Viking Sun’s scheduled port of call at Bali, Indonesia, yesterday (Sunday 8 March 2020) was cancelled by local authorities, citing the health and wellbeing of Bali’s people, despite there being no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported among the passengers and crew.
Viking Sun was due to dock at Bali’s Benoa Port until 10 March, with passengers free to disembark, and sail to Lombok the next day, before returning to Surabaya on 14 March. From there, the ship was due to sail to Sri Lanka, where it was scheduled to arrive on 20 March.
The cruise line says it was extremely disappointed with the decision, adding it would now move the ship out of the region, sailing towards the Suez Canal for Europe after leaving Bali.
However, in an 11th hour turnaround, the government changed its mind and has allowed Viking Sun to dock and for passengers to disembark at Bali’s Benoa Port.
Bali governor, Wayan Koster said: “We will continue to update our guests and travel agent partners on any changes in itineraries or circumstances that may be relevant.”
