Avalon Waterways Suspends River Cruises through August

(Updated 4:17 p.m. EDT) -- The Globus family of brands, the parent company of Avalon Waterways, has announced it is extending its operational pause for all travel scheduled hrough August 31, 2020.

Globus states it intends to resume operations in Europe, and additional worldwide destinations, in September.

For travelers affected by the suspension, the company's Peace of Mind plan allows people booked on affected trips to reschedule their vacation in 2020, 2021 or 2022, to any destination, on any brand, without incurring cancellation fees. Those who aren't ready to rebook can request the full value paid to the cruise line be provided as a Letter of Credit (another term for a future cruise credit), redeemable for any future 2020, 2021 or 2022 departures. The Letter of Credit is transferrable.

The Peace of Mind plan also offers travellers a credit of up to $200 (£150) per person when they reschedule their trip.

“There is still uncertainty in travel with inconsistent plans for reopening states, regions and countries as well as compromised air schedules and access to the world’s must-see sites,” said Scott Nisbet, president and CEO of the Globus family of brands. “To add some certainty to this situation, we are giving control back to our travelers – and their advisors – by being proactive and looking ahead through August. And, in doing that, we are giving them the right options, adequate time and high levels of attention and consideration to help them to reset and adjust their international vacation plans for a time when the world is ready for them.”

Avalon is one of many in a long list of cruise lines that have suspended operations.