An announcement from a major cruise line has led to disappointment for passengers heading to the Bahamas from Miami next year.
Earlier this summer, Carnival Conquest announced its upcoming dry dock, initially scheduled for late 2025, was to be pushed back to January 2026.
However, the dry dock stint for the Conquest-class flagship has now been postponed until February 2026.
This now means a further four trips scheduled for February have been axed.
The dry dock will involve essential maintenance and potential enhancements to the vessel, which was launched in 2002.
The delay has led to the cancellation of three and four-day cruises sailing from Miami to the Bahamas scheduled for February 6, 9, 13, and 16 next year.
Carnival is working to provide refunds or offer impacted guests with a comparable cruise at the same rate.
Colleen Oliverio, vice president of Carnival guest services, told The Sun: ‘We have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun.’
Impacted guests will be able to rebook alternative cruises for the same price and awarded up to $100 (£75) in onboard credit for each stateroom.
Earlier this summer, Carnival Conquest announced its upcoming dry dock, initially scheduled for late 2025, was to be pushed back for January 2026
The delay has led to the cancellation of three and four-day cruises sailing from Miami to the Bahamas scheduled for February 6, 9, 13, and 16 next year
For those seeking a refund, they will receive their payment in full, including pre-bought extras.
An extra payment of up to $200 will be awarded to cover non-refundable flights or change charges.
Meanwhile, a cruise line is offering retirees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live permanently at sea with the introduction of a ‘Golden Passport’.
Endless Horizons is a newly formed ‘residence-at-sea’ programme set up by Villa Vie Residences, granting guests ‘lifetime living’ on a fleet of all-inclusive cruise ships.
Starting at $99,999 (£75,000), guests who hold a Golden Passport will sail continuously on cruises to more than 400 destinations across 140 countries, with each sailing lasting from three to three-and-a-half years in length.
Most of the port visits will range from two to three days, giving guests ample time to explore each destination while the ship is docked.
Guests will be offered an ‘all-inclusive lifestyle’ that covers dining, laundry, housekeeping, entertainment and internet access, as well as wine or beer served with meals.
Service charges will also be included, and ticket holders will be exempt from hidden fees and port taxes.
Impacted guests will be able to rebook alternative cruises for the the same price and awarded up to $100 in onboard credit for each stateroom
With the Golden Passport, guests will also be entitled to free annual medical check-ups to ensure their health is in top condition.
The programme offers age-bracketed pricing, with the $99,000 option specifically reserved for those aged 90 and above.
The most expensive tier, priced $299,999, is aimed at individuals aged between 55 and 60.
‘As people retire, one of their biggest fears is outliving their money,’ said Villa Vie Residences founder, Mike Petterson, as reported by Unilad.
