Cruise lines are offering flexible cancellations for guests impacted by fires raging in the Los Angeles area.
Norwegian Cruise Line is waiving cancellation fees for affected passengers booked to sail in January and February.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with all of those impacted by the wildfires affecting the greater Los Angeles region,” the cruise line said on its website. “While we currently do not have any ships sailing from the region, it is affecting many of our guests that call the area home.”
Passengers will get a future cruise credit worth the entirety of their paid fare “so they can reschedule their voyage to a later date when they are ready,” Norwegian added. The company also pledged a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross.
The Sapphire Princess cruise at the Marina Pez Vela Cruise Terminal in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala on October 5, 2024.
Hometown cruise line Princess Cruises announced a similar policy last week for sailings operating from Los Angeles.
“While the Los Angeles World Cruise Center and Los Angeles International Airport remain fully operational and unaffected by the fires, we are keenly aware of the hardships faced by many in our community,” the cruise line said in an emailed statement. “To support our guests residing in evacuation areas or whose homes have sustained significant damage, Princess Cruises is offering the flexibility to cancel their cruises scheduled to depart between January 11 and January 30, 2025.”
Los Angeles fires: Live updates
Princess will provide a 100% future cruise credit – good for any cruise from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center this year – and refunds for extra purchases like shore excursions.
The fires have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and at least 24 people were killed. Firefighters made some progress over the weekend, but high winds were forecast to return on Monday.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Princess, Norwegian offer flexible cruise cancellations amid LA fires