Amid continuing uncertainty about the resumption of cruising, P&O Cruises Australia today extended its voluntary pause in operations for a further month until mid-February next year, while Princess Cruises is extending its pause to March 14, 2022.
P&O Cruises Australia has announced its voluntary pause will be extended until mid-February 2022, due to uncertainty around the return of cruising in the region.
P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said the pause had been extended because of the absence of a clear pathway for a return to cruising in Australia.
“We are naturally disappointed for our guests and our many suppliers to have to extend the pause in operations by a further month,” Mr Myrmell said.
“With society rapidly reopening including social gathering and travel just weeks away, there is a vital need for a pathway for the staged resumption of domestic cruising.
“Our guests have made it clear they want to cruise again and we look forward to welcoming them on board as soon as possible supported by comprehensive protocols based on the world’s best public health practice and standards.
“We are also mindful of the many businesses who rely on cruising for their livelihoods across food and fresh produce, marine engineering and logistics, entertainment and, of course, travel agents.”
P&O Cruises Australia has already announced its intention to resume domestic operations with cruises for fully vaccinated guests and crew.
Guests whose bookings have been affected will be notified of the pause and options available either directly or via their appointed travel agent.
Princess Cruises has also announced it will be extending its pause in cruise vacations in Australia/New Zealand to March 14, 2022. As a result of the pause extension, four sailings on Coral Princess will be cancelled.
The cruise company says guests booked on a cancelled cruise have the option to move to an equivalent cruise. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests’ fare on their replacement cruise.
Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 AUD) or a full refund to the original form of payment.
Requests must be received through this online form by November 17, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by December 31, 2022 and sailing by April 30, 2023.
Princess says it will protect travel agent commission on bookings that were paid in full in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.
The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.
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