Carnival Miracle & Carnival Splendor Swap Coasts

Carnival Miracle

Carnival Spirit’s upcoming deployment to Australia to operate Carnival Cruise Line’s first cruises from that country has left those of us who cover the industry wondering, “Which ship in Carnival’s fleet will take its place?”

The answer came this week in the line’s announcement that the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle will shift to the West Coast in spring 2013 to operate the line’s Alaska and Hawaii cruises as well as sailing the seasonal Mexican Riviera program with the 7-day itinerary currently offered on Carnival Splendor.

Carnival Splendor

In turn, the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will reposition to New York to assume Carnival Miracle’s year-round 8-day Caribbean schedule beginning in March 2013, representing a capacity increase of 41 percent with this newer vessel. Too large to transit the Panama Canal, Carnival Splendor will offer three 13- to 18-day South America voyages from February to March 2013 while repositioning for its Big Apple debut.

“Carnival Miracle, which recently emerged from a refurbishment that included the addition of an exclusive Serenity adults-only retreat and other enhancements, will provide guests with a fresh and exciting choice for West Coast cruising,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “At the same time, Carnival Splendor will provide a newer, larger ship on our year-round program from New York and during the course of its repositioning will offer three South America cruises that visit some of the region’s most spectacular and sought-after destinations,” he added.

Images Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines