Coronavirus: P&O Cruises boss says ‘bear with us’

Coronavirus: P&O Cruises boss says ‘bear with us’

P&O Iona currently doing sea trails.

P&O Cruises’ president, Paul Ludlow, has asked passengers to show “some forbearance and patience” as the cruise line deals with mass cancellations amid the coronavirus crisis.

On March 16, the cruise line was one of four Carnival brands which announced a temporary halt to all cruises, lasting until mid-April.

P&O Cruises said it will provide a 125% future cruise credit for passengers affected by the suspension.

In a message for passengers, Ludlow said: “I am…aware that some of you have stated you are frustrated at some of the changes we have had to make to our policies.

“While I understand your concerns, I would ask you to bear with us as we work through the multitude of new guidelines from government and industry bodies, including Abta.

“These are being updated regularly as this situation evolves and we are striving to strike the right balance between doing our very best for our guests and working in line with the rest of the travel industry in what will be, without doubt, the most challenging period the travel industry has ever seen.

“P&O Cruises needs you, more than ever, to stay with us and to show some forbearance and patience.

“Also, I promise you that I fully understand the disappointment caused for many of you, given your holidays have been curtailed, have been cancelled or are looking unlikely in the current situation.

“We are working through the very complex plan for our resumption of sailings and we will be sharing that once completed.”

The full statement is on the P&O Cruises Twitter feed @pandocruises

Abta issued guidance to members on delaying refunds on Friday and hopes for government confirmation of the changes today (March 23).

These would see ‘refund credit notes’ issued to consumers protected by the ATOL scheme, initially up to July 31.

Carnival brands resume Bahamas calls

Carnival Corp. said that its brands have resumed regular sailings to the Bahamas for the first time since Hurricane Dorian struck on Sept. 1.

The company's private islands, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, have resumed taking ship calls and Carnival's three largest North American brands -- Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line -- together are projected to make over 250 sailings to the Bahamas through the end of 2019.

Carnival Cruise Line alone will make an estimated 204 calls through the remainder of the year, visiting Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays on eight of its ships.

Princess will return to with the Crown Princess' arrival on October 9, and Holland America resumes Bahamas calls beginning Oct. 21, when the Zuiderdam arrives at Half Moon Cay.

Two Carnival ships -- Carnival Liberty and Carnival Pride -- have made stops this week in Freeport to deliver relief supplies to assist residents, including dozens of pallets of water, generators, chain saws, prepared meals and medical supplies. 

Carnival Corp. chief communications officer Roger Frizzell said, "It is important to spread the word that much of the country had no or little impact and is open for business."