Carnival Cruise Line changed itineraries for 21 cruises aboard her cruise ship Mardi Gras. Since then, there has been much speculation as to why Carnival did this. The situation becomes much clearer in a statement from the Port Authority of Puerto Rico.
According to local authorities, the changes were made as a cost-saving exercise. Instead of sailing to San Juan, Carnival has chosen ports closer to the cruise ship’s home port, Port Canaveral, Nassau in the Bahamas.
Port Authority clarifies Mardi Gras itinerary changes
Many guests who booked a cruise on board Mardi Gras between the end of December 2022 and April 2024 there was a disappointing surprise this week. Carnival Cruise Line announced that it had been removed San Juan Puerto Ricofrom the itineraries of this period.
While it’s not unusual for a cruise line to make changes to an itinerary, dropping a port for up to 21 sailings was certainly unexpected. The cruise line gave no reason for the changes, saying only the following:
“As we continue to work out our operational plans for your cruise, we have replaced our call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a visit to Nassau, Bahamas. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to welcoming you on board for a FUN and memorable cruise.”
However, the Port Authority has shed some light on the situation. In a written statement released by authorities in Puerto Rico, Port Authority Executive Director Joel Pizá said Wednesday that Mardi Gras Cruise ship route changes from the Port of San Juan are not due to the recent formalization of a public-private alliance.
Some may remember that San Juan entered recently in a service agreement with Global Ports Holdings. The company will be the exclusive port service provider and will also build a new dock.
“Essentially, the reason expressed by Carnival is of a financial nature, related to the cost of fuel and others that they have explained to their shareholders, customers and suppliers.” Pisa said.
According to the port director, Carnival made their plans clear a few days ago during the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (CCA) Annual Convention.
Is San Juan too expensive to sail?
Given the rising cost of fuel, and natural gas in particular, the reasoning given by the port director makes sense. According to him, Carnival management stated that saving fuel and maintaining their profit margins are the main reasons behind the move.
Joel Piza further stated that management had told him Mardi Gras would stop sailing the 7-day itineraries and replace them with shorter 3-4 day voyages closer to Port Canaveral. Given that there has been no mention or confirmation from Carnival Cruise Line that it would be making a move in that direction.
Carnival Cruise Line made a similar exchange Mardi Gras‘ San Juan calls Nassau in February of this year; This latest change appears to be simply a continuation of that fix.
“We have had further conversations with Carnival and hope that their economic situation improves and that their business model can sustain more cruises with longer itineraries and more stops in Puerto Rico.” said the official.
While guests may not like these changes, there is little they can do about it. Cruise lines reserve the right to make changes to their itineraries for any reason without having to explain these or provide compensation for missed ports.
It also cannot be denied that Carnival Cruise Line has worked hard to strengthen its financial position. The changes were necessary with a stock price for parent company Carnival Corporation that has been at record lows in recent months. The removal of San Juan is the next step in this process.
