da_v

I can see the Excel class being the new workhorse for carnival. Slowly replacing the aging sunshine/conquest class over the next decade.

Isn't this dry dock for replacement of the whale tail which is why it's in Europe to be done at the builders yard. I doubt there will be a huge amount of work done just the new funnel the exterior paint and some very minor enchantments all of which should be fine for the return leg.

I think Costa is numbered in Europe. The fleet is getting smaller and with Carnival having Aida and P&O you still have a share in Europe. I think if the Luminosa shows as a success then re-deploying them under the Carnival name allows to update or expand the fleet at a lower price. Personally I would not be shocked if you see the Partnership for Mainland China to change and the Atlantica and Mediterranea are given back to Carnival in exchange for some larger ships and maybe be used as a replacement for some of the Fantasy class ships?

after eating at his Fish and Chip outlet this guy doesn't care about using frozen junk in his own locations.

That is a steep increase. I remember when they added water as an option it was to stop people bringing water on as a carry on, the lower price was to compete with buying a case of water from the store.

From a quick search it seems that the steakhouse is still less than other lines (not sure on quality as I have only sailed Carnival) but its a good experience. I don't think I have ever ordered 2 entree's yet alone wanting 3, having a charge almost seems reasonable. The hours on the ice cream stations seems to be a little restrictive. I can understand over night but 11am starts seem late. Maybe 10-1 would be a better time frame but that is just me being picky...

I wonder if this smaller build will be the pinnacle class ships that HAL are building they are all sub 100,000 tons

Having these 2 ships as either carnival ships or Costa ships on the US side could see the end of the fantasy class ships. Build 2 to replace the 2 and then if the Asian market stays good build and excellence class ship

I also wonder if Carnival have made a move for the defunct Global ships from Genting? 1 large ship just sitting in Asia and 1 being built both designed for the Asian Market. Why cater an existing ship when there is 1 1/2 already in place which can probably be picked up at a discounted rate. That then leaves the option of 2 vista class ships which can be made for the American/Europe market which allows for retirement/re-deploying of some of the older Triumph/Conquest class?

I feel like this is a way of making the Costa Brand a worldwide brand while also having a way of taking some of that market from NCL and Royal Caribbean. The Costa ships while the same style of ships currently in the fleet offer a different on board experience. If this can bring people over who may not necessarily be interested in the family and fun that Carnival ships offer but at a lower price point than RCL and NCL then its a new demographic opened up. As the Brand familiarity becomes bigger in the US it also allows for easier marketing of European cruises. The European market is not going to be hurt with P&O and Aida being under the umbrella.

Did the Freedom leave under own power or is it being tugged to Freeport? Our family was meant to be on the voyage today so it's been interesting to follow this incident.