This week, we should have been looking forward to the start of Australia’s summer cruise season, with a rash of announcements about new itineraries, facilities, ports and vessels.
Instead, we’ve seen all the major lines put back the start of cruising – and one line moving to next year.
Carnival Corporation, the parent company of P&O, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America and Cunard, has announced cancellations until May 16 2021 at the latest and December 2 at the earliest.
Royal Caribbean also announced it won’t be sailing in Australian waters before November 1.
Cunard, who made their announcement earlier this week, has pushed their cancellations the longest – providing three different dates for their three ships. We won’t expect to see Queen Elizabeth return to Australian shores before March 25, 2021.
P&O and Carnival have given the earliest date, both extending pauses in Australia until December 2 this year. Princess has pushed their cancellations until December 12.
Confused? Well, it’s really about the cruise lines trying to juggle ships, crews and available port space with the reality of what ports and governments will actually allow.
It may look like a patchwork quilt designed to baffle long suffering passengers trying to book a holiday, but it really isn’t.
Most cruise line bosses are keeping a low profile at the moment, because they simply can’t guarantee what will happen during the pandemic.
But P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell explained: “It is clear that society is not yet ready to return to sailing, and we will continue to liaise with governments and public health experts as all align on how people should gather and holiday.
“Like our loyal guests, we remain hopeful that the start of summer will bring new opportunities for the entire travel and tourism industry, which contributes so much to many regional economies around Australia.”
The new president of Seabourn, Josh Leibowitz, told The Australian avid cruisers may have a long wait before setting sail again.
He should know. Before taking over the five-ship ultra luxe line he was Carnival Corporation’s former chief strategy officer.
His view: “Uncertainty rules…No one knows when we will be able to cruise but we are focused on a process and the process is to stay close to the science.”
P&O and Cunard have announced and implemented flexible booking policies for those who wish to book now and accept travel credit if the cruises are cancelled.
Carnival Cruise Line has not changed their cancellation policy and is instead focusing on those already affected by the cancellations, offering them flexible options.
Princess is also offering options for passengers who were booked to travel. Refunds and travel credit are both available depending on each passengers situation. Princess additionally said, in support of the travel industry, they will protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full.
All those affected by the cancellations should contact their travel agent of the line they have booked with to seek a resolution.
I’m still waiting patiently?? For my refund from Cruise Megastore/Our Vacation Centre. The cruise, a Princess Cruise, XGHD7X was cancelled in March and was to have left Brisbane on 23rd of June. I chose a full refund as I wasn’t sure if, and when I would be able to cruise again. I was told, 4-8-12 weeks for my refund, but here we are 5 months later still with no refund. Emails are ignored, so what should I do to get my refund for the cruise?? Added to the cruise cost, I have also been refused a refund from CHI Travel Insurance. I’m on a pension, so the refund for the cruise, and Travel insurance has left me (for 2 of us) about $2000 each out of pocket. Not a lot to some people, but a lot of money to me.
Any idea on what Ponant’s Policy is for a November sailing from Sri Lanka?
Just love cruising. My October one round Oz is cancelled so have booked a short one off the coast of NZ watch this space.
If you take a look at the schedule for the Port Authority in Sydney there are no ships booked to dock in Sydney until 2021 thats no Cruises until the government says its safe.
Sadly I think this is the end of the Australian season. Governments are reluctant to open ports with Australia and New Zealand. I think Cunard have made the call and the others will just keep pushing back the dates. I am not confident about my cruise in April from Perth to Sydney and probably would be happy if the season was cancelled to ensure safety.
I feel sad for the crews of the ships, the travel agents and travel guides. Also all the shops that rely upon the cruising season