Carnival Cruise Line will not sail from U.S. waters through April 30, 2021, the company has announced, while also cancelling Australian operations through May 19, 2021, as the coronavirus continues to batter the cruise industry – the changes to Carnival Cruise Line’s itineraries mean the launch of the Mardi Grad is delayed yet again.
Mardi Gras’ first cruise from Port Canaveral has now been set for May 29, 2021. In addition, Carnival has cancelled the European itineraries for Carnival Legend which were to begin this May through Oct. 31, 2021.
Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations and their options for a generous future cruise credit and onboard credit package, or a full refund.
“Our guests and travel agent partners continue to express their loyalty to Carnival and their desire to get back on our ships as soon as they can, and we are heartened by the booking demand and activity we continue to see. We are certainly committed to welcoming them back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately we have determined it’s going to take a while longer, and the situation in Europe will also impact Mardi Gras’ departure to the U.S., and Carnival Legend’s itineraries in Europe,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
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Yet another delay for Mardi Gras
Carnival Cruise Line took delivery in December of its newest ship, the Mardi Gras, in a virtual signing ceremony at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland.
After several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mardi Gras had been scheduled to make its debut sailing in April 2021 from Port Canaveral.
The 180,000-gross-ton vessel will be the the first ship in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), and will have the first-ever roller coaster at sea.
Mardi Gras will accommodate more than 5,200 guests and a crew of 2,000. Guests will have the choice of more than 2,600 staterooms and 180 suites across 11 categories.
