Princess Cruises is extending its pause in operations to the end of March 2021.
The suspension, in line with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) framework, also includes a suspension of sailings in and out of the US of more than seven days through to November 1, 2021.
Princess had already suspended sailings to the end of 2020 as a result of Covid-19.
Additionally, due to the uncertainty about when international travel restrictions might be lifted, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in operations for cruises departing in and out of Japan through to June 25, 2021.
“We are focused on preparing our ships to meet the CDC health and safety requirements for our eventual return to service,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “We also appreciate the continued support we have received from our guests, partners and travel advisors, reinforcing for all of us why we do what we do.”
Guests currently booked on cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid and an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare. No action is required by travel agents to obtain FCCs for their customers.
Requests for full cash refunds, which are another option, must be made by December 31, 2020.
Princess said it will protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full “in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success”.
