A LUXURY cruise ship will dock in Fremantle next week, almost a month earlier than scheduled, as fears over coronavirus mount.
The Queen Mary 2 was originally scheduled to dock at Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong en route to Darwin, before sailing down the east coast of Australia and docking at Fremantle on March 14.
But global fears over coronavirus have altered those plans.
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READ NOWThe ship will now arrive in Fremantle on February 18 and depart the next day for other cities in Australia, but details of those ports have yet to be finalised.
In an statement, Cunard Line – operator of the Queen Mary 2 – said the health and safety of their guests is of the utmost importance to them.
“Although the risk to our guests and crew is low, the coronavirus situation is dynamic and evolving,” it said.
“We are very closely monitoring and assessing the impact of the latest developments and health advisories, as well as various travel and entry restrictions which are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel.
“We are actively seeking to mitigate these risks to our guests and crew, and are making appropriate adjustments to our operations to protect all onboard our ships.
“As a result of this situation, Queen Mary 2 is now sailing directly to Fremantle, Australia, arriving on the 18th February.
“She will no longer call at Singapore.
“If you were due to join Queen Mary 2 in Singapore on 12/13 or 18/19 February you have the option to join in Fremantle on 18/19 February.
“Should you be on a shorter voyage from Singapore on 12/13 February your voyage will be automatically cancelled at no charge.”
For more information visit www.cunard.com/en-au