Carnival Cruise Line has had an eventful 2020 and 2021 so far.
Here are the key steps that have taken place for the Miami-based cruise line since the start of the pandemic:
Fantasy and inspiration deleted
In July, Carnival sold two of its older ships, the Carnival Fantasy and the Carnival Inspiration. Although no copper was initially mentioned, the two ships were scrapped a few weeks later.
At the same time, the cruise line moved two other ships, the Carnival Imagination and the Carnival Fascination, to long-term status.
Both relocations also meant several implementation changes, with home port adjustments and more. The most significant change was that the cruise line left its routes out of San Juan and Barbados to focus on mainland US markets.
Appearance delayed
Scheduled for March 2020, the $ 200 million Carnivals Victory dry dock was hit by the pandemic. The major rebuild, renaming the ship Carnival Radiance, was originally planned in Spain and took 38 days.
At the time, deteriorating conditions in Europe led to a complete suspension of activities. After pushing back the refit a few times, Carnival currently plans to complete it in September. From November 2021, the Radiance will replace Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination on the West Coast.
Imagination destroyed and fascination sold
After moving to long-term lay-up status, both the Carnival Imagination and Carnival Fascination were eventually sold.
The Imagination was the first to take off, leaving the fleet in September. Built in 1995, the vessel went straight to Aliaga, Turkey, where it is currently being scrapped.
The Fascination was sold for further service. The ship left the fleet in October on its way to an Asian start-up.
Mardi Gras delivered
Carnival received the new Mardi Gras from Meyer Turku shipyard in December. The LNG-powered vessel joined the brand’s fleet in Finland ahead of a US debut.
After being pushed back a few times, the Mardi Gras inaugural cruise is currently scheduled for May 29 from Port Canaveral.
Go back to service plans and dry docks
Carnival is currently planning to resume service on May 1, 2021. However, some ships will be out of service due to delayed dry docks.
The additional cancellations will affect Norfolk, Tampa and New Orleans cruises on Carnival Magic, Carnival Valor and Carnival Paradise through October 31, 2021.
The Carnival Splendor, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Radiance also have different return schedules for different reasons.
COVID-19 Policy
Details about Carnival’s COVID policy are available here.
In numbers:
Ships:
- Ships shed: 4
- Ships added: 1
Result: – 3 ships
Moorings:
- Shed moorings: 8,160
- Berths added: 5,200
Result: – 2,920 berths