Hello Friends,

I hope this finds you and your family well. It has certainly been a busy couple of weeks since our last update.
As Carnival Cruise Line carefully evaluates the Framework for Resuming Cruise Ship Operations Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on October 30th, I’d like to update you with what we know regarding the February 6th sailing of the Carnival Mardi Gras and the Super Cruise. 
Carnival is still completing its analysis and a plan to comply with the CDC’s directive. This plan includes the staggered deployment plans for their fleet and homeports. Carnival is required to obtain a Covid-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate for each ship sailing from a US port of embarkation. Carnival Cruise line must apply at least 30 days in advance to operate at least one “simulated voyage” for each ship, demonstrating the ability to mitigate the risks of the virus aboard. 
This leads us at Cruises Etc to believe that there is a strong possibility that the Carnival Mardi Gras Inaugural Sailing will be pushed back from its February 6th sailing date. Additionally we must notify all prospective passengers of the CDC’s advisory related to cruise travel.
Face Covering
CDC Cruise Travel Advisory
“CDC recommends that travelers defer all cruise travel worldwide. Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on several cruise ships.”
Requirements to Sail
  • Testing. 100% testing of passengers and crew for COVID-19 prior to embarkation
  • Mask-Wearing. Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained
  • Shore Excursions: Only permit shore excursions according to Carnival Cruise Line prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.
  • Distancing. Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions
  • The gathering of groups is being prohibited. Event space on board will not be available to groups in order to abide by social distancing regulations.
This would apply to the Super Bowl Party, Chip Dip Cocktail Party and cruisers gathering to participate in the popular L.C.R. dice games.
We regret to inform Super Cruisers that we will not be able to provide our Super Cruise program aboard the
February 6, 2021 sailing of the Mardi Gras.
The price of all cabins currently booked with the Super Cruise will be reduced by $160 per cabin. (the amount used for prizes per stateroom). All reservations will revert to individual reservations, however, you will still receive the special group pricing as well as onboard credit that was promised when you booked your cruise. The final payment date has been extended until December 2, 2020.
Furthermore, we are unable to provide our complimentary Super Cruise
t-shirts.
Should you elect to cancel due to current restrictions you may receive a full refund when cancelling by November 30th, 2020. The exceptions for receiving a full refund are if you are booked on an Early Saver, Casino or other Carnival promotion with a restrictive deposit policy. Because those restrictive fare promotions were an option to you, the rules governing these bookings will remain in place.

Q. What happens if I decide to cruise, pay in full by December 2, 2020 and the February 6th sailing of the Mardi Gras is cancelled by Carnival?
A. This is Carnival's current offer for guests paid in full and their sailing is cancelled.
It’s with a heavy heart and much regret that we have to cancel our 28th Annual Super Cruise event aboard the Mardi Gras. We are encouraged that brighter days are ahead. With a widely distributed vaccine we believe that cruising will be back better than ever in 2022. Cruises Etc is currently working with Carnival to rebook our group aboard the Mardi Gras for Super Cruise 2022.

Warmly,

Your Crew at Cruises Etc
Cruises Etc | cruisesetc@gmail.com