Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings — which run 80% of the world cruise market — have pretty much given up on sailing this year.

The New York-listed, Miami-based "Big Three" have extended their fleet lay-ups through 31 December.

Carnival, which has about 90 ships across nine brands, is limiting the delay to North American brands Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn.