Carnival Cruise Line Extends Homeport COVID Testing Through Year-End

Posted on 1 December, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line has extended the availability of coronavirus testing at its homeports through the end of December 2021. This was announced in a Facebook post by the cruise line’s brand ambassador John Heald.

The testing is available for vaccinated guests who sail from Galveston, Baltimore, New Orleans and Long beach through DocGo and for vaccinated passengers sailing from Miami, Port Canaveral and Tampa via Rapid Cruise Testing.

Appointments must be made online and are non-refundable at the price of $100 per person.

Heald asked Carnival guests to use the homeport testing services only if they “exhausted all other ways to get tested such as tests by your local pharmacy, monitored home tests etc.”

“This will be more affordable plus most importantly it will give you peace of mind knowing you already have your negative result 48 hours before your fun starts,” Heald explained.

Any appointment made with the testing centres and not taken will not be refunded in December, according to him.

“The reason for this is that we had people not show up and then ask for a refund which in turn meant that people who wanted appointments could not get them. So, for December there will be no refunds made,” Heald explained.

Carnival Cruise Line Changes Face Mask and Testing Rules Fleetwide

Posted on 5 August, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line has changed its face covering and testing policies, according to Brand Ambassador and Senior Cruise Director of Carnival Cruise Line, John Heald.

From Aug. 7, all guests will be required to wear face masks indoors. This includes elevators, shops, casinos, restaurant halls and queuing areas.

“In any (indoor) area where many people are gathered and when you’re not eating or drinking, we are going to require you to wear a face mask, and this is for all guests, not just those who are unvaccinated,” said Heald in a Facebook video.

Additionally, from Aug. 14, all cruises will require all guests to test negative for coronavirus within three days before the sailing.

“That is for all guests, (including) fully vaccinated,” Heald said. “You are going to need a negative antigen test taken within three days of your cruise, and you’ll need to show proof of this.”

Heald explained that Carnival had to introduce these rules in order to “keep cruising going.”

“This is what we have to do, and we ask for your understanding … We have to be careful, and we have to get this right, and we will continue to make whatever changes we need to in order for the fun to continue,“ Heald explained.

According to him, guests cruising with Carnival Cruise Line in the next few months will be notified about the change soon.

The Carnival Pride Oct. 31 sailing will have different rules, Heald noted.

Next Vista-class ship to be named Carnival Panorama

Posted on 4 December, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line’s new Vista-class ship debuting in November 2019 will be named the Carnival Panorama.

Vista-class ships are the largest constructed for the line and hold 3,954 passengers; the Panorama’s sister ships are the Carnival Vista and the Carnival Horizon, which is set to make its debut in April.

The Panorama will feature a Havana section, complete with staterooms inspired by the tropics and a Cuban-themed bar and pool. It will have a Family Harbor section, as well, with larger accommodations and dedicated lounge. Also onboard will be a Cloud 9 Spa and the Ocean Plaza, a dining and entertainment venue with seating both indoors and outside.

Dining venues will also be located both inside and outside on the ship. The Panorama will have venues like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Liberty Bar and Bonsai Sushi.

As far as entertainment, the ship will feature the Skyride, a bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction; a WaterWorks aqua park; and a SportSquare recreation area.

“Carnival Panorama is the perfect name to reflect the design inspiration of our Vista-class ships providing more venues and opportunities to connect with the sea,” Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said. “Carnival Panorama will offer a wide variety of fun indoor and outdoor experiences along with exciting one-of-a-kind features that will provide our guests with a lifetime of wonderful vacation memories.”

Carnival said the Panorama’s homeport, itineraries and new features will be announced at a later date.