In Addition to Collaboration on Themed Slot Gaming Zones, the Two Companies Will Partner on Exciting Player Promotions Across the U.S.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aristocrat Gaming, a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of regulated slot games, today announced it is now a promotional partner for Princess Cruises, one of the world's most iconic cruise lines.

The ultra-luxury expedition ship discovered the Titania, a German World War I-era vessel, during a submarine dive—marking the first sighting of the ship in 110 years

Images can be found HERE Video can be found HERE

SEATTLE, Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, has made a historic discovery during a submarine dive off the coast of Alejandro Selkirk Island in Chile's Juan Fernández Archipelago. On October 14, 2024, Seabourn Pursuit, the ultra-luxury line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, uncovered the Titania, a German supplier ship lost for 110 years. Lying 95 meters below the surface, this remarkable find marks the first sighting of the Titania since it was scuttled in 1914.

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- They boast the most glamorous ships at sea, and now Cunard can announce that fashion icon Christian Siriano will headline its Transatlantic Fashion Week in 2025.

Christian Siriano has established himself as a tour de force in the fashion world since launching his eponymous collection in 2008 following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 11, 2024 /CNW/ -- They boast the most glamorous ships at sea, and now Cunard can announce that fashion icon Christian Siriano will headline its Transatlantic Fashion Week in 2025.

Christian Siriano has established himself as a tour de force in the fashion world since launching his eponymous collection in 2008 following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

Now open for sale: The ultra-luxury cruise line unveils voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Japan, and Canada and New England between March and December 2026

SEATTLE, Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, has announced an exciting program of immersive 2026 itineraries available on Seabourn's ultra-luxury ocean fleet – Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn – which will explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska & British Columbia, Japan, and Canada & New England between March and December 2026. The new program will feature more than 200 destinations in almost 40 countries on over 50 distinctive itineraries, including two unique voyages that will feature a chance to view the total solar eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026.

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its new program of voyages sailing from October 2026 to April 2027.

Guests will be able to enjoy more than 40 new voyages on Cunard's iconic fleet of four Queens: flagship Queen Mary 2, its newest vessel Queen Anne, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

The new itineraries feature 101 unique destinations across 57 countries, including 62 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 22 overnight port calls and 26 late-evening departures, the new program offers guests even more opportunities to explore the world. Among the highlights are two maiden calls for the fleet: Ferrol, Spain, and Acajutla, El Salvador – both aboard Queen Victoria.

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 9, 2024 /CNW/ -- Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its new program of voyages sailing from October 2026 to April 2027.

Guests will be able to enjoy more than 40 new voyages on Cunard's iconic fleet of four Queens: flagship Queen Mary 2, its newest vessel Queen Anne, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

The new itineraries feature 101 unique destinations across 57 countries, including 62 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 22 overnight port calls and 26 late-evening departures, the new program offers guests even more opportunities to explore the world. Among the highlights are two maiden calls for the fleet: Ferrol, Spain, and Acajutla, El Salvador – both aboard Queen Victoria.

BLOCK LISTING RETURN

Information provided on this form must be typed or printed electronically and provided to an ris.

Date:  04 October 2024

Name of applicant: Carnival plc Name of scheme: Carnival plc 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Period of return: From: 1 April 2024 To: 30 September2024 Balance of unallotted securities under scheme(s) from previous return: 96,357 Plus:  The amount by which the block scheme(s) has been increased since the date of the last return (if any increase has been applied for): 0 Less:  Number of securities issued/allotted under scheme(s) during period (see LR3.5.7G): 5,640 Equals:  Balance under scheme(s) not yet issued/allotted at end of period: 90,717

Name of contact: Jessica Del Pino Telephone number of contact: +1-305-406-5268

BLOCK LISTING RETURN

Information provided on this form must be typed or printed electronically and provided to an ris.

Date: 04 October 2024

Name of applicant: Carnival plc Name of scheme: Carnival plc 2014 Employee Share Plan Period of return: From: 1 April 2024 To: 30 September 2024 Balance of unallotted securities under scheme(s) from previous return: 400,625 Plus:  The amount by which the block scheme(s) has been increased since the date of the last return (if any increase has been applied for): nil Less:  Number of securities issued/allotted under scheme(s) during period (see LR3.5.7G): nil Equals:  Balance under scheme(s) not yet issued/allotted at end of period: 400,625

Name of contact:                                                                               Jessica Del Pino Telephone number of contact: +1-305-406-5268

CARNIVAL PLC - VOTING RIGHTS AND CAPITAL

In accordance with the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on 30 September 2024 Carnival plc had 217,401,886 issued ordinary shares of US $1.66 each admitted to trading. Carnival plc holds 29,719,552 ordinary shares in Treasury.

Although Carnival plc has 187,682,334 issued and outstanding ordinary shares, the 24,901,144 ordinary shares held by Carnival Investments Limited and 17,975,128 ordinary shares held by Carnival Corporation do not carry the right to vote (in accordance with the Articles of Association of Carnival plc).

Therefore, the total number of voting rights in Carnival plc is 144,806,062. The above figure of 144,806,062 may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in their interest in, Carnival plc under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

4 October 2024

Acosta Danza will enjoy a six-week residency aboard Queen Victoria from May 26 to July 7, 2025

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has announced that the famous Cuban ballet company Acosta Danza will be on board Queen Victoria from May 26 – July 7, 2025, for a special six-week residency.

The critically acclaimed company, founded by world-renowned ballerina Carlos Acosta, will perform two exclusive shows, which will be revealed closer to the time. 

Acosta Danza will enjoy a six-week residency aboard Queen Victoria from May 26 to July 7, 2025

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /CNW/ -- Cunard has announced that the famous Cuban ballet company Acosta Danza will be on board Queen Victoria from May 26 – July 7, 2025, for a special six-week residency.

The critically acclaimed company, founded by world-renowned ballerina Carlos Acosta, will perform two exclusive shows, which will be revealed closer to the time. 

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC REPORTS RECORD-SETTING OPERATING RESULTS, OUTPERFORMS THIRD QUARTER GUIDANCE AND RAISES FULL YEAR 2024 GUIDANCE FOR THE THIRD TIME

 

MIAMI, Sept. 30, 2024 -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) announced financial results for the third quarter 2024 and provided an updated outlook for the full year and an outlook for fourth quarter 2024.

Third quarter net income was $1.7 billion, an increase of over 60 percent compared to 2023 and adjusted net income1 outperformed June guidance by $170 million. Third quarter revenues hit an all-time high of $7.9 billion, up $1.0 billion compared to the prior year. Record operating income of $2.2 billion exceeded 2023 levels by $554 million. As a result of strong demand and cost saving opportunities, raised its full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA1 guidance to approximately $6.0 billion, up over 40 percent compared to 2023 and better than June guidance by nearly $200 million. The cumulative advanced booked position for full year 2025 is above the previous 2024 record with prices (in constant currency) ahead of prior year.

"We delivered a phenomenal third quarter, breaking operational records and outperforming across the board. Our strong improvements were led by high-margin, same-ship yield growth, driving a 26 percent improvement in unit operating income, the highest level we have reached in fifteen years," commented Carnival Corporation & plc's Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein.

"We are poised to deliver record operating performance for full year 2024, with adjusted EBITDA now expected to cross $6 billion and adjusted return on invested capital1 to be approximately 10.5 percent. Strong demand enabled us to increase our full year yield guidance for the third time this year and we improved our cost guidance driving more revenue to the bottom line," Weinstein added.

"Looking forward, the momentum continues as our enhanced commercial execution drives demand well in excess of our capacity growth, leaving us well positioned with an even stronger base of business for 2025, a record start to 2026 and firmly on the path toward our SEA Change targets," Weinstein noted. 

Third Quarter 2024 Results

Net income was $1.7 billion, or $1.26 diluted EPS, an increase of $662 million compared to 2023. Adjusted net income of $1.8 billion, or $1.27 adjusted EPS1, was higher than June guidance by $170 million driven by outperformance in both yield and cost. Record operating income of $2.2 billion exceeded 2023 levels by $554 million or 34 percent. Record adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 billion increased over 25 percent compared to 2023 and outperformed June guidance by $160 million. Third quarter revenues hit an all-time high of $7.9 billion, with record net yields1 (in constant currency) and record net per diems1 (in constant currency) both significantly exceeding 2023 levels. Gross margin yields increased by 19 percent compared to 2023 and net yields (in constant currency) exceeded 2023 levels by 8.7 percent. Gross margin per diems were up 16 percent compared to 2023. Net per diems (in constant currency) were up nearly 6 percent compared to 2023 with both ticket prices and onboard spending up mid-single digits. Cruise costs per available lower berth day ("ALBD") increased 3.4 percent compared to 2023. Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD1 (in constant currency) decreased compared to 2023 and were significantly better than June guidance driven by cost saving opportunities, accelerated easing of inflationary pressures, benefits from one-time items and the timing of expenses between the quarters. Total customer deposits reached a third quarter record of $6.8 billion, surpassing the previous third quarter record of $6.3 billion as of August 31, 2023, despite lower capacity growth.

Bookings

"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). 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.

The cumulative advanced booked position for full year 2025 is above the previous 2024 record with prices (in constant currency) ahead of prior year.

_____________________________1 See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for additional information.

2024 Outlook

For the full year 2024, the company expects:

Net yields (in constant currency) up approximately 10.4 percent compared to 2023, better than June guidance, based on continued strength in demand. Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (in constant currency) up approximately 3.5 percent compared to 2023, approximately 1 percentage point better than June guidance driven by cost saving opportunities, accelerated easing of inflationary pressures and benefits from one-time items. Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $6.0 billion, up over 40 percent compared to 2023 and better than June guidance by nearly $200 million. Adjusted return on invested capital ("ROIC") of approximately 10.5 percent, an improvement of approximately 5.0 percentage points compared to 2023 and half a point better than June guidance.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company expects:

Net yields (in constant currency) up approximately 5.0 percent compared to particularly strong 2023 levels. Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (in constant currency) up approximately 8.0 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 due primarily to higher dry-dock days and higher investment in advertising. Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.14 billion, up 20 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

See "Guidance" and "Reconciliation of Forecasted Data" for additional information on the company's 2024 outlook.

Financing and Capital Activity

"We have continued to improve our leverage metrics and balance sheet with strong cash generation and continued debt reduction. We are pleased these efforts were recognized by both S&P and Moody's with their recent credit rating upgrades. For 2024, we expect better than a two turn improvement in net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 compared to 2023, approaching 4.5x, well on our way to investment grade. In fact, this year's adjusted free cash flow1 is expected to be over $3.0 billion," commented Carnival Corporation & plc's Chief Financial Officer David Bernstein.

The company continued its efforts to proactively manage its debt profile. Since June 2024, the company prepaid another $625 million of debt, bringing its total prepayments to $7.3 billion since the beginning of 2023. Additionally, the company has now fully utilized the accordion feature of its revolving credit facility, increasing the borrowing capacity by nearly $500 million and bringing the total undrawn commitment to $3.0 billion. The company ended the quarter with $4.5 billion of liquidity, including cash and borrowings available under the revolving credit facility.

During the third quarter, Fitch initiated its coverage of the company with a BB credit rating with a positive outlook. The company is now rated by all three major internationally recognized rating agencies. Additionally, S&P upgraded its credit rating to BB with a stable outlook and Moody's upgraded to B1 with a positive outlook. The company believes this is a testament to its improved leverage metrics and continuing journey to investment grade ratings.

The company continues to strategically direct new capacity towards its highest returning brand with the recent order of three additional ships to Carnival Cruise Line for delivery in 2029, 2031 and 2033. These ships will become the largest ships in the company's fleet and will carry more passengers than any other cruise ship to date. The company is following through on its measured capacity growth strategy of one to two ships per year on average, including just three ships scheduled for delivery through 2028. This will enable the company to utilize its substantial free cash flow to strategically improve its balance sheet by significantly reducing its leverage levels over the next several years.

The company obtained a new export credit facility, bringing its total committed financings related to ship deliveries to $3.4 billion, continuing its strategy to finance its newbuild program at preferential interest rates.

_____________________________1 See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release for additional information.

Other Recent Highlights 

Named by TIME as one of the World's Best Companies of 2024 and by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Women in 2024. Opened a new innovative Fleet Operations Center in Hamburg, Germany to support its European brands. Announced the expansion of Half Moon Cay. This popular private island will be enhanced to include an expanded beach, dining and beverage experiences along with a new pier that will allow the company's larger ships to visit. In anticipation of Celebration Key's debut in July 2025, Carnival Cruise Line opened bookings for the destination's new exclusive retreat, Pearl Cove Beach Club, which will offer a premium experience for guests with a large selection of supervillas, cabanas and shore excursions. Carnival Conquest, AIDAdiva and AIDAluna became the first cruise ships to connect to shore power at PortMiami, the Port of Stockholm and the Port of Oslo. AIDA Cruises successfully piloted a new advanced blended biofuel, which is specifically intended for the maritime industry and lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. Seabourn Pursuit was named in a historic expedition ceremony, debuting its new itineraries visiting the Kimberley region in Australia.

Guidance

(See "Reconciliation of Forecasted Data")

 

4Q 2024

 

Full Year 2024

Year over year change

Current Dollars

 

Constant Currency

 

Current Dollars

 

Constant Currency

Net yields

Approx. 7.0%

 

Approx. 5.0%

 

Approx. 11.0%

 

Approx. 10.4%

Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

Approx. 9.5%

 

Approx. 8.0%

 

Approx. 4.0%

 

Approx. 3.5%

 

 

4Q 2024

 

Full Year 2024

ALBDs (in millions) (a)

24.0

 

95.6

Capacity growth compared to prior year

3.1 %

 

4.7 %

 

 

 

 

Fuel consumption in metric tons (in millions)

0.7

 

2.9

Fuel cost per metric ton consumed (excluding European Union Allowance ("EUA"))

$                     590

 

$                     658

Fuel expense (including EUA expense) (in billions)

$                    0.43

 

$                    1.98

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization (in billions)

$                    0.67

 

$                    2.57

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income (in billions)

$                    0.41

 

$                    1.68

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (in billions)

Approx. $1.14

 

Approx. $6.0

Adjusted net income (loss) (in millions)

Approx. $60

 

Approx. $1,760

Adjusted earnings per share - diluted (b)

Approx. $0.05

 

Approx. $1.33

Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic

1,296

 

1,273

Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted

1,301

 

1,398

Award presented onboard Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 while docked in Halifax, NS

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Eighth Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage, and Creativity was awarded to Blair McKeil on Wednesday, September 25, onboard Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2. To celebrate this honor, McKeil was joined by local dignitaries, leaders from the maritime community, and officers from Queen Mary 2, which was docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Award presented onboard Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 while docked in Halifax, NS

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ -- The Eighth Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage, and Creativity was awarded to Blair McKeil on Wednesday, September 25, onboard Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2. To celebrate this honor, McKeil was joined by local dignitaries, leaders from the maritime community, and officers from Queen Mary 2, which was docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has revealed it will offer up to five-day shore excursions upon its highly anticipated return to South America next year. 

The luxury cruise line will operate in the region for the first time since 2020 with Queen Victoria's 78-night South America Discovery voyage, roundtrip from Southampton. The sailing will depart the south coast on January 9, 2025.

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 /CNW/ -- Cunard has revealed it will offer up to five-day shore excursions upon its highly anticipated return to South America next year. 

The luxury cruise line will operate in the region for the first time since 2020 with Queen Victoria's 78-night South America Discovery voyage, roundtrip from Southampton. The sailing will depart the south coast on January 9, 2025.

The ultra-luxury cruise line unveils two new voyages for viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse on Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn

SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, unveils two new Solar Eclipse cruises exploring Northern Europe and the Mediterranean in late summer 2026. On August 12, 2026, as the moon passes between Earth and the sun to create a total solar eclipse, both Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn will be strategically aligned to grant guests a unique viewing opportunity of the rare spectacle. Guests' eclipse viewing experience may change based on weather or cloud coverage.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC TO HOLD CONFERENCE CALL ON THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS

 

MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2024 -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has scheduled a conference call with analysts for Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. (EDT); 3 p.m. (BST) to discuss the company's third quarter financial results which are expected to be released that morning.

A simulcast of the call will be available via the company's websites at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.

About Carnival Corporation & plc Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

Additional information can be found on www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com.

For information on Carnival Corporation's industry-leading sustainability initiatives, visit www.carnivalsustainability.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jody Venturoni

1 469 797 6380

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:

Beth Roberts

1 305 406 4832

 

 

CARNIVAL PLC - VOTING RIGHTS AND CAPITAL

In accordance with the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on 31 August 2024 Carnival plc had 217,401,886 issued ordinary shares of US $1.66 each admitted to trading. Carnival plc holds 29,719,552 ordinary shares in Treasury.

Although Carnival plc has 187,682,334 issued and outstanding ordinary shares, the 24,901,144 ordinary shares held by Carnival Investments Limited and 17,975,128 ordinary shares held by Carnival Corporation do not carry the right to vote (in accordance with the Articles of Association of Carnival plc).

Therefore, the total number of voting rights in Carnival plc is 144,806,062. The above figure of 144,806,062 may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in their interest in, Carnival plc under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

6 September 2024