Zika Virus Leads to Cruise Line Itinerary Changes

With the Zika virus spreading across the Caribbean, women who are pregnant have been advised to avoid travel to destinations with confirmed Zika virus cases. (See Pregnant Women Warned to Avoid Caribbean and Latin America.) In response, various cruise lines are offering passengers an opportunity to reschedule upcoming cruises.

Pregnant women and their traveling companions may reschedule any cruise they may have to areas affected with the Zika virus, says Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Passengers may elect to change their itineraries to non-affected areas, or have two years to rebook original itinerary plans. For passengers who purchased a Travel Protection policy, cancelations may be made and are covered under the “Cancel for Any Reason” policy, says NCL.

As previously reported, United, Delta and American airlines have also adjusted policies for travelers to Zika-affected destinations. (See Airlines Refunding for Flights to Destinations with Zika Warnings.) Virgin America and Southwest have also joined in changing their policies to pregnant travelers and companions.

–Lissa Poirot