A conman has been jailed for six years for posing as a fake Carnival Cruise Line ship captain

Jody Oliver, 44, was said to have dressed as a cruise ship captain with a Carnival lanyard and lied to victims about discounted holidays.

Newport Crown Court reportedly heard he admitted stealing £320,315 through the scam. Oliver, of Bwlch, Powys, also created fake documents before cancelling or delaying the holidays, claiming it was a result of “security issues” or “ship problems”.

According to the BBC, he also created fictitious Carnival staff to back up his story, forwarding victims fake emails.


 Andrew Davis, prosecuting, reportedly said Oliver gave his name as Jonathan and said he was born in 1983 when he was first quizzed by police. He insisted he was a “master mariner” and had served as captain for Carnival for two years.

Concluding, Judge Richard Williams said: “You’ve devastated not only your immediate family but all those involved in this case and have left a lot of people significantly out of pocket and feeling betrayed.

“The motivating factor in your offending is your profound dishonesty and willingness to leech off those of your acquaintance.”

He ordered an investigation into Oliver’s finances so proceeds of crime hearing can be held.

TTG has approached Carnival Corporation for comment.

Carnival Publishes Luminosa’s First Itineraries

Carnival Cruise Line just published the first itineraries of the Carnival Luminosa. Currently, in service for Costa Cruises in Europe, the vessel will join the fleet of the U.S.-based operator this November.

After a winter schedule in Australia, the 2009-built ship is set to cross the Pacific Ocean ahead of its first stateside deployment in Alaska.

According to Carnival’s website, the Luminosa is debuting on November 6, 2022. On that day, the ship embarks on a seven-night cruise departing from its new Australian homeport in Brisbane.

Sailing to the Great Barrier Reef, the itinerary includes visits to Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas. Before returning to Brisbane, the vessel also sails by Willis Island, where guests can enjoy scenic cruising.

Continuing its inaugural season in Australia, the Luminosa is offering additional weeklong cruises to the region, in addition to eight- to 11-night itineraries to New Zealand and the South Pacific. Among the visited destinations are Wellington, Port Chalmers, Mystery Island and Noumea.

The schedule also includes three- and four-night getaway cruises that feature stops in Airlie Beach, in addition to sea days.

On April 13, 2023, the Carnival Luminosa starts a transpacific cruise to Seattle. Also departing from Brisbane, the 22-night voyage sails to five destinations, including Papeete, in Tahiti; Suva, in Fiji; and Honolulu, in Hawaii.

Once in the U.S., the ship kicks off its inaugural season in Alaska and Canada, with a series of seven-night voyages.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itineraries will be operated through October and feature some of the region’s most popular destinations, such as Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and more.

All of the departures also feature scenic cruising in the Tracy Arm Fjord.

Bringing Carnival to the Far East, the Luminosa concludes its first Alaska season with a special 30-night sailing to Brisbane.

Visiting five ports in Japan and additional destinations in the United States, the Philippines and Indonesia, the cruise departs Seattle on September 14, 2023.

Between October 2023 and April 2024, the vessel is set to offer a second season in Australia, with varied itineraries sailing from Brisbane.

Carnival Celebration Setting Sail in November with Relaxing Amenities

In celebration of National Relaxation Day earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Line announced details about the new Carnival Celebration’s amenities, which include the Cloud 9 spa, Loft 19 and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

The new ship is coming to PortMiami this November and will make her debut from the redesigned Terminal F on November 21, according to a press release.

“While every Carnival ship has places to relax, we took all of the fan favourites from across our fleet and brought them to Carnival Celebration to make her the ultimate space to unwind and enjoy your vacation. From our popular Cloud 9 Spa and adult-only areas to the new spaces designed just for relaxing, there will be nothing like feeling pampered while enjoying endless ocean views and vibes on Carnival Celebration,” said Christine Duffy, president, of Carnival Cruise Line.

The Cloud 9 spa is equipped with cardio and weight-training instruments, while the full-service salon features hair services and stations for manicures and pedicures. Loft 19 has been designed to serve as a retreat-style experience, and offers guests full bar service, a whirlpool, sun loungers, and spacious cabanas. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is exclusive to guests over 21 years of age, where they can grab a drink and dip in the pool, surrounded by a tranquil environment, according to the company.

Besides these amenities, the Carnival Celebration also offers a variety of pool areas, including the Havana, which is exclusive to guests who have booked Havana staterooms and suites.