Carnival Cruise Line cancels trade event ahead of UK office closure
Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled an upcoming travel agent ship visit in Dover after its parent company announced plans to close the line’s UK office in May
The DoverFest event, which was due to take place onboard Carnival Miracle on 20 June, was due to be held in partnership with Carnival Corporation sister brand Holland America Line.
However, last month the cruise conglomerate announced plans to “sunset” Carnival Cruise Line’s Seavacations team in the UK from 12 May.
In an email sent to its travel agent partners on Wednesday (30 April), the company said: “We’re reaching out with an important update regarding DoverFest, which was scheduled to take place on Friday, June 20th.
“We’re very sorry to say the event has been cancelled. The Carnival ship visit and all elements of the schedule will no longer take place. We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise for any disruption to your plans.
“Holland America Line’s UK team are on hand to support any requests you have, including providing info and insight on their plans for 2025 and 2026, such as their ex-UK seasons from Dover. You’re also most welcome to join a future ship visit with them if of interest.”
The message comes days after several members of Carnival Cruise Line’s UK team, including international sales director Luke Smith, senior account manager Gemma Ashworth and account manager Danielle Kerton, confirmed they are looking for work and open to “exploring all opportunities”.
