Royal Caribbean stops selling excursions to active volcanoes

Tuesday, 17 Dec, 2019 0

Royal Caribbean will no longer sell shore excursions to active volcanoes.

It takes immediate effect with existing bookings cancelled and a credit will be issued to customers.

It follows the tragic eruption on White Island in New Zealand last week which killed at least 16 people.

Two further people are still missing, presumed dead.

Many of these were passengers on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas.

"After the tragic incident in New Zealand, we are suspending tours of active volcanoes," said Royal Caribbean spokesperson Melissa Charbonneau.

"Our main focus now is on helping our guests impacted."

The cruise line did not list which shore excursions are now shelved but said it is in the dozens.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey there are about 1,500 active volcanoes, most of which fall within the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire.’

This stretches from New Zealand to Indonesia, Japan and the entire west coast of the Americas, including Hawaii and Alaska.

New Zealand’s investigation into the White Island eruption will include scrutiny of tour operators and the cruise line.

According to a Miami-based law firm, at least one US family is already considering legal action.

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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