CARNIVAL CORP. PRESS RELEASE
MIAMI (07/28/98) -- Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled several
more weeks of cruises on its MS Ecstasy which experienced a fire
last week on the ship's mooring deck. The vessel is now scheduled
to re-enter service on Friday, Sept. 11, 1998.
A detailed damage assessment by shipyard technical experts has
provided a much clearer indication of the time required to complete
repairs, which are taking place at the Newport News shipyard in
Virginia.
"We are deeply saddened to be forced to disrupt the vacation
plans of our guests who were scheduled to sail on these canceled
voyages," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president.
Guests on the canceled Ecstasy sailings will receive a full
refund and 50 percent discount off a future three-, four-, five- or
seven-day cruise departing prior to Dec. 15, 1999. The half-off
discount is combinable with line's Super Saver advance purchase
savings program and certain restrictions may apply. Travel agent
commissions on the canceled sailings will be protected.
"It is very disheartening any time we are not able to fulfill
the dreams of those who have entrusted us with their vacation
plans," said Dickinson. "By offering a half-off discount on a
future cruise in addition to full refunds, we hope to ease at least
some of the disappointment," he said.
Carnival contacted travel agents with clients on sailings
through the departure of Aug. 3 last week and is faxing agents on
the remaining canceled voyages beginning today.
For additional information, agents may call Carnival's
reservations department at 1-800-327-9501.