16th Sep 2020 14:56
(Alliance News) - Carnival PLC said Carnival Cruise Line will sell two ships and delay the return to operation of four others following an announcement earlier on Wednesday that cruise line AIDA Cruises will begin new voyages to the Mediterranean from October 17.
The FTSE 250 cruise ship operator stated Carnival Cruise Line will sell Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, which had previously been put on long-term lay-up status and removed from itineraries. This comes after the cruise line in July, sold Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration.
"While we are sad to see Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination leave our fleet, it is a necessary move as it allows us to focus on ships that offer the greatest variety of features and stateroom accommodations for our guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival also said it has delayed the return to operations for four ships until after scheduled enhancements are completed in the first half of 2021.
As a result, Carnival Magic itineraries operating from Miami will be cancelled until March 13, Carnival Paradise itineraries operating from Tampa will be cancelled until March 19. Carnival Valor itineraries operating from New Orleans will be cancelled until April 29, and Carnival Spirit itineraries operating from Brisbane will be cancelled through to May 16.
"This extended pause in our operations has also impacted shipyard availability, and we've had to reschedule required dry docks. As we continue to work through issues related to our eventual return to operations, we are committed to providing our guests and travel agent partners with certainty where we can, although we regret disappointing our guests. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our guests and hope to welcome them back on board soon," Duffy added.
Earlier Wednesday, Carnival said AIDA Cruises will expand its range of cruises from October 17, with new voyages visiting the Mediterranean. It stated that the voyages - which will be offered weekly until November 28 - will have a seven-day itinerary departing from Civitavecchia near Rome and travelling to Palermo and Catania in Sicily, Naples and La Spezia.
Carnival said a health and safety program will be implemented on all cruises, adding that the measures include a complimentary Covid-19 test, regular temperature measurements for guests and crew, physical distancing and increased disinfection measures.
Shares in Carnival were trading 2.3% lower at 1,010.50 pence each on Wednesday afternoon in London.
By Ife Taiwo; [email protected]
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