Carnival Cruise Line has extended its pause in cruise operations due to current global travel restrictions.

The line has paused US departures through to 30 April 2021 and cancelled Australian operations through to 19 May.

In addition, European itineraries for Carnival Legend, which were set to start in May, have been cancelled through to 31 October. The line has also moved the start date for new ship Mardi Gras, with the first cruise now set for 29 May, departing Port Canaveral.

Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations and their options for a future cruise credit and on-board credit package, or a full refund.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “Our guests and travel agent partners continue to express their loyalty to Carnival and their desire to get back on our ships as soon as they can, and we are heartened by the booking demand and activity we continue to see.

“We are certainly committed to welcoming them back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately we have determined it’s going to take a while longer, and the situation in Europe will also impact Mardi Gras’ departure to the US, and Carnival Legend’s itineraries in Europe