Carnival PLC (LON:CCL) says its Cunard line is to offer “summer staycation sailings” in the UK.
Sailings on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth cruise ship will start in Southampton and will be trawling (not literally) UK coastal waters in search of a spot of sunshine.
Cunard's flexible booking terms will be applicable for these voyages, so guests will be able to book with confidence, Carnival said.
The summer voyages will ensure the Queen Elizabeth is put to some use while its normally more far-reaching excursions are off the table because of international travel restrictions.
"With the UK Government confirming that domestic travel is close on the horizon, we are introducing a series of exciting, shorter duration holidays for British residents looking for the perfect staycation in Cunard luxury this summer," said Simon Palethorpe, the president of Cunard.
"These will be sailings from Southampton, for UK residents, around the UK and will make the very most of the summer sunshine," he said.
A message from Cunard president, Simon Palethorpe: “With the UK Government this week confirming that domestic travel is close on the horizon, we're excited to announce that we’ll be introducing a series of holidays for UK residents looking for a staycation this summer... 1 of 4 pic.twitter.com/Z5FcZw8WsC
— cunardline (@cunardline) March 11, 2021
Palethorpe also had a number of cancellations to announce as well.
Sailings on the Queen Victoria are now cancelled for departures up to and including August 27, 2021.
The Queen Elizabeth's summer Mediterranean fly-cruise season and all departures up to and including October 11, 2021, have been cancelled while the Queen Mary 2's current programmed has been affected by a number of factors and all departures up to and including November 12, 2021 have been cancelled.