Princess Cruises has extended its pause in operations to May 2021, as the line continues to develop protocols to meet conditions set out in the US CDC framework for conditional sailing order.

The line confirmed that voyages have been postponed until 14 May. Princess had previously cancelled all departures through to 31 March.

The move includes sailings in the Caribbean, the California coast and early season Alaska and Europe cruises.

Guests currently booked on cancelled voyages can take advantage of a refundable future cruise credit (FCC), equivalent to 100 per cent of the cruise fare paid, plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25 per cent of the cruise fare paid.

The FCCs can be used on any cruise booked by 1 May 2022 and sailing by 31 December 2022.

Guests can also request a full refund for all monies paid on their booking through a form on the Princess Cruises website. Requests must be received by 15 February 2021, or guests will be registered for the FCC option.

Princess will protect travel agent commission on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full “in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success”.

Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said: “We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel agents as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service.

“We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back on board to create summertime memories.”

Princess has confirmed that all ships in the fleet will use Ocean Medallion technology upon their return to service.

The Ocean Medallion concept includes a range of features, including keyless stateroom entry, contactless payments, simplified safety training, and on-demand food, beverages and retail items delivered anywhere on board, among other things.