Once again, more cruise lines have cancelled significant sailings in 2020. This time, it is both Seabourn and Windstar. Although both of these cruise lines are relatively small (and thus at a slightly lowered risk of mass coronavirus transmission), they have both cited the ongoing pandemic as the reason. Here are all the details about the cancelled dates, as well as what guests should expect in terms of refunds.
Windstar
Windstar’s cancellations are relatively simple: they have cancelled all of their remaining 2020 itineraries. They, like most all other cruise lines, have been on an operations suspension since March. While they had hoped for world health conditions to have improved by now, they do not feel safe cruising. A spokesperson for the cruise line said, “The most prudent way forward to keep our guests and crew safe is to postpone all Windstar sailings until next year.” Refunds will be given out in the form of 125% credit to be used on any sailing within 24 months of the refund. Windstar is also giving the option for 100% cash refunds for guests that prefer that.
Seabourn
Seabourn’s cancellations are a bit more specific, as each ship in their fleet has different dates that they will restart on. Seabourn Ovation has the shortest pause in operations, with the operations resuming on January 3rd, 2021. Seabourn Encore will resume on January 6th, 2021, and Seabourn Quest will resume on May 10th, 2021. This follows recent announcements saying that their other two ships, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, will also be cancelling most 2020 itineraries. Odyssey is the only ship that will be sailing in 2020, with its operations suspension lasting through December 5th, 2020. The suspension on Sojourn lasts until May 24th, 2021, making it the final ship in Seabourn’s fleet to start sailing again. Guests whose voyages were cancelled will receive a credit of 125% of whatever they paid, whether that was a deposit or the entire itinerary’s cost.
Seabourn Venture delayed
In addition to these cancellations, Seabourn has also had to delay its newest ship, Seabourn Venture. This new ship was set to arrive relatively soon, but the date has now been pushed back to December 1st, 2021. Seabourn fans can look forward to the new Norwegian Winter itineraries on Seabourn Venture, which will take place during the same winter that the ship debuts.
To get a refund on any cancelled itineraries, either contact your travel agent or go to Seabourn or Windstar’s websites.
