Aussie cruises with Carnival Cruise Line and P&O Cruises are now off the cards until the end of the year, with the two lines extending their pause until 2 December due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Carnival, which had previously announced pauses through to 29 October, said it’s extended pause in departures was in light of Australia’s continuing travel restrictions.
“Carnival will resume cruising when the time is right and will do so with enhanced health measures developed in conjunction with government authorities, public health experts, local ports of call and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA),” the line said in a release.
P&O said its extended pause was the result of guidance from authorities, public health experts and society.
“It is clear that society is not yet ready to return to sailing, and we will continue to liaise with governments and public health experts as all align on how people should gather and holiday,” P&O Cruises president Sture Myrmell said.
The line has extended its flexible payment and cancellation policy to the end of next year’s summer holidays.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have extended their pauses until 31 October.
Royal Caribbean Group said in a statement it will be reaching out to its guests and travel partners.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit is our top priority,” the line said.
Cruise ships capable of carrying more than 100 people are currently banned from operating in Australia until at least 17 September.
Featured image credit: iStock/lovleah
