Seven Year Industry Projection: Carnival Largest Fleet, Royal Caribbean Largest Brand

With the cruise industry poised to resume its growth course post-COVID-19, Carnival Corporation is projected to increase its passenger capacity by approximately 25 per cent from 2019 (normal year comparison) to 2027, based on existing newbuild orders and expected deployment, according to the 2021 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

The Royal Caribbean Group is projected to grow 33 per cent; Norwegian Holdings, 43 per cent, while MSC Cruises will double its passenger capacity over the same time period.

On a fleetwide basis, Carnival Corporation is projected to be able to carry more than 14 million guests by 2027, Royal Caribbean, more than eight million, MSC 4.8 million and Norwegian and Norwegian 3.5 million.

Royal Caribbean International will be the single largest brand with an estimated passenger capacity of about six million, while MSC moves up as the second-largest single brand on a global basis with a passenger capacity of 4.8 million.

CARNIVAL EXTENDS SUSPENSION AND PUSHES BACK MARDI GRAS LAUNCH

The launch of Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras has been pushed back a month after the company further extended its suspension of sailings.

The vessel will now begin operating from Port Canaveral from 29 May – amended from 24 April.

Carnival has now cancelled all US departures through to 30 April and all Australian operations until 19 May.

The line has also has axed European itineraries for Carnival Legend which were due to begin in May and operate through to 31 October.

Booked guests and travel agents are being notified directly of the cancellations about taking a future cruise credit and onboard credit package or a full refund.

Carnival president Christine Duffy said: “Our guests and travel agent partners continue to express their loyalty to Carnival and their desire to get back on our ships as soon as they can, and we are heartened by the booking demand and activity we continue to see.

“We are certainly committed to welcoming them back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately we have determined it’s going to take a while longer, and the situation in Europe will also impact Mardi Gras’ departure to the U.S., and Carnival Legend’s itineraries in Europe.”

Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation’s Italian brand Costa has announced plans to resume operations on 13 March.

Costa said current Covid restrictions do not allow guests to “enjoy an adequate on-shore experience and the ability to fully explore the itinerary’s destinations”.

Carnival CEO Sells Company Stock

Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, sold 62,639 company shares on Tuesday at a price of $21.12 for proceeds of $1,322,935, according to an SEC filing. 

While the timing was less than ideal as the company remains out of service, the transaction was relatively routine.

Donald sold Carnival shares in mid-January in 2020, although at a much higher per-share price before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.