P&O Cruises is extending its pause in operations until Oct. 15, the company announced in a statement. 

P&O Cruises, whose global cruise network includes sailings in the Caribbean, said it was working “in close coordination with all relevant public health bodies” to enhance its health and safety protocols. 

“As a business our operational focus is not ‘when can we resume sailing’ but is instead ‘how can we develop a comprehensive restart protocol that will keep everyone on board, our crew and guests, safe and well and still give our guests an amazing holiday?’” said Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises. 

“Unfortunately, as the world continues to adapt to this global crisis, we have made the decision, difficult as it is, to extend our pause in operations for all sailings up to and including October 15, 2020. We are so sorry for the disappointment this will cause to so many of our guests,” he said. 

P&O’s extension is yet another continued pause for a cruise line amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We have for years had in place many of the protocols now considered advisable for other social gathering venues, such as hand-sanitizing stations and rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures. We also have for years gone beyond those protocols by having guests complete a health declaration form and having a comprehensive medical facility on board each ship providing 24/7 medical care and treatment. During the recent crisis, we added robust health screening upon embarkation, starting with thermal scanning of guests and crew.

For more, visit P&O.

— CJ