P&O Cruises has announced an extension to the pause in its operations until October 15, 2020. Meanwhile the cruise line is focusing on working in close coordination with public health bodies to approve further enhancement of the company’s already stringent health and safety protocols.
In the latest of a series of videos P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said P&O Cruises’ operational focus is not “when can we resume sailing?” but instead “how can we develop a comprehensive restart protocol that will keep everyone on board, our crew and guests, safe and well and still give our guests an amazing holiday?”
Therefore P&O Cruises is working with government and industry bodies at the highest possible level, such as Public Health England (PHE) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to review every aspect of a cruise holiday and establish a framework of policies and procedures.
“When the time is right, we will be ready to resume our tradition of providing amazing holiday experiences for our guests.” – Paul Ludlow
Ludlow continued to say that, as the world continues to adapt to this global crisis, the cruise line had decided to extend its pause in operations for all sailings up to and including October 15, 2020.
All guests who were booked on these cancelled sailings will receive an enhanced Future Cruise Credit which gives an additional 25% on top of the amount paid for the holiday. Guests may redeem them online without the need to call the company.
P&O Cruises also confirmed that the Future Cruise Credit, which may be held until the end of 2021, may be put against any holiday on sale at that time, giving guests maximum flexibility and choice. FCCs may also be used to upgrade or for a second cabin for any existing booking and also may be gifted or transferred to someone else. This option will also be available until the end of December 2021.
P&O Cruises is also introducing a 5% deposit for new bookings made before 29 June 2020. The offer is available on applicable Early Saver and Select Price holidays of 19 nights or fewer from January 2021.
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to visit MEYER WERFT and get up close and personal with Iona, P&O cruises’ new ship. When Iona sets sail later this year she will be the largest ship ever built to serve the UK market. For a closer look at Iona right after she left the building dock click here.