P&O Cruises Scrapped Until October 15th
The British based P&O Cruises has now extended its pause in operations until 15th October 2020.
P&O Cruise Line had hoped to resume sailings on 1st August. Although that date was more than three months after the original planned date of 11th April 2020.
The cruise company has said that the latest extension is so, that it can focus on working with relevant public health bodies on both sides of the Atlantic.
P&O Cruise ship in Weymouth Bay, Dorset.
In an effort to placate customers the company is looking at a whole range of options, to help induce passengers to stay with the cruise line.
P&O Cruises Are Likely To Be Around Dorset Until October
These include offering all impacted guests an enhanced future cruise credit, which can give an additional 25 per cent on top of the amount paid for a holiday.
P&O Cruises has also confirmed that the future cruise credit can be held until the end of 2021.
This credit can be used against any holiday on sale at that time. This is it is hoped, will give guests maximum flexibility and choice when re-booking.
RMS Queen Mary 2 flagship of Cunard Line and P&O ships Aurora and Ventura in the bay off Weymouth Picture by Paul Hoskins/Eagle Vista
It can also be used for cabin upgrades or for a second cabin. But when used with any existing booking that it may be possible that it can be gifted or transferred to another party.
This, also will be available until the end of December 2021.
A five per cent deposit scheme has been introduced for new bookings made between 27th May and 29th June 2020.
The offer is available on a range of ‘Early Saver’ and ‘Select Price’ holidays of 19 nights or fewer from January 2021.
Paul Ludlow President of P&O.
In a P&O Cruises video posted online it’s president Paul Ludlow said: “We are working with government and industry bodies at the highest possible level. Such as Public Health England (PHE) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To review every aspect of a holiday with us and establish a framework of policies and procedures. Our aspiration is to be adopting best practice in managing Covid-19 within the travel industry.
P&O Now No Summer Sailings
Mr Ludlow added: “Along with the rest of the world, we will adapt. We will work closely with medical experts and global authorities to help us determine the best way to move forward. While honouring our highest responsibility – the health, safety, and wellbeing of our guests, crew and communities we visit, along with compliance and environmental protection.
“When the time is right, we will be ready to resume our tradition of providing amazing holiday experiences for our guests.”
Moving to October now means that they will have no summer sailings.
The Carnival group of which P&O is a member also includes Cunard and Princess.
RMS Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line, joins P&O ship Aurora. Picture by Paul Hoskins/Eagle Vista
Currently P&O and Cunard have most of their ships at anchor in Weymouth Bay off the southern coast of the UK.
Finding the best way forward for cruise operations is not that easy. Working out ways to ensure safe passage and use around the ships is the key.
The desire to restore public confidence across all age groups by the cruise companies is crucial. With outbreaks of norovirus in the past and now Covid19 that older clientele will have much more to think about.
And they will have that time now before they book or re-book ever again?
