Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison has outlined that it is now more important than ever for the company and the trade to work as partners, as the travel sector seeks to overcome the shock caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking to travel agents during an interview on Facebook with Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice-president global trade sales and marketing, Adolfo Perez, Arison praised the work of travel agents as they battle to stay on top of an ever-changing situation.

He said: “I want to send my appreciation to the entire trade for their support over the last 50 years.

“One of my early jobs was calling on travel agents in the state of Florida. I have a great appreciation, not just for them and their support, but also for how difficult their job is.

“We refer to travel agents as our partners, and this is where we really have to be partners. It’s a difficult time – a difficult time for us and a difficult time for them.

“Hopefully we will all get through it and to the other end and we can start to rebuild the business the way it was before.

“It’s not going to be easy and it will take time, effort and working together, but I’m very confident we will continue to deliver great vacations to millions of people.”

Last week (17 March), Carnival Corporation announced it will borrow $3 billion under a credit agreement for six months, to enable the corporation to “increase its cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the Covid-19 outbreak”.

The company also agreed to make its ships available to the US government for coronavirus relief should they be required.

Carnival Corporation’s lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and Holland America Line.

Our view:

The cruise industry is facing an unprecedented and ever-changing situation, and we are committed to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date news. However, we firmly believe that the cruise industry will bounce back. When it does, we’ll be on hand to help you get back to selling the cruises that people love.