Carnival

Carnival Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry when founder Ted Arison launched the company in 1972 with a bold vision: making cruise vacations accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy elite. The maiden voyage of the Mardi Gras on March 11, 1972, became legendary when the converted transatlantic liner ran aground just outside Miami's port, creating worldwide headlines. Despite this inauspicious start, Arison's determination and innovative 'Fun Ship' concept transformed cruising from a luxury reserved for the affluent into an affordable vacation option for middle-class Americans. By 1975, Carnival had turned profitable, and under the leadership of Ted Arison and his son Micky (who became CEO in 1979), the company prospered even during the economically challenging late 1970s and early 1980s.

Today, Carnival Corporation operates nine cruise brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK and Australia), and Cunard. Together, these brands comprise a fleet of 105 ships serving over 700 ports worldwide, carrying approximately 10 million passengers annually. Carnival Cruise Line alone operates 27 ships with homeports across North America, Europe, and Australia, sailing nearly six million guests each year. The company's strategic expansion through acquisitions between 1989 and 2003—including Holland America, Costa Cruises, Cunard, and the transformative 2003 merger with P&O Princess—established Carnival Corporation as the undisputed global leader in cruise travel.

Carnival Corporation demonstrated remarkable resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving record-breaking results in 2024 with revenues hitting an all-time high of $25 billion, up 15% from the prior year, and full-year net income of $1.9 billion. Under CEO Josh Weinstein's leadership since August 2022, the company expects 20% earnings growth in 2025, with nearly two-thirds of the year already booked at record pricing and occupancy levels. Carnival's commitment to sustainability is evidenced by its fleet of 10 LNG-powered ships (representing 25% of capacity by 2028), delivering up to 20% reduction in carbon emissions and approaching its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals six years ahead of schedule. With over 160,000 team members from 150 countries and recognition as one of Forbes' Best Large Employers in 2024, Carnival Corporation continues to define the cruise industry through innovation, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable happiness to guests worldwide.