TDC executives recently told Open Jaw their cruise business is “on fire.” If anyone needed proof, all they have to do is take a look at Carnival Corporation.
The company is reporting third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, up more than 60% from the same period last year. Revenues jumped to a record $7.9 billion, up 14.5% from last year’s Q3 mark of $6.9 billion.
"We delivered a phenomenal third quarter, breaking operational records and outperforming across the board," said Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein.
Looking forward, Weinstein said Carnival is “well positioned, with an even stronger base of business for 2025 (and) a record start to 2026.”
“Carnival noted that onboard spending has also surged as more guests opt for upgraded dining, excursions, and entertainment,” said CruiseRadio.Net.
“With nearly half of 2025 booked and less inventory remaining for sale than the prior year, we are leveraging strong demand to achieve record ticket pricing (in constant currency),” Weinstein said. “Our brands continue to deliver robust bookings momentum, with all our brands ahead on price for 2025 sailings, based on the success of their demand generation efforts along with the exciting offerings and unparalleled experiences we consistently provide our guests.
“Likewise, 2026 is off to an unprecedented start achieving record booking volumes in the last three months," Weinstein noted.
“During the third quarter, booking volumes remained robust for 2025 sailings at higher prices (in constant currency) compared to the prior year,” Carnival said on its website. “The cumulative advanced booked position for full year 2025 is above the previous 2024 record with prices (in constant currency) ahead of prior year.”
Skift.com reports that Alaska has emerged as one of the cruise line operator’s top destinations this year, especially for first-time cruisegoers.
“Alaska, in particular, for this past year was off the charts,” said Josh Weinstein, president, CEO, and chief climate officer, during a third-quarter earnings call. A large share of the demand growth for Alaska has been from customers who are first-time cruisegoers.
(Open Jaw Senior Writer Jim Byers recently took his first Alaska Cruise on Holland America's Eurodam. Here's his report on their Global Fresh Fish program, and here's his look at the ship and offered excursions.)
Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest leisure travel company, with 87 ships sailing under nine brands, including Princess, Cunard, Holland America and Seabourn.
