Carnival Corporation expects that more than 50 per cent of its total fleet capacity will return to operations by the end of October.
To date, eight of the company’s nine brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard – have resumed guest sailings.
By the end of October, those eight brands will be operating 42 ships, marking the return of over 50 per cent of the company’s global fleet capacity.
Collectively, the corporation’s brands are resuming operations using a gradual, phased approach, with sailings from major global ports in regions including the US, Mexico, Caribbean, the UK, Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
The cruise line is also planning for additional ship restarts as part of its overall goal to return nearly 65 per cent of capacity by year-end.
Carnival Cruise Line plans to have 13 ships sailing in October and a total of 17 ships by year-end; while Princess Cruises plans to have six ships sailing in October, with eight ships in operation by the end of the year.
Holland America Line plans to have four ships in operation in October, with a total of six ships in operation by year-end. Additionally, the brand has announced plans for all 11 ships in its fleet to be in service by spring 2022.
Seabourn plans to operate its full fleet by spring 2022, including a new expedition ship with its first sailing in April 2022, totalling six ships in service next year.
Meanwhile, Costa Cruises plans to have five ships in operation in October, with a total of six ships in operation by the end of the year; while AIDA Cruises plans to have eight ships in operation in October, with a total of 10 ships in operation by year-end.
P&O Cruises (UK) plans to have three ships in operation in October, with a total of four ships in operation by the end of the year. Additionally, the brand has announced plans to operate its full fleet by spring 2022.
Cunard plans to have two of the three ships in its fleet in operation by year-end. Additionally, the brand has announced plans to resume operations with its remaining ship in spring 2022.
Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation, said that based on the company’s initial restart of cruise operations across eight brands, guests have shown “tremendous confidence” in the brands.
He added: “As the restart of cruising continues to gain momentum and create positive economic activity for people who depend on our industry to make a living, we look forward to serving our guests with more than half our fleet capacity returning in October, while delivering a great guest experience and serving the best interests of public health.”
