What happens to cruise ships when they retire?
Most ships have an official lifespan of 30 years, which leaves us pondering, where exactly do cruise ships end up after they retire?
Buoy does this topic make us sad, but it is aboat time we find out what actually happens.
Awful puns aside, while it is a sad sight to see a cruise no longer doing what it was designed to do, it is not actually all bad news.
Typically there are three options that determine the fate of an old cruise ship.
Most often they are actually offloaded to a less-luxurious cruise line within the same company, or transported to a different part of the globe with smaller market share.
Alternatively, they are sold on the second-hand market to fledgling or budget cruise lines that are not interested in investing in new tonnage.
The Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line owns just two ships, one from Carnival built in 1987 and another built for Costa Cruises in 1991.
Because a majority of the cruise itineraries are just a short two-nights, passengers are less likely to be concerned about cabin decor, but instead look favourably towards the 10 free drinks included on these cruises.
The retro look that characterises most middle-aged cruises built during the cruise boom in the 1990s is becoming increasingly adaptable, particularly for cruise lines offering short trips.
Even 18-year old Carnival Victory continues to contribute a significant portion of revenue to the cruise industry from three and four-day cruise trips.
Another option is, of course, a nicely minted renovation.
According to Bloomberg, the annual ‘Cruise Lines Outlook’ from UBS estimates that by 2020, at least 12 per cent of global capacity will be 25 years old or older, and nearly five per cent will be pushing 30.
Carnival Cruises is just one of the companies that has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in order to revive their older cruise ships, particularly since nine of their 26 ships are over 20 years old.
Group chief executive officer for Carnival Corporations’ Holland America Group and Carnival UK, Stein Kruse, told Bloomberg older ships often have a loyal following and low book value.
“Some of the older ships in our brands are incredibly popular. They are well-kept, well-maintained, and they go on exciting itineraries”
And who could forget the extreme renovation when Silversea Cruises literally split 9-year-old Silver Spirit down the middle in March, in order to accommodate for an expanded pool area and more dining options.
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line has invested $400 million to refurbish nine of its 16 vessels.
As per Bloomberg, Andy Stuart CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line said: “You get to that middle-aged period in a 30-year life, and the ships need a substantial investment. That’s exactly what we’ve done.”
“We don’t see any reason to retire ships,” he added.
And perhaps the older cruise ships who can no longer set sail will hopefully have the long-awaited happy ending like Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2).
One of the most famous cruise ships, 50-year-old QE2, which was part of the Cunard Line and sailed around the world 25 times hosting more than 2.5 million guests, has finally found a new home as a floating hotel in Dubai.
And the ships who don’t fall into the above categories will most likely end up being torn to scraps, or even somewhat sadder, left to wither away.
But fortunately this fate is becoming considerably less heard of, and a future without a cruise graveyard is something we can definitely get behind.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line carnival cruises Cruise Lines Outlook Cunard Line norwegian cruise line silversea cruisesLatest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]