Carnival, P&O and Princess cancel

CARNIVAL Corporation has confirmed an extension of the rolling pause in its operations in Australia and New Zealand, with the company now cancelling cruises until the end of Oct.

The move, due to the “continued progression of COVID-19 and related decisions of various government, health authorities and airlines regarding travel restrictions,” applies locally to Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises Australia and Princess Cruises.

In other markets including Asia and North America, Princess is now not planning a resumption until mid-Dec.

“We share in our guests’ disappointment in cancelling these cruises,” said Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz.

“We look forward to the days when we can return to travel and the happiness it brings to all who cruise,” she added.

P&O has extended its current pause by six weeks, with a planned resumption on 30 Oct for Australian departures, while in New Zealand P&O will return for its next season departing from Auckland in 2021.

The inaugural 18-night voyage of Pacific Adventure from Singapore to Sydney has also been cancelled.

Carnival Cruise Line will also suspend its Australasian sailings up to and including 28 Oct, with the brand saying it “appreciates the understanding and support of its guests and travel agent partners and looks forward to welcoming them on board when the time is right”.

Carnival Corporation chief Sture Myrmell (pictured) said while everyone hoped sailings would resume soon, it had become increasingly clear more time was needed for society to reinstate many modes of travel and community gatherings.

“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,” Myrmell said.

“We will continue to use this time to liaise with authorities, public health experts and others in the industry to develop enhanced public health measures for when the time is right to resume sailing,” he added.