The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Around 100 staff will be impacted by a cruise line’s decision to close its Eleuthera private island for two months in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Princess Cruises, the Carnival-owned cruise line brand, confirmed that operations on Princess Cays will only resume on May 11 as the world battles to bring the Covid-19 outbreak under control.

A Princess Cruises representative, in a statement to Tribune Business, said: “Princess Cays will be closed for the 60-day period as outlined. Princess Cays will re-open once operations resume May 11. The first call will be Caribbean Princess on May 17, and employees were notified via an e-mail on the morning of March 12.”

One Princess Cays employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, was startled when contacted by Tribune Business and informed of the move. Indicating that they had not seen the e-mail sent last week Thursday, they said: “I don’t know what to tell you. I guess it is what it is and whatever the e-mail from Princess Cruises is we have to go with that.”

The closure is in line with Princess Cruises’ move to cancel all voyages for two months. And Princess Cay is far from the only Bahamian private island destination to be impacted by the wider cruise industry’s 30-day shutdown, as others affected will include Royal Caribbean’s $250m Perfect Day experience on Coco Cay; Disney’s Castaway Cay; and Half Moon Cay near Cat Island.

Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ president, said in a statement: “By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world.”

The cruise line added: “Those currently on board a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted. Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.

“Princess will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible. During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew onboard.”

Ms Swartz also said, “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. Rest assured the long-serving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.”

Princess will protect travel advisor commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.