Carnival Cruise Lines: Statement Regarding Swine Influenza

2:30 pm: There are currently no reported cases of swine influenza on Carnival Cruise Lines ships or in any of the ports that we normally visit in Mexico. We are consulting closely with public health officials and government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Homeland Security to monitor the situation.

Nonetheless, we have decided to cancel calls at Mexican ports for all current sailings (see Itinerary Updates For Current Sailings In Progress). Additionally, we will cancel calls in Mexico for all voyages departing Thursday, April 30 through Monday, May 4. In many cases, we will be able to substitute the cancelled call with an alternative port and are currently working on those itineraries. Full details will be available by 5 pm today. Guests who do not wish to sail on a modified itinerary will be given the option to re-schedule their cruise for a later date.

Carnival enforces the highest of standards for cleaning and sanitation on all of our ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We have well trained medical staff and expansive reporting capabilities on board. Working with U.S. public health officials in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, we have extensive practices and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard our ships. For further information on swine influenza, visit the CDC’s web site at http://newsfromcarnivalcruiselines.wordpress.com/wp-admin/www.cdc.gov.