Carnival Plc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Cunard reveals groundbreaking neuroscience research conducted aboard Queen Mary 2, demonstrating significant cognitive benefits of ocean travel. A study involving 40 guests on a Transatlantic Crossing showed that five days at sea can increase cognitive abilities by an average of 26%. Key findings include a 29% improvement in short-term memory recall, a 125% increase in complex problem-solving ability, and a 14% improvement in attention levels. Participants also experienced a 158% increase in perceived relaxation, with physiological stress levels decreasing by 35%. The research, conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut, used biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after the voyage.

Carnival announced key leadership changes across its cruise brands. Gus Antorcha, current Holland America Line president, will lead Princess Cruises from Dec. 2, 2024, replacing John Padgett. Beth Bodensteiner, currently senior VP and chief commercial officer, is promoted to Holland America Line president. Mark Tamis joins as Seabourn president, replacing Natalya Leahy. Under Antorcha's leadership, Holland America achieved its largest single booking day and strongest financial results in 16 years. Bodensteiner brings 20 years of experience, while Tamis has over three decades in ultra-luxury cruising and hospitality.

Princess Cruises launches a new global advertising campaign, 'Love Boat by Hannah,' featuring Emmy-winning Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham. The campaign reimagines the iconic Love Boat theme song, with Waddingham recording at Miami's Criteria Recording Studios. The ads showcase Waddingham enjoying various cruise experiences aboard a Princess ship, filmed in cinematic style by director Dave Laden. The campaign will be distributed across multiple platforms in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, including connected TV, digital platforms, social media, and cinemas. Waddingham, who serves as Godmother of the new Sun Princess, brings modern appeal to the brand while honoring its legacy.

Holland America Line announces a Black Friday sale from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1, 2024, offering deals on over 800 cruises through October 2026. The promotion includes up to 25% off cruise fares, free prepaid crew appreciation (potentially saving over $1,000 per person), 50% reduced deposits, and free third and fourth guests in the same stateroom.

The offer is combinable with the 'Have It All' premium fare, which adds benefits like shore excursions, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi. The sale applies to various destinations including Alaska, Asia, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and more, with taxes and fees included in all cruise fares.

Holland America Line has reintroduced live cooking shows across its fleet, showcasing regional culinary specialties and locally sourced seafood from their Global Fresh Fish Program. The demonstrations, co-hosted by each ship's executive chef and cruise & travel director, occur at least twice per seven-day sailing. Guests can learn cooking techniques, taste the prepared dishes in the Dining Room, and take home recipes. The shows feature region-specific dishes, from Alaskan salmon bowls to Caribbean grouper and Asian curry, reflecting the cruise's destination.

Sun Princess, Princess Cruises' newest vessel, has been named a 2025 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award Winner, following its recognition as Condé Nast Traveler's Mega Ship of the Year. The ship introduces the innovative Sphere Class platform, featuring unique attractions like The Dome, a glass-enclosed structure with an indoor-outdoor pool, and a suspended Sphere Atrium.

The vessel offers dedicated spaces for different age groups, including Firefly Park for young children, and Neon Grove and Underground for tweens and teens. With 30 restaurant and bar venues, including celebrity collaborations, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities like The Princess Arena, Sun Princess aims to deliver exceptional family experiences. The ship recently completed its Mediterranean inaugural season and is now offering Caribbean itineraries from Ft. Lauderdale.

Seabourn announces its annual 'Black Friday Sail' promotion, running until December 3, 2024. The offer includes a two-category veranda suite upgrade and 15% reduced deposit on select 2025 and 2026 voyages. The promotion covers nearly 370 ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages across various destinations including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, and Antarctica.

The Veranda Suites feature 246-302 square feet of indoor space plus a 68-83 square foot private veranda. Travelers can choose from various itineraries aboard Seabourn's fleet, including expedition ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, offering experiences from Arctic exploration to South Pacific adventures.

Sun Princess, recently named #1 Mega Cruise Ship by Condé Nast Traveler, unveils its inaugural holiday program running from November 30 to January 3. The Holidays at Sea experience features new entertainment including a Tree Lighting Celebration in the Piazza, interactive 'Polar Pals' puppets, and Santa Claus visits. The program includes festive activities like the Holly Jolly Sweater Party, holiday trivia, and Stanley the Bear's hide-and-seek game. The ship offers religious services, special holiday menus, themed cocktails, and New Year's Eve celebrations. Additionally, Sun Princess debuts 'ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto,' a show featuring Romero Britto's artwork in collaboration with Cirque Eloize.

Seabourn reports strong demand for its ultra-luxury expedition cruises, with net bookings up nearly 30% compared to 2023. The company's expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are experiencing high occupancy levels for the 2025 season, with some destinations already sold out. The cruise line offers voyages to the Northwest Passage, Arctic, Amazon, and South Pacific, with prices rising due to strong demand. The ships feature PC6 Polar Class standards, advanced technology, and a 23-person expedition team. Both vessels are equipped with SpaceX's Starlink for enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity.