With no sign yet of a green light for local cruise resumption, both P&O and Princess Cruises have announced an extension of their Australian cruise pause until 2022.
P&O Cruises Australia says its voluntary pause will apply to cruises scheduled to depart from 15 January, 2022 through to 14 February, 2022.
“We are naturally disappointed for our guests and our many suppliers to have to extend the pause in operations by a further month,” said Sture Myrmell, P&O Cruises Australia President.
“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.”
Guests whose bookings have been affected will be notified of the pause and options available to them.
Princess Cruises is extending its suspension of Australia/New Zealand operations to 14 March 2022. Four sailings on Coral Princess will be cancelled.
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 17 November, 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 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.
IMAGE: P&O’s Pacific Encounter
