Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have canceled voyages out of China this week as fears grow about the spread of the Wuhan corona virus.

RoyalCaribbean International, the world's largest cruise line, initially announced it would not allow Wuhan residents or individuals who have recently travelled through the city to board its ships. The company is committed to helping guests modify itineraries, a spokesman told the publication.

Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Genting Cruise Lines and Astro Ocean Cruises have all suspended various trips through the region, as officials expand efforts to contain the viral disease in the Wuhan area.

MSC Cruises has issued a statement regarding the Jan. 28 departure of the Splendida from Shanghai, which has been cancelled.

“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 Jan. 28. 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 onboard credit – with an embarkation date before the end of the year," MSC announced.

Halting of outbound travel from China may have an impact on the cruise industry since the massive country is a source market throughout American and European cruise lines.

China’s health minister, Ma Xiaowei, said the country was entering a “crucial stage” as “it seems like the ability of the virus to spread is getting stronger.”

Maritime Business World