P&O pauses all holidays until spring amid virus
P&O CRUISES has cancelled all holidays until early next year due to the pandemic.
The boss of the UK’s largest cruise line said he had taken the decision because of ‘evolving restrictions on travel’.
All Caribbean cruises are cancelled until the end of January. Sailings to and from Southampton will be suspended until various dates in February except trips on the Arcadia and Aurora ships, which were already axed until the end of spring.
The firm had previously suspended all sailings until November 12 this year.
President Paul Ludlow said: ‘These further cancellations vary according to ship as well as complexity and length of itineraries, advice and guidance regarding ports of call and current air availability for fly/cruises.
‘We are continuing to monitor the overall situation closely and will reintroduce cruises when it is feasible to do so.’
Affected customers will receive credit for a future holiday, worth 125 per cent of the cost of their original trip. They can also request a cash refund.
Foreign Office advice to avoid cruises remains in place but Mr Ludlow said P&O was working with the ‘most brilliant minds in science as well as government’ to develop enhanced health and hygiene regimes for when sailings resume.
‘Whilst adherence to protocols on board and ongoing vigilance will be critical, this will always be coupled with providing the memorable holidays for which we are known. We cannot wait for restrictions to ease and for us to be able to set sail for a new beginning,’ he added.