The further suspensions are not over just yet as two Carnival cruise ships are being suspended even further into June for one and as far back as September for another.
Carnival Cruise Line Extends Suspension
Carnival Cruise Line has extended its suspension for just two ships that are based out of Australia. This won’t impact the operations out of the United States but will still have a huge impact on the industry down under.
So Carnival Splendor cruises are now cancelled through 28 June 2021. Previously, cruises were suspended through May 19, 2021, as posted by Cruise Hive here. Carnival Spirit cruises are now cancelled through September 12, 2021, and previously, they were suspended through June 12, 2021.
Making it Up to Guests
Carnival Cruise Line has already stated that guests who are impacted by the further cancellations should expect an email very soon about their options. It’s just going to take even longer until resuming cruises safely can happen.
The cruise line is working with the relevant authorities and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on implementing new measures to make sure guests and crews can remain safe. The cruise line said in a released statement:
“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).”
“We thank you for your patience, support and understanding. We look forward to warmly welcoming our guests back on board when the time is right.”
Guests can choose a 100% Future Cruise Credit along with an onboard credit amount depending on the length of the booked voyage. Guests can also request a full refund, and all this can be done online.
Also Read: Things You’ll Really Like About the Carnival Spirit
What Going on With Cruises in Australia?
The cruise industry in Australia is pretty much dealing with the same as other countries. It’s all about working on a safe return and following the requirements from the government, which of course, is never straightforward.
It’s a surprise that Carnival just suspended cruises further as there has been some recent hope that cruising could resume. Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Dan Tehan told Australia’s 9Now Today Show “The cruise industry has done a lot of work to make sure that cruising now is COVID-safe,” he went on to say, “They have put protocols in place so people should be confident to be able to go and book cruises. There are welcome signs and, yes, we are seeing rebounding when it comes to cruising.”
We’ll have to wait and see as the government has already made it clear that the situation remains very fluid, and they will adapt depending on the pandemic. How that impacts cruises remains to be seen, and it’s always expected to take time.
For now, cruise ships operating in Australian waters with a passenger capacity of over 100 are banned until March 17, 2021. It’s still a more positive outlook than the United States, with major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line suspending operations until May 2021. For Canada, cruise ships are banned for an entire year, and in the UK, there is no clear return date at all.
Main Photo Credit: Ideal Stock PhotographyA / Shutterstock.com
