Carnival to refund guests after more cruise cancellations

Carnival's Princess Cruises today told investors that two cruises set to sail in early 2021 would be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Island Princess 2021 World Cruise sailing from North America and the Pacific Princess 2021 Circle South America sailing from Australia have both been cancelled due to complications with border and port access.

Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said that “we share in the disappointment of his cancellation for guests of our world crises”. He also remarked that those two voyages are the “pinnacle cruise vacation experience, booked by some of our most loyal guests”.

Guests have been given “a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fair paid”. The company also put in a separate non-refundable “FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid”. Guests have been made aware that there is nothing for them or a travel agent to do to receive this money, the company said.

If a guest does not want to take a trip, they can forfeit their bonus non-refundable and request a refund before September 30 for all money paid on their booking. Moreover, “Princess will protect travel advisory 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.”

Princess Cruises are one of the best-known names in cruises and is the fastest-growing international premium cruise line. However, Covid-19 hit the cruise line hard as at least three ships became breeding grounds for the disease. The most infamous being the Ruby Princess as it became part of a homicide investigation in Australia due to the spread of the deadly virus in the country.

Carnival-owned cruise operator Cunard yesterday said cancelled all of its sailings until March 2021.

Carnival has seen its stock plunge from 3470p at the start of the year to 998p today, up 2% on the day. The cruise giant attempt to inject some fervour into the market this week, unveiling details of its Carnival Celebration ship which will feature a rollercoaster on board.