USA Bans Cruises-to-Nowhere

The US-based cruise operator Carnival Cruise Lines has confirmed that it will no longer offer the so-called cruises-to-nowhere around the US coast as of January 1, 2016.

A new set of regulations to take effect from 2016 forbids foreign-flagged cruise lines operating out of US ports to offer cruises for sale if they do not include at least one call to a foreign port.

John Heald, Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador, confirmed what he described as ”disappointing news” via Facebook.

”Due to recent changes in how ships are cleared into and out of the United States by US officials, certain short duration cruises without a foreign port of call are subject to itinerary changes beginning in 2016,” Heald’s Facebook post said.

”Unfortunately, this means that we will not be permitted to operate cruises-to-nowhere This does include the Carnival Vista’s 3 day cruise to nowhere from New York. Those who are booked on our cruises to nowhere will receive a letter very soon explaining this.”

Cruise-to-nowhere ships sail in open waters for one to three days without calling at any ports.

World Maritime News Staff