Carnival Cruise Line and P&O cancel Aussie sailings, as Costa Cruises readies for restart

Carnival Cruise Line and P&O cancel Aussie sailings, as Costa Cruises readies for restart

Two Carnival-Corporation-owned cruise lines have announced an extended pause in operations, while another has revealed it will restart sailings from next month.

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled all Australian sailings departing from 15 March 2020 on board Carnival Splendor through to and including 28 June 2021, as well all Carnival Spirit sailings through to and including 12 September 2021.

The line is offering an ‘Enhanced Value Option’ (that is, future cruise credits) to affected customers, or a full refund.

“On behalf of all of us at Carnival Cruise Line, we extend our sincere apologies for the disruption to your holiday plans and trust you understand this decision was made with everyone’s best interest at heart,” it said in a statement.

P&O Cruises Australia has extended its current operational pause to departures on or before 18 June 2021.

Guests with bookings affected by the pause extension are being given as much notice as possible to provide them with greater certainty around their holiday plans, according to P&O Cruises Australia president Sture Myrmell.

“While we are becoming increasingly confident in the restart of cruising in Australia, we are continuing with the realistic and pragmatic approach we have adopted previously,” he said.

“We know from our contact with guests and through our social media channels that they, like us, can’t wait to be cruising again, and our crew can’t wait to again be delivering exceptional cruise holiday experiences.

“We once again thank our guests for their patience and understanding, and for their unwavering loyalty to Australia’s homegrown cruise line.”

P&O said it will contact affected customers either directly or via their appointed travel agent to let them know of the pause extension and the options available to them.

Meanwhile, Carnival’s Italian brand, Costa Cruises, is gearing up to set sail again, with flagship Costa Smeralda scheduled for departure on 27 March with an unchanged itinerary.

Costa Smeralda (image source: iStock/maudanros)

The ship will sail to several Italian locations including Savona, La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina and Cagliari on 3- and 4-day mini-cruises, along with a seven-day cruise.

From 1 May, Costa Smeralda will return to sailing one-week cruises in the western Mediterranean, with visits to Italy (Savona, Civitavecchia and Palermo), France (Marseille) and Spain (Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca).

A second ship, Costa Luminosa, will also be back in service soon, departing from Trieste from 2 May, and the following day from Bari, confirming its program of one-week cruises in Greece and Croatia.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Thai Airways expands technology partnership with Amadeus

Thai Airways has expanded its technology partnership with Amadeus with the agreement including distribution of all content, a complete revamp of digital channels with Amadeus’ Digital Experience Suite, and implementation of cutting-edge network revenue management and payments solutions. The Thailand carrier renewed and expanded its distribution agreement with Amadeus to further enhance its travel retailing […]

  • Exhibitions

Incredible landscape series with images taken from a Cessna 182 called Valerie

An incredible landscape series, with images taken from a Cessna 182 called ‘Valerie’ that traversed thousands of kilometres from Melbourne to Darwin and beyond, is on exhibition in Sydney for the first time. Photographer Andrew Vukosav’s Longitude Latitude Solitude was shot from 350 hours and more than 85,000km of flying (twice around the globe) all […]

  • Attractions
  • News

South Korea launches new tourist: ‘Moon of Seoul’

South Korea is launching a new tourist attraction: a moon-shaped, tethered helium balloon named the Moon of Seoul, located at Yeouido Park. This is expected to become one of the city’s landmarks, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the nighttime view of the Hangang River and the bustling city of Seoul. Each round trip will […]

  • Cruise
  • Destinations

Explora Journeys launches Destination Experiences led by adventurer Mike Horn

Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, has announced Destination Experiences led by renowned explorer and brand ambassador Mike Horn. From 10-20 November 2024, guests on board EXPLORA I will have the opportunity to join Horn on two extraordinary adventures, showcasing the wild beauty of Spain’s Lanzarote and La Palma islands. During a lifetime […]

  • Cruise

Crystal announces exclusive collaboration with Casino de Monte-Carlo

Crystal has enhanced its voyages with a collaboration with a leader in the world of entertainment and gaming to bring the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the brand that promises guests an elevated level of entertainment and gaming experience. It debuts onboard Crystal Symphony during […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Crystal cruises debuts new Beefbar menu

Crystal cruises has announced a new collaboration in culinary excellence with world-renowned restaurant, Beefbar being offered onboard, a first at sea. The Monte Carlo restaurant is the brainchild of restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi and has more than 20 locations worldwide in some of the most iconic cities. The brand is soon to debut in the US, […]

  • Events

Snow Machine Queenstown announces 2024 lineup

Over 30 local and international artists will entertain snow enthusiasts as Snow Machine 2024 kick off from 3 to 8 September with a newly announced lineup. Guests can choose to go on a skiing or boarding adventure during the day at The Remarkables or Coronet Peak, or take a more relaxed approach at the brand-new […]

  • Attractions

$750,000 Melbourne Cup goes on tour around Australia

If you ever wanted to clap your eyes on the real Melbourne Cup, a 1.69kg 18 carat yellow gold trophy valued at $750,000, then here are the Australian destinations where you can see it. Manufacturer of the Melbourne Cup, W.J. Sanders, and sister company, ABC Bullion, have shared the Australian destinations in the 2024 Lexus […]