Aligned with industry peers, cruise ship operator Carnival (NYSE: CCL)(NYSE: CUK) he announced that he was canceling all trips by the end of April and, in some places, even more than that.
Carnival said it canceled Carnival Legend’s European itineraries, which were due to launch in May, until October 31, and postponed the start date of its Mardi Gras ship from Port Canaveral, Florida, to May 29.
Both Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH) it had already extended the pause in its navigation schedule until April 30.
Image source: Getty Images.
Cruise to nowhere
Consumer demand for cruises continues to show strength, however, as Carnival noted earlier this month, when it said cumulative early bookings for the first half of 2022 are now above 2019 levels, although there has been almost no marketing or advertising.
But at least one analyst sees cruise lines not returning to the sea until 2022. Barron’s quoted a note from Truist Securities analyst Patrick Scholes to investors, who said his best scenario would be a July launch, although the fourth quarter was more likely, and even next year possible.
Carnival says so much, because it undertakes “to welcome [guests] back as soon as possible, but unfortunately we determined that it will take a little longer. “
Passengers who have booked cruises that have now been canceled can obtain a full refund or a credit for future trips and credits on board.