Carnival Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Carnival (NYSE/LSE: CCL) has announced an order for two new ships for AIDA Cruises, Germany's leading cruise line. The agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri includes the design and construction of multi-fuel-capable vessels, scheduled for delivery in Q1 fiscal 2030 and 2032.

The new ships will feature approximately 2,100 cabins each, positioning them between AIDA's 1,600-cabin Hyperion Class and 2,600-cabin Helios Class vessels. Upon delivery of the second ship, AIDA's fleet will expand to 13 vessels, strengthening its position in the German cruise market.

This order brings Carnival 's newbuild pipeline to eight ships scheduled for service between 2025 and 2033. The company maintains a disciplined growth approach, focusing on high-performing brands like AIDA Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, which account for seven of the eight ships on order. The agreement is contingent upon financing, expected to be completed in 2025.

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its 'Innovation Itinerary' strategic plan, focusing on fleet expansion and enhancement over the next five years. The company, currently operating 29 ships globally, announced two new Excel class ships - Carnival Festivale (2027) and Carnival Tropicale (2028), plus three Project Ace ships (2029-2033).

Carnival Festivale will feature new music-themed zones, 1,000 interconnecting rooms, and Sunsation Point with Carnival Waterworks Ultra. The Project Ace ships, at 230,000 gross tons each, will be the largest in Carnival's fleet, accommodating nearly 8,000 guests.

The company also announced deployment changes, with Mardi Gras shifting to short cruises from Port Canaveral, year-round operations returning to Mobile, Alabama in 2027, and potential fleet upgrades in Baltimore. Additionally, Carnival is enhancing its Paradise Collection destinations, including the new Celebration Key opening in July, expanded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (2026), and renovated Isla Tropicale in Roatan. A loyalty program enhancement is planned for 2026.

Holland America Line launches its Anniversary Sale from April 3-30, 2025, commemorating 152 years of cruise operations. The promotion offers up to 30% off cruise fares, onboard credits up to $300 per stateroom, 50% reduced deposits, and free third and fourth guests in the same stateroom.

The sale covers sailings from April 2025 through April 2026, spanning destinations including Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, South America/Antarctica, Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Tahiti, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Asia. Sample fares start from $65 per person per day for select cruises.

The offer can be combined with the 'Have It All' premium fare, which includes additional benefits such as shore excursions, Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi Surf Package. The promotion applies to cruises ranging from 4 to 56 days across all 11 ships in the fleet, excluding cruises under three days and Grand Voyages.

Cunard's iconic cruise ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne made their first-ever meeting in Hong Kong in March 2025. The newly built 3,000-guest Queen Anne, currently on her maiden 107-night world voyage from Southampton, docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on March 18, followed by Queen Elizabeth's arrival the next day.

The Queen Anne's world voyage encompasses 30 ports across 18 countries, with 1,067 guests embarking on the complete journey. Meanwhile, the Queen Elizabeth, fresh from a significant renovation, is on a nine-night voyage to Yokohama, Japan, scheduled to arrive on April 7. This renovation precedes her upcoming Miami-Caribbean and Alaska sailing seasons.

Majestic Princess has completed a two-week drydock renovation in Palermo, Italy, emerging with numerous new and reimagined venues for its 2025 Mediterranean season. The 3,560-guest, 143,700-ton vessel now features several new dining establishments including O'Malley's Irish Pub, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Alfredo's Slice, Salty Dog Café, and Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar.

The renovation included significant space relocations across multiple decks, with new shopping venues like EFFY jewelry boutiques and a Victorian-style Confectionary. The ship maintains its Princess MedallionClass experience and offers inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier with up to 65% savings on amenities.

Following its Mediterranean season (April-July), the ship will sail to Canada and New England (August-September) before concluding the year in the Caribbean (October-December).

Holland America Line has unveiled its 2026-2027 Caribbean season, featuring the most extended voyages (9+ days) in the region. The highlight is an enhanced RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay private island experience, introducing a new beach club with priority tendering, exclusive dining, and private beach access.

The season includes upgraded amenities such as enhanced beach facilities, new cabanas, refreshed dining venues, and recreational additions like pickleball courts. Ships will feature a new adults-only Signature Pool Experience at the Sea View Pool with spa-like amenities.

The program offers 25+ itineraries aboard six ships, sailing from Fort Lauderdale or Miami between October 2026 and April 2027. Notable offerings include a special partnership with The HISTORY Channel featuring 9-day Southern Caribbean voyages, and holiday cruises aboard Rotterdam. Starting fares begin at $1,299 per person with a 'Have It All' premium package, including additional perks for early bookings through June 30, 2025.

Holland America Line is launching its 2025 Alaska season starting April 26, featuring six ships operating through September. The cruise line will offer routes from Seattle, Vancouver, and between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage). Guest and crew spending is expected to contribute approximately $150 million USD to Seattle and Vancouver's economies.

The season highlights include 'Glacier Day' experiences, the Global Fresh Fish Program featuring Chef Morimoto's creations, and enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities. The company is investing $70 million in expanding the Holland America Denali Lodge while upgrading guest experiences.

Cruise offerings include the 28-day Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise, 14-day Great Alaska Explorer itinerary, and various 7-day routes. The company's Cruisetours combine cruise experiences with land tours to Denali National Park and the Yukon, ranging from 9 to 18 days.

Carnival Cruise Line has expanded its Australian presence with two new ships, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, marking its position as Australia's leading cruise operator. The vessels, previously known as Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter, will operate from Sydney and Brisbane respectively.

The integration completes P&O Australia's incorporation into the Carnival brand, bringing Carnival's global fleet to a record 29 ships. The company expects to host over 500,000 guests from Australian homeports this year through operations including Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa.

Both new ships feature Carnival's signature experiences while retaining popular P&O elements. Guests will have access to the HubApp for managing reservations and activities, and can join the VIFP Club loyalty program. Onboard offerings include Luke's Bar & Grill, entertainment venues, comedy shows, and various activities for both adults and children.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH) has launched a new partnership with Carnival Cruise Line through its Travel Bundles platform, allowing Wyndham Rewards members to book complete cruise vacation packages. Members can now earn one point per dollar on cruise bundles, airfare, car rentals, and airport transfers, plus up to 10 points per dollar on qualifying hotel stays and activities.

The platform enables travelers to bundle their entire journey, including flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, rental cars, excursions, and post-cruise accommodations. Members receive special discounts on cruise fares and can double-dip rewards, earning both Wyndham Rewards points and partner program benefits.

As part of a promotional Member Month Celebration through April 30, 2025, members can earn double points on all Wyndham Travel Bundles, with travel to be completed by December 31, 2025. The program requires cruise bundles to include at least one night's stay at a Hotel by Wyndham.