Welcome to our dedicated page for Carnival PLC news (Ticker: CUK), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Carnival PLC stock.
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) is a British-American cruise operator, recognized as the largest global cruise company. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of ten cruise line brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises and Cunard Line in the United Kingdom; Aida in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; and P&O Cruises in Australia. Carnival's fleet encompasses over 100 vessels, providing a range of memorable vacation experiences worldwide.
With 92 ships in service by the end of fiscal 2023, Carnival has demonstrated significant recovery and growth, especially after the pandemic. The company saw nearly 13 million guests in 2019, a figure they matched again in 2023. Among its notable achievements and current projects, Carnival continues to innovate in sustainable travel. Holland America Line, for example, began a long-term biofuel test on its flagship, Rotterdam, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Recent news highlights the company's commitment to enriching guest experiences. Princess Cruises introduced an immersive 'Voyage to the Stars' experience in Alaska, while Holland America Line's Global Fresh Fish Program was featured on 'Top Chef'. Additionally, Seabourn's launch of its Zero @ Sea mixology program showcases unique non-alcoholic cocktails, responding to evolving guest preferences.
Carnival Corporation's future projects are also promising. The Princess Cruises fleet is set to expand its itineraries in Japan and Southeast Asia for the 2025-26 season, with Diamond Princess leading the way. Moreover, the Seabourn Odyssey will offer nostalgic final voyages through Alaska before transitioning out of the fleet.
Financially, Carnival Corporation continues to show resilience and growth, reflected in their latest fiscal reports and quarterly earnings. Investors and stakeholders can look forward to a conference call scheduled on June 25, 2024, to discuss second-quarter financial results. This proactive engagement underscores Carnival's dedication to transparency and shareholder value.
Holland America Line's flagship Rotterdam was officially named in an elaborate ceremony held on May 30, 2022, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet served as the godmother, marking a significant occasion for the cruise line rooted in Dutch heritage. The ceremony included a gala luncheon and traditional blessings, celebrating the ship's rich history and premium features. The Rotterdam is set to explore Northern Europe and the Caribbean, continuing Holland America Line's legacy since its inception in 1873.
Carnival Corporation & plc has successfully closed a private offering of $1.0 billion in 10.5% senior unsecured notes, due in 2030. These notes will have a semi-annual interest payment starting on December 1, 2022, and are callable from June 1, 2025. Proceeds from this offering are intended for debt repayments in fiscal 2023 and other corporate purposes, including financing property and maintenance costs. The offering was limited to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. investors, ensuring compliance with securities regulations.
Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company, has joined the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the global shipping industry. This nonprofit aims to achieve zero carbon shipping by 2050 and will collaborate with Carnival and over 40 partners to develop sustainable solutions. Carnival commits to achieving net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050 and aims to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 40% by 2030, while leading in the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for its fleet.
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.