TUI cruise line cancels all cruises in major blow for Britons’ summer holidays

Marella Cruises has revealed it will not operate any holidays until October. The cruise line, which is part of TUI, has cancelled all cruises due to take place on or before September 30. The development is a result of ongoing travel restrictions due to coronavirus.

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The UK government continues to warn against cruise holidays, with the exception of river cruises.

“Marella Cruises confirms that due to the on-going travel restrictions it is extending its cancellations of all cruises until September 30 2020,” the TUI cruise brand said in a statement.

This leaves only one vessel in the fleet in action.

“The cruise line also confirms that the only ship now sailing this summer will be Marella Explorer, home porting in Corfu from October 2 2020,” explained the company.

Those due to sail on the cancelled cruises will be refunded.

“All customers whose bookings are impacted by the above changes will receive a refund credit and up to 10 percent incentive of the total value of their booking, or they can request a cash refund via an online form on the TUI website,” said Marella Cruises.

Holidaymakers will be able to rebook their axed holiday for free.

“Due to the on-going uncertainty customers with bookings due to depart in October can amend their cruise for free before July 31 to any other holiday on-sale until October 2021,” detailed TUI.

The current government advice for cruises is as follows: “The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against cruise ship travel at this time.

“This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.

“Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least one night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households.

“Our advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools.

“Our advice does not include ferries or privately-rented boats.

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“The government will continue to review its cruise ship travel advice based on the latest medical advice.”

A number of other TUI holidays have also been cancelled this year.

If your holiday falls into one of the below categories, it is no longer going ahead:

– TUI holidays travelling on or before 10 July 2020, including flight-only bookings

– All holidays to Florida due to depart on or before 30 November 2020

– TUI River Cruises sailings travelling on or before 25 November 2020

– TUI Lakes and Mountain holidays travelling on or before 30 September 2020

– TUI Tours travelling up on or before 31 October 2020

The holiday company stated: “If your holiday doesn’t fall into one of the above categories but is affected and can’t operate as planned, we will be proactively contacting you to discuss your options.

“If your holiday is operating as planned, we will proactively contact you to let you know and confirm all the details.”

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