Princess and P&O cancel cruises in Australia until December

Cruises from two Carnival Corporation brands have been cancelled until mid-December.

By Cruise Adviser Last updated Jul 1, 2021

Two Carnival Corporation brands — Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia — have cancelled all of their sailings in and out of Australia until December, due to ‘continued uncertainty’ over the timing of resumption of cruises in the region.

P&O Cruises Australia has extended the suspension of their sailings until December 17, while Princess Cruises has cancelled all of their sailings until December 19.

For holidaymakers who have booked with Princess Cruises, all bookings on cancelled cruises will be moved to equivalent sailings in 2022, or a future cruise credit or full refund will be available. For P&O cruises, the company has said the cancellation announcement is related to cruises scheduled to depart between September 17 and December 17, with customers to be notified over their options directly or through their travel agent.

The cruise industry in Australia has been discussing a framework for the restarting of domestic cruising with the authorities and government since last October.

P&O Cruises Australia president Sture Myrmell said: “These discussions have been underway for some time and we look forward to the opportunity to agree a pathway for starting cruises that carry Australian residents on Australian itineraries.

“This is about the livelihoods of the thousands of individuals and small businesses, many family-owned businesses, who rely on the cruise sector.

“These businesses cover a range of activities such as the supply of fresh food, entertainment, shore tours, coach operators and marine engineering services. They are like every business in Australia — they need certainty, and I am concerned they may find it increasingly difficult to hang on without a clear pathway forward.”

Myrmell added: “More than one million Australians cruised in Australia prior to the pandemic — and more than half of these guests sailed with P&O Cruises Australia. We look forward to the day when a pathway is confirmed for cruising’s return so that we can welcome everyone back on board.”