Carnival PLC - CUK STOCK NEWS

Cunard has achieved record-breaking bookings in 2024, reporting 73,000 additional guest reservations from January to October compared to 2023, marking a 23% year-over-year increase. The company saw significant growth in both UK (24%) and North American (29%) markets. The launch of their new ship, Queen Anne, in May, along with three new cruise programs for 2026-2027, has been instrumental in this success.

International markets now represent over half of all bookings, with a 22% increase in international guest bookings. Notably, the company experienced a 49% rise in first-time guests choosing Cunard compared to the same period in 2023.

Cunard has achieved record-breaking bookings in 2024, with 73,000 additional guest reservations from January to October compared to 2023, marking a 23% year-on-year increase. The company saw significant growth in both UK (24%) and North American (29%) markets. The launch of Queen Anne ship and three new cruise programmes contributed to this success. International bookings now represent over half of total reservations, with a 22% increase in international guest bookings. Notably, there was a 49% rise in first-time guests choosing Cunard compared to 2023.

Princess Cruises has announced its 2026-2027 West Coast season, featuring 69 voyages across 26 destinations from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver, B.C. The program includes the debut of the new Star Princess and involves 8 ships offering diverse itineraries to Mexico, Hawaii, and California.

Key highlights include Mexican Riviera cruises, 16-day Hawaiian Islands voyages, California Coast sailings, and Pacific Northwest routes. The season features special holiday voyages and wine-themed cruises, with cruise lengths ranging from 4 to 32 days. The company offers a Better than Best Price Guarantee with 120% onboard credit if lower fares are found.

Princess Cruises launched its first-ever season of Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral with the arrival of Caribbean Princess. The ship began with a four-day Thanksgiving cruise to Turks & Caicos, marking the start of 19 additional cruise departures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean through April 2025. The 3,140-guest vessel offers various itineraries ranging from six to eight days, featuring destinations like Nassau, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and Cozumel. The ship provides 1,571 staterooms and includes family-friendly amenities, MedallionClass technology, and inclusive packages offering up to 65% savings on amenities.

Cunard has partnered with Talk Art podcast hosts Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to create an immersive, self-guided art tour for the Queen Anne cruise ship. The vessel, which launched in May, features the largest curated art collection at sea with over 4,300 artworks from more than 300 artists. The podcast-style tour showcases 40+ pieces, including works by Michael James O'Brien and Susumu Kamijo. The collection combines emerging talents from prestigious art institutions with established artists, featuring various mediums from photographs to sculptures, all displayed using 500 different framing methods.

Princess Cruises has partnered with Kylie Minogue to add her No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé to their exclusive 'Love Line Premium Liquors' collection. The alcohol-free wine, which has sold 17 million bottles globally since 2020, will be available across the Princess fleet.

The beverage is crafted using European premium grapes and green tea from Yunnan, China, offering notes of fresh strawberries and berries with a crisp finish. At just 22 calories per 100ml, it provides a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative that maintains premium taste and elegance.

A pioneering neuroscience study conducted aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has revealed significant cognitive benefits of ocean travel. The research, involving 40 guests on a Transatlantic Crossing, demonstrated that five days at sea can increase cognitive abilities by an average of 26%. Key findings showed a 29% improvement in short-term memory recall, a 125% increase in complex problem-solving ability, and a 14% improvement in attention levels. Participants also experienced a 158% increase in perceived relaxation, with physiological stress levels decreasing by 35%. The study, conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut, used biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after the voyage.

Cunard reveals groundbreaking neuroscience research conducted aboard Queen Mary 2, demonstrating significant cognitive benefits of ocean travel. A study involving 40 guests on a Transatlantic Crossing showed that five days at sea can increase cognitive abilities by an average of 26%. Key findings include a 29% improvement in short-term memory recall, a 125% increase in complex problem-solving ability, and a 14% improvement in attention levels. Participants also experienced a 158% increase in perceived relaxation, with physiological stress levels decreasing by 35%. The research, conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut, used biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after the voyage.

Carnival announced key leadership changes across its cruise brands. Gus Antorcha, current Holland America Line president, will lead Princess Cruises from Dec. 2, 2024, replacing John Padgett. Beth Bodensteiner, currently senior VP and chief commercial officer, is promoted to Holland America Line president. Mark Tamis joins as Seabourn president, replacing Natalya Leahy. Under Antorcha's leadership, Holland America achieved its largest single booking day and strongest financial results in 16 years. Bodensteiner brings 20 years of experience, while Tamis has over three decades in ultra-luxury cruising and hospitality.