Princess Cruises cancels 2021 World Cruise, dropping Dubai cruise plans

Dubai’s cruise sector has taken another hit with the announcement by Princess Cruises that it is cancelling its 2021 World Cruise itineraries aboard Island Princess and Pacific Princess due to uncertainty around coronavirus travel restrictions.

The two cruises that have been cancelled are Island Princess’ 2021 World Cruise sailing from North America, and Pacific Princess’ 2021 Circle South America World Cruise sailing from Australia. Island Princess was meant to feature Dubai as a key turnaround call.

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All associated segments and remaining voyages sailing immediately prior have also been cancelled for both ships in a continuation of announcements made earlier this month by Princess that it was cancelling cruises into 2021.

Princess Cruises said in a statement that the decision was driven by restrictions and limitations with border and port access determined by government and health authorities in various countries, and the continued uncertainty of airline travel.

“We share in the disappointment of this cancellation for guests of our World Cruises because it’s a pinnacle cruise vacation experience, booked by some of our most loyal guests,” said Jan Swartz, President, Princess Cruises.

Guests currently booked on the cancelled voyages will receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid, plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid.

To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel agent, according to Princess.

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Alternatively, guests can forfeit the bonus FCC offer and request a refund for all money paid on their booking by using this online form. Guests have until September 30, 2020 to elect a refund, or they will automatically receive the default offer listed above.

Princess will protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.

The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.

Island Princess was meant to cruise from Dubai on March 15th on a 55-night segment of the World Cruise from the Middle East to Los Angeles, alongside Sea Princess, which is also scheduled to conduct a turnaround in Dubai next year, although it’s not clear if her itinerary is going ahead as planned.

Cruise Arabia & Africa has reached out to Princess Cruises for more information.