As a result of the announcement by CLIA last week, Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled all cruises in North America through September 30, 2020.
More Carnival Cruises Cancelled in North America
The cruise line was hopeful about returning to service with eight cruise ships beginning August 1, but that will no longer be taking place due to an extended pause on cruise operations through September 30, 2020.
This news comes after the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced at the end of last week that its members had decided to extend the pause on operations from the United States. With Canada banning cruise ships until the end of October, pretty much all cruises are cancelled now in North America for the next three months at least.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy told booked guests and travel agents in a letter sent today:
“During this unprecedented pause in our business, we have continued to assess the operating environment and confer with public health, government and industry officials.”
“We have watched with great interest as commerce, travel and personal activities have begun to start back up, and once we do resume service, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we bring our ships to in order to maintain public confidence in our business. Nevertheless, we apologize for disrupting your vacation plans and appreciate your patience as we work through these decisions.”
The voluntary suspension of cruises has now been extended three times and we only hope this time will be the last. The suspension has been in place since March 13, 2020 due to the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Country restrictions and port closures have also been a major factor when cruises can resume.
There is currently a “No-Sail Order” in place on cruise ships by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and that has been a factor in cancelled cruises too. However, Carnival Cruise Line’s main priority has been to repatriate almost 29,000 crew members around the world safely and put vessels into a cold lay-up until cruises resume.
Also Read: Cruises from the United States Cancelled Until Middle of September
Carnival Cruise Line is providing guests with some easy re-booking options along with some perks to make up for the disappointment of their cancelled cruises. A future Cruise Credit (FCC) is available and either a $300 or $600 Onboard Credit (OBC).
If guests no longer wish to take a Carnival cruise vacation they can also request a full refund online. Guests have until May 31, 2021, to make their decision.
Worth Reading: Carnival Will Dispose of Six Cruise Ships in the Next 90 Days
Carnival Cruise Line is now also focused on implementing new health measures for when cruises do finally resume. We’ve already seen new protocols detailed by Norwegian Cruise Line, Hurtigruten, Virgin Voyages, and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, and it is certain that other cruise lines are also expanding and upgrading their health measures during this temporary shutdown.
Learn what else is going on aboard cruise ships while sailings are cancelled, and how to enjoy cruising when you can’t take a cruise!
Photo Credit: Russell Otway
