Princess Cruises is cancelling all voyages through 30 June 2020 as the industry continues to wrestle with the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The move means Princess, which has suffered three ships at the centre of coronavirus controversies, has extended its pause, originally instated for 60 days to May 10,2020.
The line also halted Alaska Gulf cruising and announced its five famous wilderness lodges, and trains and buses will not operate this season. Canada has halted cruising at its ports until July 1.
It means some sailings from Australia will also now be halted.
Holland America followed, halted all cruises until June 30, including its Alaska season. This includes Alaska, Canada/New England and Europe cruises.
The McKinley Chalet Resort, McKinley Explorer rail cars and tour motorcoaches will not operate this summer.
Princess said it would continue round-trip sailings from Seattle to Alaska on Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess.
Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said: “We hope everyone impacted by these cancellations – especially our guests, travel advisor partners, teammates, and the communities we visit – understand our decision to do our part to protect the safety, health and well-being of our guests and team. We look forward to the brighter days and smooth seas ahead for all of us.”
Each ship will have a unique return to service date, based on the previously published cruise itineraries, with some modifications, departing after 1 July. See princess.com for details.
Guests booked on cancelled Princess voyages, who have paid in full, will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid and, as an added incentive, an additional 25% FCC to be used by May 22.
Guests are also being offered a full refund, with requests received by May 31.
The cancellations will affect select Australia Homeport Cruises for Sun Princess and Sapphire Princess Departing June 23 – September 3, 2020, and select Australia Homeport Cruises for Sea Princess, Sun Princess and Sapphire Princess departing May 8 – June 15, 2020
Holland America guests have two options and must make their selection by June 1, 2020:
- Option #1: Defer a refund and receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the base cruise fare paid plus an onboard credit of US$250 per person, which can be applied toward any future cruise(s) through Dec. 31, 2021. Guests who haven’t paid in full will receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the amount paid to Holland America Line.
- Option #2: A 100% refund of all monies paid to Holland America Line will be reimbursed. This includes Holland America Line’s Flight Ease air, Cancellation Protection Plan, Holland America Line pre- or post-cruise hotel packages or transfers, prepaid shore excursions and amenities purchased through Holland America Line, and taxes, fees and port expenses.
For more, see www.princess.com or www.hollandamerica.com
