If you’ve been hoping for a cruise in Australia, then you might have to put your plans on hold as Carnival Cruise Line has extended its suspension in Australia as far as June 2021 for one of the ships.
Two cruise ships that are based in the country will remain on hold for much longer. Carnival Splendor sailings through May 19, 2021, are now cancelled. Carnival Spirit sailings are cancelled for even longer through June 12, 2021.
Cruise Hive last reported in early December 2020 of Carnival extending its pause in Australia. Carnival Splendor cruises were previously cancelled through March 17, 2021, and Carnival Spirit sailings through May 16, 2021.
In a statement released by Carnival Cruise Line, it said:
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).
Also Read: Things to Do on a Carnival Splendor Cruise
What Happens Now?
Those guests who are impacted by the further cancellations will be receiving communications from the cruise line shortly. The cruise line has said it’s offering flexible options to make up for the cancelled bookings and that guests should keep an eye out for an email in their inbox.
Those who had booked a 6-night cruise or more will receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit. Guests can additionally get an AUD$900 of onboard credit for a future cruise as long as it’s booked by September 30, 2021 for a sailing that departs by April 30, 2023.
The same options apply for those booked on 5-nights or less but with a lower AUD$450 of an onboard credit. Of course, a full refund can also be requested if a cruise with Carnival is no longer wanted in the future.
The Australia Cruise Ban
Carnival Cruise Line is actively working with authorities in Australia to make sure cruises can resume safely. It’s also working with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA Australasia) and engaged with medical experts on new protocols.
However, we already know the cruise line is doing this and that goes without saying. It really comes down to the government down under and when they are willing to lift the ban on cruise ships.
The ban on cruises has been extended to March 17, 2021. We’ve already posted about a new series of extended suspension from the major cruise lines in the country, including P&O Australia and Princess Cruises.
We’ll just to wait and see how the pandemic plays out in the region, what work is done on new health measures on if there will be a further extension to ban cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Line has already suspended operations in the U.S. until April and the entire fleet still remains on hold.