Carnival Cruise Line bookings 'almost double' after Covid protocols eased

Last week, the company removed pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests and the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who now will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation – effective for cruises departing on 6 September or later on voyages less than 16 nights.

"We have previously disclosed strong occupancy projections for the summer, and our bookings through the end of 2022 have also been very solid," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

"With the further alignment of protocols to other vacation choices, our guests are booking the remaining 2022 inventory, and getting a head start planning for 2023.

"Mid-August is typically not a busy month for cruise bookings, but it’s clear that pent-up demand for Carnival has not been satisfied and guests are responding very favourably to our updated protocols."