A fresh round of cruises have been cancelled by a raft of US lines – some until the start of next summer – as Covid-19 continues to batter the sector.
Royal Caribbean Group and Seabourn will see many winter sailings suspended.
RCG brand Azamara’s three ships will remain out of operation until March 2021 at the earliest.
The latest extension includes all winter Celebrity Cruises sailings in Australia and Asia.
The suspension of other sailings has been extended by RCG until November 30 as it works with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a plan for a safe return.
Azamara will be suspending its winter itineraries throughout Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.
The small ship brand now plans to resume operations in Europe at the start of the summer sailing season.
Azamara Quest is now due to return on March 20 from Lisbon to the port of Rome; Azamara Journey on April 9 from Lisbon to Barcelona and Azamara Pursuit on May 9 from Piraeus, the port for Athens, on new Greek departures.
Chief operating officer Carol Cabeza said: “After very careful consideration, we have made the decision to pause operations until the 2021 Europe season, as we are still confronted with the many global challenges resulting from Covid-19.
“We plan to return stronger than ever next season, with reimagined guest experiences that will protect the wellbeing of our guests and crew yet remain true to the Azamara spirit of connecting people to cultures.”
Cabezas added: “As we look at our long-term plan, we have already seen a strong demand to our 2022-2023 voyages, which was announced in mid-September.
“Within the first week of opening for sale, we experienced three times more bookings for new voyages compared to last year’s deployment of 2021 and winter-spring 2022 itineraries. This just further reinforces travellers’ commitment to cruising.”
Carnival Corporation luxury brand Seabourn is cancelling winter sailing by three ships until next spring.
Seabourn Odyssey is due to return on January 15, Seabourn Ovation on April 18 and Seabourn Encore on May 28.
“The decision to cancel additional voyages is a proactive action to deal with the circumstances continuing to evolve from the global response to the Covid-19 situation,” the company said.
Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz added: “Our highest priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the people in destinations we visit.
“We know our past guests and travellers are eager to travel when the time is right and that time is on the horizon, so I would encourage anyone to look at their calendar and start planning a trip today to let the excitement build.”
RCG said: “We will be reaching out to our guests and travel partners to share further details and address any questions or concerns they may have.”
It follows last week’s extension of the No-Sail order in the US to October 31, and Carnival Cruise Lines’ move to cancel some planned cruises in November and December.
