In what is believed to be a first of its kind operation, Carnival Cruise Line has contracted Royal Boskalis Westminster (Boskalis) to bring its cruise ship ‘Carnival Vista’ to the Grand Bahama Shipyard.
The cruise ship will be floated onto the world’s largest heavy lift ship, ‘Boka Vanguard’ – a semi-submersible – to transport the vessel for drydocking.
The 3,934-pax ‘Carnival Vista’, which entered service in May, 2016, has operated on revised itineraries for her last two cruises due to problems with one of its two Azipod thrusters resulting in the cruise ship operating at reduced speeds.
“This groundbreaking procedure made possible by Boskalis is a revolutionary way to ensure ‘Carnival Vista’s’ repairs are completed in a safe, timely and efficient manner, so the ship can resume her popular seven-day schedule from Galveston later this month,” said Lars Ljoen, Carnival Cruise Line’s executive vice president of marine operations.
‘Boka Vanguard’ arrived in Bahamian waters on 5th July to prepare for ‘Carnival Vista’s’ arrival on 12th July.
The floating, transport and repairs are expected to take around two weeks, allowing ‘Carnival Vista’ to return to Galveston in time for her 27th July voyage and to continue with her year-round seven-day Caribbean itineraries.
