P&O Cruises UK extended the suspension of voyages until October 15 fleetwide as the company seeks approval for enhanced hygiene and safety measures. The UK's biggest cruise line had previously cancelled voyages through July 31.
P&O UK announced it had paused its operations until at least October 15, 2020, as it is working with bodies like Public Health England and the equivalent body in the USA “to approve further enhancement of the company’s already stringent health and safety protocols”.
Clients with affected bookings automatically receive credit for a future cruise worth 125% of the fare of the original sailing. Those who request a refund are being warned it will take up to sixty days to process payments.
According to P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow, the firm was focused on developing a way of keeping everyone onboard “safe and well, and still give our guests an amazing holiday” rather than what date it could resume sailings.
He added it was reviewing “every aspect” of its trips to “establish a framework of policies and procedures”.
Future sailings will require guests to pass “rigorous” health screenings before they are allowed onboard.