Cruises

Cruises
Carnival posts record income, revenue on strong bookings
Carnival Corporation reported record revenue and net income last quarter as bookings rise, though shares dropped by 4.0%. Net income was US$1.85 billion, up from $1.74 billion year-over-year, or $2.0 billion on an adjusted basis. Revenue was $8.15 billion, growing from $7.90 billion. “This was a phenomenal quarter delivering all-time high net income and our tenth consecutive quarter of record revenues. Strong demand and onboard spending drove a 4.6% improvement in net yields (in constant currency), all of which was achieved on a same ship basis,” said Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein. “Since May, booking trends have continued to strengthen with higher booking volumes than last year and far outpacing capacity growth,” said Weinstein. “With nearly half of 2026 booked, which is in line with 2025 record levels (at the same time last year) but now at historical high prices (in constant currency) for both our North America and Europe segments, we have built a strong base of business for next year.” Operating income was $2.27 billion, up from $2.18 billion. Diluted earnings per share were $1.33, growing from $1.26, and adjusted EBITDA was up from $2.82 billion to $2.99 billion. Passenger Ticket revenue rose from $5.24 billion t
Cruises
Azamara to set sail on solar eclipse cruises in 2026
Azamara Cruise will set sail on three solar eclipse cruises during 2026 in partnership with Lowell Observatory, a historic institution most well known for its groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and public education. Guests on the cruises will have the chance to witness the solar eclipse from prime ocean vantage points. Azamara Cruises CEO, Dondra Ritzenhaler, said the partnership with Lowell Observatory will allow them to enhance the celestial phenomenon into something “more meaningful” for their guests. “Their astronomers really bring the eclipse to life through stories, guidance and hands-on experiences that deepen understanding while creating moments of awe”, Ritzenhaler said. “It’s a natural extension of our Destination Immersion philosophy, offering not just a view of the world but a richer connection to it.” The Cruise company said what sets these sailings apart is the experiential programming provided by Lowell Observatory. Experiences on the cruises will include lectures, stargazing sessions, interactive demonstrations and live eclipse narration. Guests will also be provided with special viewing glasses for safe observation. “For more than 130 years Lowell Observatory has helped people discover th
Cruises
Aqua Expeditions unveils Arctic voyages, new superyacht
Aqua Expeditions is set to sail into the Arctic Circle for the first time in 18 years, deploying its new ship, Aqua Lares, in mid-2026. The six-deck superyacht features an Ice Class 1 B-rated hull, allowing access to high-latitude regions previously unreachable by conventional vessels. The luxury small ship operator unveiled Aqua Lares in early August. The 30-passenger vessel will debut in East Africa in February, operating cruises to the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll, and Zanzibar. Following its maiden season in East Africa, Aqua Lares will head north for the Arctic summer, positioning to explore the fjords of Norway, Svalbard, and the Arctic Circle from June to September 2026. Voyages will range from 5 to 14 nights, visiting remote destinations including the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø. “These journeys promise dramatic glacial landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and a profound sense of remoteness—delivered in Aqua’s signature style aboard a sleek polar vessel with the intimacy and service of a private yacht. Itinerary highlights include opportunities to spot polar bears, migratory whales, and Arctic foxes, alongside visits to historic whaling stations and expansive seabird nesting cliffs,” the company said in a pre
Cruises
Seabourn to launch cruise from Arctic to Antarctica
Seabourn Cruise Line will launch a 94-day ‘Pole to Pole’ cruise from the Arctic to Antarctica, part of its expedition travel offerings. The route will visit 14 countries and territories across 20,500 nautical miles, including Iceland, Greenland, Barbados, and Brazil. Passengers will take part in nature and wildlife experiences led by scientists and naturalists. “Our Pole to Pole: Grand Expedition is unlike anything we've ever offered and is a once-in-a-lifetime journey designed for travellers who dream of exploring the ends of the Earth in total comfort and luxury,” said Seabourn president Mark Tamis. “From the High Arctic to Antarctica, guests will sail through some of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth, all while enjoying the hallmarks of Seabourn's luxury experience. It is an extraordinary voyage that only Seabourn can deliver.” Tickets will be available to the public from 13 August, with prices not yet announced. The cruise will set sail in August 2027. An 82-day expedition route is also available, which will depart 12 days later. The cruise will be held aboard the Seabourn Venture, an expedition ship that accommodates 264 passengers. The Venture includes two submarines, and has previously sailed
Cruises
Royal Caribbean lifts guidance, passenger numbers surge
Royal Caribbean Group has lifted its full-year guidance, after posting major growth in passengers, revenue, and earnings per share. Revenue was US$4.54 billion, up 10.4% year-over-year but below LSEG estimates of $4.55 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were $4.38, rising from $3.21 one year ago and above estimates of $4.09. “Demand for our portfolio of brands and our industry-leading experiences continues to accelerate. Grounded in our mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we remain keenly focused on delivering exceptional value for our guests and shareholders — not just by executing today, but by staying ahead of where demand is going,” said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty. “We are well on our way to achieving our Perfecta financial targets by the end of 2027. As we look beyond 2027, we see another step change in growth as we deepen our moat with a powerful pipeline of incredible new ships, the ramp-up of our highly differentiated new destinations and river cruising, and continued investments in disruptive technology, personalization and loyalty.” The company served 2.3 million guests last quarter, up 10% year-over-year. Its capacity increased by 5.8%, and occupancy levels reached 110.3% as mor

Cruises
TT-Line officially buys Spirit of Tasmania
TT-Line now officially owns Spirit of Tasmania V, the second and larger of two new ferries for the state. The Tasmanian ferry company confirmed the deal was done on Wednesday evening (AEST). On Sunday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that the first of the new vessels, Spirit IV, will arrive in Tasmania in August. It was originally expected to depart for Australia back in May, but was delayed after an issue with the liquefied natural gas system. “This marks a significant milestone in our journey,” TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone said. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated project team members who have overseen the design, construction and delivery of the vessel, both in Australia and Finland.”
Cruises
Carnival lifts full-year guidance on earnings beat
Cruise operator Carnival Corporation’s second quarter earnings and revenue beat estimates, with the company lifting its full-year guidance. Adjusted earnings per share were US$0.35, rising from $0.11 year-over-year and passing LSEG estimates of $0.24. Revenue was a record $6.3 billion, above estimates of $6.2 billion. “Our amazing team delivered yet another phenomenal quarter, more than tripling adjusted net income driven by record net yields (in constant currency) and strong close-in demand. We also remain on track for strong 4% net yield growth in the second half, consistent with what we forecasted back in December which was before the complex macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop we have all experienced in the last few months,” said Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein. “Our strong results, booked position and outlook are a testament to the success of our ongoing strategy to deliver same-ship, high-margin revenue growth. We continue to set ourselves up well for 2026 and beyond, with so much more potential to take our margins, returns and results even higher over time.” The company’s net income was US$565 million, up from $92 million one year ago. Adjusted EBITDA reached a new record of US$1.5 billion, rising 26% year-ov
Cruises
Celebrity Cruises plans $250m upgrade to Solstice ships
Celebrity Cruises will invest over US$250 million to modernise its five Solstice-class ships, updating its recreation, accommodation, and dining offerings. The upgrades will include new restaurants, suites, and outdoor spaces. Celebrity Solstice will be the first in the series to be renovated, and will set sail with its new modifications in March 2026. “Our Solstice Series ships represent the best of classic cruising, and now we're elevating this vacation experience even further by adding brand new experiences and enhancements at every turn," said Celebrity Cruises president Laura Hodges Bethge. “Guests will enjoy more ways to explore and restore, all while staying true to what made our guests fall in love with these ships in the first place.” The Solstice ships will feature a new entertainment venue with both daytime and evening events known as Boulevard Lounge, as well as six other new bars, restaurants, and lounges. Several existing restaurants and venues will also be redesigned and updated, the company said. The Retreat, Celebrity Cruises’ high-end onboard accommodation offering, will see upgraded suites along with a new sundeck. The ships’ AquaClass staterooms will include spa elements for wellness-focused trav
Cruises
Copper Coast to welcome first cruise ship since 2019
The Copper Coast is preparing to welcome its first cruise ship since 2019 with the luxury Seabourn Quest. The ship is set to dock in the South Australian Town of Wallaroo in March 2027, which has long awaited the return of cruise ships. Wallaroo businesses welcome the announcement but are still awaiting further details. The town is home to 4,000 people, and the cruise ships stopping by in 2019 were a much-needed economic injection. “This is fantastic news for the Copper Coast. The arrival of Seabourn Quest will bring a significant influx of visitors, boosting local businesses, creating opportunities, and showcasing our beautiful region to an international audience,” Copper Coast mayor Roslyn Talbot said. “Just as with previous visits, Council anticipate a substantial positive impact on our local economy.” After cruises stopped docking in the town and the pandemic ended, the South Australian Government said the 2023-24 cruise season was the state’s most successful yet. According to a report commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association, it injected A$227 million into the South Australian economy. Copper Coast Council chief executive officer Dylan Strong said th