Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a video message to travel agents that the brand has no plans to move its ships from its ports in the United States.
“I have always said that Carnival Cruise Line is America’s cruise company,” she said.
“We depart from 14 domestic ports in the United States, 50% of our itineraries are less than seven days of travel and a significant number of our guests are heading for the Carnival vacation cruise. We also sail more families with children than any other cruise line. And as you know, so far, vaccines have not been approved for children under 16. “
Vaccines
Duffy said that as more Americans are vaccinated, their focus is on securing a (CDC) decision to allow cruises to resume from U.S. domestic ports, consistent with other forms of travel coming back in the summer.
She noted that she is optimistic that travel will resume in time for the summer.
“If it is safe to fly on an airplane, stay in a hotel or resort or visit an amusement park, it must be safe to travel on a ship with the additional health and safety protocols that we have in place.”
No June cruise decision
“We didn’t make a decision here at Carnival about our June trips,” added Duffy.
Duffy noted that anyone booked on a June trip can cancel without penalty, and the final payment deadline for all Carnival Cruise Line trips in June has been postponed to April 30.
