MIAMI — Carnival has announced the sale of two ships as well as an extended pause in operations for another four ships.

Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, which had previously been put on long-term lay-up status and removed from published itineraries, have been sold as part of the company’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships from its fleet. The sale of Carnival Fascination and Imagination, which launched in 1994 and 1995 respectively, follows the sale of Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration in July.

Upon its return to operations, Carnival will still operate four upgraded Fantasy-class ships – Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise – that feature additional balcony staterooms and enhanced dining and entertainment.

“While we are sad to see Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination leave our fleet, it is a necessary move as it allows us to focus on ships that offer the greatest variety of features and stateroom accommodations for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

In addition to the sale, Carnival is also advising guests and travel agents that it is delaying the return to guest operations for four ships until after scheduled dry dock enhancements are completed in the first half of 2021.

The four impacted ships and resulting cancelled itineraries include:

• Carnival Magic itineraries operating from Miami will be cancelled until March 13, 2021
• Carnival Paradise itineraries operating from Tampa will be cancelled until March 19, 2021
• Carnival Valor itineraries operating from New Orleans will be cancelled until April 29, 2021 (including the transatlantic cruise from New Orleans on Jan. 25, 2021 and the return from Barcelona on Feb. 26, 2021)
• Carnival Spirit itineraries operating from Brisbane will be cancelled through May 16, 2021, with the first sailing being the Singapore to Brisbane voyage embarking on June 12, 2021

On the extended delay, Duffy added: “This extended pause in our operations has also impacted shipyard availability, and we’ve had to reschedule required dry docks. As we continue to work through issues related to our eventual return to operations, we are committed to providing our guests and travel agent partners with certainty where we can, although we regret disappointing our guests. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our guests and hope to welcome them back onboard soon.”