Carnival extends suspension of Australia cruise operations

Cruise operator Carnival said it was extending its pause of operations in Australia to December as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to hit its operations globally.

The company said its Princess Cruises unit would extend its pause in cruise operations in Australia to December 12 and P&O Cruises Australia was extending its rolling pause in operations from Australia to December 2.

Carnival Cruise Line also said was extending its pause in departures from Australia through 2 December 2020 for Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor.

Carnival had previously announced pauses to the end of October and was now notifying guests and travel agents about these new cancellations, the company said.

P&O Cruises president Sture Myrmell said extending the rolling pause was aimed at providing guests with an opportunity to plan ahead.

"It is clear that society is not yet ready to return to sailing and we will continue to liaise with governments and public health experts as all align on how people should gather and holiday," Myrmell said.

"Like our loyal guests, we remain hopeful that the start of summer will bring new opportunities for the entire travel and tourism industry, which contributes so much to many regional economies around Australia.”