The vessel will now start its 27-night Grand Voyage to the Middle East and Europe from Singapore on 14 February, with previously scheduled ex-Shanghai cruises to Japan on February 1, 5 and 9 axed.
MSC said despite the changes there had been “no reported cases among passengers or crew” of Coronavirus onboard Splendida while the vessel has been based in Asia.
Chief executive Gianni Onorato said: “The decision to reposition the ship from Shanghai to Singapore has been taken in the best interests of the safety and wellbeing for our passengers and crew, as was the decision to cancel our next three scheduled sailings from China.
“Many major airlines have either cancelled or reduced their flight frequency to China and the Grand Voyage, a maritime tradition whereby a ship moves from one part of the world to another for a new sailing season, was entirely booked with guests flying from abroad to enjoy the experience of a unique itinerary.
“In light of Singapore becoming a new embarkation port, we have had to cancel calls to Naha, Japan and Hong Kong but it has also created an opportunity to update and enrich the Grand Voyage’s itinerary with four additional new ports; Langkawi, Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, plus Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to create a new, one-of-a kind memorable cruise.”
Grand Voyage passengers who have booked a cruise and flight through MSC will be booked automatically on a flight to Singapore.
Customers booked on an outbound flight to Asia, but not through the line, will need to contact their airline or travel agent for a refund or possible re-protection to Singapore.
Splendida will dock in Singapore on Thursday, 13 February and guests can board the ship from 6pm local time, with the vessel departing on Friday, 14 February at 11pm.
MSC said any pre-paid excursions during the Grand Voyage cancelled in the ports of Naha and Hong Kong as a result of the new updated itinerary will be refunded to the customer’s onboard account.
