Carnival Cruise Line has decided to offer passengers a reschedule or cancellation of the booked cruises from this moment to 14th of January without paying cancellation fees and have a full refund. 

Those guests were notified through a letter from Carnival Cruise Line’s president Christine Duffy, which contains lots of details regarding current protocols and other pressing matters.

“We are carefully monitoring the situation with the Omicron variant,” she says, “and have taken steps to strengthen our protocols.”

The further details refer to a wide explanation of what life on board looks like for those who choose to sail, so no misunderstandings take place at all, precising what is expected of them.  

“As a reminder, all our crew wear masks at all times, are fully vaccinated, and are receiving booster shots when eligible,” it reads. It adds that “nearly all” passengers are vaccinated, and that anyone two or older must present a negative COVID test before boarding.

When it comes to masks, it is written that masks indoors are required at all times, except when inside their stateroom or having a meal. It is recommended to use a higher-grade mask, with two or more layers, with mouth and nose covered.

The letter also reminds guests of the recent change for the casinos: “There is no smoking allowed in the casino.”  Also, in case of positive cases on board, which happened on several ships despite of the rigorous protocols, Duffi continues “Should that happen, we are prepared to actively manage the situation, protect guest and crew health, and operate your cruise.”

One thing Carnival has limited control over is port availability. “We want you to know that we may encounter a decision by local authorities at a destination to limit or deny the ship from entering the port,” the missive explains. Should a port deny entry, Carnival says they will “do our best to find an alternative destination.”

If, however, they wind up having to spend the day at sea as opposed to visiting a port, “there will be no compensation for a missed port.”

The shore excursions will be refunded only. 

“We recognize that given the circumstances, some of our guests may want to consider sailing at a different time,” Duffy concludes.

It is unknown for now what will happen with the booked cruises after 14th of January, all the interested can do is wait and follow the evolution of the crisis.