Norwegian Cruise builds customized ship for China market

Carnival Cruise Line’s China operations will also utilize the services of the newly announced Carnival Corporation Shared Services Group based in Shanghai. “These offices will provide sales and marketing support to our travel partners whose customers not only wish to sail on our new China-based ship, but also on any of the incredible voyages around the world offered across our portfolio of brands”.

Many analysts have commented on the company rating.

Carnival Cruise Line has 24 ships operating three-to 16-day trips globally, to destinations including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and the Pacific Islands. Its North America segment cruise brands include Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises (Princess) and Seabourn.

Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises will join Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises in the Chinese market, making Carnival Corporation the first company to operate four brands in China.

“We are very excited to bring the truly special and unique cruise experience that has made Carnival the world’s most popular cruise line to China, ” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Aboard NCL ships, Chinese guests will indulge in a resort-style vacation experience, with the freedom and flexibility to joyfully spend time doing whatever they wish, from enjoying world-class entertainment to fine Mandarin, Cantonese and Continental dining; from duty-free luxury shopping to participating in any number of incredible first-at-sea activities on-board; all on their own time schedule. “By focusing on the interests of our guests in China, there is a significant opportunity to grow cruising demand for our brand, Carnival Corporation and the industry at large”.

The expansion of Carnival Corporation’s China fleet to six ships will represent a 58 percent increase in total capacity in China in 2016, including three year-round ships and three seasonal ships in the market.

Performers welcome passengers aboard for a cruise in Yantai, Shandong province.

The Corporation plans to deploy two additional ships to the region, one new ship each from Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises.

Carnival believes that the future of the industry will be in China, despite its decelerating economy, said Arnold Donald, Carnival Corporation’s chief executive.

A few analysts say that cruise operators are doubling down in China to make up for weakness in other markets. 6 analysts rated the company as a strong buy.

The cruise industry in China, while still in its infancy, has been building rapidly and a multitude of cruise companies have been moving in to capture it. This partnership further expands the player reach of High 5 Games content and aims to entertain the millions of cruise guests who sail Carnival’s brands each year. “We know our guests will be delighted by the high quality graphics and immersive gameplay of their extensive catalog.” The Cruise Lines company announced earnings per share of $0.73 against a consensus Street estimate of $0.74, missing estimate by $0.01.