This just in from Holland America Line:

Due to the uncertainty of ports accepting cruise ships in Asia, Holland America Line has decided to cancel Westerdam’s four March and April 2020 Asia cruises.

Holland America is not alone in this concern and action but let’s start there.

The cancelled Holland America Westerdam cruises include:

• March 14–28, 14-day South Korea and Japan, sailing roundtrip Yokohama, Japan.
• March 28–April 11, 14-day Japan Explorer, sailing roundtrip Yokohama.
• April 11–25, 14-day Japan and Russia, sailing roundtrip Yokohama.
• April 25–May 10, 16-day North Pacific Crossing, sailing Yokohama to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

No details (yet) on Westerdam itineraries through early May. Still, the ship will be going somewhere putting this topic on the watch list for value-oriented buyers/Bargain hunters. That might apply to Holland America and other cruise lines, proactively insulating cruise travelers from Coronavirus hot spots around the world. Basically, right now, you’re not going to sail to affected places.

This situation is an assault on one of the big three reasons to cruise

1. Unpack Once, See Many Places
2. An Excellent Travel Value
3. The Safe Environment Of A Cruise Ship

It’s that last one with the spotlight on it today and one of the pillars of cruise travel. The mobile nature of a ship allows cruise lines to move ships from hotspots/danger at a moment’s notice, for all practical purposes.

In reality, ports of call are scheduled far in advance. Behind the scenes at the cruise line a great amount of work is going on to be sure that ship can dock wherever it ends up, that there will be tour capacity available and trucks full of supplies along the way. Still, just try moving your all inclusive Caribbean island land vacation when a hurricane comes sweeping through.

Internal safety is rather well-defined as well. Security protocols in place ensure that our fellow travelers are safe to travel with. Sailing soon? Bet on it taking a bit longer to get on board AND YOU WANT IT TO. Sick people in the closed environment of a cruise ship can be deadly. Normally, when this topic comes up it’s about Norovirus, the cruise ship ailment. This can be far worse.

Bonus Buying Opportunity

Booking now for March or April would generally be considered booking ‘very last minute’. Availability would be limited but for those with flexible schedules and accommodation needs, a better than average buying value is within easy reach.

Cruise lines will offer discounted pricing on last minute booking, just to insure that ship sails full. That’s in a normal booking environment. In this unusual case, Holland America will open up an entire ship at the last minute, for about three months worth of sailings, forcing bonus value to fill it up.

Holland America’s Offer

Travelers booked on any of these sailings will receive a full refund of the cruise fare paid. For the inconvenience, they will also receive a future cruise credit of 25-50% of fare paid depending on the departure date. Holland America also offers reimbursement of any travel cancellation fees, like if someone bought their own air separately, not through the cruise line.

Now, if they turn right around and buy again, during the time they would have sailed a canceled sailing, this could be a very good day for them.

Holland America guests on impacted cruises may call 1-800-577-1729 or 206-626-7385, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.