Carnival Cruise Ship in Dry Dock, NCL Makes Policy Change

Editorial Summary

Doug Parker reports on several developments within the cruise industry, beginning with the Carnival Vista entering dry dock at a shipyard in Spain. After departing Port Canaveral for a transatlantic voyage, the ship is undergoing technical upgrades and receiving new livery on its hull. The dry dock process also includes updates to common areas, staterooms, and various facilities. The vessel is scheduled to return to North American service for Bahamian cruises starting in mid February. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a policy change regarding onboard transactions. The company will no longer offer foreign currency exchange services, requiring all onboard purchases to be made in US Dollars. This change primarily affects international passengers, and the cruise line suggests travelers obtain US Dollars before boarding. In residential cruise news, Villa V Residences reported a significant booking milestone by selling six percent of its total capacity in a single day. The company, which offers apartments for sale on board, has refurbished a former Fred Olsen ship and renamed it the Villa V Odyssey. The CEO noted that nearly half of the ship is already booked for its upcoming world cruise. Finally, the report notes a general decline in cruise line stocks, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.