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Carnival announces further cancellations, delays Mardi Gras start date to end of May

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 January 2021 22 January 2021

Carnival Cruise Line is notifying guests of additional cruise cancellations, extending its pause in U.S. departures through April 30, 2021, and cancelling Australian operations through May 19, 2021.

In addition, Carnival has cancelled the European itineraries for Carnival Legend which were to begin this May through Oct. 31, 2021, and moved the start date for Mardi Gras from Port Canaveral, with the first cruise now set for May 29, 2021.

Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations and their options for a generous future cruise credit and onboard credit package, or a full refund.

“Our guests and travel agent partners continue to express their loyalty to Carnival and their desire to get back on our ships as soon as they can, and we are heartened by the booking demand and activity we continue to see. We are certainly committed to welcoming them back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately we have determined it’s going to take a while longer, and the situation in Europe will also impact Mardi Gras’ departure to the U.S., and Carnival Legend’s itineraries in Europe,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

CLIA appoints Pierfrancesco Vago Global Chairman

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 January 2021 22 January 2021

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, has been appointed to a two-year term as Global Chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Vago will assume the Global Chairmanship effective immediately and he follows Adam Goldstein in this role, CLIA said in a statement.

“On behalf of the entire CLIA community, including both our staff and our members, I would like to welcome Mr. Vago and congratulate him on his appointment as CLIA Global Chairman,” said CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead. “Mr. Vago is a visionary leader within the global cruise community. We will benefit tremendously from his ideas, insights, and direction as we look to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support the restart of the cruise industry internationally and in the United States in particular.”

Vago will be the first European to serve in the role of CLIA Global Chairman. He previously served as Chairman of CLIA Europe in 2014.

“This is a highly critical juncture for our industry globally. I am honored and grateful for the support and trust of my peers as we work to resume the business of creating unforgettable experiences for our treasured guests, as well as generating economic impact and job opportunities benefitting millions of people worldwide who are touched in so many ways by our industry,” Vago said in the statement. “

“With over 200 sailings that have taken place since last summer in various markets around the world, all with strict measures in place to promote public health, we have proven that a return to cruising is possible. I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners in the industry to continue down this path and help secure a vibrant future for all who depend on it,” he said.

Princess Cruises sells Pacific Princess

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 January 2021 22 January 2021

Princess Cruises, which is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, said it had sold the 1999 built Pacific Princess of 30,277 gross tons to an undisclosed buyer.

The sale of the smallest ship of Princess Cruises is in line Carnival group’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships from its fleet.

Pacific Princess was built as R3, as one of eight similar ships to the now defunct Renaissance Cruises in France and it joined Princess Cruises’ fleet in 2002.

“The boutique-style ship offered an intimate cruising environment, with a total of just 670 passengers, but incorporated many of the dining and entertainment options available on the cruise line’s larger cruise vessels,” Princess Cruises said.

At one point. Princess Cruises operated three of the former Renaissance Cruises’ ships. Carnival said recently that it would axe 19 older ships from its fleet, one more than previously planned, of which 15 had left its fleet at the time.

Saga Cruises demands Covid-19 vaccination from all passengers

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 January 2021 21 January 2021

Saga Cruises, the UK based luxury operator that is part of the Saga plc group, said it will demand vaccination against Covid-19 from all passengers.

The vaccination must take place at least 14 days prior to the commencement of cruise, the company said in a message to passengers that was posted on Twitter.

At the same time, it postponed the restart of its operations to 4 May instead of the previously planned 3 April for Spirit of Adventure. This will be the maiden voyage of the ship. Its sister ship, Spirit of Discovery, is scheduled to restart operations on 2 June.

media reports said that about 7% of the UK population of about67 million have been vaccinated so far and roughly 300,000 people are vaccinated each day agains Covid-19.

Royal Caribbean Group sells Azamara, to book $170 million loss

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 January 2021 19 January 2021

Royal Caribbean Group, the second largest cruise shipping group, said it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specialising in consumer, retail and distribution investments, in an all-cash carve-out transaction for $201 million, subject to certain adjustments and closing conditions.

Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, the company said in a statement.

Royal Caribbean Group noted the transaction allows it to focus on expanding its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea brands.

“Our strategy has evolved into placing more of our resources behind three global brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, and working to grow them as we emerge from this unprecedented period,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group.

“Even so, Azamara remains a strong brand with its own tremendous potential for growth, and Sycamore’s track record demonstrates that they will be good stewards of what the Azamara team has built over the past 13 years.”

“We are pleased that Royal Caribbean Group has entrusted Sycamore to support Azamara in its next phase of growth,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “We are excited to partner with the Azamara team and build on their many years of success serving the brand's loyal customers. We believe Azamara will remain a top choice for discerning travelers as the cruising industry recovers over time”.

Azamara’s value proposition and operations will remain consistent under the new arrangement, and Royal Caribbean Group will work in close collaboration on a seamless transition for Azamara employees, customers and other stakeholders. In conjunction with the transaction, Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas has been appointed President of the brand.

The transaction will result in a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of approximately $170 million. The sale of Azamara is not expected to have a material impact on Royal Caribbean Group’s future financial results, Royal Caribbean said.