Princess Cruises has launched a series of short UK cruises departing in late summer.

Regal Princess and Sky Princess will offer short breaks and week-long holidays sailing from Southampton. The cruises are available to UK guests only and will go on sale later this month.

As a result, the line has cancelled sailings from Southampton on Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Island Princess through to 25 September 2021.

Sister line P&O Cruises has also announced it will run week-long UK cruises later this year.

Princess Cruises UK & Europe vice-president Tony Roberts said: “Recent announcements from the UK government on the roadmap to the end of lockdown have given us all optimism that we will be able to have a summer break.

“When restrictions are lifted, it is clear that holidays in the UK will be the first to restart before the gradual return of international travel. We are eager to welcome our guests back on board as soon as it is safe to do so. By offering a series of short UK breaks, we can provide guests with a relaxed holiday at sea so they can enjoy a much-needed getaway.

“In order to offer these new cruises, we have unfortunately had to cancel our current ex-UK programme through late September. We share in the disappointment over these cancelled cruises and we appreciate the continued patience from our loyal guests and travel agents.

“We are extremely appreciative of the unwavering support from our trade partners and would like to thank them for their continued understanding and cooperation.

“As we prepare our ships for our return to service, we remain in close contact with CLIA, the UK government and associated bodies to monitor the latest travel guidance.

“More details of dates, itineraries and prices for the new UK cruises will be announced later this month. We look forward to welcoming our guests back on board to create summertime memories in a safe and relaxed environment.”

Guests booked on a cancelled voyage will be moved to the equivalent cruise in 2022.  Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100 per cent of the cruise fare paid, plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10 per cent of the cruise fare paid (minimum £25), or a full refund to the original form of payment.

Requests for a full refund must be made by 15 April, or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by 31 December 2022.

Princess will also transfer the commission earned by travel agents from the cancelled 2021 cruise to the new booking in 2022 that was paid in full.