Carnival Corp ‘still excited’ about Iona despite launch delay

Carnival Corp ‘still excited’ about Iona despite launch delay

Carnival Corporation is “still excited” about new P&O Cruises ship Iona, despite its launch being delayed by the coronavirus crisis. The cruise giant also confirmed it was engaged in conversations with shipyards about potential delays and cancellations.

Chief executive Arnold Donald said: “This virus has been devastating for the travel and tourism industry. Most of the newbuild timelines will be delayed. Most of the yards are closed or don’t have workers.

“Beyond that, we are working with the yards to look at schedules and decide should any of the ships be cancelled or pushed out further.”

Commenting on Iona, which was due to enter service in May but has been delayed due to the lockdown, Donald said: “We need to make sure the ship gets finished. But we are still excited about her and the level of bookings that she had.

“Iona will be finished and at some point, when the world is ready, she will be sailing. We don’t know exactly when, but over time we will have a great cruise industry again. We are going to have to build it back.”