Carnival Cruise Line has announced updates to its upcoming departures with all U.S. cruises cancelled for the remainder of the year except from two homeports.
Carnival Cruise Line Cancels U.S. Departures
The Miami-based cruise line has decided to cancel the majority of U.S. departures except for cruises out of Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida. The further cancellations are for the months of November and December which pretty much calls off most of cruising for the remainder of the year.
Even though there are exceptions from the two major homeports, it’s not yet certain that those departures will also remain. Carnival is planning on the initial return to service from just those two ports whenever that might be.
This follows the major announcement from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on extending the No Sail order through October 31, 2020. The order was previously through to the end of September but after decisions and disagreements between the White House and the CDC director an extension was through October was eventually decided. More details about all this right here.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
“As we have said throughout this pause, our return to operations will be gradual and phased in. And while we are not making any presumptions, once cruising is allowed, we will center our initial start-up from the homeports of Miami and Port Canaveral”
“The health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we serve remain the cornerstone of our plans and decisions. The patience and support of our guests and travel agent partners have been a huge motivation to our team as we have worked through this unprecedented situation and we are dedicated to getting back to operations when the time is right.”
Until cruises do resume in the coming months, Carnival Cruise Line is very much focused on implementing new health measures to keep crew and guests safe. It’s a huge important that there are no new outbreaks when the first ships begin sailing. It will be a phased-in return likely starting with one or two ships.
Worth Reading: Florida’s Economy Needs Cruise Lines To Start Operations
Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador John Heald posted his take on the latest developments impacting the fleet for the remainder of the year:
The hint from the cruise line is that they don’t really know and Carnival is evaluating options as the situation develops. The return to cruising is out of their hands.
Also Read: Carnival Cruise Line Cancels Select Sailings Into Spring 2021
Itineraries from Miami and Port Canaveral are to remain in place for now and those guests who are booked on those cruises will have the option to cancel. Guests can choose flexible options just like what cruisers have been offered during the suspension of operations including a full refund or future cruise credit and onboard credit.
