Carnival Cruise Line has announced the sale of the Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, which were previously laid up and retired from itineraries. The sale of the Carnival Fascination, launched in 1994, and the Carnival Imagination, which joined the fleet in 1995, is in line with Carnival Corporation's plan to eliminate some of the less efficient ships in its fleet. This sale follows the sale of the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration last July. The company will return to operating four upgraded Fantasy-class ships – the Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation, and Carnival Paradise – which feature additional balcony staterooms, as well as enhanced dining and entertainment options as part of the Fun Ship 2.0 line-up improvement program.
“While we are saddened to see the Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination leave our fleet, it is a necessary step that allows us to focus on ships that offer a greater variety of experiences and staterooms for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
In connection with its ship improvement program and the current pause in cruise operations, Carnival also informed customers and travel agents that it is delaying the return to service on four of its ships until scheduled dry-dock improvements are completed during the first half of 2021. The four affected ships and canceled itineraries are as follows:
– Carnival Magic itineraries operating from Miami will be canceled through March 13, 2021.
– Carnival Paradise itineraries operating from Tampa will be canceled through March 19, 2021.
– Carnival Valor itineraries operating from New Orleans will be canceled through April 29, 2021 (including the transatlantic cruise from New Orleans on January 25, 2021, and the return from Barcelona on February 26, 2021).
– Carnival Spirit itineraries operating from Brisbane will be canceled through May 16, 2021, with the first voyage from Singapore to Brisbane on June 12, 2021.
“This extended pause in our operations has also impacted shipyard availability, and we have been forced to reschedule required dry dockings. We continue to work toward our return to operations and appreciate the ongoing support and understanding of our customers, and we look forward to welcoming them aboard soon,” said Duffy.
