A ‘reassurance cancellation and transfer policy’ has been introduced by P&O Cruises and Cunard due to coronavirus.
The new interim policy applies to all passengers with bookings departing up until August 31.
It enables cruises to be cancelled up to 48 hours before departure.
Travel agency commission will be protected on cancellation fees and the future cruise credits as part of the update will be fully commissionable.
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Cancelled bookings will receive a future cruise credit equivalent to the cancellation fees and refunds will be given on any remaining money paid.
The future cruise credit can be redeemed against any sailing until end of March 2022, with bookings to be made before December 31, 2021.
The future cruise credit is non-refundable, but may be used on multiple sailings.
People travelling before August this year will have additional on board credit of between £100 and £600 applied to their booking depending on the cruise duration based on bookings made before today (March 11).
“Guests who cancelled bookings between February 1, 2020 and March 11 for sailings before the end of August 2020, but who did not opt to convert their cancellation charge into a future cruise credit, will have this automatically credited to their account for use on a future holiday,” a company statement said.
“Guests travelling after August 2020 are able to transfer free of charge to any alternative cruise date, prior to paying the balance of their holiday.”
A future cruise credit given to P&O Cruises guests following changes to Arcadia’s world cruise will now be extended until the end of December 2021.
The Carnival UK sister brands have acted in an effort to provide “ultimate flexibility”.
A spokesperson said: “As the situation evolves, however, guests should refer to the websites for the latest travel advice and policies.”