Princess Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, has made two big new announcements regarding its cruise programme.

The cruise line revealed today (27 August) that it is extending the pause of its operations in Australia, only restarting on 12 December. This includes cruises throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Just hours before the announcement, the cruise line also revealed it has cancelled its early 2021 world cruises.

Both changes are a direct result of the restrictions and limitations with border and port access all across the globe – due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Early 2021 world cruises and circle South America cruises on two ships have been affected: Island Princess‘ 2021 world cruise from North America and Pacific Princess‘ 2021 Circle South America cruise from Australia.

All associated segment and repositioning cruises are also cancelled.

Guests booked onto a Princess Australia and New Zealand cruise, or one of the two cancelled 2021 voyages will receive a refundable future cruise credit voucher.

The voucher will be equivalent to 100 per cent of the cruise fare, plus a non-refundable bonus of credit equal to 125 per cent to the cruise fare.

This means guests choosing to keep the voucher, and not receive a refund, will get 125 per cent of the cruise fare back.

Guests have until 30 September 2020 to opt-in for a refund, or they will be issued with credit.

Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said: “We share in the disappointment of this cancellation for guests of our world cruises because it’s a pinnacle cruise vacation experience, booked by some of our most loyal guests.”

Princess Cruises has revealed it will protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full.

This move is to help recognise the “critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success”.