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Coronavirus: Queen Mary 2 avoids southeast Asia on world cruise

Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 is to skip several ports in southeast Asia and will sail direct to Australia following numerous travel restrictions at ports across the continent.

The vessel had been scheduled to call into Phuket, Thailand; Pulau Penang Island and Klang in Malaysia; Singapore; and Hong Kong.

The 2,691-passenger vessel will now sail directly to Fremantle, Australia and is due to arrive on February 18.

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and China have each introduced travel restrictions as a precaution to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Cunard said the “various travel and entry restrictions…are increasingly impacting ship itineraries and connecting travel” across the world.


More: Coronavirus: Holland America Line ship ‘denied entry into Thailand’


A Cunard spokesperson said: “We are actively seeking to mitigate these risks to our guests and crew and are making appropriate adjustments to our operations to protect all on board our ships.

“As a result of this situation, Queen Mary 2 is now sailing direct to Fremantle, Australia, arriving on February 18.

“[The ship] will depart Fremantle on February 19 on an Australian itinerary.

“As well as working to protect everyone on board our ships, we are seeking to minimise any possible impact on our guests, their bookings and travel arrangements.

“We will communicate updates and advise guests and travel agents of any changes as soon as possible.”

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