Carnival PLC - CUK STOCK NEWS

Princess Cruises announced the inaugural season of the Emerald Princess at Flynn Cruiseport Boston, starting July 14, 2024. With a capacity of 3,080 guests, the Emerald Princess will offer 10 Canada and New England voyages, including a unique 17-day cruise to Greenland. The season runs until October 7, 2024, featuring seven to 17-day cruises with stops in Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, and other scenic locations. The introduction of the Emerald Princess is expected to bring significant economic benefits to local businesses in Boston, with an influx of up to 30,000 cruisers. The ship offers premium experiences with well-appointed staterooms, world-class dining, and award-winning entertainment.

Holland America Line will debut 15 new production shows on their 2025 'Grand World Voyage' and 'Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole.' These shows, developed by Blackburn International, will feature eight singers and dancers performing tributes to artists like Carole King and Fleetwood Mac. The cruises will also include guest chefs, cooking demonstrations, and diverse onboard entertainment. The 'Grand World Voyage' departs January 4, 2025, for 124 days, visiting 49 ports in 30 countries, while the 'Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole' leaves January 25, 2025, for 133 days, visiting 69 ports in 26 countries. The ships will meet in Barcelona on April 24, 2025. Fares for the full voyages start at $27,354 and $31,199, respectively, with early booking bonuses available.

Princess Cruises has announced a new partnership with 13-time World Pizza Champion Chef Tony Gemignani. Gemignani has created five unique pizzas featuring premium ingredients such as Soppressata sausage and hot honey. These pizzas will debut at Alfredo's on the new Sun Princess and will be available fleet-wide by summer. To celebrate, Princess Cruises will attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Pizza Party on July 12. Chef Gemignani is renowned for his artisan pizzas and has trained Princess chefs to replicate his creations onboard. This collaboration adds to Princess Cruises' extensive list of celebrity culinary partnerships.

On June 29, 2024, Seabourn named its new ultra-luxury expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, in a historic ceremony at Ngula Jar Island, Australia. This event marked the first time the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners named a ship, symbolizing a unique partnership between Seabourn and the Aboriginal community.

The ceremony included cultural events such as a 'jimɨrri' smoking ceremony, traditional dance, and visits to ancient rock art sites. Seabourn President Natalya Leahy emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable tourism. In addition to the naming festivities, Seabourn announced donations to support local art and craft initiatives, highlighting a long-term relationship with the Wunambal Gaambera people.

The Seabourn Pursuit is built to PC6 Polar Class standards and features advanced technology and luxurious amenities. The ship is designed for diverse environments, enhancing the guest experience with nearly 270-degree views and a 4K Cineflex Camera for high-quality broadcasts.

Princess Cruises has launched a new restaurant, Love by Britto, onboard the Sun Princess. This exclusive venue is a collaborative project between renowned artist Romero Britto and culinary expert Rudi Sodamin. The restaurant offers a seven-course, prix fixe menu with unique presentations like heart-shaped dishes and vibrant dinnerware featuring Britto's art. Located on deck 17 aft, it accommodates 68 guests, providing an intimate setting with bold and colorful decor. The dining experience is priced at $79 per person. Special cocktails and an extensive wine list complement the menu, adding to the luxurious dining experience.

Princess Cruises has introduced the 'Better than Best Price Guarantee' for its 2025 and 2026 cruises, available from July 1 to September 2, 2024. This guarantee allows guests to book early with confidence, ensuring they receive the best price available. If a lower price for the same cruise is found before final payment, Princess will honor the lower rate and provide 120% of the difference as onboard credit. The promotion is part of Princess's effort to offer unmatched value and service, with booking volumes already 30% higher for 2025 voyages. Guests can also benefit from inclusive packages, offering significant savings on amenities.

Carnival & plc (NYSE: CCL) announced record financial results for Q2 2024, with net income improving by nearly $500 million compared to 2023. The company reported second-quarter revenues of $5.8 billion and an operating income of $560 million, almost five times higher than the previous year. Adjusted net income outperformed guidance by $170 million, driven by higher ticket prices and onboard spending.

Total customer deposits hit a record high of $8.3 billion. The company raised its full-year 2024 net yield guidance to 10.25% and adjusted net income guidance by $275 million. Bookings for 2025 are already higher in both price and occupancy compared to 2024. Carnival also announced strategic portfolio optimizations, including the sunset of the P&O Cruises (Australia) brand.

Debt prepayment initiatives have reduced secured debt by nearly 40%, and net interest expenses are expected to decrease by $85 million annually. Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 is projected to be approximately $5.83 billion, up nearly 40% from 2023.

Princess Cruises has launched an exclusive VIP package for its Love Boat-themed cruise, offering fans a chance to interact closely with the original cast members. The cruise, scheduled from August 31 to September 7, 2024, aboard the Enchanted Princess, features cast members like Jill Whelan, Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, and Ted Lange. The VIP package, priced at $450 per person, includes exclusive events like a cast cocktail party, reserved seating at Q&A sessions, front-of-line access for meet-and-greets, dinner with the cast, Love Boat-themed merchandise, and a signed cast photo. Additional themed activities are available for all guests. This seven-day cruise departs from New York City and visits Boston, Eastport, Saint John, and Halifax.

Holland America Line has announced a partnership with Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), the makers of LINDOR truffles. This collaboration aims to enhance the cruising experience with special chocolate-themed services and desserts. Guests can enjoy a "Sweet Dreams" turndown service featuring Lindt chocolates, and exclusive Lindt chocolate desserts, such as a tulip-shaped mousse cake and a Lindt Sundae. Additionally, a Lindt Flourless Chocolate Cake will debut in July 2024. These treats will be available fleetwide by August 2024, enriching the culinary experience on board.