Carnival Cruise Lines has implemented a program to improve emergency power capabilities, introduce new fire safety technology, and improve the extent of operating redundancies across its entire 24-ship fleet.
This enhancement program will cost greater than $300 million, and rapid upgrades have already begun.
The actions by Carnival Cruise Lines will expand the provision of hotel services for the relaxation of its guests within the rare instance of a shipboard event that involves the lack of main power.
In addition, the plan will reinforce key shipboard operating systems to further prevent a possible lack of primary power. The advance plan is the results of a comprehensive operational review, overseen by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc, initiated immediately after the Carnival Triumph fire in February 2013.
“All of Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships operate safely today. Each vessel already has effective systems in place to forestall, detect and reply to emergency situations, and we meet or exceed all regulatory requirements,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines.
“However, by applying lessons learned through our fleet-wide operational review after the Carnival Triumph fire and by profiting from new technologies, we’ve got identified areas for enhancement across our operations. These initiatives reflect our commitment to safe and reliable operations and an enjoyable cruising experience for the nearly 4.5 million guests who sail with Carnival Cruise Lines every year.” Added Cahill