Now that cruising has restarted, President of Carnival Cruises Christine Duffy released a video message for travel advisors to provide them with updates about the fleet - and answers to ongoing questions about health and vaccination protocols.
You can watch the whole video here:
In the video, Duffy reveals that all Carnival cruises through at least OCT will be crewed by fully vaccinated members. The pax will be 95 per cent vaccinated as well.
This is a reversal of earlier indications that the cruise line would not require vaccinations from guests, and Duffy gives at least one reason why.
“It’s important to note that this approach is being well received by the dozens of destinations that we sail to,” said Duffy in her video statement.
Duffy urged those who have yet to be vaccinated to do so, but says that for those who are unable to, the cruise line will offer exemptions on a capacity basis.
To travel agents, she asks to make sure that “your clients are submitting the required documents on a timely basis. There are also additional requirements and restrictions for the unvaccinated sailing with us, or for those who are vaccinated and choose not to disclose their vaccination status.”
She emphasizes that if guests do not fill out this information, they run the risk of having their booking canceled.
In addition, Duffy revealed that by the end of JUL, the cruise line would have five ships in operation, followed by three more in AUG.
One of these will be the debut of the new Mardi Gras ship on 31JUL.
By OCT, the company plans to have 15 ships - or over half the fleet - back to cruising.
