May 26 updates: Celestyal delay, Seabourn extends flexible policy/adds best fare guarantee, Bahamas Paradise aims to sail in July

CRUISE Seabourn Alaska.jpg
Seabourn extended its 'Book with Confidence' policy to apply to 2021 departures
Here's a quick read of some of today’s coronavirus-related cruise news and announcements.

Keep checking back. This is being continuously updated.

Celestyal delays through July/monitors Greece reopening

Celestyal Cruises further suspended sailings, from June 29 previously, until July 30.  The Greek government recently announced tourism season will gradually recommence in the next few weeks with international flights from select countries resuming in July.

Celestyal said it will continue to monitor the phased opening of Greece to North American travelers while working closely with the Greek authorities to develop enhanced health and safety protocols.

Passengers on canceled sailings are offered a 120% future cruise credit and have until the end of 2021 to apply that to any itinerary through 2022. Those who don't redeem their FCC by the end of 2021 will automatically receive a full refund.

Seabourn extends flexible policy, adds best fare guarantee

Seabourn enhanced its 'Book with Confidence' policy, which now applies to 2021 departures and includes a new best fare guarantee.

For existing and new bookings made by July 31, 2020, on sailings departing by Dec. 31, 2021, travelers may cancel up to 30 days before departure and receive a 100% future cruise credit valid for 12 months that can be applied to sailings departing through 2022.

The best fare guarantee lets travelers who book by July 31 request an adjustment in the event fares are lowered for their specific voyage and suite category. If they see a better rate listed on Seabourn’s website, they must contact the line at least 30 days before departure to seek the adjustment.

Bahamas Paradise hopes to resume July 25

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line plans for sailings to resume aboard Grand Celebration July 25, followed by Grand Classica Oct. 2. In addition, the line's Cruise & Stay Program, which lets travelers extend their stay in the Bahamas for up to four nights at one of the company’s resort partners, will be available to book beginning Oct. 2.

Bahamas Paradise detailed a range of measures for safe operations, including closing two decks of passenger staterooms and reducing the number of rooms available to book by 40%. Travelers will be required to practice social distancing from valet parking to terminal check-in, where terminal staff members will be required to wear masks and remain behind safety plexiglass.

Passenger luggage will be disinfected prior to on-board delivery, and mandatory, touch-free temperature checks and pre-boarding health declarations will be required. Online check-in will provide designated arrival times at the terminal to minimize crowding.

Numerous shipboard sanitation protocols and safety practices, including regular fogging of public rooms and staterooms, are detailed here.