In line with the company's review of the temporary pause in operations, the Carnival Corporation-owned subsidiary P&O Australia announced a further 3-month extension to its cruise suspension - through December 17, 2021, due to the Coronavirus crisis - "ongoing uncertainty around a pathway to resume Australia-only cruising."
P&O AU's pause extension applies to voyages scheduled to depart from September 17 thru and including December 17, 2021.
The industry has been discussing a framework for the restart of domestic-only cruises with government and public health authorities since October 2020.
P&O Australia's President Sture Myrmell said those discussions had been underway for some time and they looked forward to "the opportunity to agree a pathway for starting cruises that carry Australian residents on Australian itineraries."
Passengers whose bookings have been affected are being notified of the pause and options available.
Mr Myrmell again thanked guests for their "loyalty, passion for cruising and continued words of encouragement."
"More than one million Australians cruised in Australia prior to the pandemic – and more than half of these guests sailed with P&O Cruises Australia.
"We look forward to the day when a pathway is confirmed for cruising's return so that we can welcome everyone back on-board."
The brand's current fleet includes only 3 (former Princess Cruises) boats - Pacific Adventure/Golden Princess, Pacific Encounter/Star Princess, Pacific Explorer/Dawn Princess.