Carnival Plc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Three cruise brands from Carnival Corporation (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) will resume services in the U.S. starting July. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line will operate Alaska cruises from Seattle, limited to vaccinated guests. Princess will sail from July 25 to September 26, Holland America will begin on July 24 through October 2, and Carnival on July 27 to September 14. The company is working closely with the CDC on health protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and communities served.

On May 19, 2021, 118 crew members from Holland America Line's Koningsdam received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at the Port of San Diego. This initiative, conducted in partnership with Sharp HealthCare, marks a significant move towards resuming cruises. Captain Henk Draper and President Gus Antorcha underscored the importance of these vaccinations for the crew and overall operations. Starting October 2021 through April 2022, Koningsdam and Zuiderdam will operate cruises from San Diego, projecting an economic impact of $300,000 per ship visit for the local economy.

Seabourn, the ultra-luxury cruise line, has announced its 2023 voyages featuring immersive experiences in Alaska, the Pacific Coast, and Canada/New England. The Seabourn Odyssey will conduct 18 sailings in Alaska from May to October, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 days. Meanwhile, the Seabourn Quest will offer six sailings in Canada/New England from August to November. Bookings are available as of May 19, 2021, presenting an opportunity for travelers to enjoy unique destinations and curated experiences.

Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL, CUK) has announced the resumption of guest cruise operations this summer for seven of its brands including AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Cunard. The phased approach involves 16 ships, nearly 20% of its fleet, operating with adjusted passenger capacity and enhanced health protocols. Key itineraries include UK coastal cruises and voyages around the Greek Islands. The company emphasizes compliance and safety as it seeks to meet strong pent-up demand for cruising, marking a significant recovery step for the cruise industry.

Carnival Cruise Line has named Miss Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jiménez, as the godmother of its innovative ship, Mardi Gras, during the MISS UNIVERSE broadcast. This ship is notable for being the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and for featuring an onboard roller coaster. Jiménez, a champion for at-risk youth and advocate for adoption, received the 'Spirit of Carnival' award, recognizing her commitment to diversity and empowerment. The Mardi Gras will set sail for the Caribbean and Bahamas, offering memorable experiences to its guests.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced further cancellations of sailings as it prepares for a potential restart in July 2021. Selected ships from Florida and Texas are expected to resume, including Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze from Galveston, and Carnival Horizon from Miami. Cancellations affect all other ships until July 30, 2021, with options for full refunds or future cruise credits for affected guests. Discussions are ongoing with the CDC, and patience from guests is appreciated.

Holland America Line has received approval to restart cruising from Piraeus (Athens) in August 2021, with bookings opening on May 6. The initial voyages include a 14-day "Idyllic Greek Isles" and a seven-day "Adriatic Allure" itinerary. Enhanced health protocols will be in place, requiring guests to be vaccinated. The company will also cancel some prior European cruises to accommodate the new schedules. Cruise fares begin at $1,649 for cruise-only options, with additional offerings like flexible cancellations available until June 30, 2021.

Princess Cruises has launched Dine My Way, a new flexible dining option for guests, enhancing their onboard experience. This feature allows guests to make reservations at their preferred times and with chosen companions, optimizing dining capacities and reducing wait times. Guests can customize their dining preferences, including pace and seating location. The OceanNow service has also expanded, enabling on-demand menu ordering from anywhere on the ship. These innovations aim to improve guest convenience and experience, leveraging the technology of the OceanMedallion wearable device.