Cruise lines extending service suspension until Summer 2020

May 8 2020, 6:55 pm

Both Holland America and Princess Cruises have extended their temporary suspension of cruise services until the end of the 2020 summer season, due to continued concern over coronavirus.

While the country (and the world) continue to look forward with plans of slowly reintegrating some sort of normality into the economy, services like cruises and vacation businesses will continue to have a hard time.

Most reopening plans stipulate mandatory distance and capacity, both of which are either physically impossible on a sea-bound vessel, or financially destructive.

Holland America is offering those with pre-purchased sailing a 125% credit with the company for a future voyage.

“As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented and challenging times, the best decision right now is to extend our pause in cruise operations into the fall,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line on the company blog. “While this is very disappointing and we never want to let our guests down, as soon as it makes sense we will be back cruising again, giving our guests the memorable travel experiences they continue to dream about.”

With a great reduction in air travel availability and the stipulated guidelines for businesses to resume, Princess Cruises has also pulled the plug on their remaining 2020 Summer sailings including Alaska, Japan, the Caribbean, and more.

Much like Holland America, Princess Cruise ticket-holders can request full money refunds, or receive a 125% credit towards any future sailings.

“As the world is still preparing to resume travel, it is with much disappointment that we announce an extension of our pause of global ship operations and the cancellation of cruise vacations for our loyal guests,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises in a press release. “Among other disruptions, airlines have limited their flight availability and many popular cruise ports are closed. It saddens us to think about the impact on the livelihood of our teammates, business partners and the communities we visit.”

For more information on cancellations or refund/rebooking policies, visit Princess Cruises or Holland America.

Wyatt FossettWyatt Fossett

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