P&O, Princess cancel

CARNIVAL Corporation brands P&O Cruises Australia and Princess Cruises have extended their cruising pause until mid-Feb and mid-Mar respectively.

Princess has extended until 14 Mar, which will result in the cancellation of four sailings on Coral Princess, while P&O Australia has extended its pause by a further month, until 14 Feb.

Guests booked on a cancelled Princess cruise have the option to move to an equivalent sailing, which will also protect the guests’ fare on their replacement cruise.

Alternatively, pax can choose a future cruise credit, equivalent to 100% of the fare paid, plus an additional non-refundable bonus credit equal to 10% of the fare paid (minimum $25).

Credit can be used on any cruises booked by the end of next year, and sailing by 30 Apr 2023.

Guests can also choose a full refund to the original form of payment through the online form HERE by 17 Nov, or the future cruise credit option will be automatically provided.

Princess will protect travel advisor commission on bookings paid in full, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.

Guests whose bookings have been affected by P&O will be notified of the pause and options available either directly or via their appointed travel advisor, with the cruise line’s outgoing President Sture Myrmell saying the voluntary pause had been extended because of the absence of a clear pathway for a return to cruising in Australia.

͞With society rapidly reopening...there is a vital need for a pathway for the staged resumption of domestic cruising,” he said.