A ‘booking reassurance guarantee’ is being introduced by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines for potential passengers concerned about their travel plans due to coronavirus.
The initiative allows cancellation in return for a future cruise voucher, penalty-free, within the same year of departure.
The deal applies to new bookings made from today (Wednesday) until May 5, but passengers can only switch once.
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It enables people to cancel in return for a future cruise voucher for the entirety of the money paid to-date, when giving at least two weeks’ notice of the cancellation. The future cruise voucher can then be used on another 2020 sailing.
The guarantee also applies to newly released 2021-22 itineraries when cancelled no later than 90 days prior to departure.
The line’s marketing and sales director Jackie Martin said: “Whilst we cannot predict how the ongoing situation will evolve, we would like to reassure our guests about our very strict on board cleanliness and safety measures, and that we are receiving expert advice on a daily basis.
“However, we do understand and appreciate that some of our guests might be worried about travelling right now.
“If you decide nearer the time that you don’t want to travel due to concerns about coronavirus, we guarantee that you can cancel your booking with us, and use any funds already paid towards another cruise in the same year as your original booking, subject to availability.
“We hope that our new booking reassurance guarantee brings flexibility and added peace of mind to guests who are looking to take a cruise with us this year, or further afield into 2021 or 2022 on one of our brand new itineraries.”