ROYAL Caribbean Cruises (RCL) has reversed its ban on Chinese passport holders (CW Mon), originally imposed amid coronavirus fears. Last week’s initial ruling from the company stipulated no Chinese, Hong Kong or Macao passport holder would be allowed aboard the company’s ships, across its Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International...
ROYAL Caribbean Cruises (RCL) has reversed its ban on Chinese passport holders (CW Mon), originally imposed amid coronavirus fears.
Last week’s initial ruling from the company stipulated no Chinese, Hong Kong or Macao passport holder would be allowed aboard the company’s ships, across its Azamara, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International brands, but the ban has now been lifted after accusations of discrimination from passengers.
The embargo is now just 15 days, and applies to those who have travelled from, to or through China, Hong Kong or Macao.
The cruise line said it initially made the decision due to “governments around the world restricting travel for Chinese passport holders…now that these governmental restrictions have been clarified, we are able to clarify our own policies”.
Meanwhile, RCL has cancelled two more cruises due to the coronavirus outbreak, and cleared one other for departure.
Quantum of the Seas’ (pictured) 15 and 24 Feb departures from Singapore will now no longer take place, the cruise line has informed guests, who will be provided full refunds.
However, Anthem of the Seas has departed New Jersey, with none of a group of 27 passengers who were tested for coronavirus returning positive.
