Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1292971
B M & T ••• September/October 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 31 CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE JOINS INDUSTRY WIDE PAUSE IN U.S. THROUGH OCTOBER 31 Consistent with the decision announced recently by the members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to voluntarily extend the pause in U.S. cruise embarkations until Oct. 31, 2020, Carnival Cruise Line has informed guests and travel advisors that they have can- celled all cruises scheduled to embark between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31. Guests are being offered an enhanced value package of a future cruise credit and onboard credit, or a full refund. "If conditions in the U.S. change and short and modified sailings are possible, the industry may consider an earlier restart, and we would consider that as well," explained Carnival in a statement Carnival released on August 5. "In the meantime, we will continue to work with public health and government officials to finalize enhanced health and sanitation protocols and procedures that will guide our eventual return to service. "We thank our guests for their continued patience and support as we work through these difficult decisions. When the time is right, our terrific onboard team will be waiting to welcome our guests back to give them the great vacation they deserve." PRINCESS CRUISES ANNOUNCES EARLY 2021 WORLD CRUISE CANCELLATIONS D ue to restrictions and limitations with border and port access determined by government and health authorities and the continued uncertainty of airline travel, Princess Cruises is cancelling its early 2021 World Cruises and Circle South America Cruises on two ships: Island Princess 2021 World Cruise sailing from North America, including associated segments and remaining voyages sailing immediately prior Pacific Princess 2021 Circle South America sailing from Australia, including associated positioning cruises "We share in the disappointment of this cancellation for guests of our world cruises because it's a pinnacle cruise vacation experience, booked by some of our most loyal guests," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages will receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid. To receive the above FCCs, no action is required by the guest or their travel advisor. Alternatively, guests can forfeit the bonus FCC offer and request a refund for all money paid on their booking by using an online form. Guests have until September 30, 2020 to elect a refund, or they will automati- cally receive the default offer listed above. Princess will protect travel advisor com- missions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full, in recognition of the critical role they play in the cruise line's busi- ness and success. The most current information and instruc- tions for booked guests affected by these cancellations, and more information on FCCs and refunds, can be found online at https://www. princess.com/plan/impacted-and- canxelled-cruises/ . on Celebrity Edge's incredible momentum, Celebrity Apex debuts in 2020, followed by three additional sister ships in 2021, 2022 and 2024, respectively. To learn more about the historic International Women's Day 2020 sailing and meet the leading ladies who came together on board to make it possible, visit www.celebritycruises.com/about.com/about- us/celebrity-cares/international-womens-day