The AIDAsol 2024/2025 world cruise is now open for bookings for individual legs. The duration of the voyages varies between 33 and 84 days - a great opportunity to enjoy the world cruise in shorter legs and discover unique destinations. For example, guests can travel from Hamburg to San Antonio, the port of Santiago de Chile, in 36 days or to fantastic destinations such as French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and Mauritius in 48 days. Another highlight is the leg from Mauritius to Hamburg with stops on La Réunion, in South Africa, Namibia and the Canary Islands.   The entire AIDA World Cruise will depart from Hamburg on October 23, 2024, visiting 41 ports and 17 countries in 117 days. The voyage with AIDAsol will return to Hamburg on February 17, 2025, and can be booked from 14,445 euros per person at the AIDA PREMIUM rate for a 2-person cruise (inside cabin IB), including a 3,000 euro early-bird discount for bookings made by April 30, 2024.   The individual legs can be booked from 3,650 euros per person at the AIDA PREMIUM price based on 2-person occupancy (inside cabin IB), including a 700-euro early booking discount if booked by April 30, 2024. Contingent is limited.   Unforgettable highlights   Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Golden beaches, subtropical forests and Sugar Loaf Mountain: The locals simply call their city "Cidade Maravilhosa" - the fantastically beautiful city. Fall in love with the rhythm of Rio and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants.   Napier: This new AIDA port is famous above all for its classicist architecture from the 1930s. The New Zealand Art deco city is also home to many Maori motives and patterns.   Tauranga: All of the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies were filmed in various locations in New Zealand. Guests can still admire the Shire with the hamlet of Hobbingen not far from the city center - in the seemingly endless greenery around Matamat.   Melbourne: Guests can celebrate their New Year's Eve in the Australian metropolis! Along the Yarra River, in the Birrarung Marr parks, at Federation Square or on the deck of AIDAsol - you have a perfect view of the fireworks and drone show from everywhere.   South Africa & Namibia: Here, guests experience the charms of Africa in all its beauty: from the charm and picturesque Table Mountain backdrop of Cape Town to the awe-inspiring African wildlife and towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert.   These are the bookable legs of the World Cruise 2024/2025:   From Hamburg to San Antonio from October 23, 2024 to November 28, 2024 (36 days) from €4,895* p. p. incl. €700 early bird plus discount From San Antonio to Mauritius from November 28, 2024 to January 15, 2025 (48 days) from €8,295* p. p. incl. €1,000 early bird plus discount From Mauritius to Hamburg from January 15, 2025 to February 17, 2025 (33 days) from €3,650* p. p. incl. €700 early bird plus discount From Hamburg to Mauritius from October 23, 2024 to January 15, 2025 (84 days) from €12,445* p. p. incl. €1,700 early bird plus discount From San Antonio to Hamburg from November 28, 2024 to February 17, 2025 (81 days) from €11,265* p. p. incl. €1,700 early bird plus discount From Hamburg to Sydney from October 23, 2024 to December 29, 2024 (67 days) from €9,790* p. p. incl. €1,400 early bird plus discount From Sydney to Hamburg from December 29, 2024 to February 17, 2025 (50 days) from €6,300* p. p. incl. €1,000 early bird plus discount Booking and further information on AIDAsol and the legs of the world cruise available now at travel agencies, at the AIDA Customer Center at +49 381 20 27 07 07 or at www.aida.de.   Rostock, August 4, 2023   * AIDA PREMIUM price per person based on double occupancy (inside cabin IB), including early bird plus discount for bookings made by April 30, 2024, subject to availability.

  Costa Cruises launches "Morocco and Tunisia: a journey of the senses”, the second cruise in 2023 featuring exclusive experiences dedicated to members of C|Club, the Italian cruise company’s loyalty program.   An unmissable cruise starting from the two-week itinerary, a real journey through colors, flavors and scents of unforgettable destinations, such as Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, France, and Spain. Departure from Italy will be Sept. 23, 2023, from Savona, on board of Costa Favolosa, then leaving for Civitavecchia/Rome, Palermo, Tunis (Tunisia), Cartagena (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), Casablanca (Morocco) with a one-and-a-half day call to allow guests to live fantastic excursions to Marrakech, Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Marseilles (France), and return to Savona on Oct. 7.   A rich program reserved for C|Club members has been designed for this second cruise-event, including excellent gastronomic experiences, themed parties, unique shows and excursions organized especially for the cruise.   Tony Hadley will be the super special guest of this event. The former Spandau Ballet leader will perform aboard for C|Club members, offering a dive into the 1980s with the most famous hits of his career, as well as his new singles. There will also be dedicated moments for photos and autographs with fans.   But that's not all! The 6-star Michelin chef Hélène Darroze, who together with Bruno Barbieri and Ángel León signs Costa Cruises' gastronomic excellence, will be on board to propose some never-before-tried Destination Dishes, which will convey through taste the destinations visited. In addition, she will be the protagonist of a spectacular cooking experience together with C|Club members, who under her guidance will be able to try to create typical Moroccan and Tunisian dishes through easy recipes using local ingredients.   Staying on the topic of taste, during the cruise C|Club members will find another excellent signature: Riccardo Bellaera, Costa's Corporate Pastry & Bakery Chef, close associate of the Maestro dei Maestri of international pastry, Iginio Massari. Riccardo Bellaera will delight C|Club members with his creations, devised especially to celebrate the itinerary destinations, involving them in entertaining cooking and pastry shows.   For an immersion in local culture, not to be missed are the Destination Moments, a series of events and lectures on the history and use of the spices that make Morocco and Tunisia so special.   In addition to the Welcome party, fun play and art activities, with lessons in traditional local painting and decorating, Costa Favolosa's crew will entertain guests with a Birthday Party dedicated to Costa's 75th birthday. The program of entertainment includes also themed parties: the "Desert Night," a sensory journey through the scents, flavors and traditions of Morocco and Tunisia, with amazing experiences such as the tea ceremony and ritual drawings with henna, and the "Mediterranean in festa," to celebrate the traditions and street food of the Mediterranean. Special guests on board will include South African singer Talia Alexis, who will perform an international music show and a tribute to Tina Turner, while also engaging C|Club members in a fun singing challenge.   Finally, new excursions have also been created especially for this cruise, with local gastronomic experiences, moments of pure relax, and unexpected sights and attractions. For example, it will be possible to relax with steam baths in the “Arabian” part of Cadiz; enjoy the view of Casablanca from the world's highest minaret; experience an authentic culinary experience in Tunis; and admire the colors of Rabat and Fez.

Carnival Cruise Line is expanding use of facial biometric tech to speed up the debarkation process in partnership with the CBP. The service has already been used by more than three million Carnival guests. Nine of Carnival's 14 U.S. homeports are using this service including Miami, Port Canaveral, Mobile, Galveston and Long Beach. Carnival says facial biometrics has speeded up debarkation by an average of 30%. "We're doing everything we can to make the debarkation process as simple as possible for our guests," said Christine Duffy, president. "Thanks to our partnership with CBP, these technology solutions make the process more efficient." Guests pause at a kiosk with a camera and take a photo. Within seconds, the image is biometrically compared to their passport or visa photo to verify the guest's identity. It has over 98% accuracy. US travelers and some foreign nationals who prefer to opt out of the facial biometric process can request a manual document check. .

Carnival Cruise Line is bolstering business support for travel agents. It will roll out  business growth opportuniies with a series of business improvement events and competitions. The eight-part event series brings small business and entrepreneurship experts to coach travel agents. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA partner, the America's Small Business Development Center Network, will provide business advice. SBA leaders will provide resources to advisors across the country. Advisors will also hear from CLIA reps, ASTA and Carnival's business development team. They will dispense special training on social media, Carnival booking tools and developing business plans. Advisors can enter the Your Winning Plan competition. Shark Tank’s Daymond John will take part in a fireside chat to share business expertise during the final event in Houston. John will present the grand prize to the  Your Winning Plan's champion. Your Winning Plan is open to all travel advisors across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Events take place in seven cities, plus an all-virtual event. It kicks off in June in San Jose, Detroit and Las Vegas on July 7; Nashville on July 14; Denver on July 19; and Richmond, Va. on July 28 The grand finale event is in Houston on Sept. 27. "Your Winning Plan emphasizes the win-win partnerships between travel advisors and Carnival Cruise Line," said Adolfo Perez, Carnival trade marketing SVP. Your Winning Plan's competition will choose seven semi-finalists, one from each event. In addition to a $2,500 prize to use toward implementing their winning business plans, each semi-finalist will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the grand finale event. Attendees will also hear from President Christine Duffy, Perez and members of Carnival's leadership team.  

Carnival Corporation announced the appointment of Paul Ludlow as Carnival UK president in addition to his leadership role for P&O Cruises. In this new consolidated position, Ludlow will assume all commercial and operational responsibility for Carnival UK including P&O Cruises and Cunard globally. New Cunard president Katie McAlister, who joins in August, will report to Ludlow. The leadership change sees Sture Myrmell leave the business. Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein said: “Paul’s deep expertise, coupled with proven leadership make him the clear choice.” Weinstein added: “I would also like to thank Sture for 30 years of dedicated service. We wish him well.” Ludlow’s expanded role is effective from June 1, 2023. “Next year will be a momentous one for Cunard with the arrival of our new ship and our fourth Queen,” Ludlow said.

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The Italian company is offering five Mediterranean cruises during the Easter holiday period. Big news then in spring-summer, with the return of the flagship Costa Toscana to the Mediterranean, the re-entry into service of Costa Diadema after major restyling work, and Costa Fortuna's itineraries between Greece and the Balearic Islands.

  Costa Cruises takes the spotlight in the Easter holidays 2023. Over the next weekend, the Italian company is offering five different cruises in the western Mediterranean, including two one-week cruises with the flagships Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda, two 5-day and 4-day mini-cruises with Costa Pacifica and Costa Fascinosa, and a two-week cruise on Costa Diadema, bound for the Canary Islands. Costa Firenze and Costa Favolosa will also be offering cruises in South America over the Easter period.   Costa Deliziosa, on the other hand, will be sailing on the final part of her Around the World cruise, with the evocative passage through the Panama Canal, while Costa Fortuna is completing her transatlantic cruise from South America to Italy.   On all Costa ships there is a dedicated programme to celebrate Easter on board, with special dishes and entertainment activities.   “Sales in the last three months have been robust. Ship occupancy is growing steadily, and summer programs are selling very quickly with a high demand for cabins. This is a very encouraging outlook, considering that our capacity in the Mediterranean has increased compared to 2019, while keeping our capacity in Northern Europe constant, thanks to the entry of new, state-of-the-art ships into the fleet in the last three years, such as Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda” – said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.   Costa's Easter cruises mark the start of the spring-summer 2023 season. Among the new proposals, there are the return of the flagship Costa Toscana to the Mediterranean, the re-entry into service of the Costa Diadema and the Costa Fortuna itineraries.   After a winter in the Arabian Gulf, Costa Toscana returned to the Mediterranean over the Easter holiday period, offering one-week cruises to Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Cagliari, Naples and Civitavecchia/Rome, joining the sister ship Costa Smeralda, already in the Mediterranean, which offers a one-week itinerary to Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca (Ibiza in summer), Palermo, and Civitavecchia/Rome.   The third Costa ship positioned in the western part of the Mediterranean is Costa Diadema. During the winter break, the ship underwent major renovation work, introducing new experiences to make the holiday on board even more unique. Such as the Archipelago restaurant, where guests can enjoy menus created exclusively for Costa by chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León; the Sushino at Costa, a sushi bistro by the sea, also featuring a lounge with live music; the Fiorentina Steak House, offering the best of Italian and international meats; the Sunset Bar, for an aperitif during "golden hour" on a seafront terrace; and a completely revamped Aperol Spritz bar. From Easter 2023, Costa Diadema will offer two-week cruises to the Canary Islands, followed, from 7 May, by a one-week itinerary with calls in Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Cagliari or Ajaccio (depending on departures), Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Marseille.   From 13 April, Costa Fortuna, having completed the season in South America, will also return to the western Mediterranean. After a 3-day mini-cruise, she will start offering 14-day itineraries, first to Turkey and then to the Canary Islands. In the summer, the ship will offer a never-before-seen two-week itinerary, which will make it possible to visit the Greek and Balearic islands in a single holiday, with Savona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Messina, four magnificent islands in Greece, such as Crete (with a call in Heraklion), Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia (with a call in Argostoli), Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic islands, and then Barcelona and Marseille.   Costa's offer in the Mediterranean will be completed by Costa Deliziosa, which will explore Marghera/Venice, Katakolon/Olympia (Greece), Mykonos (Greece) Santorini (Greece) and Bari, and Costa Pacifica, which will visit Taranto, Costa's new port of call, Catania, Malta, Mykonos and Santorini. Both itineraries are one week long.   Northern Europe cruises will be available from May to September. Costa Fascinosa will offer 12-day itineraries to the North Cape, or nine-day cruises to the most beautiful cities in the Baltic; Costa Favolosa will visit Iceland, the Lofoten Islands, Greenland, a new destination for this summer, or Great Britain and Ireland; Costa Firenze will offer one-week cruises in the Norwegian fjords.   For those with only a few days available, in spring there are mini-cruises to France and Spain, from 3 to 5 days, with Costa Fascinosa and Costa Pacifica. For a longer break, in addition to Costa Fortuna and Costa Diadema, in spring there are Costa Pacifica cruises to Israel and Egypt; Costa Firenze, Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa cruises from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, with the possibility of choosing the reverse itinerary, from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, in September; and finally Costa Fascinosa's 10-day Lisbon cruises and Costa Favolosa's 11-day Morocco cruises.   It is still available the 75th Anniversary promotion to book a Costa’s cruise in spring and summer, with 75 cruises at a special price.

 

Vacation time is family time on the AIDA ships: At Easter and Whitsun, during the summer and fall vacations in 2023, AIDA Cruises now offers more reasons for a family break aboard the cruise fleet. On selected cruises, guest artists will accompany the most wonderful time of the year with exciting hands-on workshops and entertaining shows. For young cruisers, the program includes special sports activities such as freestyle soccer tricks, American football workshops, and dance classes with the pros. Those who like it more musical can produce their own radio play or listen to the mini-musical "Ocean Kids" or the show "Ritter Rost auf Kreuzfahrt". For the very young guests, there will be exciting chamber puppet shows in Studio X for the first time this year.

 

Over the 2023 Easter holidays, the Unique Freestylers will be guests on board AIDAdiva from April 6 to 14 from Hamburg/to Warnemünde and on board AIDAprima from April 8 to 15 from/to Hamburg. The Unique Freestylers convince with extraordinary ball acrobatics, spectacular moves, and a breathtaking show. In their workshops, young and old soccer fans can learn fantastic tricks and juggling and impress their audience with lots of soccer fun.

 

New this year on AIDA Cruises is the chamber puppet show on board AIDAnova and AIDAcosma. They will delight young audiences in Studio X with the well-known classics "Der kleine Rabe Socke" and "Das Sams." Children can experience the puppet shows live on board on the voyages with AIDAnova from May 13 to 20, 2023 from Hamburg/to Kiel, as well as on board AIDAcosma on the 7-day voyages from/to Palma de Mallorca on July 8,15,22 and 29, 2023, and on August 5, 12 and 19, 2023. Back on board this year for an extensive AIDA Kids and Teens program is the radio play production by TonPony. In the free workshops, children and teens can conceptualize their own vacation radio play. TonPony will be on board the voyages from May 27 to June 3, 2023, with AIDAnova from/to Kiel and on board AIDAluna from August 13 to 30, 2023 also from/to Kiel.

 

Also new this year for the 2023 summer vacations is the American football workshop "Football Ahoy". Under the guidance of former national league players, participants on board AIDAnova can learn the basics of this exciting team sport and actively experience it on the voyage from July 22 to 29, 2023.

 

The professional dancers Renata & Valentin Lusin are several times as Edutainer with dance courses for adults on board the AIDA fleet. This year, for the first time, they are also giving dance classes for kids & teens. On board AIDAmar from August 14 to 24, 2023 from/to Warnemünde, younger guests can now also learn basic steps and advanced figures in cha-cha-cha, waltz, discofox, tango and salsa in various workshops. Also, on board AIDAdiva, on the voyage from July 29 to August 5, 2023, from/to Warnemünde, young dancers can learn a hot sole: Patricija and Alexandru Ionel, reigning world champions in showdance, are guesting on board for various dance workshops.

 

During the upcoming fall vacations, Ritter Rost is going on a cruise again! From October 1 to 11, 2023 on board AIDAbella from Hamburg to Palma de Mallorca, cabaret artist and author Felix Janosa invites you to a family show "Ritter Rost auf Kreuzfahrt". Singing along, joining in, and laughing along is guaranteed. In addition, there will be a cheerful reading with great songs on the piano for the whole family with Felix Janosa: "Fjodor, cheeky captain". Also, during the fall vacations, the mini-musical "Ocean Kids" by DIE NIXEN will be performed on board AIDAprima on the voyage from October 21 to 28, 2023 from/to Hamburg. The musical little sea "Ocean Kids" tells the story of the little mermaid and her friend, the whale.

 

In addition to the numerous attractions with celebrity guest artists, an AIDA vacation for the entire family offers a unique combination of action and adventure with supervision for kids and teens. The extensive children's offerings also include a variety of show and TV formats, such as the "Young Stars - AIDA Kids & Teens Talents" show. For the older ones, there is a "Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Teens Edition" on some voyages as well as a "The Voice of the Ocean - Teens Special" or "1,2 or 3" in Studio X - only on board AIDAnova and AIDAcosma. On board AIDAnova, kids and teens can set the Action Wall in Studio X ablaze. A variety of voyages feature the popular Kids Prime Time live from the Theatrium. The entertainment manager presents the little sailors with a colorful mix of fun and games with exciting guests like the AIDA Clubbies and show spots of the AIDA stars.

 

In classic fashion, there is the AIDA Cinema with family films from the current film lineup and the AIDA Family Bingo. Other highlights are the Kids' Question Time with the officers and the "Family Ocean Lounge", where lecturers have prepared child-friendly presentations on the destinations visited for the whole family. At the AIDA Clubbie Disco, all young cruisers with an affinity for dancing will get their money's worth. Afterwards, the day ends with a bedtime story (on board AIDAcosma, AIDAperla, AIDAprima and AIDAnova). 

 

The whole family can experience sports and fun together at Fit4Drums, AIDA Family Race Slides, Imagination Playground, Loopy Ball, Family Climbing, Bowling and much more (offers vary depending on ship class).

 

Numerous workshops invite kids & teens to join in: cocktail workshop, cooking school, sushi workshop and fruit carving, as well as beauty workshop, sauna night, fitness classes, towel origami and DJ workshop.

 

One of the highlights per vacation trip is the AIDA Family Festival: the various departments on board present themselves in a playful way. The families complete a rally across the entire ship with many hands-on stations.

 

Unique offers for different age groups, family-friendly cabins and prices, and exciting excursions for a wide range of interests make the family vacation perfect.

 

Children cruise for free

 

AIDA offers families with children particularly attractive travel deals. Children under 2 years of age always travel free on AIDA. Children from 2 to 15 years of age travel free of charge in seasonal periods X and S, or at low fixed prices in their parents' cabin in seasonal periods A, B and C. Young people up to the age of 24 are also entitled to a low fixed price in their parents' cabin. In their own cabin, children from 2 to 15 years receive a 35% discount - youths from 16 to 24 years receive a 25% discount. This discount applies to the 1st and 2nd bed of the cabin (except suites, exception AIDAcosma and AIDAnova: child and youth discount also valid in Junior Suites).

 

Family friendly cabins

 

Families can choose between 3- and 4-bed cabins as well as Junior Suites and Suites. Especially family-friendly are the cabins with connecting doors, which are available aboard all AIDA ships. On board AIDAcosma, there are the veranda and balcony cabins with extra space or with a walk-in closet, with a spacious veranda, somewhat smaller balcony, or a 12.5 m² sun deck. If you want a little more of everything - more living space and more room in the sun - the Veranda Cabin Deluxe is recommended. Depending on the cabin, it can be occupied by up to five people (also on board AIDAperla, AIDAprima and AIDAnova). This means families with three children can look forward to an even more comfortable vacation together.

  Carnival UK brands honoured the travel trade and industry figures last night during the annual UK Cruise Awards.   The event, now in its seventh year, recognises cruise specialist agents for their business and loyalty to six Carnival Corporation & PLC brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.   More than 200 travel partners attended the ceremony, which was held at Madame Tussauds in London. The awards were hosted by TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.   Each brand gave two awards, the first for ‘Partnership Development’ and the second for ‘Outstanding Contribution’.   In addition, four multi-brand awards were given for ‘Innovative Marketing Campaign’, ‘Outstanding Customer Care’, ‘Rising Star’, and ‘Outstanding Contribution’.   Dame Irene Hays was honoured with ‘Outstanding Contribution’ for her achievements and dedication in supporting all six brands.   The winners were as follows: -   Carnival Cruise Line  

• Partnership Achievement Award – Cruise 1st

Highly Commended – Barrhead Travel

• Outstanding Contribution – Iglu Cruise

Highly Commended – Cruise Nation   Cunard  

• Partnership Achievement Award – Iglu Cruise

Highly Commended – Hays Travel

• Outstanding Contribution – ROL Cruise

Highly Commended – Imagine Cruising   Holland America Line  

• Partnership Achievement Award – Trailfinders

Highly Commended – Iglu Cruise

• Outstanding Contribution – Canadian Affair

Highly Commended – Stewart Travel   P&O Cruises  

• Partnership Achievement Award – Travel Village

Highly Commended – Fred Olsen Travel

• Outstanding Contribution – Hays Travel

Highly Commended – Bolsover Cruise Club   Princess Cruises  

• Partnership Achievement Award – Travel Counsellors

Highly Commended – Cruise.co.uk

• Outstanding Contribution – Reader Offers

Highly Commended – Iglu Cruise   Seabourn  

• Partnership Achievement Award – Six Star Cruises

Highly Commended – Travel Counsellors

• Outstanding Contribution – The Sovereign Cruise Club

Highly Commended – Trailfinders   Multi-Brand  

• Innovative Marketing Campaign – Imagine Cruising
• Outstanding Customer Care – Bolsover Cruise Club
• Rising Star – Gemma Pallister, ROL Cruise
• Outstanding Contribution – Dame Irene Hays

All Carnival cruise brands have re-imposed mandatory mask-wearing on Australia cruses. The company said it is ‘out of an abundance of caution’ after a recent sailing led to hundreds of infections. There has been an uptick in community infections across New South Wales and Victoria. Cases in the states have than doubled in only two weeks “Mask wearing is being applied on board all Carnival Corporation brand ships operating in Australia as an additional safeguard,” Carnival Australia said. Masks were scrapped for passengers in February. Carnival requires masks to be worn in indoor public spaces, and when boarding and disembarking the ship Masks are also required for outdoors events when social distancing is difficult. "At a time when Australia is faced with a rapid rise of cases, it's critical everyone plays their part," Carnival Australia added.

Carnival Cruise Line is lifting some pre-embarkation testing requirements. From August 4, it will waive pre-cruise testing for fully vaccinated guests for cruises no longer than five days. Pre-cruise testing remains for longer voyages and for all unvaccinated guests. Tests can be taken up to three days before departure. Carnival states ‘all adjustments are subject to any destinations on the itinerary.’ Royal Caribbean recently announced that it would no longer require testing for vaccinated guests on short cruises.

Carnival Corp is sending two ships in Costa Cruises’ fleet to America. Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze will shift to the North American market, creating a new sub-brand within Carnival Cruise Line. They will become ‘Costa by Carnival’ ships, offering Costa’s Italian style to American guests Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze will be deployed in the US in 2023 and 2024 respectively. “We are excited to see these iconic Costa ships make their debut in the US under the leadership and operation of our sister brand,” said Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises. “Given the slow restart of the Asian operations and the strong restart of cruises in the US, we decided to seize this opportunity.” It is a unique opportunity for guests who ‘love the culture, food and vibe of Italy,’ said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Corp is shifting a ship between sister brands. Costa Luminosa will move from Costa Cruises to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in September. The ship will then be known as Carnival Luminosa Luminosa’s move to CCL replaces earlier plans for Carnival to take Costa Magica, which have been shelved. Luminosa starts life as a Carnival ship in October with a season sailing from Brisbane, Australia until April 2023. The ship has a guest capacity of 2,826 Itineraries out of Brisbane will be announced soon. They will likely include the Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. After Brisbane, the ship will reposition to Seattle for an Alaska season before returning again to Brisbane. “Our Spirit-class ships are very popular with our guests, and Luminosa will be a great addition. This will allow Carnival to finally start our itineraries from Brisbane, so we’ll have two ships operating in Australia for the high season Down Under,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Splendor arrives in Sydney to restart sailing year-round in October.