Carnival Cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities, world-class entertainment, and top-notch service. But what happens to these ships when they outlive their usefulness? In this article, we will explore what happens to old Carnival Cruise ships and where they go after retirement.
Retirement of Carnival Cruise Ships
Like all machines, Carnival Cruise ships have a lifespan. After years of sailing the seas, these ships become outdated and are no longer able to meet the demands of modern travelers. When this happens, the company retires them from service.
Selling Old Ships
Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest leisure travel company and has a fleet of more than 100 cruise ships across its various brands. When it’s time to retire a ship, the company has two options: sell it or scrap it.
Selling an old ship can be lucrative for the company as there is always a market for used cruise ships. These vessels can be sold to other cruise lines or shipping companies that may use them for other purposes like cargo transport or refurbish them into hotels or floating museums.
Scrapping Old Ships
If an old Carnival Cruise ship is not sold within a reasonable timeframe, it is usually sent to a scrapyard where it is dismantled piece-by-piece. The process can take months and involves removing all the valuable items like furniture, electronics, and machinery before cutting up the steel hull into smaller pieces.
The scrap metal is then sold to recycling companies where it can be melted down and repurposed for other uses like making cars or building new structures.
Where Do Old Carnival Cruise Ships Go?
When old Carnival Cruise ships are sold, they may end up in different parts of the world depending on who buys them. Some may stay in service as cruise liners while others may be converted into floating hotels or used for other commercial purposes.
For example, the former Carnival Jubilee was sold to P&O Cruises Australia and renamed the Pacific Sun. It sailed for several more years before being sold again and eventually scrapped in 2013.
Environmental Concerns
Scrapping old ships can have environmental consequences as hazardous materials like asbestos, oil, and other chemicals need to be safely disposed of. Carnival Corporation & plc has stated that it takes environmental stewardship seriously and works with reputable recycling companies to ensure that all old ships are dismantled in an environmentally responsible manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, old Carnival Cruise ships can either be sold or scrapped depending on their condition and market demand. When they are sold, they may end up in different parts of the world serving various purposes.
However, if they are scrapped, they are dismantled piece-by-piece with the scrap metal being repurposed for other uses. While there may be environmental concerns associated with scrapping old ships, Carnival Corporation & plc works with reputable recycling companies to ensure that this is done in a responsible manner.