Two major cruise lines owned by Carnival have announced further extensions on the pause in operations well into Spring 2021. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are canceling more sailings as they continue to develop on meeting the framework on the CDC Conditional Sailing Order.
Princess Cruises Cancellations
The cruise line which has been hit hard by the global pandemic has announced a further suspension on cruise operations. Cruises have been cancelled through May 14, 2021 including departures in the Caribbean, the California Coast along with sailings in Alaska and Europe.
Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said:
“We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel advisors as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service.”
“We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back on board to create summertime memories.”
Princess Cruises had previously suspended cruises through March 2021 but it’s going to take longer than expected to resume cruises safely. Those guests impacted by the further cancellations are being offered compensation. There are the options of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) plus an additional 25% bonus.
Guests can also request a full refund of what’s been paid on the booking using an online form. The requests have to be completed by February 15, 2021 or they will automatically be put on the FCC option.
Also Read: Why 2021 Might Be a Difficult Year for Cruises
Holland America Cancellations
Holland America Line is another major cruise line that’s part of the Carnival Corporation and it has also extended the pause on operations. All departures through April 30, 2021, are now cancelled including cruises in Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Canada/New England departures.
The cruise line has also cancelled Alaska cruises on three of its ships through early June 2021. Land+Sea Journeys connected with the Alaska sailings are also cancelled along with departures in the Mediterranean. Canada and New England cruises on the Zaandam have will also no longer take place through early June 2021.
Here’s the full list of cancellations for Holland America:
- All cruise departures through April 30, 2021.
- Alaska: Eurodam and Oosterdam through the first week of June (roundtrip from Seattle); Koningsdam through mid-May (roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam through mid-May (roundtrip Vancouver and between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska); and Zuiderdam through early June (roundtrip from Vancouver).
- Mediterranean: Volendam cruises through early June (between Venice and Civitavecchia [Rome], Italy); Westerdam through early June (roundtrip from Venice or between Venice and Piraeus [Athens], Greece).
- Canada/New England: Zaandam cruises through August (between Boston, Massachusetts, and Montreal, Quebec, Canada).
Guests impacted by today’s announcement by the Carnival cruise brand do have options for re-booking. if guests have paid in full already, they can receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit. Those that haven’t paid in full will receive an FCC of double the amount of the deposit.
A full 100% refund is also available and guests need to decide using an online form no later than February 15, 2021 which is the same as sister line Princess Cruises.
Huge Disappointment
There was hope that cruises would finally start to resume for both cruise lines in April but it seems to prepare for cruises again is taking longer than expected. With the virus sweeping across the globe and now end in letting up it does make the return more difficult.
Cruise lines are working with the relevant authorities including the CDC in the United States and cruise ships have already started moving to start that process on returning, However, a lot needs to be done to make sure guests and crew can remain safe.
This news follows Carnival Cruise Line which also announced further cancellations with cruises now delayed until April 2021 at the very earliest. P&O Australia has also announced further cancellations in New Zealand.
Keep checking all the latest as more cruise lines could follow.
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