Fred. Olsen and Saga Cruises suspend sailings to late June

‘We have currently cancelled all sailings until the end of June and feel confident about a return to sailing this summer,’ said Peter Deer, managing director, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

‘The development and roll-out of the vaccine is a very good thing for our industry and has provided a welcome boost to consumer confidence. But it is not a one-stop-shop, and the vaccine must be considered as part of a multi-layered approach.’

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Saga Cruises added, ‘Following the release of the [UK] government’s roadmap out of lockdown, we have taken the decision to delay the resumption of our holiday and cruise operations…’

They continued, ‘The inaugural cruise of Spirit of Adventure has been moved to July 26.

'We have contacted all our guests who have been impacted by these changes and are discussing their options with them.’

Saga Cruises’ policy on full vaccination for all passengers, as announced in January, remains unchanged; its holidays are set to recommence one-month earlier on May 17.  

Fred. Olsen’s Peter Deer concluded, ‘We are taking this time to ensure any procedures we implement ready for our return to sailing are based on the most up to date science available to us… At present, we are still awaiting further guidance from the UK Government on what a return to cruise will look like.’