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.
Cunard is set to honor World War II veterans on the Queen Mary 2 during a Transatlantic Crossing from June 5 to 12, 2022, in partnership with The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation. Guests will interact with esteemed veterans and hear personal experiences from significant battles, including D-Day and Pearl Harbor. The program will also include veterans from other conflicts such as Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This initiative, launched in 2017, consistently captivates attendees, providing a unique opportunity to engage with history.
Princess Cruises has unveiled its latest MedallionClass ship, Enchanted Princess, which will officially launch with its inaugural cruise season starting Nov. 10. This 145,000-ton ship can accommodate 3,660 guests and features luxurious amenities including the largest balconies at sea and over 25 dining options. The ship's design continues the lineage of its sister vessels and introduces innovative technology like the Medallion device for enhanced guest experiences. A naming ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2021, with Caribbean itineraries planned before transitioning to European routes.
Holland America Line's Rotterdam embarked on its inaugural Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 5, 2021. This five-day roundtrip includes visits to Bimini and Half Moon Cay, a private island. Rotterdam is the second ship to resume Caribbean operations after a 20-month pause, joining Nieuw Statendam and Eurodam. The cruise line expects significant contributions to the local economy, with each ship visit generating approximately $364,000. The Rotterdam boasts luxurious amenities and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.
Holland America Line has announced a limited-time offer where children aged 5-17 sailing as third and fourth guests in the same stateroom can cruise for free. This initiative is available on select sailings through May 31, 2022, with bookings required by November 18, 2021. Families can enjoy cruises in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska at fares starting as low as $898 for four. The promotion aligns with increasing travel interest post-COVID vaccination availability for children.
Princess Cruises announces a special themed "Love Boat" cruise aboard the Majestic Princess, celebrating the show's legacy and honoring late actor Gavin MacLeod. This seven-day voyage, scheduled from February 26 to March 5, 2022, includes memorable activities led by original cast members, including Jill Whelan and Cynthia Lauren Tewes. Ports of call include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Cruise fares start at $499 per person, offering unique themed experiences and a tribute to MacLeod, underscoring Princess Cruises' connection to the iconic show.
Carnival Corporation & plc has closed a private offering of $2 billion in 6% senior unsecured notes due 2029. The notes will pay interest semi-annually, starting May 1, 2022, and are callable from November 1, 2024. Proceeds will be used for scheduled principal payments on existing debt and general corporate purposes, including maintenance of property and vessels. The offering was made to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. investors, exempt from SEC registration. Risks related to COVID-19 and market conditions remain significant.
On November 1, 2021, the Ruby Princess re-entered service as Princess Cruises' sixth MedallionClass ship, departing from the Port of San Francisco for a seven-day California Coast cruise. The ship, featuring nearly 900 balconies and various dining and entertainment options, will offer cruises to popular destinations like Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Panama Canal through 2023. President John Padgett emphasized the ship's importance in revitalizing local businesses. Guests must be fully vaccinated and provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing.
Cunard announced new itineraries for Queen Elizabeth set to launch between February and May 2022, replacing the current schedule. These cruises will embark from Southampton and feature voyages to experience the Northern Lights, the Canary Islands, and a grand transatlantic journey through the Panama Canal to Vancouver. However, all departures from February 20 to May 17, 2022, are cancelled due to international travel complexities. Affected guests will receive a full refund or a 125% future cruise credit.