to cancel our next three scheduled sailings from China," said MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato.

Because the port of embarkation for the "Grand Voyage" was moved from Shanghai to Singapore, MSC had to cancel calls at Hong Kong and Naha, Japan.

It will now add four additional ports to the itinerary, including Langkawi, Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The itinerary, which will sail roundtrip from Singapore, will also call at Bangkok.

Guests with excursions to Naha and Hong Kong will be refunded on board. Those booked on outbound flights to Asia "will need to contact their airline or travel agent for a refund or possible re-protection to Singapore," MSC said.

MSC Splendida will dock in Singapore Feb. 13, and guests will be able to board at 6 p.m. The ship is scheduled to depart Singapore on Feb. 15 at 11 p.m.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...