Cunard Line which is owned by the Carnival Corporation has decided to extend its suspension on operations into Spring 2021. One vessel won’t return until mid-December 2021.
Cunard Line Cancels Cruises Into Spring 2021
The situation is not getting any better for Cunard Line which is one of the most iconic ocean lines in the world. Cunard has announced it is extending its suspension on operations into Spring 2021 with ships returning to service on different dates.
Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said:
“We are so sorry to all those guests who were due to sail on any of the cancelled voyages and for the disappointment this news will cause. After very careful consideration and reviewing the latest guidance, we simply do not feel it would be sensible to start sailing again with our current schedule so we have reviewed future itineraries.”
This means sailings up to 25 March 2021 for Queen Elizabeth, 18 April 2021 for Queen Mary 2 and 16 May 2021 for Queen Victoria are now all cancelled.
Cunard president Simon Palethirpe has also said that the Queen Elizabeth has returned to the UK due to ongoing uncertainty over re-opening many ports and countries. Unfortunately, in addition to the suspension, it has meant that the vessel will not be sailing for most of 2021 and now plans on returning on December 13, 2021.
Queen Elizabeth will be out of action for longer than any other cruise ship in the industry. The cancellation of most of 2021 impacts sailings in Australia, Japan and Alaska
Cunard Line is adjusting the global situation and has also announced changes to itineraries and deployments. Cunard Line will be offering much shorter European cruises from 3-night to 14-night itineraries out of Southampton, UK.
Starting from the end of March 2021, new cruises include:
- A series of scenic voyages around the coast of Cornwall, the west coast of Ireland and the Scottish Isles.
- Short breaks to Amsterdam which will include an overnight in the city.
- Voyages to northern and southern European destinations including Norway and the Iberian coast, with several of these itineraries featuring overnight stops.
- Queen Elizabeth’s new program will be completed with a series of seven and 14-night voyages in the Mediterranean, sailing from Barcelona.
Palethorpe continued:
“Additionally, recognising the immense disappointment of those on board Queen Mary 2’s curtailed World Voyage this year, and the cancellation of her World Voyage in 2021, we are delighted that Queen Mary 2 will sail a classic World Voyage in 2022.  This will replace her scheduled sailings departing January 3, 2022 to April 3, 2022, including the voyage to South America.”
Cunard will be contacting guests and travel agents who are impacted and, once again, all guests who have had their voyage cancelled will automatically receive an enhanced 125% Future Cruise Credit or alternatively can fill in the website form for a 100% refund.
Also Read: UK Cruise Line Already Verifies Return to Caribbean Port
The suspension of operations is a result of guidance against international cruise ship travel by the UK Foreign Office and travel restrictions in countries around the world. This news comes even though cruise lines in mainland Europe are slowly starting operations again with strict health measures in place.
Photo Credit: Jane Rix / Shutterstock.com
