It comes after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended its no-sail order on Wednesday (30 September) by a month to the end of October.

"While operations from Miami and Port Canaveral in November and December are still not certain, Carnival is focusing its initial return to service from those two homeports, whenever that might occur," said the line in a statement issued on Thursday (1 October).

The line said it was continuing to work on protocols and procedures to allow for the resumption of cruise operations in a gradual, phased way, starting with those departing Miami and Port Canaveral.

However, guests booked on November and December cruises out of Miami and Port Canaveral can voluntarily cancel their reservation and receive the same offer afforded to guests booked on cancelled cruises.

This includes either a combination of future cruise credit and onboard credit, or a full refund.

Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president, said: "As we have said throughout this pause, our return to operations will be gradual and phased in.

"And while we are not making any presumptions, once cruising is allowed, we will centre our initial start-up from the homeports of Miami and Port Canaveral."

Duffy added: "The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we serve remain the cornerstone of our plans and decisions.

"The patience and support of our guests and travel agent partners have been a huge motivation to our team as we have worked through this unprecedented situation and we are dedicated to getting back to operations when the time is right."