Carnival Cruise Line Raises Food Prices, Makes More F&B Changes

Posted on 4 November, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise’s iconic Whale Fluke Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Citing inflation, higher fuel prices and supply chain challenges, in an effort to cut down on food waste, Carnival Cruise Line is making a number of food and beverage adjustments.

In a letter sent to booked guests, Carnival cited food supply chain challenges that have been further complicated by global politics and a “myriad of laws regarding how we should source products and how crops and animals are farmed and handled.”

Carnival said it had reached a point with its food costs where it must take a modest but specific action.

Changes:

Steakhouse prices increased to $48 per person from $42.
Prices are speciality dining restaurants on select ships will increase, with Carnival citing rising food costs.
In the main dining room, the free lobster will continue to be offered on cruises lasting six days or more but will be moved to the second elegant evening.
Free 24/7 ice cream is being trimmed back to set hours.
Guests ordering the third entrée in the main dining room will see an additional $5 charge.

The company noted that for sailings departing through Dec. 31, speciality dining reservations paid in advance will be charged the current price, but reservations made onboard will be subject to new prices.

Carnival Cruise Line is set to embark on its “largest-ever” period of growth in its 50-year history.

Posted on 2 November, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Following the launch of Carnival Luminosa earlier this year, the brand will add five more ships to its fleet over the next two years, the next being the delivery of two Excel-class vessels, Carnival Celebration to Miami and Carnival Jubilee to Texas.

As part of the expansion plan, Carnival will also introduce a new concept – “Carnival Fun Italian Style” – with two additional ships from sister brand Costa Cruises, starting with Carnival Venezia next spring, sailing year-round from New York, and Carnival Firenze in 2024 out of from Long Beach.

“Carnival Luminosa is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Australia, and the start of a period of growth unlike any other in Carnival’s 50-year history,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Having a Brisbane-based ship has been a goal of ours for quite some time, so we are so happy that they are the first market globally to experience the big, bright, fun that this ship has to offer and so excited to give our guests more Carnival ships and itinerary options to sail over the next two years.”

Luminosa – which arrived at its homeport of Brisbane on Monday (31 October) – will sail on its first cruise on 6 November and operate 28 sailings through 13 April 2023, visiting 60 ports across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

The sailings will support Carnival Australia’s anticipated $165 million contribution to the Queensland economy this year.

Carnival Luminosa Arrives in Brisbane Ahead of New Season

Posted on 1 November, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

The Carnival Luminosa arrived in Queensland last week at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, while it will become the first Carnival ship to depart from the port, according to a press release.

From November 2022 to April 2023, the Carnival Luminosa will set sail from Brisbane across 28 voyages and it will visit a number of Queensland destinations, including Airlie Beach and The Great Barrier Reef. From May 2023, the ship will reposition to Seattle before returning to Queensland later that year, according to Carnival Cruise Line.

“Brisbane is the first market globally to experience the big, bright, fun that Carnival Luminosa has to offer and we thank Queenslanders for their patience, love and support,” said Kara Glamore, vice president, of Carnival Cruise Line Australia.

Carnival revealed some of the ship’s features earlier this month, including a 10-deck-high atrium, a multi-million dollar bronze sculpture by the world-renowned artist Fernando Botero, a sunset bar, a two-deck-high sky dome, and one of the largest spas and thermal areas in its fleet.

“Having a Brisbane-based ship has been a goal of ours for quite some time and it’s only appropriate that our ship in the Sunshine State is packed with natural light, plus the hospitality and fun that Carnival is famous for,” added Glamore.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, 61 of the Luminosa’s windows were lit with “We ❤ QLD” across her 290m+ length, sending a special message to locals.