Royal Caribbean has cancelled all Australian sailings through to April 30, 2021 as they await news of the cruise ban lifting.

But despite the new bout of cancellations, the line told Cruise Passenger: “We are hopeful we can have an early 2021 Australian season in some form.

“Timings and itineraries can be confirmed once an end date for the cruise suspension is more clearly defined. Discussions are ongoing and as much as we’d like to give our guests a definitive answer on an Australian return to service in early 2021, it is not yet possible”.

Globally, the line is sailing in Singapore with Quantum of the Seas undertaking cruises to nowhere and has plans to resume sailings in China with Spectrum of the Seas from January 24.

Cruises in the United States have also been cancelled through to the end of February to allow for more time to prepare for new requirements imposed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

“As we strengthen our continued partnership with the CDC, please know that we are taking a very thorough approach and, therefore, require a little extra time.,” the line said in a statement.

Guests affected by cancelled cruises between have three options for compensation:

1. Lift & Shift – Select next year’s sailing with the same itinerary type, sailing length, stateroom category, and within the same four-week window of the original cruise date, and take the existing reservation and move it to next year.
2. 125% Future Cruise Credit – Guests are eligible for a 125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) based on the total cruise fare paid at the guest-level if neither of the other options is selected. This will be automatically issued on or before January 15, 2021 if no other option is selected.
3. Refund – Request a cash refund on-or-before March 31, 2021.