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Princess Cruises voluntarily suspends fleet operations for 60 days

PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH Regal Princess.jpg
All 18 ships in the Princess fleet will halt operations until May 10
In a bold action to reassure customers and the public of its commitment to health, Princess Cruises is voluntarily pausing global operations of its 18 ships for 60 days.

Voyages departing March 12 to May 10 are impacted.

'It is widely known that we have been managing the implications of COVID-19 on two continents,' President Jan Swartz said. '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.'

Princess carries more than 50,000 passengers daily, from 70 countries.

Sailings to end within next five days will complete the cruise

Those currently aboard a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted. Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.

Princess said it will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible. During this time, the line said its operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for all those on board.

Back in operation May 11

Princess aims to be back in operation with cruises departing May 11.

Future cruise credit

For those who are impacted by this decision, Princess is offering the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their canceled cruise to a future cruise of their choice. As a bonus, the company will add an additional generous future cruise credit which can be applied to the cruise fare or on-board expenses.

In addition, Princess will honor this offer for those passengers who had made final payment and canceled their booking on or after Feb. 4. The future cruise credit can be used on any cruise departing through May 1, 2022.  

Princess will protect commissions on bookings for canceled cruises that were paid in full and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.

Cash refund

If the future cruise credit option does not work for some travelers, they will be able to complete an electronic form on Princess.com to request a cash refund. Princess asked people not to call the reservations center at this time due to high call volumes and the potential for long wait times.

Guests and their travel advisors will be sent communications on how to manage cancellations and desired compensation. Information and instructions for requesting a refund are available at Princess.com