Royal Caribbean International, the contemporary market unit in Royal Caribbean Group, said it has cancelled its Australia and New Zealand cruises on or before 31 January 2021.

The company had planned to resume cruises on 1 January, but announced it had to cancel the cruises to prepare for its new health protocols.

"We want to ensure we have ample time to focus on our healthy return to service initiatives and to let you make alternative holiday plans. Royal Caribbean International will be extending our suspension of sailings, beyond that of the Australian government’s, to include sailings departing Australia and New Zealand on or before 31 January 2021. This is to allow guests booked on January sailings to make alternative holiday arrangements," it concluded.