Silversea has eased its booking and cancellation policies in light of the coronavirus outbreak, the cruise line has announced.

Travellers who make new bookings on sailings departing between 1 June and 31 December 2020, will be able to cancel until 30 days prior to departure, only paying an administrative fee on the cruise fare.

In addition it has launched a ‘Book with confidence guarantee’ so guests on cruises departing before 31 July 2020 now have the additional option of cancelling their voyage as late as 48 hours prior to sailing in exchange for future cruise credit.

Silversea’s chief executive officer Roberto Martinoli said: “Travelling the world with Silversea should never be a source of anxiety. For this reason, and to ease the minds of our guests and trade partners, we have temporarily relaxed our new booking and cancellation policies.

“This period of uncertainty is for sure going to ease eventually, but as the situation evolves, we are pleased to provide our guests with more time to decide whether or not to travel.”

Additionally, Silversea will negotiate on guests’ behalf for the same cancellation options on other components of the booking such as air travel, hotels and shore excursions. However, it said that as it is third party suppliers, different terms and conditions may apply.

Silversea has also extended its existing bonus savings offer of up to £500 per suite on selected worldwide voyages in 2020 and 2021.

Bookings made before 30 April 2020 can save on a selection of all-inclusive voyages worldwide.

Iif booked and paid for in full by 30 April 2020, guests will also receive an additional 10 per cent saving with Silversea’s early booking bonus on all voyages departing from September 2020 onwards.

The full terms of the amendment policy can be viewed on the line’s website.

Silversea’s parent company, Royal Caribbean, has urged agents not to panic. In a video, its CEO Richard Fain stressed that his group’s brands and agents “will get through this difficult time together”.

He said: “This is a tough time – a really tough time – and all of us know it because all of us are going through it together.

For the latest travel advice, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.