Fears of the COVID-19 coronavirus spread have led to sudden cancellations of cruises that were supposed to depart from Singapore in the forthcoming weeks.

The cancellations come as several countries have issued travel advisories suggesting that travel to the city-state be deferred unless absolutely necessary.

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has cancelled two cruises to Southeast Asia that were scheduled to depart Singapore on 15 February and 24 February on the 169,000-dwt Quantum of the Seas (built 2014).