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Carnival Cruise Line to retire two older ships

Two older Carnival Cruise Line Fantasy-class ships are to leave the fleet this year.

Carnival Sensation, which entered service in 1993, will not be part of the US line’s restart plans.

The 1991-built Carnival Ecstasy will run its last cruise for the company on October 10 after a summer of sailings from Mobile, Alabama.

The company confirmed that both 2,000-passenger vessels will leave the fleet.

In other changes to fleet deployment Carnival is cancelling planned operations in Australia by Carnival Splendor from June 10 until September 26 and Carnival Spirit from June 5 this year until October 5, 2023.

The alterations come as the line “adjusts for the continued uncertainty of cruising in Australia”.

Details for a two-ship return to Australia will be announced when they are confirmed, the company said.

Carnival’s newest ship, liquefied natural gas-powered Mardi Gras, will be joined by sister Carnival Celebration in late 2022 from Miami and Carnival Jubilee from Galveston in 2023. The line is also preparing for the transfer of Costa ship Costa Magica to the fleet this year.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “Our guests have remained passionate and supportive throughout the restart and 2022 gives us plenty of reasons for enthusiasm and excitement as we reach full operations in the US, prepare for our 50th birthday celebration, and await the arrival of Carnival Celebration this fall.

“Our very loyal guests, our vibrant homeport strategy and our fleet of popular ships are strengths to our advantage as we adapt to changing opportunities and circumstances.”

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