Tag Archives: global cruise operations

Drydock Frenzy as Cruise Lines Restart

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The resumption of global cruise operations is keeping drydock busy around the world. With more cruise ships restarting service, cruise companies are rushing to get necessary work done before welcoming the passengers back onboard, as predicted by Cruise Industry News earlier this year.

In Europe some drydocks have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cruise ships projects, almost seemingly overnight.

Popular among several cruise lines, the Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, has been one of the busiest facilities.. Working on vessels from brands such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Marella and Azamara, the yard currently has five ships in  Cádiz, with two more on the way.

According to the local press, Navantia plans to work on18 cruise ship projects through the end of the year. the year.

The work performed by the facility includes necessary classification society inspections,  technical maintenance and modernization. Recent work included the Liberty of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Celebrity Constellation, which underwent repairs and revision of propulsion and steering equipment, hydro blasting and application of silicone paint.

Marseilles, has also been a the hotspot, working closely with Carnival Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group’s Silversea.

 Carnival completed four drydocks in the facility recently, with all vessels undergoing regular maintenance and a change of hull colors. A fifth Carnival vessel – the Carnival Legend – is currently at the shipyard, along with Silversea’s Silver Spirit.

Also recently,, the Palumbo Malta Shipyard worked on several MSC ships for their restart operations. Located in Valletta, the yard was partly acquired by the MSC Group in 2020 and currently has the MSC Preziosa docked there.

Bigger Projects Making a Comeback

While most of the current drydock projects are limited to mandatory and technical work, some vessels are also seeing significant refurbishment and conversion projects in 2021.

After virtually all those projects scheduled for 2020 were cancelled or postponed, a few are now being carried out.

In April, the former Star Princess was converted into a P&O ship in Singapore. Also in Singapore, Ponant’s Paul Gauguin emerged renovated a few weeks before, with revamped interiors and cabins.

Work on Carnival Victory was also resumed recently. The vessel is set to be transformed into the Carnival Radiance with all new interiors and revamped cabins in a $200 million project. 

Another big project confirmed for the year is the conversion of the Silver Wind into an ice-class expedition vessel. Previously scheduled for 2020, the project is now set to be completed by the end of 2021.

Carnival to Make Monday Announcement on Operations

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Carnival Magic on arrival into Puerto Rico

Carnival Cruise Line will make an announcement on Monday regarding the company’s return to service, according to a post on social media.

The company had voluntarily suspended operations earlier in March for a period of one month.

“While we previously indicated we would have a decision by Friday about our return to operations, we must move that announcement to Monday, March 30. We apologize for the delay and appreciate our guests’ patience,” the company said.

Carnival Corporation agrees $3bn in borrowing as cruises halted

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Carnival Corporation is to borrow $3 billion under a credit agreement for six months as the coronavirus crisis triggered a shutdown of global cruise operations.

Tapping the credit facility will increase the group’s cash position and “preserve financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the Covid-19 outbreak”.

The proceeds from the borrowings will be available to be used for working capital, general corporate or other purposes, the corporation said.

The move to bolster the world’s largest cruise company’s financial position came as its UK brands, P&O Cruises and Cunard, suspended operations until April 11 after other brands such as Princess Cruises paused operations.

Carnival Corporation said: “Due to the spread and recent developments, including growing port restrictions around the world, related to the Covid-19 outbreak, the corporation previously announced a voluntary and temporary pause of its fleet cruise operations by its continental Europe and North American brands.

“Subsequently, the corporation implemented a temporary pause of its global fleet cruise operations across all brands. Each brand has separately announced the duration of its pause.

“Significant events affecting travel, including Covid-19, typically have an impact on booking patterns, with the full extent of the impact generally determined by the length of time the event influences travel decisions.

“The corporation believes the ongoing effects of Covid-19 on its operations and global bookings will have a material negative impact on its financial results and liquidity.

“The corporation is taking additional actions to improve its liquidity, including capital expenditure and expense reductions, and pursuing additional financing.

“Given the uncertainly of the situation, the corporation is currently unable to provide an earnings forecast, however, we expect results of operations for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2020, to result in a net loss.”

The group’s cruise lines operate 105 ships with 16 new vessels due to be delivered by 2025.