Carnival Cruise Line has so far had a full 2020 and 2021 event.
These are the main moves that have occurred for the Miami-based cruise line since the pandemic began:
Fantasy and wasted inspiration
In July, Carnival sold two of the oldest ships, the Carnival Fantasy and the Carnival Inspiration. Although no buyer was initially named, the two boats ended up being scrapped a few weeks later.
At the same time, the cruise line moved two other ships, the Carnival Imagination and the Carnival Fascination, to a state of long-term configuration.
Both moves also meant several changes in deployment, with initial port adjustments and more. The most important change saw the cruise line abandon its itineraries from San Juan and Barbados in favor of focusing on continental markets in the US.
Delayed radiance
Scheduled for March 2020, the $ 200 million Victory Carnivals dry dock was hit by the pandemic. The main refurbishment, which included changing the ship’s name to Carnival Radiance, was originally planned in Spain and lasted 38 days.
At that time, the deteriorating conditions in Europe led to the total suspension of work. After delaying the repair a few times, Carnival plans to finish it in September. Starting in November 2021, the Radiance will replace carnival inspiration and carnival imagination on the west coast.
Shattered imagination and sold fascination
After moving to a long-lasting status, both the imagination of the carnival and the fascination of the carnival ended up selling out.
Imagination was the first to come out, leaving the fleet in September. The ship built in 1995 went directly to Aliaga, Turkey, where it is currently being demolished.
The Fascination was sold for more services. The ship left the fleet in October and headed for an Asian launch.
Mardi Gras delivered
In December, Carnival received the new Mardi Gras from the Meyer Turku shipyard. The LNG-powered vessel joined the brand’s fleet in Finland, before making its debut in the United States.
After being pulled back a few times, the inaugural Mardi Gras cruise is currently scheduled for May 29 from Port Canaveral.
Return to service plans and dikes
Carnival is currently scheduled to resume service on May 1, 2021. Some of the ships, however, will remain out of service due to delayed dry docks.
Additional cancellations affect Norfolk, Tampa and New Orleans cruises with 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, related to different motives.
COVID-19 Policy
You can find information on Carnival’s COVID policies here.
By numbers:
Boats:
- Launched ships: 4
- Boats added: 1
Result: – 3 boats
Beds:
- Covered with bunk beds: 8,160
- Extra beds: 5,200
Result: – 2,920 bunk beds