El Pasoans see vacation cruise plans ruined by coronavirus concerns

EL PASO, Texas -- Some El Pasoans have seen their long-awaited vacations on cruise ships cancelled due to growing coronavirus concerns.

At least a half-dozen El Paso residents lost out on trips when the Viking River Cruises suspended their upcoming operations to China through to June of 2020.

Those trips can cost up to $5,000 and take months of planning with help from travel agents like Theresa Chidiac.

“The cruise line I think is very concerned in regards to safety," said Chidiac. "They’ve opted to cancel all the sailings that dock and sail in that area.”

This limiting of travel options has become troubling for local vacation booking agents.

“Those cruises are very popular out of El Paso," said Chidiac. "So we have had lots of clients who were interested in those sailings.”

And other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Holland America are also suspending all China trips for now.

Despite the cancellations, Viking River Cruises indicates that those who lost out on their trips have either been fully reimbursed or set up with a different vacation plan.