Carnival looks to Asia as it slashes prices to $149
What does a cruise line do after a string of negative news? It slashes prices and finds a way to make some positive headlines.
That’s just what Carnival Corp. is doing, offering April sailings from Florida for a rock-bottom $149—and itineraries from a brand new port in Singapore starting a little higher.
Carnival’s Friends and Family Event promotion offers prices from $149 for three days on the Imagination, or $169 for four days on the Sensation, for April departures. There is also a military promotion offering discounts and onboard credits.
Carnival has had a series of unfortunate episodes recently, since its Triumph foundered at sea for four days and then broke free from its moorings in a hurricane that knocked a dock worker into the water (see previous story). His body has not yet been recovered.
But moving forward, Carnival today began accepting reservation for its Princess Cruises line’s first-ever departures from Singapore. Fifteen roundtrip departures are on the schedule in a four-month season beginning fall 2014—more departures from Singapore than any other cruise line.
The itineraries include Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as less well known sites like Penang, Ko Samui, and Langkawi. A 10-day Indonesia sailing visits Jakarta, Bali, Komodo Island, and Lombok.
Princess estimated that 40,000 passengers will cruise from Singapore the first season, from Asia, North America, the UK, and Australia.
Carnival also is launching a training module for Singapore-based travel agents on its online Princess Academy.
This new season of cruises from Singapore opens for sale today, with prices starting at $549 SGD (about $450 US).
Cheryl
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