Thus, the Spanish line has cancelled her 2013/2014 winter season sailing from Santos, Brazil, and is now down to just two ships, the Grand Holiday, which will stay in the Mediterranean this winter, and the Grand Celebration, which is still scheduled to homeport in Buenos Aires.

The statement adds: “South America remains one of the main markets for the Costa Group. Operating in the region for 65 years, the company is committed to steadily strengthen its presence in the coming years “

In April, Iberocruceros confirmed that boss Alfredo Serrano was no longer employed, and had been replaced by Massimo Brancaleoni – appointed by Costa.

New marketing plans have Costa and Ibero marketing jointly in emerging markets, especially Eastern Europe. Costa offices are pushing Ibero cruises, and travel partners in countries without offices are being educated on the Spanish product offerings.

Source: Cruise Industry News

The Brazilian summer season is now flooded by MSC, Costa and Pullmantur - not to mention RCI and Aida.

And Carnival Corp is undergoing a period of re-examination to identify the best ROI and one would imagine that with Costa's bigger brand reach, they are seeing better returns on capital with the bigger company.

They're also looking to "replace" the loss of the Allegra and Marina and Mistral is a perfect fit for the long-term tour operator charter and niche markets that Costa Voyager operates in.

quote:

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Originally posted by Michael13:
Well I only think Mistral should be left in Ibero. I just can't imagine her in Costa.

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Michael,

why do think she should be left at Ibero and why can't you imagine her under the Costa flag?

I could be wrong, but somehow I don't see Voyager being chartered or sold to be used as an accommodation ship - unless someone is paying them an exorbitant price. I think that article is pure speculation. I think Costa is more likely to place her in the Asian market as an upscale, boutique offering.

They'd be very smart to clip on the balconies a la MSC Opera.

Great Photoshop as always, BTW.

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/9928-two-costa-ships-set-for-sale-or-lay-up.html

No comment.........

That makes me think it is Voyager and Mistral.

He said one would be laid up as early as November (Voyager?) and the other was unspecified but I suspect it is Mistral which will in the meantime serve as a fill in for Voyager.

quote:

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Originally posted by SSTRAVELER:
It is odd that they did not name the ships. But Howard Frank said in his comments they had not built either of the ships but got them in acquisitions.

That makes me think it is Voyager and Mistral.

He said one would be laid up as early as November (Voyager?) and the other was unspecified but I suspect it is Mistral which will in the meantime serve as a fill in for Voyager.

Also note there was a mention of a write down versus Ibero which further points to these two ships. I guess Holiday and Celebration might also be targets or Classica but I am betting on Voyager and Mistral.

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Allan,

it is most definitely Voyager and Mistral. Carnival Corp has also identified several other vessels from their brands that are being actively or quietly shopped.

Carnival corp is shopping ships do we know what those ships are? And where they are coming from and where are they going?

I thought that ships from main line companies go to second hand operators under their own banner, (i.e. carnival corp).

Are they looking to sell ships out from under their brands?

I could see a few fantasy ships going to market and maybe a couple of Iberos ...

Pullmatur will be getting Majesty after Monarch went there some time ago from RCI and those ships are good competition for Ibero and Carnival.

Just some thought.

[ 09-25-2013: Message edited by: jeremya ]

The way to find it is go to the destinations and select Dubai and she is listed on the cruise calendar.

I did not see any pages that yet have any information on the ship itself -- only the itinerary and pricing for these cruises.