Carnival Corp. in preliminary deal with Chinese group

Carnival Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding with China Merchants Group (CMG) to pursue a possible domestic Chinese cruise line and to develop cruise ports.

Carnival said it formalized a strategic partnership with CMG at a signing event at the Hilton Shenzhen Shekou.

CMG is already developing a flagship port called Prince Bay Cruise Terminal in Shekou. Carnival said the partners would work to have cruise ships sail from this flagship port, while also developing other cruise destinations across China and northern Asia.

In addition, Carnival and CMG will explore a joint venture that would own and operate its own cruise ships as part of the first domestic Chinese cruise line targeted to the Chinese market. The joint venture would explore the possibility of sourcing new ships that are designed and built in China, along with the possibility of acquiring existing cruise ships.

Carnival last year signed a separate memo with China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC). to design and build a cruise ship in China in partnership with Fincantieri. That memo also contemplated the exploration of other possible joint venture opportunities with CSSC, including the potential to form a domestic cruise company, port development, talent development and training as well as supply chain and logistics.

It isn’t clear how that agreement would be affected by the one announced with CMG.

“The MOU we signed today signifies a great opportunity to take the next step in the future of Chinese cruising, while addressing some key needs for both the cruise industry and its passengers in China,” said Alan Buckelew, COO of Carnival Corp.

CMG, China’s oldest state enterprise founded in 1872, focuses on transportation, infrastructure, financial services and real estate development.

Carnival Vista launch event, January 22nd, 2015

Carnival Vista launch event

News on the Carnival Vista has remained rather elusive since we first heard details of its existence, but all that is about to change. This is because we were recently contacted about the Carnival Vista launch event, which should help to paint a clearer picture of what to expect.

The date for the Carnival Vista launch event will take place on January 22nd, 2015. However, we believe that there are to be two events, one will be in New York, with the other being in London.

We will be heading to London on the evening of Jan. 22nd for a special dinner that will begin at 7PM. During the evening Carnival Cruise Lines will announce the launch of its latest ship, the Carnival Vista during a special presentation.

People that attend, including us, will then be given further information to take away with them.

There has been a great deal of hype in regard to this new cruise ship, so depending on what time we get back from the event, we hope to share many of those details with you on January 22nd. However, we can tell you that Carnival will take delivery of its new ship in the Spring of 2016.

For Carnival Corp., ship orders continue conservative growth

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