Princess Cruises announced the cancellation of 11 voyages aboard Diamond Princess due to crew shortages.
In a statement, the company said that over 2021, they had operated hundreds of voyages due to the tens of thousands of their crew members that had rejoined the fleet following the COVID crisis.
"However, like others in the global travel industry, we have experienced some labor challenges.”
With rising occupancy levels on the liners that have already restarted service and the commitment to guarantee the brand's travel experience is exceptional, Princess has made the hard decision to cancel 11 Diamond Princess voyages - from September 1st through November 13, 2022. This will provide the additional time needed to overcome the labor challenges.
Affected bookings will be offered 3 options to choose from:
Option 1: Transfer to a replacement voyage with US$100 onboard spending money per passenger to spend on the rebooked voyage. The rebooking offer will have the added benefit of protecting the current fares/incentives/promotions in the event the new fare is higher.
Princess pre-/post-cruise transfers between the airport and the cruise pier transfer to the new booking. Other non-cruise-fare purchases through the line, such as Princess EZair, shore trips; specialty dining, spa, gifts will be refunded to the original payment form.
Option 2: Future Cruise Credit (FCC) with US$100 onboard spending money per passenger to spend on the next voyage. Guest can sail with Princess again by accepting an FCC offer of 100% value of the fare paid as a refundable FCC. Plus receive US$100 non-refundable onboard spending money per guest to go with a future sailing.
- This gives the team an opportunity "to shine at a later date" by using the FCC on any sailing booked by/cruised by December 31, 2023.
- FCC might be used as a deposit, for the cruise fare, taxes, fees, and port expenses, or for optional programs/services. Passengers may apply FCCs for themselves or other passengers on the same booking.
- Money paid to Princess Cruises in excess of the fare for Princess Vacation Protection, taxes, fees, port expenses, and EZair/hotel packages will be refunded to the original payment form, as will any prepaid shore trips and/or special service items.
- It is the default offer.
Option 3: Refund of all money paid. Money are due to be refunded to the original method of payment.
Requests must be received through an online form by September 8, or guests will automatically be given the FCC (Future Cruise Credit, option 2).