This was in the email sent:
We are delighted to see the world gradually open up, as vaccine programmes and other effective measures to manage Covid-19 take effect. However, based on the latest guidance from countries we visit, we unfortunately need to make some additional changes to our published itineraries involving international ports of call.
After completing her series of UK staycation sailings in October, Queen Elizabeth was scheduled to return to Australia for a prolonged series of voyages. However, with the current forecasts for the lifting of restrictions in Australia, this will not be feasible. Therefore, we have made the decision to cancel all sailings on Queen Elizabeth between 18 October 2021 and 9 March 2022
Australia is being left behind. This makes five cruises that we have had booked but now cancelled by the cruiseline.