Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have suspended sailings from Shanghai due to spreading fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

As of today (27 January), 81 people have been killed with the number of those infected rising to 3,000. Forty-four cases have been confirmed outside of China. In Shanghai, the government has stopped all businesses from returning to work until 10 February in an attempt to contain the spread.

“In light of the latest developments with the coronavirus outbreak in China, we are suspending the 27 January and 31 January sailings of Spectrum of the Seas, currently our only ship homeported in China,” said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson.

“We are working with guests to provide full refunds for the cancellation. The heath and safety of our guests and crew is our primary concern, and we continue to work with the World Health Organisation, the Centres for Disease Control, and government health authorities to monitor the situation.”

MSC Cruises announced that it has cancelled MSC Splendida’s upcoming cruise from China, due to depart on 28 January.

“Due to urgent guidelines from the Chinese government to combat the spread of the coronavirus, MSC Cruises is required to cancel the upcoming cruise with MSC Splendida on 28 January,” said an MSC Cruises spokesperson.

“Guests booked on this cruise have the option to receive a full refund of their cruise ticket and port charges, or book an alternative sailing with an equivalent price and receiving additional on board credit, with an embarkation date before the end of the year.

“At the time of writing, MSC Splendida is planned to remain in port for the duration of the cruise from 28 January to 1 February.

“We will continue to closely monitor the public health and safety situation in China and are consulting with international and local health authorities, as well as the ministry of transport of the People’s Republic of China, and strictly follow their advice and recommendations.

“Guests and travel partners have been informed and will be kept abreast of any further changes as the situation evolves.”

Last week, Norwegian Cruise lines also announced that it had introduced non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers boarding ships from Chinese ports to avoid the spread of infection on ships.

“The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. As such, due to the growing concern regarding coronavirus infections in China, we are implementing non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from Chinese ports,” said a spokesperson at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Guests who register a body temperature screening of 100.4°F or 38°C or higher will not be allowed to board and will be directed to seek local medical treatment.”

For the latest Coronavirus travel and safety information, visit the FOC website.