Carnival Cruise Line has canceled all future port stops to Antigua AntiguaNewsRoom.com is reporting.
Carnival had four cruise ships scheduled to visit Antigua through 2020. Now, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Pride will visit an alternative port instead of Antigua.
Antigua News said that the reason for the cancellations by Carnival Cruise Line was due to a statement from Prime Minister Gaston Browne accusing the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association of “exploiting the region”.
While Carnival Cruise Line is currently the only cruise line to cancel port stops to Antigua, they are expecting other lines owned by Carnival Corporation to also cancel visits to the Caribbean cruise port. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Seabourn currently have scheduled visits to Antigua.
The Prime Minister gave the following statement to Antigua News Room about the cancellations by Carnival Cruise Line: “Once Carnival has started the cancellation, unfortunately, I expect to see cancellations from all of its brands. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Princess, Holland America, Seabourn and other European Lines making cancellations going forward.”
Cruise Fever will have the latest on this breaking story when more information becomes available.
We have been to the island once or twice. Swimming with the sting rays was a great experience. but if the government doesn’t want the cruise lines, the cruise lines should stay away. I think more and more the cruise lines will continue to build their own destinations in the area. For the cruise line it is a win win, they keep more money in house and passengers are more secure.