Holiday company Viking Cruises has announced that it is extending its suspension operations until May 31, 2021.
The elongated break is due to ongoing travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic and includes both its river and ocean cruises.
The company had hoped to resume sailings from April 2021.
Anyone who had planned to travel but is affected by the cancellations has been offered a variety of options instead, including a 125% Future Cruise Voucher, or the option of a full cash refund.
Voucher used to rebook by February 28 will be covered by the brand's Risk-Free Guarantee.
Those who would prefer a refund are being asked to get in touch with the cruise line's UK office before February 26, 2021, via email at operationsuk@vikingcruises.com.
Viking was one of the first cruise lines to suspend operations in March 2020 when the pandemic was breaking around the world.
In a letter to passengers, Viking UK Managing Director Wendy Atkin-Smith admits that "we did not expect that now, nearly a year later, our operations would still be suspended".
She added: "While recent developments are very encouraging, local travel restrictions continue to make international travel – and cruise ship travel – particularly complicated.
"Our ships are in 'warm layup,' and with the implementation of the Viking Health & Safety Programme, we are ready to receive guests once government approvals are given. When we do restart, we believe that there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage."
Although the brand's operations are currently paused, the cruise line is still set to welcome new ocean cruise ship Viking Venus, while next year will see the launch of its expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, as well as its first US river ship, Viking Mississippi.
The company has said that if there are itineraries "other than our standard itineraries" that can be operated before the end of May, they will get in touch with passengers.
You can find out more on vikingcruises.co.uk.
