P&O Cruises today announced it was extending its rolling pause in operations across Australia and New Zealand to October 29, 2020 in response to the current impact of the global pandemic on the way we travel and holiday.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said while everyone hoped sailings would resume soon, it had become increasingly clear that more time was needed for society to reinstate many modes of travel and community gatherings.
“The path to society reopening fully is continuing to evolve – and cruising will return when science and public health align and people again feel comfortable to meet. With this in mind, we have reviewed the current end date of our pause in cruise operations.”
“We will continue to use this time to liaise with authorities, public health experts and others in the industry to develop enhanced public health measures for when the time is right to resume sailing.
“This is by far the most challenging time the travel sector has ever experienced. However, like so many of our loyal guests and partners, we look forward to better times ahead when we can cruise again. We thank everyone for their unswerving loyalty, patience and goodwill.”
The latest changes in operations are:
- In Australia, P&O Cruises will extend its pause in operations to October 29, 2020 (inclusive) – an extra 42 days to what had previously been announced. It will affect cruises on Pacific Explorer, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria.
- In New Zealand, P&O Cruises will return for its next season of sailings departing from Auckland in 2021. Additional cruises affected by this new pause are will be for Pacific Aria.
- As a result of the extended pause in operations and international travel restrictions, P&O will cancel Pacific Adventure’s inaugural 18-night cruise (V059) from Singapore to Sydney.
Also Read: How to Speed Up Your Cruise Refund
The cruise line is offering compensation to guests impacted by the further cancellations with a Future Cruise Credit along with a bonus onboard credit. Guest can also choose to request a full refund of their cruiser booking. P&O is going to be contacting guests and has apologized for the further delay in returning to service.
