Cunard Extends Suspension through July, Cancels Summer Alaska Season

Cunard on Thursday announced that it would cancel all of its sailings through at least July 31, 2020, and would cancel its entire 2020 Alaska season due to the continued impact of COVID-19.

“These are extraordinary times and this global outbreak continues to challenge Cunard and the travel industry as a whole,” Cunard’s president Simon Palethorpe said in a statement.

“We would love nothing more than to bring our fleet back into service, and give our guests the holiday they deserve and long for, but with the lockdowns and travel restrictions in place around the world, this is simply not possible at this time.”

Cunard said it will be in contact will all impacted guests and their advisors. The luxury line also said that anyone on sailings impacted by the suspension will be offered a 125% future cruise credit or a full refund that can be used through March 2022 (new booking has to be made by the end of 2021).

That cruise credit can also be used to book a second cabin on a sailing or to upgrade an existing booking.

Cunard is also protecting commission on all bookings paid in full by April 22, 2020.

“We have been sailing for 180 years and we look forward to many more,” Palethorpe added. “We will get through these times together and look forward to welcoming our guests back on board again when the times is right.”