Carnival Corporation - CCL STOCK NEWS

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has priced a private offering of $1.0 billion in senior unsecured notes due 2030 with a fixed interest rate of 10.5% annually. The offering, expected to close on May 25, 2022, aims to refinance debt due in 2023 and fund general corporate purposes. The notes will mature on June 1, 2030 and are callable starting June 1, 2025. The proceeds are intended for debt repayments, vessel-related expenses, and general operations.

Cunard's new luxury cruise ship, Queen Anne, recorded the busiest booking day in a decade, indicating strong demand for the brand. The maiden voyage, departing January 4, 2024, sold out quickly, highlighting particular interest in Princess & Queens Grill Suites. The company has seen three of its top booking periods within the last two years, showcasing a resurgence since the pandemic. Cunard's growth is complemented by its plans for simultaneous operation of four ships for the first time since 1999.

Holland America Line’s Zaandam returned to service on May 12, 2022, at Port Everglades, Florida, marking the re-entry of the cruise line's fleet post-COVID. The ship will operate nine-day Atlantic Coast cruises to Montreal, Canada, through October. Following the repositioning cruise, Zaandam will offer several itineraries, including the 35-day Voyage of the Vikings starting on July 9 and a 71-day Grand Africa Voyage beginning on October 10. The fleet is set to be fully operational by June 12, with the last ship returning to service.

Princess Cruises has launched the Princess Premier, a new premium add-on package priced at $75 per person per day, providing unlimited WiFi, top-shelf beverages, specialty dining, and photos. This package offers a savings of over 50% compared to purchasing amenities separately. Available for sale starting May 25 for voyages from June 25, it includes two specialty dining meals and the chance to win cash prizes up to $100,000. The launch builds on the success of the Princess Plus package, enhancing value for guests.

Mensun Bound, the maritime archaeologist who discovered Shackleton's Endurance ship, will speak onboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2 during a 7-night Transatlantic Crossing from June 24, 2022, to July 2, 2022. He will also join the Queen Elizabeth for a 13-night voyage in 2023, sharing insights from his expedition. Bound's discovery occurred three kilometers beneath the Antarctic ice, with the ship being remarkably well-preserved. Cunard aims to enhance guest experiences by hosting speakers like Bound, known as the 'Indiana Jones of the Deep.'

Holland America Line's Oosterdam has resumed service as the ninth ship in its fleet since the COVID-19 pandemic, embarking on a 12-day cruise from Trieste, Italy. This event marks a significant milestone in the company's gradual return to normal operations, with plans for Oosterdam to spend the summer in the Mediterranean before heading to South America. Holland America Line is set to restart its remaining ships by June 2022, reflecting a broader recovery in the cruise industry.

Princess Cruises Returns Three Ships to Service

Crown Princess, Island Princess, and Royal Princess are now welcoming guests onboard, marking a total of 12 ships (80% of the fleet) back in operation since July 2021. Island Princess commenced a 14-day Panama Canal voyage from Ft. Lauderdale on April 27. Royal Princess began the 'Voyage of the Glaciers' from Vancouver on May 2. Crown Princess is set to sail from Seattle on May 7 for Alaska. All 15 ships are expected to operate by September 2022, offering various itineraries worldwide.

Carnival Corporation (CCL, CUK) announced the installation of nearly 600 biodigester machines across its global fleet, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and waste management. This technology uses natural aerobic digestion to process food waste efficiently, supporting goals to reduce unit food waste by 30% by 2022 and 50% by 2030. The move aligns with the company's broader sustainability objectives, which include reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and aspiring for net carbon-neutral operations by 2050.

Cunard has announced over 110 international voyages from October 23, 2023 to May 14, 2024, featuring the maiden voyages of the Queen Anne. The four-ship fleet, including the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, will visit 126 unique ports in 51 countries. Key itineraries include a 107-night World Voyage by Queen Victoria and a 35-night Caribbean adventure on Queen Anne. Bookings open on May 24, 2022 for most sailings and May 17, 2022 for Queen Anne.