CARNIVAL EXTENDS CRUISING SHUTDOWN THROUGH MAY

Carnival Cruise Line extended its COVID-19 shutdown through May 31, while the company works to resume operations. A restart date hasn’t been determined, the company said Wednesday. As it has done throughout the shutdown, Carnival is providing guests on cancelled trips the choice of a future cruise credit plus an onboard credit package, or a full refund. The coronavirus has been a major cash drain for the cruise industry, forcing operators to tap financial markets while their ships are docked and trips are on hold. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said earlier this week that bookings for future sailings continue to improve, showing pent-up demand for vacations.