SAN FRANCISCO, (Xinhua) -- Southern California-based Princess Cruises announced Thursday that it will suspend global operations for 60 days due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

"In proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Princess Cruises... will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months, impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10," the statement noted.

The cruise company, which operates two coronavirus-hit ships -- the Grand Princess and the Diamond Princess, serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries.

According to Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, this action is to reassure guests, team members and global stakeholders of the company's commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all the people, communities and countries that are connected to the cruises.

Those currently onboard a cruise that ends in the next five days will continue to sail as planned, while current voyages that extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, according to the statement.

Princess Cruises plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing May 11, 2020.  ■