Carnival’s Cunard extends suspension of cruises to May 15

(Reuters) – Carnival Corp’s luxury cruise ships operator Cunard said on Monday it would extend the suspension of all voyages by a month to May 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Carnival, also the operator of two coronavirus-stricken Princess cruises, has already temporarily suspended several of its ships due to concerns over the rapidly spreading COVID-19 crisis earlier this month.

“The impact of COVID-19 is affecting personal routines and businesses as well as placing significant travel restrictions around the world,” said Simon Palethorpe, president, Cunard.

Cunard, which extended the suspension from April 11, said it would provide a 125% credit for future cruise to travelers impacted by the suspension which can be redeemed against new booking before the end of March 2022.

Theme park operator Walt Disney Co and several other retailers have also extended temporary closures as the health crisis worsens.

(Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)