Princess Cruises extends global shutdown of cruise operations until June 30th

Princess Cruises, arguably the cruise lines hardest hit by the global Coronavirus pandemic, has announced that all cruises worldwide will be suspended until June 30th.

The cruise line had previously announced a voluntary pause for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10, 2020, but has now added a further several weeks in response to a new ruling by the CDC in the US.

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“This global outbreak continues to challenge our world in unimaginable ways,” said Jan Swartz, President of Princess Cruises.

“We hope everyone impacted by these cancellations – especially our guests, travel agent partners, teammates, and the communities we visit – understand our decision to do our part to protect the safety, health and well-being of our guests and team.  We look forward to the brighter days and smooth seas ahead for all of us.”

In addition, Princess Cruises also announced that it will be modifying its Alaskan cruise season this year. All Princess Alaska Gulf cruises and cruisetours have been cancelled, along with five wilderness lodges, trains and buses operated by Princess in Alaska.

“We recognise how disappointing this is to our long-term business partners and thousands of employees, many of whom have been with us in Alaska for decades,” said Swartz.

The line will continue its roundtrip sailings from Seattle to Alaska on Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess after June 30th.

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Each ship will have a unique return to service date based on the previously published cruise itineraries with some modifications, departing after July 1, 2020. Details about the cancelled voyages can be found on the Princess Cruises website.

The cruise line is offering two cancellation options, but asked that guests refrain from calling the line’s call centre and instead wait to be contacted.

“Guests and their travel agents will be sent communications on how to manage cancellations, rebook another voyage, or request a refund,” the cruise line said in a statement.

The two refund options for passengers:

– Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages, who have paid in full, will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid and as an added incentive, an additional 25% FCC. Guests must use their credits on a cruise that sails on or before May 1, 2022. No action is required for guests to receive this offer and they will be notified by email once the credits have been issued.

– Alternatively, guests can receive a full refund for all monies paid in full on their booking through this online form. Requests must be received by May 31, 2020, or they will receive the Future Cruise Credit option. Guests who have not yet paid in full will receive a refund of all monies paid.