Major cruise line throws in the towel on 2020

P&O Cruises has again pushed back its planned restart date, with all sailings now cancelled until 2021.

All Caribbean cruises are cancelled until the end of January 2021 and cruises from and to Southampton are cancelled through February.

The cruise line had hoped to resume operations at the end of November, but said coronavirus restrictions have meant further changes to the planned schedule, Travel Mole reported.

P&O has already announced cruises on Arcadia and Aurora have been cancelled through to the end of their spring world cruises next year.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: "With evolving restrictions on travel from the UK, unfortunately it is necessary to cancel these itineraries.

"These further cancellations vary according to ship as well as complexity and length of itineraries, advice and guidance regarding ports of call and current air availability for fly/cruises.

"We are continuing to monitor the overall situation closely and will certainly reintroduce cruises should the opportunity arise and it is feasible to do so."

Ludlow said the company is working with several of the "'most brilliant minds in science as well as government at the highest level" on approved and enhanced health protocols, which will be in place once the company resumes sailing.

"Whilst adherence to the protocols on board and ongoing vigilance will be critical, this will always be coupled with providing the well-deserved and memorable holidays for which we are known, with all the standout moments on board and experiences on shore. This is what we have always done and will continue to do.

"We cannot wait for restrictions to ease, borders to open and for us to once again be able to set sail for a new beginning."

All guests with bookings on a cancelled cruise will be notified and will automatically receive an enhanced 125% Future Cruise Credit or alternatively a 100% refund by filling out a web form.