Princess Cruises has cancelled cruising around the world until May 14 as cruise lines grapple with the complexities of a return to sailing set by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The company has already paused operations in Australia and New Zealand until May 31.
“We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel advisors as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.” We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back on board to create memories.”
The CDC issued new health and safety protocols last year which involved test cruises with volunteer passengers and and each ship being inspected certified as safe before allowing sailings in American waters.
Many lines have privately suggested the conditions are onerous, but said they would try and comply.
Guests booked on the cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid.
Alternatively, guests can request a full refund for all monies paid on their booking through this online form. Requests must be received by February 15, 2021 or guests will be registered for the Future Cruise Credit option.
Cruises affected include:
The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.
