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After canceling itineraries to Mexican ports due to concerns about the H1N1 virus, Carnival Cruise Lines resumed visits to Mexico after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dropped its warning on non-essential travel to the country. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May. A listing of dates for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary is available at www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/itinerary_updates.aspx.
"We are very pleased to resume our previous itineraries to Mexico, one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations, and we thank those guests who were impacted by the modified schedules in recent weeks for their understanding and patience," said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. "The health and well being of our guests and crew is our highest priority and we are returning to Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1 flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal resort areas where our ships visit."
Cahill also noted that the cruise industry works closely with U.S. public health officials in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program in developing and complying with extensive policies and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.
Visit www.carnival.com.