P&O Cruises Australia has decided to extend its pause in guest operations until the end of July. However, the cruise line said it remains positive about a pathway for the cruise industry’s return to service. The current rolling pause will affect cruises scheduled from June 18 until the end of July. P&O Cruises is also cancelling voyages to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands for the remainder of the year given the uncertainty around borders.
This decision also affects this year’s Cairns season, where Pacific Explorer was to be based for two months from October. Guests and travel agents will be contacted directly with solutions and alternative arrangements that will be tailored on a booking-by-booking basis. Sture Myrmell, President, P&O Cruises Australia apologized to the guests who will be unavoidably inconvenienced by the changes to the existing schedule.
He mentioned that the cruise line is continuing discussions with governments and health authorities to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruising and stated that today’s changes are necessary as a practical approach is being undertaken to the current environment and the line is continuing to look forward to better days ahead. Myrmell also said the cruise line was writing to guests affected by the extended pause and the other operational changes to apologise for the disruption to their holiday plans and to let them know of alternative arrangements.
Tags: P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia