Carnival sells two more ships, cancels more Aussie sailings

Sydney Australia - August 6, 2017: Dawn in Sydney, and the cruise ship Carnival Spirit is docked at Circular Quay. Across the water we see the iconic shape of the Sydney Opera House beneath the lightening sky.

Carnival Cruise Line has sold Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, aligning with its plans to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships.

The sale of Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, launched in 1994 and 1995 respectively, follows the sale of Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration which took place in July.

“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.

As part of its ongoing enhancement program and the pause in operations due to COVID-19, Carnival has also delayed the return to operations for four ships until after scheduled dry dock enhancements are completed in the first half of 2021.

Two Australian departures are among the delays with Carnival Spirit cruises from Brisbane cancelled until June 2021 and Carnival Splendor sailings departing from Sydney between 19 December 2020 through to 7 January 2021.

The cruise line said that given the limited international air service available, it is likely it will need Carnival Splendor to help support crew movements related to refurbishment activities that were suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the return to operation plans for the Carnival fleet.

Internationally, Carnival Magic itineraries operating from Miami will be cancelled until 13 March 2021, Carnival Paradise itineraries operating from Tampa will be cancelled until 19 March and Carnival Valor itineraries operating from New Orleans will be cancelled until 29 April.


Featured image source: iStock/simonbradfield

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