The world’s largest cruise company expects to resume guest cruise operations with 65 per cent of its total fleet capacity by the end of 2021 across eight of its brands.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line plans to have its entire fleet returning to service by the end of 2021, which would further increase Carnival Corporation’s total operating capacity to nearly 75 per cent by the end of the year.
AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Seabourn have announced plans to resume guest operations on 54 ships to date through the end of 2021, with nearly half of the capacity represented by ships homeported in the US.
In addition to those ships previously announced by the company’s brands, Carnival Cruise Line’s intent to return to full fleet service in 2021 would add another nine vessels, totalling 63 ships to date that are expected to resume guest operations this year.
Further brand restart announcements are expected in coming weeks, including resumption plans for more ships and itineraries for 2021.
Collectively, Carnival’s brands are continuing to resume operations from ports around the world using a gradual, phased-in approach, including sailings in the US, Caribbean, Europe and Mediterranean, along with itineraries planned in Central America and to Antarctica, among others.
Carnival noted that the cruises include enhanced health protocols developed in conjunction with government and health authorities, and informed by guidance from the company’s public health, epidemiological and policy experts.
Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer at Carnival, said: “With strong ongoing demand for cruising, we look forward to serving our guests with additional ships announced across eight of our brands and nearly three-quarters of our fleet capacity returning by the end of this year, marking an important milestone for our company and all those who rely on the strong economic impacts generated by the global cruise industry.
“For our entire company, our highest responsibility and top priority is always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, our shipboard and shoreside employees, and the communities we visit.
“Our ongoing restart effort closely reflects those priorities, as we continue to work together across the industry and with partners around the world to resume cruising in the best interest of public health.”
