Disney Considering a ‘Competing Port’ Ahead of Miami-Dade Meeting

Posted on 13 February, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

Disney Cruise Line is considering “a competing port” to Miami for use with its expanding fleet.

This was reported in Miami-Dade County’s Memorandum ahead of the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 17.

“Disney has recently advised the Port that, prior to entering into a preferential berthing rights agreement with the County, it will conduct due diligence with a competing port regarding a long-term berthing agreement at that port,” the Memorandum reads.

Disney currently sails cruises seasonally from PortMiami, and is a key client at Port Canaveral, with a year-round presence.

However, by 2025, Disney’s fleet is expected to grow from four to seven – with the Disney Wish and two other unnamed ships entering the family.

If MSC Cruises signs a lease agreement with PortMiami for Berths 8, 9 and 10, Disney Cruise Line may share Berth 10 with MSC, getting preferential use rights over other cruise lines, according to the Memorandum.

It is not wholly clear which other port the cruise line is considering, although Port Everglades would be the closest major cruise port to Miami.

CARNIVAL EXTENDS SUSPENSION AND PUSHES BACK MARDI GRAS LAUNCH

Posted on 22 January, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

The launch of Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras has been pushed back a month after the company further extended its suspension of sailings.

The vessel will now begin operating from Port Canaveral from 29 May – amended from 24 April.

Carnival has now cancelled all US departures through to 30 April and all Australian operations until 19 May.

The line has also has axed European itineraries for Carnival Legend which were due to begin in May and operate through to 31 October.

Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations about taking a future cruise credit and onboard credit package or a full refund.

Carnival president Christine Duffy said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation’s Italian brand Costa has announced plans to resume operations on 13 March.

Costa said current Covid restrictions do not allow guests to “enjoy an adequate on-shore experience and the ability to fully explore the itinerary’s destinations”.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE TAKES DELIVERY OF MARDI GRAS

Posted on 27 December, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line has taken delivery of its new ship Mardi Gras, which is due to enter service in April 2021.

The LNG powered ship will feature Bolt, which Carnival claims will be will the “rollercoaster at sea”.

Venues, restaurants and entertainment options will be dispersed throughout Mardi Gras’s six distinct zones.

The ship’s centrepiece will be its three-deck-high atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows and movable LED screens that open to reveal an ocean view.

It will be able to accommodate 5,200 guests and 2,000 crew, with guests able to choose from 11 categories of stateroom and suite.

Mardi Gras will depart Turku in Finland later this month before heading to North America.

It will initially operate seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, with its inaugural fixed for 24 April 2021.

“Notwithstanding the delays related to the pandemic, there is tremendous enthusiasm and pent-up demand for this ship,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

“Next we will work on the development of her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, which arrives in 2022 and has sold very well since inventory opened in October.”