Carnival Splendor needs additional repair time

Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled additional departures of the Carnival Splendor, the ship that had to be towed back to San Diego after a November 8 engine room fire.

To allow for added repair time, departures that are being canceled include the January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13, 2011 and the cruise ship is now scheduled to re-enter service February 20, 2011.

“As repairs have progressed and damaged components tested, additional issues have been discovered,” says Carnival. “Also, some of the needed parts are not readily available and are being manufactured in Europe. The ship is currently in San Diego, however, it will sail to San Francisco in mid-January where repairs will be completed at a dry dock facility.”

“We sincerely apologize to our guests for having to cancel these additional cruises,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO. “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. 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 canceled 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.

December 15, 2010