FINAL 2022 NEWS UPDATE: Carnival Billion Dollar Loss, Ovation Cruise Cancellation & more!

Join my private Facebook group for cruise deals, tips and advice - the more members we have, the better we’ll get! www.facebook.com/groups/CTGdeals Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/thecruiseandtravelguy www.instragram.com/thecruiseandtravelguy Support the channel with a slogan tee: https://thecruiseandtravelguy.myshopify.com Head to my website for great cruise and travel deals: www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au The big news this week is at the Ovation of the Seas had to cut its most recent cruise short. The 9 night cruise departed Sydney on December 14th, but as a result of a reported Azipod failure, the ship was unable to maintain its speed and the decision was made to return to Sydney where it arrived this morning. Guests onboard missed out on scheduled calls at Mystery Island and Noumea, and were offered a 50% refund on the cost of the cruise, as well as a 25% future cruise credit for a voyage departing by 31 December 2024. Unlike traditional ship propulsion systems that rely separately on propellers and a rudder for steering, an Azipod is an integrated unit that is responsible for both propulsion and steering. It can turn 360 degrees and makes ships that utilise the technology the most manoeuvrable on the sea. Ovation of the Seas possesses two of these units, and the failure of one is severe enough to cause a sailing disruption. According to reports from guests onboard, the ship’s Captain noted in an address that the required parts are onboard and its expected that the ship will be able to return to normal service for its scheduled Christmas cruise which departs Sydney later today. In other Royal Caribbean news, the company confirmed that as of January 1, its onboard chat feature will now be free to use. The line previously charged guests US $1.99 per day to use the ship’s wifi connection to chat to one another via the Royal Caribbean app. Many cruise lines offer internal chat features at no cost, so it’s good to see Royal now doing the same. Princess have announced some changes to their multi-tier fare structure. For new bookings made from December 16th, the mid-tier Princess Plus will increase in cost by $15 per day to $65 and includes the Plus Beverage Package, single device wifi, plus the new additions of two premium crafted desserts per day, two fitness classes per cruise and unlimited access to the juice bar. Princess Premier has increased from $85 to $95 per day and includes the premier beverage package, 4 device wifi, 2 nights of specialty dining, a photo package, access to Princess Prizes, unlimited premium crafted desserts, unlimited access to fitness classes, reserved seating in the Princess Theatre, a complimentary medallion accessory designed exclusively for Premier package guest and unlimited access to the juice bar. Guests who’ve already booked under the previous packages can upgrade for the additional per day cost, or can continue with the lesser inclusions at the lower cost. Carnival Corporation has reported an adjusted net loss of US $1.1bn in its 4th operating quarter for the year, but remains committed to its future with promising booking and deposit levels for the years ahead. In particular, 2023 is looking like it will be a stronger year for the company than when it last operated for a full calendar year in 2019. The company ended its fourth quarter with US $8.6bn in liquidity. In addition, the juggernaut is offloading an additional three older and less efficient ships. 2 of these will come from the Costa brand, with a third from another one of the parent company’s cruise lines. That will leave Carnival Corporation as a whole with roughly 25% of its entire fleet consisting of newly delivered and efficient vessels. Thanks for watching and for your support this year! Have a very Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2023.