Regal Princess In Trieste

BREAKING….

Princess have made a very brave move suspended all all their cruises for 60 days.

It’s a bold and impressive move in an attempt to retain confidence in their brand in a cruising generally. I have to admit I’m very impressed with their decision although heartbroken that they’ve had to make it! They've been at the forefront of the Corona Cruise problems lately and have been dealing with it so well but this seems like a bold and sensible move too draw a line under what has become an impossible situation in Asia and now the Mediterranean.

I’m so sorry if this affects your plans…

Full press release from Princess March 12th 2020

Princess Cruises Announces a Voluntary and Temporary Pause of its Global Ship Operations for 60 Days

In proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19, Princess Cruises announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), covering voyages departing March 12 to May 10.

Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said: "Princess Cruises is a global holiday company that serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries as part of our diverse business, and it is widely known that we have been managing the implications of COVID-19 on two continents. By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world."

Those currently onboard a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through to the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted. Current voyages that are under way and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements. Princess will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible. During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew onboard.

For those who affected by this business decision, Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice. To add a bonus incentive for guests to accept this offer, the company will add an additional generous future cruise credit benefit which can be applied to the cruise fare or onboard expenses. In addition, Princess will honour this offer for those guests who had made final payment and cancelled their booking on or after February 4, 2020. The future cruise credit can be used on any voyage departing through to May 1, 2022.

If the future cruise credit option does not work for some guests, they will be able to complete an electronic form on Princess dot com to request a cash refund.

End of press release