Princess Cruises Extends Pause of Cruise Vacations on Roundtrip Southampton Sailings through September 25, 2021

Rhea-AI Summary

Princess Cruises is extending the pause of its UK-based cruise operations through September 25, 2021, in response to the UK Government's travel restrictions. New short cruises will be launched in late summer on Regal Princess and Sky Princess. Guests booked on cancelled voyages can either rebook for 2022 with fare protection or opt for a future cruise credit (FCC) of 100% plus an additional 10% bonus FCC or a full refund. The company aims to maintain relationships with travel agents by transferring commissions from cancelled bookings to new ones.

Positive

• Launch of new short cruises in late summer 2021 to attract customers.
• Guest offers include 100% future cruise credits plus 10% bonuses, boosting customer retention.

Negative

• Extension of cruise cancellations affects revenue and operations until September 2021.
• Impact on brand loyalty and customer dissatisfaction due to ongoing disruptions.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., March 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As Princess Cruises continues to review and assess its operations following the recent UK Government announcement on the roadmap to ease lockdown and related international travel restrictions, the company is extending the pause of its UK-based cruise vacations, sailing roundtrip from Southampton, through September 25, 2021 on Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Island Princess.

For UK guests, Princess Cruises will launch a series of new short cruises departing in late- summer on Regal Princess and Sky Princess from Southampton that will go on sale later this month.

"We share in our guests' disappointment over these cancelled voyages, and we appreciate the continued understanding and cooperation from our loyal guests and travel advisors," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "As we prepare our ships for a return to service, we remain in close contact with the UK Government to monitor the latest travel guidance for international guests."

For guests booked on a cancelled voyage, Princess will offer to move guests to the equivalent cruise in 2022. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests' 2021 fare on their 2022 voyage. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 USD) or a full refund to the original form of payment.

For guests currently booked on a cancelled voyage where there is no matched cruise available in 2022, guests will automatically receive a refundable future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25). Alternatively, guests can request a full refund to the original form of payment.

Requests must be received through this online form by April 15, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022.

Princess will transfer the commission earned by travel agents from the cancelled 2021 cruise to the new booking in 2022 that was paid in full.  This convenience is 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.

About Princess Cruises: 
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries."  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.  

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SOURCE Princess Cruises

FAQ

What is the latest update on Princess Cruises cancellations for CCL?

Princess Cruises has extended the pause on UK-based cruises until September 25, 2021, as of March 3, 2021.

How can guests affected by cancelled cruises get refunds from Princess Cruises?

Guests can choose a full refund or a future cruise credit (FCC) of 100% plus an additional 10% bonus FCC.

When will the new short cruises from Southampton go on sale?

The new short cruises on Regal Princess and Sky Princess will go on sale later in March 2021.

What is the policy for guests rebooking cancelled cruises with Princess Cruises?

Guests rebooking for 2022 will have their 2021 fares protected, allowing them to secure their original prices.

What compensation is offered for travel agents due to cancelled cruises by Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises will transfer commissions from cancelled bookings to new bookings made in 2022.