P&O Cruises extends Australia and New Zealand cancellations
P&O Cruises has cancelled all its operations in Australia and New Zealand until August 31.
The news follows an announcement by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that the country will not be open to most overseas visitors ‘for a long time to come’.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said an extension to its pause in cruises was necessary ‘while Australia and New Zealand continue to make progress in combating coronavirus’.
"Australia and New Zealand have led the world in flattening the Covid-19 curve, which adds to our optimism for the future. However, we also recognise that a further extension is the prudent and responsible course," he said.
"In the confident knowledge that cruising will be back, this is an opportunity to update our guests on the latest itinerary plans and to thank them for their understanding and support during this period of uncertainty. We look forward to welcoming them back onboard our ships when it is safe to do so."
The extended pause in operations will affect sailings on Pacific Dawn scheduled to depart Brisbane between June 16 and August 26, 2020.
Pacific Explorer’s cruises from Sydney will now be paused between June 24 -and August 24, 2020
Pacific Aria’s scheduled cruises from Auckland will be postponed from July 4 -to August 23, 2020.
Guests whose cruises have been impacted by the extended pause in operations are eligible for a full refund or a future cruise credit equal to the cost of their original cruise plus an onboard credit offer.
P&O said it will make direct contact with guests whose cruises have been affected to let them know of this development and apologise for the disruption to future holiday plans.
Travel agent commission will be fully protected for bookings paid in full as at May 4, 2020 and those cancellations that occurred within the final payment date, it said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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