P&O Cruises cancels all trips into October
British cruise line P&O Cruises, a Carnival subsidiary, is canceling all its sailings until Oct. 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic – after a move by Canada to ban cruises and ferries carrying more than 100 people with overnight capacity in its waters through Oct. 31.
The cruise line is working with government and industry bodies like Public Health England and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review and establish updated health policies and procedures ahead of future sailings, P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said in a video.
Guests who were booked on canceled sailings are eligible for an enhanced future cruise credit of 125%, as has been standard protocol across the industry. The credit can now be redeemed without calling the company, according to Ludlow, which will be helfpul to guests. The credits are good until the end of 2021.
“We want to apologize once again to those guests who wait for refunds, particularly at a time of financial constraints; however, the new technology we have in place is rapidly improving things though and we continue to make further progress on a daily basis,” Ludlow added.
While Canada’s ban on cruises has been pushed into the fall, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s no-sail order is set to expire on July 24, with major cruise companies, including Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney, pushing their sailing suspensions just past that date.
Norwegian Cruise Line announces new health initiative
But how can passengers feel safe going forward, once ships resume sailing?
One way to do so is by detailing cleanliness measure updates. Norwegian Cruise Line launched a new health initiative, Peace of Mind, to clue cruisers in on how it will combat the spread of COVID-19 when sailings resume. Sailings are currently canceled through July 31.
Every guest (and crew member) will face an enhanced pre-embarkation health screening, in addition to temperature checks and monitoring during the trip. Such checks will occur before meals in dining venues and activities in public venues. Other measures include social distancing, with the implementation of staggered embarkation and advanced online check-in. Onboard activities may see reduced capacity or be modified to adhere to appropriate distancing.
Guests can also expect a new air filtration system and the inclusion of testing kits and more medical supplies on board, including more medications to treat symptoms of COVID-19.
Multiple companies are moving ahead with technology that could be implemented on ships so that cruisers can return to sea with less worry – though most cruise lines haven’t announced specific plans. Infrared Cameras Inc. announced in a press release, however, that the company is partnering with Carnival Cruise Line to screen passenger and crew member temperatures via thermal camera systems. USA TODAY has reached out to Carnival for more information.