Azamara which was very recently sold by Royal Caribbean has made the decision to extend its hold on cruise operations well into the summer. Guests do have a number of choices regarding their impacted bookings
Azamara Cancels More Sailings
So the small luxury line has now cancelled all cruises through June 2021 with the ships not resuming until August at the very earliest. The former Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line has stated it wants to ensure the most effective initiatives are in place for a healthy return to service.
It comes as many cruise lines are now suspending their operations for much longer including other luxury lines such as Viking Cruises and Crystal Cruises. The global situation remains very fluid and even though vaccines are rolling out, travel restrictions continue as it takes time for any impact.
Worth Reading: Royal Caribbean to Sell Its Entire Azamara Cruise Brand
Guests Will Be Compensated
Azamara is offering impacted guests three options to make up for the cancelled bookings. The first option is offering guests a 125% future cruise credit which will need to be used by April 30, 2022, on a voyage departing on or before September 30, 2022.
The cruise line still offers Royal Caribbean’s Lift and Shift option which allows guests to move their existing plans to a 2022 sailing within four weeks of the originally scheduled sailing.
The third options allows guests to request a full 100% refund. This does need to be done using an online form until May 2020. The refund is expected to be completed 45 days after submitting the form.
Azamara has detailed many other areas such as those who have booked shore excursions through the cruise line along with any air and hotel packages.
What is the Situation Now on Resuming Cruises?
Even though Azamara has extended its suspension, it’s still working to make sure cruises can resume safely for guests and crew members. Guidance is being provided on a healthy return from the Healthy Sail Panel, a panel of experts set up by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Also Read: When Will Each Cruise Line Resume Sailings Again?
The cruise line offers cruise vacations around the globe in different regions so this isn’t just due to waiting on guidance from the CDC but must deal with other relevant authorities in countries it operates from. There are travel restrictions around the globe and it remains very fluid.
