The cruise line economy has collapsed since the coronavirus crisis. Unhappy customers, pending orders, uncertain help plans… For Axel de Tarlé, this ecosystem is permanently weakened.
You told us at the end of February about the difficulties of cruise lines. This is confirmed for Carnival, the number one in the sector - owner of the infamous "Diamond Princess". The company is in dire straits and is urgently looking for $ 6 billion to stay afloat.
Yes, it is the sidereal void for the cruise line. Worse than that, since they are now being sued in the United States by their customers, obviously very unhappy with their cruise. Often elderly clients - over 70 - who are not about to set foot on a cruise ship.
Another difficulty for the future of cruises: after the episode that we have just experienced - the host countries, the Ports are now likely to be much more fussy, much more strict on health controls. Australia, for example, is convinced that the Coronavirus was brought to the island, via the passengers of the Ruby Princess, another company ship.
This is to say that cruise passengers expect to experience a long purgatory. Indeed - Carnival - the world leader - seeks to raise 6 billion dollars, if only to pay for the new boats, which have been ordered and which have to be delivered.
Exactly can we expect order cancellations? And so should we not worry about the Atlantic Shipyards (in Saint Nazaire)?
Yes, in this case, Carnival had ordered its liners from the Italians of Fincantieri. But, yes, even if the contracts are concreted, in the event of bankruptcy, the order falls.
Especially since with Carnival - to minimize its taxes - the American company had chosen to register in Panama. And so, as a Panamanian company, today it cannot benefit from the American aid plan.
By the way, it's a little lesson. We see here the limits of these fiscal offshoring. Because, in the event of a hard blow, the company finds itself all alone, with its debts and its dissatisfied customers.