PRINCESS EXTENDS PAUSE IN SAILINGS TO MID-MAY

Princess Cruises’ sailings will remain paused until mid-May, the line has confirmed.

All Caribbean, California coast, early-season Alaska and Europe cruises have been placed on hold.

The line said the pause would allow it to prepare and develop its plans to meet the stipulations of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s framework for conditional sailing order, which allows passenger cruising to resume under strict new Covid health and safety arrangements.

Additionally, Princess said there remained uncertainty around travel restrictions owing to Covid.

All cruises departing up to, and including 14 May have been suspended, Princess confirmed late on Wednesday (6 January). Princess had previous announced an operational pause valid until 31 March.

"We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel agents as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service," said Princess president Jan Swartz.

"We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back onboard to create summertime memories."

Guests booked on cancelled cruises can opt for refundable future cruise credit worth 100% of their cruise fare paid, plus a non-refundable bonus equivalent to 25% of the fare paid.

Full refunds are available on request until 15 February, otherwise, guests will receive the FCC offers.

Travel agent commission on bookings for all cancelled cruises will be paid in full.