All Princess Cruises operations suspended until 10 May 2020.
Princess Cruises has overnight announced it will cease all of its operations across the globe for 60 days, as part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jan Swartz, the cruise line’s President, said the company wanted to reassure its “loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world”.
Sailings currently under way which are scheduled to end within the next five days will continue as expected so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted, the company said.
“However voyages that extend past March 17 will be cut short at a convenient disembarkation location for guests,” Princess added.
All travellers impacted by the change will have the option of a refund or to transfer 100% of the money paid to Princess to a future cruise credit, which can be used on any voyage departing up until 01 May 2022. Those opting to take the credit will also be provided with “an additional generous future cruise credit benefit” which can be applied to the cruise fare, and the offer will also be honoured for any guests who had made final payment and then cancelled bookings on or after 04 February 2020.
Princess will also protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.
Swartz said the company would use the 60 day period to prepare the Princess Cruises fleet for its return to service.
“Princess Cruises plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing May 11, 2020,” she added.
More details in today’s issues of Travel Daily and Cruise Weekly.