A. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illness. A new (novel) CoV was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and is called COVID-19.

A. The Scenic Group suspends all River Cruises from now until 30 April 

Our commitment to the health, well-being, and safety of our guests and employees is at the core of everything we do, However, the worsening situation with the spread of the COVID-19 virus in many countries is having a significant impact on the whole travel industry. We appreciate this has caused significant concern and anxiety for our valued guests, trying to confirm their travel plans.

The World Health Organisations has recently declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and this has resulted in governments around the world taking action to try and contain the spread of infections. This involves significant risks of quarantines, delays, medical detentions and closures of many venues, which would diminish the travel experiences and expectations of our valued guests.

Cancellations until 30 April 2020

The Scenic Group (Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Evergreen Cruises & Tours) has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all river cruises operations for guests embarking from now until to 30 April 2020. We have updated our cancellation policy to allow guests more time to make decisions about upcoming travel with Scenic and Emerald Cruises.  

We want to assure you that your travel plans will be protected, and are providing the following options;

If you hold a river cruise reservation during this period, you can either:

Receive a 125% Future Travel Credit^ for the full value of the trip to be used for a river or ocean cruise within the next 24 months based on their date of cancellation, 
Receive a full refund of the value of your Scenic booking
The situation in South East Asia has also escalated significantly in recent days, with several Governments restricting access to ports and points of disembarkation along the Mekong River. It is no longer possible for Scenic to continue cruise operations in this region and therefore, we have cancelled the remaining river cruises for this season up to mid-May and the same above offer applies.

Our cancellation policy for guests with bookings departing from 1 May to 31 May 2020 

For any guest departing from 1 May to 31 May 2020, Scenic will waive all of our cancellation fees with the value of the bookings applied as a future travel credit. We are allowing guests to change or transfer their booking up to 14 days prior to departure for river and ocean cruise bookings, and up to 30 days prior to travel for land tours. 

For current river cruise, ocean cruise and land journey 2020 bookings departing 1 May to 31 May 2020, the future travel credit is valid for travel up to 31 December 2021.*

Our cancellation policy for guests with bookings from 1 June 2020 to 31 December 2020

All currently booked guests with a departure on or after 1 June 2020 and guests considering a booking after that date, have the option to transfer their booking to an alternate departure without penalty*, up to 30 days prior to departure.  Scenic will waive all cancellation fees with the value of the booking applied as a future travel credit. Any third party fees at the guests own expense. 

This allows guests more time to make decisions about future travel plans. This policy will apply to all brands with the Scenic Group: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Scenic Eclipse, Evergreen Cruises & Tours.

Some governments have implemented wider restrictions that limit the arrival of travellers who have travelled from/visited or transited through countries beyond those currently within the Scenic Group policy as outlined above.  We recommend that you check the current travel policy of your final destination with local government authorities within your region for further details.

A. Signs of infection may include respiratory symptoms, such as fever or feverishness, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

A. Health authorities are not yet certain exactly how the new coronavirus is spread, however when someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus.

A.

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. 
• Avoid contact with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

A.

You can protect yourself from respiratory illnesses by taking every day preventative actions, such as:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid personal contact, such as sharing cups or eating utensils, with ill people.

A.

Currently, there is no vaccine available.

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There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the new coronavirus infection. Individuals with respiratory infections should seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

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It is a similar type but not the same virus that caused SARS or MERS. Most recent reports indicate it is not as severe.

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• In accordance with CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) and IATO (International Association of Tour Operators) guidelines we do NOT allow any passengers to board our ships who have travelled, or transited through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy (or any other affected areas deemed by Government travel boards).
• All our guest’s arrival flights are pre-screened in advance by our International offices to ensure the above is complied Passengers failing to comply will be denied boarding to maintain the safety of our guests and crew – even if guests are asymptomatic  
• Upon arrival and prior to the cruises guests are checked for symptoms and asked to fill out the questionnaires to ensure no one has any symptoms or had any last minute flight changes we unaware previously unaware of.
• Strict operational procedures are in place for anyone displaying symptoms both prior to and during any cruise and they are immediately quarantined.
• We have intensified all procedures around general cleaning, housekeeping, back of house and Nautical and technical compliance on the ship.
• Any touring locations deemed to be at a heighted risk have been suspended until further notice.
• We have hospital grade automatic and manual hand sanitisation machines throughout the ship. Their presence has been increased throughout all public and back of house spaces.
• We have provided in depth training to all our crew on background of COVID-19 and common practices to minimise associated risk. This is done in line with WHO recommendations
• Non-contact thermometers have been provided to all ships and ground offices and our own internal daily checks are performed as needed.
• Our water and air filtration systems are all pre treated to International standards.

A.

We are following the US CDC recommendations for healthcare providers which includes:

• Prior to boarding specific guests, crew and contractors will be required to fill out questionnaire that will screen for:

1. Fever AND symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)
   – and in the last 14 days before symptom onset,
   1. History of travel from affected areas
      -or-
   2. Close contact with a person who is under investigation for COVID-19 while that person was ill.

A.

Patients who present with a fever and symptoms of a cough or shortness of breath will be evaluated by ship staff and subsequently a medical team. The guest or crew will be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and quarantined in their cabin while it is ascertained if further tests are required by medical professionals.