Carnival extends Australia/NZ cruise suspension to Aug 31
Carnival said it had extended the suspension of its P&O Cruises operations in Australia and New Zealand to August 31, in response to continuing travel restrictions due to the impact of Covid-19.
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P&O president Sture Myrmell said it was clear an extension to the pause was necessary while the two countries continue to make progress in combating the coronavirus pandemic.
“Australia and New Zealand have led the world in flattening the Covid-19 curve, which adds to our optimism for the future. However, we also recognise that a further extension is the prudent and responsible course,” Myrmell said.
Guests hit by the extension were offered a full refund or a future cruise credit equal to the cost of their original cruise plus an onboard credit offer, Carnival said.
Carnival's Ruby Princess vessel became the largest single source of coronavirus cases in Australia after its 2,700 passengers disembarked at Sydney's Circular Quay on March 19.
It has so far been linked to more than 660 cases and 21 deaths. An official government inquiry has begun hearings as it tries to establish who was responsible for allowing the ship to disembark passengers without informing officials of the number of passengers presenting symtoms.
Carnival on Monday announced plans to resume some US services from August 1, despite concerns from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that cruise ship travel exacerbated the global spread of the virus.
Carnival said it advised travel agents that eight of its ships would return to service, setting sail from Texas and Florida.