Wednesday Briefing: Carnival Liberty Cruise Now Cancelled, JetBlue’s Post-Election Sale

carnival libertyThe cancellation of Carnival Liberty’s Mexico cruise, a post-election flash sale from JetBlue and a study with some positive signs for family travel are the headlines to watch this morning. 

Carnival Liberty Cruise Cancelled

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled Carnival Liberty’s five-night cruise to Mexico that was originally slated to depart October 31 after a technical issue caused the ship to arrive in its homeport of Galveston several hours late, according to a statement from the line. 

Previously, Carnival had planned to have the ship sail a modified itinerary. However, when Carnival’s technical team boarded the ship after it docked in Galveston, they discovered an additional problem that meant the ship would not have been able to maintain sufficient speed to operate the itinerary as planned. 

Guests scheduled to sail on this voyage will receive a full refund of their cruise, along with a 100 percent future cruise credit and $90 per person reimbursement representing a previously promised onboard credit and stipend for meals in Galveston. 

Repairs for the ship are ongoing, and Carnival has modified two upcoming itineraries as well. The November 5 sailing will include a full day call in Cozumel but cancel a planned call in Progreso. For the four-day November 10 sailing, the ship will call in Progreso instead of Cozumel. Guests sailing on these voyages will receive a $50 per person credit to their shipboard accounts and a 25 percent discount on a future Carnival cruise, or they can cancel to receive a full refund. 

Itineraries departing November 14 and beyond are still scheduled to operate normally. 

$34 Flights From JetBlue’s Post-Election Sale

In air travel news, JetBlue is offering travelers looking for a post-election escape a two-day flash sale starting November 9 and offering flights for as little as $34, Travel + Leisure reports. 

Domestic flights on offer include the likes of Long Beach, California to Tahoe, Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, and Boston to New York City, while international flights start from $49 and include options like Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas. All fares are one way. 

Travel dates are available through February 28, with blackouts over the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays. 

Family Travel Set to Grow

In industry research, the Family Travel Association (FTA) has released a new survey with some positive signs for the family travel market. 

The study, which included top travel agents, tour operators, hotels and tourist boards, found that 87 percent of respondents believe the family travel market will grow robustly or moderately within the next three to five years. Additionally, over half of respondents said that revenue from family travel had increased by at least 5 percent in the past year, while a quarter projected that this segment will represent more than half their business in the next three to five years. 

What’s motivating family travelers? Respondents pointed to spending quality time with the family, as well as parents’ focus on exposing children to new destinations and cultures, grandparents’ wish to create multigenerational family experiences, and the expanding range of family travel products. Potential headwinds include the economy and political/global instability. 

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