P&O Australia announced it is extending its cruise pause fleetwide until the end of July 2021 as it remains positive about a pathway for the industry's return to service.
The current rolling pause affects voyages scheduled from June 18 to July 30, 2021.
P&O Cruises said it is also cancelling sailings to PNG (Papua New Guinea) and the Solomon Islands for the remainder of 2021 given the uncertainty around borders. This also affects the 2021 Cairns season where the Pacific Explorer ship was to be based for 2 months from October.
Passengers and travel agents will be contacted with solutions and alternative arrangements tailored on a booking-by-booking basis.
President of P&O Cruises Australia, Sture Myrmell, said they were continuing "discussions with governments and health authorities to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruising."
Mr. Myrmell added the cruise line was writing to passengers affected by the extended pause and the operational changes to apologize for the disruption to their plans and to let them know of alternative arrangements.
P&O Cruises has continued the fleet transformation so that it is ready to resume the leading role as Australia's home-grown cruise line.
"This includes preparing for Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure to join the P&O fleet this year to offer a very special cruising experience when we are again able to sail.
"As always, we thank our guests for their patience and understanding in relation to these changes, and especially for their continued loyalty to P&O Cruises. Our onboard teams can't wait to welcome guests to offer them the amazing cruise holiday experiences for which they are so renowned."