Eight cruises canceled
With this new schedule, Carnival will now take delivery of the ship in late October and its first revenue sailing will depart from Port Canaveral on Nov. 14. The first eight cruises that were scheduled starting Aug. 31 have been canceled, including European, trans-Atlantic and New York-based itineraries and four Port Canaveral sailings.
Compensation and commission protection
Carnival said the passenger notification process began promptly after the notice by Meyer Turku of the delay, so that impacted guests could begin to make alternative vacation plans. As a gesture of goodwill, Carnival is offering these customers a 25% future cruise credit, full refund and assistance with non-refundable airline and hotel reservations already booked.
In addition, if customers rebook a cruise using their 25% future cruise credit by Feb. 18, they will get an additional $100 per person on-board credit for that cruise.
Carnival is protecting travel advisor commissions.
New-design, LNG-powered Fun Ship
Mardi Gras is a new design for the Carnival brand, and will become the first LNG-powered cruise ship to operate in North America.
‘We have been working closely with Meyer Turku executives to keep the Mardi Gras delivery on schedule, and while we deeply regret disappointing our guests, this change in the delivery date is required to make sure all of the ship's systems, features and technology will be fully operational, so that we can give our guests the vacation they expect,’ said Carnival’s Ben Clement, SVP newbuild. ‘Our commitment is to deliver a great and innovative ship, and Mardi Gras will definitely be that when it arrives in North America.’
Follows Costa Smeralda delay
Earlier this month Meyer Turku handled over Costa Smeralda to Carnival sister brand Costa Cruises following a couple delays. It originally was scheduled for completion in mid-October.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
