Country of registration

[WorldTraveler151208]

Recently, I’ve noticed that two Carnival ships (Legend and Spirit) were registered in Malta, while all others, older and newer, sail under the flag of Panama.  I understand the general idea of the flags of convenience, but why would Carnival register two random ships in a different country?  Is it just a coincidence or is there a reason?

[sparks1093]

At the time of commissioning it is possible that Malta had better terms than Panama? I'm sure that they had a reason, I doubt it was random. (I'm also not sure how easy/hard it is to re-flag a ship, perhaps @chengkp75 could shed some light.)

[chengkp75]

Being flagged in Malta makes them flagged in an EU member state.  The EU has cabotage laws similar to the much despised PVSA here in the US.  These laws state that passenger transportation from one port in an EU member state to another port in that same EU member state (say a cruise from Trieste to Livorno, with only calls in Italy), must be done on a ship flying the flag of an EU member state.  So, a Maltese flag ship could do that cruise, but a Panamanian flag ship could not.  That would be the only real reason to reflag from one FOC to another.

[puppycanducruise]

Thanks Chief.  Appreciate your input.

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, chengkp75 said:

Being flagged in Malta makes them flagged in an EU member state.  The EU has cabotage laws similar to the much despised PVSA here in the US.  These laws state that passenger transportation from one port in an EU member state to another port in that same EU member state (say a cruise from Trieste to Livorno, with only calls in Italy), must be done on a ship flying the flag of an EU member state.  So, a Maltese flag ship could do that cruise, but a Panamanian flag ship could not.  That would be the only real reason to reflag from one FOC to another.

Thanks as always for your explanations.

 

I don't know if the PVSA is "much despised" although there are a few in this group who obviously hate it with a true passion. Since no one else is clamoring for its demise, I think much despised is an overstatement. 

[chengkp75]

Let's say "much despised here on CC"

[ProgRockCruiser]

34 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Let's say "much despised here on CC"

Lol.

 

Maybe we can create a list of all things hated by a significant number of CC members, that the rest of the world (even people who cruise regularly) couldn't give two hoots about.

 

But yes, thanks for the explanation.

[joeyancho]

10 hours ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

Lol.

 

Maybe we can create a list of all things hated by a significant number of CC members, that the rest of the world (even people who cruise regularly) couldn't give two hoots about.

 

1. Chair hogs

2. People who overflow the soft serve.

3. People who show up late for assigned dining.

4. Kids who push all the elevator buttons. 

 

 

[john91498]

11 hours ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

Lol.

 

Maybe we can create a list of all things hated by a significant number of CC members, that the rest of the world (even people who cruise regularly) couldn't give two hoots about.

 

But yes, thanks for the explanation.

 

Lol...it'd be easier to list the things CC members don't hate...

[woodscruise]

Chengkp75, just a question Carnival Spirit was reflagged to Malta in 2012 and Carnival Legend in 2014, prior to their deployment to Australia. Prior to this they were registered in Panama. Is there any reason they would have changed their flag from Panama to Malta if cruising from Australia?

[chengkp75]

7 hours ago, woodscruise said:

Chengkp75, just a question Carnival Spirit was reflagged to Malta in 2012 and Carnival Legend in 2014, prior to their deployment to Australia. Prior to this they were registered in Panama. Is there any reason they would have changed their flag from Panama to Malta if cruising from Australia?

Unless there is some preferential treatment agreement between Malta and Australia, no, I can't think of one.  Malta is a member of the British Commonwealth, so that may play a part in their decision.  I know that Australia issues "licenses" for a year at a time for foreign ships to engage in coastwise trade (that is protected under their cabotage laws to Australian flag ships), and there may be a preferential treatment for a ship flying the flag of a fellow Commonwealth member.