Cunard Line canceled all departures through and including November 1, 2020, extending its pause in passenger shipping operations for the 4th time.
The Carnival Corporation-owned luxury UK cruise brand Cunard blamed the continued COVID impact for the company's latest extension and cancellation of voyages. The news comes a week after the sister-brand P&O UK announced extending the cruise suspension through mid-October.
The Cunard liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, Cunard cancels all departures scheduled up to/including November 1, 2020. For Queen Elizabeth are cancelled all departures up to/including November 23, 2020.
Cunard Line's President, Simon Palethorpe, said:
“With many differing restrictions across countries, people’s ability to move freely and safely across borders remains seemingly someway in the distance.
“For Cunard, where we celebrate having a truly international mix of guests and sail all over the world, this becomes particularly impactful.
“We also need to better understand the implications Covid-19 will have on board our ships. We are therefore working, at the highest level possible, with government bodies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – the CDC – and Public Health England, as well as the industry collective body – CLIA – and other expert medical professionals to review every aspect of a holiday with us.”
“Whilst we have always taken pride in having the highest levels of health and safety we are looking at enhanced protocols across all aspects of ship life and experiences on shore.
“We will only return to service when we have a comprehensive restart protocol with the stamps of approval and accreditation from the most trusted and informed sources.”
Cunard will be communicating with all customers and travel agents with bookings on the affected voyages. All affected bookings will automatically receive a 125% FCC (future cruise credit) which can be redeemed against any new booking made by December 31, 2021, and on any cruise on sale at the time of booking.