(Alliance News) - Carnival PLC on Tuesday said P&O Cruises Australia is extending its pause in operations until the end of July but remains positive about a pathway for the cruise industry's return to service.
The FTSE 250-listed cruise operator said P&O's current rolling pause will affect cruises scheduled from June 18 to July 30.
In addition, P&O is also cancelling voyages to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands for the remainder of the year given the uncertainty around borders.
"We are continuing our discussions with governments and health authorities to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruising," said Sture Myrmell, president of P&O Australia.
"As those discussions continue, today's changes are necessary as we take a practical approach to the current environment and continue to look forward to better days ahead," added Myrmell.
P&O also said it has continued its fleet transformation - amid the challenges of the past year - so that it is ready to resume Australia's home-grown cruise line.
"This includes preparing for Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure to join the P&O fleet this year to offer a very special cruising experience when we are again able to sail," Myrmell said.
By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com
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Carnival (CCL)