Carnival Cruise Line notified passengers on August 4, 2022, that their October 2023 sailings aboard Carnival Paradise have been canceled due to the need for the ship to enter dry dock.
While no details were released as to why the ship is going into dry dock, compensation options are being offered to affected guests.
Numerous cruises were cancelled
Cruises from October 8 to October 26 next year on board Carnival Paradise have been cancelled.
The letter sent to affected guests states, “In our continued efforts to improve our product, Carnival Paradise is now slated for dry dock. As a result, we regret to inform you that your booking has now been cancelled.”
The canceled cruises are a series of 4-5 night Western Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, all departing from the home port of the Fantasy-class ship. Tampa, Florida. In total, five cruises have now been cancelled.
According to the given dates, Carnival Paradise will resume sailing for the scheduled October 30, 2023 departure, a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise calling at Key West, Florida; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman.
Options to Rebook
Guests whose reservations are now canceled may choose to book a similar cruise on a different date, or even on a different ship if they prefer. The rebooking will have price protection from the original rate if guests select similar accommodations and a cruise that does not exceed the length of the original cruise.
“We have a number of other cruise alternatives and we’re sure you’ll find another Carnival cruise that’s packed with an equal amount of fun.” it says in the letter.
Vacation cruises, cruises to Alaska or Hawaii, European itineraries and charter cruises are not eligible for price protection.
Passengers who choose not to book will receive a full refund of their cruise ticket, as well as any pre-purchased items such as prepaid rewards, Chef’s Table Reservationsspa treatments, shore excursions or beverage packages.
Refunds will be returned to the original form of payment, but may take up to three weeks to process through individual banks. Visitors must make their selection by August 18, 2022.
“We sincerely apologize for this change and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to you sailing with us,” the letter concludes.
Dry Dock Plans
While the letter does not describe what improvements or renovations are planned Carnival Paradise during the upcoming 2023 dry dock, it is not unusual for a variety of hotel upgrades to be part of these operations. This may mean updating and replacing all linens, carpets, lighting or other improvements in guest rooms and public areas.
Drydocking operations often involve larger projects that are difficult to tackle while guests are on board, such as refinishing open deck spaces, refinishing bars or lounges, or renovating lounge areas. complete in new premises.
Carnival Paradise it last underwent minor renovations in October 2021 while out of service for the industry-wide shutdown. These renovations included routine hotel maintenance, cosmetic upgrades and the addition of a new red-white-blue hull color to the ship. The ship was one of the last in Carnival’s fleet to resume servicewelcoming guests again on March 12, 2022.
At the beginning of 2018, the 71,925 gross ton ship had a one month wider dry dock, which added Deck 14 to the ship’s bow, with 36 new suites and ocean-view rooms. The ship’s miniature golf course was also moved to the new Deck 14, and the WaterWorks waterpark was added to the ship’s aft Veranda Deck (Deck 11).
At that time, popular Guy’s Burger Joint was added to the ship, along with several other Carnival-branded dining options and bars – BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
