Carnival extends operational pauses as a result of Covid-19
Cruiseline operator Carnival said on Thursday that its Princess and P&O brands had extended pauses in operations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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P&O cruises will extend its rolling pause in operations across Australia and New Zealand to 29 October after it became "increasingly clear" to the company that "more time was needed" before reinstating cruises.
Due to the continued progression of the Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions, Princess Cruises also said it would extend its pauses for cruises coming in and out of Australia until 31 October, while all sailings in Asia, the Caribbean, the Californian Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, Antarctica, Japan, and Tahiti/the South Pacific will be halted until 15 December.
Carnival said all guests affected by the cancellations would by entitled to a full refund or bonus onboard credit if they choose a future cruise credit.
P&O president Sture Myrmell said: "The path to society reopening fully is continuing to evolve – and cruising will return when science and public health align and people again feel comfortable to meet. With this in mind, we have reviewed the current end date of our pause in cruise operations."
"This is by far the most challenging time the travel sector has ever experienced. However, like so many of our loyal guests and partners, we look forward to better times ahead when we can cruise again. We thank everyone for their unswerving loyalty, patience and goodwill."
As of 0900 BST, Carnival shares were down 0.80% at 962p.