Princess Cruises cancels cruises until May amidst ongoing travel restrictions

Princess Cruises has cancelled cruise holidays through to May 14 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the industry.

The cruise line says it has made the decision due to “uncertainty around travel restrictions”, and to allow it to prepare plans to meet the ‘Framework for Condition Sailing Order’ issued by the USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said in a statement: “We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel advisors as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service. We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back on board to create summertime memories.”

The cruise line had originally planned to resume sailings in March, but ongoing travel restrictions around the world have seen it forced to push this back.

Passengers affected by new cancellations will be offered Future Cruise Credit to rebook on a cruise booked by May 1 2022. Those who would prefer not to opt for this option can request a full refund – you’ll need to fill out an online form by February 15.

You can find out more on the Princess Cruises website.

The majority of cruise lines have already confirmed they are cancelling sailings through to April/May due to the ongoing global travel restrictions in place during the pandemic. (We have a full guide on when individual cruise lines plan to resume sailings ).

At the time of writing, the Foreign Office advises Brits against cruise ship travel. The FCDO clarifies: “Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least 1 night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households.

“Our advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools. Our advice does not include ferries or privately-rented boats.”

You can find out more in the FCDO cruise ship advice.