Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled additional departures of the Carnival Splendor including the January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13, 2011, voyages to allow for additional repair time following an engine room fire aboard the vessel in November.
The ship is now scheduled to re-enter service February 20, 2011.
The ship is currently in San Diego but will sail to San Francisco in mid-January where repairs will be completed at a dry dock facility. As some of the needed parts are not readily available and are being manufactured in Europe, the repairs will take longer than initially anticipated.
"We made our best effort back in November to estimate the necessary repair time with a strong goal of not having to modify it at a later point in time," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "Unfortunately, as the repairs have progressed and we have discovered additional issues, it is now clear that we need more time. We know this is extremely disappointing for our guests and particularly disheartening for those who already had their vacations cancelled once and are now being affected again."
Guests booked on the cancelled voyages will receive a refund or future cruise credit equal to the amount paid, along with reimbursement of air transportation-related change fees. Those who re-book may also receive a 25 percent future cruise discount and/or onboard credit depending on the ship and sailing date of the new booking.
Carnival is contacting travel agents and guests affected by the new cancellations to provide assistance and travel agent commissions on cancelled sailings are being protected.
