Princess Cruises has revealed it will launch a series of short UK cruises departing in late summer. Regal Princess and Sky Princess will offer short breaks and week-long holidays sailing from Southampton. The cruises are available to UK guests only and will go on sale later this month.
The MedallionClass ships Regal Princess and Sky Princess will provide guests with ‘Truly Touchless’ experiences through the cruise line’s MedallionClass experience and OceanMedallion wearable device, offering a number of new features that significantly enhance the guest experience whilst also supporting new health protocols. Streamlined check-in, simplified safety training, reductions in queueing and the ability to order food and drink to anywhere on the ship are just some of the ways Princess Cruises is leveraging the OceanMedallion technology to transform the cruise experience.
Tony Roberts, vice president Princess Cruises UK & Europe, said: “Recent announcements from the UK Government on the roadmap to the end of lockdown has given us all optimism that we will be able to have a summer break.
“When restrictions are lifted, it is clear that holidays in the UK will be the first to restart before the gradual return of international travel. We are eager to welcome our guests back onboard as soon as it is safe to do so. By offering a series of short UK breaks, we can provide guests with a relaxed holiday at sea so they can enjoy a much-needed getaway.
“In order to offer these new cruises, we have unfortunately had to cancel our current ex-UK programme through late September. We share in our guests’ disappointment over these cancelled cruises and we appreciate the continued understanding and cooperation from our loyal guests and travel agents.”
Princess Cruises has cancelled sailings from Southampton on Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Island Princess through September 25, 2021.
For guests booked on a cancelled voyage, Princess will offer to move guests to the equivalent cruise in 2022. The rebooking process will have the added benefit of protecting the guests’ 2021 fare on their 2022 voyage. Alternatively, guests can choose a future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum £25) or a full refund to the original form of payment.
For guests currently booked on a cancelled voyage where there is no matched cruise available in 2022, guests will automatically receive a refundable future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum £25). Alternatively, guests can request a full refund to the original form of payment.
Requests must be received through this online form by April 15, 2021 or guests will automatically receive the FCC option. FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022.
Princess will transfer the commission earned by travel agents from the cancelled 2021 cruise to the new booking in 2022 that was paid in full. This convenience is in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line’s business and success.
Roberts continued: “As we prepare our ships for our return to service, we remain in close contact with CLIA, the UK Government and associated bodies to monitor the latest travel guidance. More details of dates, itineraries and prices for the new UK cruises will be announced later this month. We look forward to welcoming our guests back onboard to create summertime memories in a safe and relaxed environment.”
Through Princess Cruises’ ‘Book with Confidence’ policy, for bookings made by April 30, 2021, guests can cancel up to 30 days prior to sailing for voyages departing through October 31 2021, and receive cancellation fees back as a Future Cruise Credit.
The most current information and instructions for booked guests affected by cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at Information on Impacted & Cancelled Cruises.
