Book with confidence policies have been extended by both Seabourn and Princess Cruises.

Seabourn's policy now covers bookings made until March 31 on sailings also leaving by September 30. This provides the option for cruises to be cancelled up to 30 days prior to departure in return for a future cruise credit.

The scheme with Princess now includes all cruises departing until September 30 for bookings made by March 2, enabling passengers to change plans up to 30 days prior to departure, receive cancellation fees as a future cruise credit against another sailing.

Both Carnival Corporation lines are seeking to protect cruise bookings for people who test positive for Covid-19 up to a month before departure.

Princess will continue to operate vaccinated cruises, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for passengers who have received their final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14-days prior to the sailing day and have proof of being jabbed.

Chief commercial officer Deanna Austin said: “Planning a vacation gives us something to look forward to and so many of us have an inherent desire to explore the world and experience sought-after destinations.

“With the extension of our book with confidence programme, we’re giving cruisers the confidence to book a summer vacation now, knowing they have flexibility in case they need to alter their plans.”

Seabourn president Josh Leibowitz said: “One of the biggest ways we can help travel advisors and their clients right now is by recognising they need flexibility to change their plans or make final payments closer to their voyage.

“The extension of our book with confidence policy is intended to reassure our guests that they can still commit to a future trip with Seabourn while having some extra peace of mind.”

 Seabourn has also revised final payment dates for cruises until May 31, which will now require final payment within 60 days of departure. Cancellation fees will also start 60 days prior to sailing for voyages until May 31.