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Carnival Cruise Bookings Surge 600% After Announcing August Relaunch

a cruise ship in the water
Photo by Jonathan Leonardo on Unsplash

Carnival Cruise Bookings Surge 600% After Announcing August Relaunch

Many eyes are on the cruise line industry as it reels from the impacts of coronavirus.  Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Lines announced it was scheduling its return to the sea for August 1, 2020.  That’s just a few days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to lift their “do not sail” order.  Cruise Planners, an American Express travel franchise, reports that bookings skyrocketed 600% over 3 days after the announcement. That was in comparison to the 3 days prior to the announcement. Year-over-year, the company said bookings saw a 200% increase.

Of course, this is largely dependent on the CDC lifting its current sailing restriction currently in place until July 24.  Carnival said earlier this week that cruises “could potentially operate if it was determined that cruising can resume.”  The cruise company announced possible cruises departing from Miami, Galveston, and Port Canaveral.  All other North American and Australian homeport cruises are cancelled through August 31.

Reduced Rates

Of course, Carnival is offering cruises at incredibly reduced rates.  As an example, Passengers can book a cruise from Miami in August for as low as $119 for a four-day cruise.  And the cruise line even offers an eight-day cruise for $519.  Those rates are likely a significant draw for people looking to book a cruise.

Hope For The Industry?

The number is a small sampling, but it may show a ray of light for the industry in an otherwise tumultuous time.  Cruises are considered Petri dishes of infection, given the close contact between customers for extended periods of time.  

Carnival is already facing a Congressional investigation for its handling of coronavirus outbreaks on its ships.  Congress also criticized the cruise line for its advertising during the pandemic.  At one point Diamond Princess had the highest cluster of COVID-19 cases outside of China.  That ship is owned by Carnival subsidiary Princess Cruises.

Carnival said earlier this week it is focusing operations on homeports that are largely accessible by car.  But the cruise line  cautioned, “We continue to work with various government agencies, including the CDC, as we introduce new onboard protocols, but there is no assurance of a return on August 1.”  Therefore, this is clearly a book-at-your-own-risk scenario.

Carnival Cancellation Policy

If you are planning on booking any cruise, be sure to make yourself aware of that cruise line’s cancellation policy.  As stated above, there is no guarantee cruises will be able to depart on August 1.

Carnival has different cancellation options based on the length of your cruise:

  • Cruises six or more days
    • Option 1: 100% future cruise credit and $600 onboard credit per stateroom.
    • Option 2: 100% refund
  • Cruises five days or less
    • Option 1: 100% future cruise credit and $300 onboard credit per stateroom.
    • Option 2: 100% refund

Keep in mind that you must book a cruise by 12/31/2020 to get the onboard credit, and the cruise departure date must be by 12/31/2022.  Keep in mind, cruise lines change these policies frequently and you will want to make sure you understand any updated policy before booking.

Bottom Line

Cruise lines bookings skyrocketed 600% after Carnival’s announcement, according to one travel booking company.  That’s a potential sign of life for the struggling industry, and gives hope to some that when cruising does return it will do so with a vengeance.  But be aware, if you want to book a cruise, understand the cruise line’s cancellation policy.  This decision is largely in the hands of the CDC, who could extend the do not sail order past July 24, which would prevent these cruises from sailing.  I, for one, plan on booking a Hawaiian cruise for 2021, but I’m not sure about booking one that departs in a couple of months.

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62 Comments

  1. There goes the hope that people learned their lesson, but apparently consumerist average Joe is willing to go back into packing it like sardines on a cruise or at a Disney theme park.

    1. What a shame to be so mean during these hard times I am sure carnival will give you your money back. They are very professional

    2. I am 69. Wife 65. No way in the world we will book on a cruise until there is an effective vaccine. Never. I can live without it. We will need to think long and hard about getting on planes as well or going out of the country. We have a nice trip scheduled for Japan Oct. 1st. Likely we will cancel. Need to see grand kids all over the country. Stuck in FL. covid is real and it can kill you real fast.

    1. Cruise ships are huge polluters in our oceans and I will never again take another cruise. Shame on them for their behavior that disrespects out earth.

      1. To be honest I have gone on cruises with royal Caribbean and feel their hygiene and cleanliness is second to none. Been in hotels which should take lessons from them. Also I am one of the sanest people about

        1. All you liberals just need to stop living and berating people that want to enjoy life. If you don’t have anything positive to say shelter in place until your dead. That’s is safe, until you get sick from your local grocery store you likely go to everyday.

          1. I think all you right-wing idiots should stop with the politicizing this virus. If you are a threat to me, I will continue to berate you.

    2. That’s because you are afraid of your own shadow. You should stay home and never come out so you can live in fear.

      1. Ken Koehn seems to be the only to “get” it.
        One day, these beasts will be illegal. The question is, will it be too late.
        People don’t care about the environment and our children’s future. They only care about themselves and the instant gratification.
        There are many areas in our lives that is hard to change, like driving, the use of plastics or our eating habits.
        Cruising ought not be on this list. No one needs to pleasure cruise.

        1. Nope. Who cares about the environment at the cost of not living because some wacky scientists told you the world will end. Rediculous to not live and think somebody actually cares that you don’t sail.

          1. You don’t pay my bills you’re opinion means nothing to me. Change your own eating habits and Vacation as you choose to. But don’t tell me how I can.

  2. Bought a nice amount of carnival stock while it was low. Hopeing for a triple investment return. Come on bookings let’s go. Damn if I’ll go on one but I know people will lol.

  3. I went on a cruise once, over 20 years ago, small rooms, mediocre food, over prices drinks and very crowded. If you like eating at Golden Coral and staying at Econo Lodge then you would probably like cruising.

      1. I have been over 50 cruises and had 4 more booked when the virus hit. Two of those have been cancelled. Sound like this person often stays at Econo Lodge and eats at Golden Coral which I do not do!

        1. Blue, you lier.
          Come-on 600%. Trying to fool the innocent people with numbers. A crazy person wishing to die soon will it for a cruise in such situations. You think 2 months will make a difference. Even 2 years is less for normalization. The world is still unaware of what it is facing

          1. Well if cruising gets underway and there is subsequently a spate of Covid 19 outbreaks then think the Cruise industry will be shooting themselves in the head.

            Personally, think it’s madness to contemplate a cruise anytime soon. What you going to do walk around in a gas mask?

          2. It’s a highly contagious flu. Nothing more than a panick and fear created by the liberals to try and win an election they can’t.

      2. Cruises are like everything else. The food, service and level of luxury are dependent on the price level which varies by line. I assume the particular cruise you were on was o lower prices cruise which means your negative comments should not be generalized to all cruises.

    1. Sounds like you might have gone on an economy cruise. But you are correct that everything is overpriced on a cruise. The only thing I like about cruising which I’ve been on twice is that you don’t have to unpack.

  4. Love cruising. Lots of laughs. Laughter is the best medicine. Cant wait for cruises to start again! We always disinfected all surfaces in our cabin upon first entering.

    1. Food depends on cruise line its not all bad for sure,try celebrity,royal carribean,crystal lines for example.I don’t lnow of tou ever had a veranda or jr. Suote balcony but they can be very nice,a multitude of changes in 20yrs,not little love boat ships,but giant liners,try it so etime

      1. And yet we still have not got a refund for our cancelled cruise, not even an email stating status of the return, nothing. I know there are a lot of people that need to be refunded but they need to update us. My cruise was suppose to be a month ago. They can send out emails all the time before hand to upgrade this or purchase this excursion, etc etc. But to get any email informing us on what is going on. Is not much of anything.

        1. You are so right, I’m waiting for my refund, they told me it would take 90 days to get my refund.. but when it’s time to pay off the cruise or hound you about excursions ect.. they’ll go to no end!.. it will be a while before I go on a cruise again

          1. You are so right I had to call and see whats going on with my refund. They say its being processed.

        2. There is a good bet you used a travel agent instead of booking through the cruise line itself. If not, contact your cruise planner. They can contact corporate on your behalf. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait. My suggestion would be to book directly through the cruise line and be sure to get travel insurance, instead of trying to save a couple bucks by going through a travel agent.

      2. People talking about disinfecting surfaces? You going to disinfect all the food at the buffet? What about the elevators, stair cases and the 50 waiters that touch your drinks, plates, etc? Morons… Hope you get the virus

  5. Food depends on cruise line its not all bad for sure,try celebrity,royal carribean,crystal lines for example.I don’t lnow of tou ever had a veranda or jr. Suote balcony but they can be very nice,a multitude of changes in 20yrs,not little love boat ships,but giant liners,try it so etime

  6. Have booking late December 8 days Island cruise from Sydney on the Carnival Splendour ! Will there be passenger temperature checks ? Also are passengers compelled to wear masks ?

  7. Balcony suites are great. Quality in Princess restaurants is excellent. Cabin maintenance excellent. Variety of entertainment all day and evening. Avoiding crowds is easy if you want to. What’s not to like?

    1. Hope it will be cleaned properly,all washing machines and lifts be working fully, food more to Australian tastes. The relocation cruise from Singapore to SYDNEY was the worst cruise we have been on, will NEVER
      cruise with carnival again

  8. I love Carnival. I have been on many many cruises with them. I just booked again If it is cancelled that is ok I want to support them during this hard time

  9. I love Carnival. I have been on many many cruises with them. I just booked again If it is cancelled that is ok I want to support them during this hard time

    1. I love Carnival too. It’s our favorite cruise line. Service is great, food is good and we have met lots of great people and we always have a great time. We had a cruise booked that was cancelled and we are booking another cruise tomorrow for late November. We figure it should be safe and if it isn’t, then they can cancel it. Hopefully there will be tests by then.

  10. I love Carnival and have been on many have another booked for December if they cancel it’s ok I’ll wait. Rather safe than sorry

      1. Love Carnival, too. Have 5 more booked starting October. Been on over 40 various cruises and only was sick once. Think I brought it because I got sick the 2nd day. Nothing to do with the ship.

  11. You are so right, I’m waiting for my refund, they told me it would take 90 days to get my refund.. but when it’s time to pay off the cruise or hound you about excursions ect.. they’ll go to no end!.. it will be a while before I go on a cruise again

  12. Love carnival. Been on valor, twice on fantasy. In September of next year going on glory. We are a low income family so going on a cruise is great for a vacation. Due to you pay it monthly. I budget everything before I go.

  13. I love cruising too especially on Carnival. I have been on several and has always had a great time. We had to cancel also due to Corona virus. I’m sure they’re gonna take a more sanitary approach on cleaning and serving their customers in the future. They can’t afford to lose money like this again. So I believe it will be ok to cruise in s few months. I plan to reschedule.

  14. We were on Carnival cruise March 7-12 and they were already serving food in the buffet line ( no self serve)My friend was on RC cruise same time, yet the self serve buffet for that ship
    Was still open.We found Carnival very responsible for caring for there passagers.

  15. Read all the comments. Why people think politics and liberal, etc. dumbfounds me. This is a virus. Unlike some other deadly viruses, this one transmits very easily and it can be very deadly. It is not political at all. It is a virus. Period. For those that want to get on out there and live again and cruise again I say go for it. Your choice. For those like me and my wife, who will wait for an effective vaccine….that is my choice. I urge everyone to stop thinking of this as politics or the November election or liberal or conservative. This is a damn virus and we are not even in the 2nd inning of a 9 inning game.

  16. What’s up with all the “poosies” on here? Are you all really afraid of your own shadow that bad? Do you know that the flu killed 60k Americans last year and 80k the year before? Are you all really going to live in fear over a lie told to you be a corrupt lying media? My God. When did my strong Americans become pansie ass Canadians or worse…the French?

  17. Cruise ships have become a place where everyone with a commom sense would not go to neither as a guest nor as a crew member.As for me, I would never risk my life by going to a cruise.
    Last but not least – by not buying a ticket for a cruise, I would not support the slavery, inequality, racism and all forms of discrimination which are wide spread on all cruise ships.Of course all these shameful practices are not open, but latent.

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