With global travel still in flux, major cruise lines have been forced to further extend their suspension of operations dates in various parts of the world.
Royal Caribbean Group suspends Australia and New Zealand sailings
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will be extending the suspension of sailings to include those departing from Australia and New Zealand on or before 31 October, 2020. The cruise line says it will be reaching out to its guests and travel partners to share further details and address any questions or concerns.
Carnival Cruise Line extends pause for all departures from Australia
Carnival Cruise Line is extending its pause in departures from Australia through 2 December 2020 for Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor.
The company is making contact with guests and travel agents who are impacted and is offering flexible options for all those affected.
Princess Cruises announces extended pause of operations in Australia through 12 December 2020
Princess Cruises is extending its pause in cruise operations in Australia through 12 December, 2020 which includes cruises throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Guests who have paid in full on these cancelled voyages will receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid. To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel advisor.
For guests who have not paid in full, Princess will Double the Deposit, providing a refundable FCC for the money currently on deposit plus a matching bonus FCC that can be used on any voyage through 1 May, 2022. The matching bonus FCC is non-refundable, will not exceed the base cruise fare amount of the currently booked cruise, and will have a minimum value of $100 per person.
Alternatively, guests can forfeit the bonus FCC offer and request a refund for all money paid on their booking by using this online form. Guests have until 30 September, 2020 to elect a refund, or they will automatically receive the default offer listed above.
Princess will protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success. Travel Agents are encouraged to call 1300 587 473 or visit onesourcecruises.com.au if they need further details.
P&O Cruises Australia extends rolling pause from Australia
P&O Cruises Australia is extending its rolling pause in operations from Australia to 2 December 2020 and has extended its flexible payment and cancellation policy – ‘P&O Assurance’ – even further to the end of next year’s summer holidays. Guests can now cancel their booking for any reason up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled date of departure for sailings to 31 January, 2021 and receive a future cruise credit to the value of the fare paid.
The extended pause in operations will affect the following cruises:
Pacific Adventure: V061, V062 and V063
Pacific Explorer: X047, X048, X049, X050 and X051
Pacific Dawn: W054, W055N, W056N, W058 and W059
Pacific Aria: A052, A053, A054, A055, A056, A057 and A058
Booking and refund options for cancelled cruises from 27 August, 2020
P&O will make contact with guests whose cruises have been affected, either directly or via their appointed travel agent, to let them know of this development and the options available to them. Guests who have not yet received an offer in response to a cruise that was cancelled during P&O’s pause in operations are entitled to a full refund or bonus onboard credit if they choose a future cruise credit. All guests on select cruises including the popular Melbourne Cup itinerary, can opt to move their booking to the same time next year and receive bonus onboard credit.
P&O will pay refunds back to travel agents for guests who booked through that channel. The cruise line will also protect travel agent commissions on all bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full as at 26 August, 2020 and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.
IMAGE: Celebrity Cruises
