Cunard and P&O extend suspension of operations

   March 30, 2020 ,   Accidents

Cruise companies P&O and Cunard lengthened the suspension of operations because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Two of Cunard Line's three liners began to sail back to Southampton UK earlier this month when the company halted its international cruises. In a statement, Cunard's President Simon Palethorpe said that it was "prudent" to extend the suspension until May 15. Another Carnival Corporation-owned company - P&O Cruises UK - said the maiden voyage of its newbuild - MS Iona, might be delayed.

Cunard's Queen Victoria sailed back in Southampton from Florida last week. Queen Mary 2 is returning from Australia carrying travellers who were unable to fly due to medical conditions.

Palethorpe added there could be a delay to the arrival of Iona, which is due to be officially christened in Southampton this summer because restrictions forced the slowdown of work at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

P&O Cruises Iona ship

Other lines that use Southampton UK - Princess, Fred Olsen and Saga - also cancelled sailings when the government advised against cruise travel for people aged over 70, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

For Coronavirus updates on cruise ship quarantines (infected passengers and crew) and top-pandemic countries (COVID-19 cases and deaths, daily updated statistics) see at CruiseMapper's Norovirus page.