Princess Cruises has voluntarily paused global operations of its 18 cruise ships until at least May 10.
It comes as two of the company’s ships were struck by cases of COVID-19 in the past few weeks.
“While this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values,” the company said in a statement Thursday.
Those currently onboard a cruise which will end by March 17 will continue to sail as expected.
Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended “at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.”
Two of the company’s ships — the Caribbean Princess and the Sky Princess — are expected to make a total of 12 stops in Saint John this year, with the first set to arrive on Aug. 2.
We have always been dedicated to one truth: the health, safety, & well-being of our guests, teammates, & communities we visit. #PrincessCruises President Jan Swartz shares an update on how our company is upholding this core value during this unprecedented time. pic.twitter.com/5u6pSR62Cb
— Princess Cruises (@PrincessCruises) March 12, 2020