Did you know that cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC carry over 12 million passengers a year on more than 100 cruise ships?
That’s a lot of vacations. But you may not recognize that a total of 9 cruise line brands fall under the Carnival Corporation umbrella.
It can be a little confusing trying to sort out which company owns which cruise lines, so this post will answer what other cruise lines are owned by the parent company of Carnival Corporation & PLC.
Carnival Cruise Line
The most recognizable of Carnival’s brands, Carnival Cruise Line currently has 26 ships in operation. The line was founded in 1972, and today carries about 5 million guests per year. This is also one of the company’s most economical cruise lines, offering fares that often start at $50 per person, per day. The unmistakable red and blue whale tail can be seen in ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, Canada, New England, and along the coast of California.
Princess Cruises
This is not only Carnival’s largest premium cruise line, Princess Cruises is the largest premium cruise line in the world. Beginning operations in 1965, Princess currently sails 17 ships all over the planet. The line was featured in the hit TV show Love Boat in the 70’s and 80’s. Now, Princess cruise ships can be seen everywhere from Europe to Asia to South America. When sailing in the Caribbean, Princess ships will often stop at the award-winning private island of Princess Cays.
Holland America Line
This line was started in 1873 and offers 14 mid-size cruise ships. Now based in Seattle, Holland America Line offers popular cruises to Alaska and Europe and also has sailings to Australia, Asia, Hawaii, South America, the Caribbean, and even Antarctica. Holland America is known for its focus on discovering new cultures and places and provides 1 day cruises or up to 50 day cruises.
Seabourn
The Seabourn cruising experience focuses on smaller ships that are both luxurious and refined. With operations starting in 1988, Seabourn provides ultra-luxury vacations on 5 small ships that can cater a more personal experience on its 600-passenger and 450-passenger ships. Most cruises are 7 to 14 days long, but Seabourn also has some much longer voyages that last for several months and sail all over the world.
Cunard
With three ocean liners in its fleet, Cunard is known for both it’s history and excellence in maritime travel. The line was founded in 1840 and is the proud owner of the fastest cruise ship in the world, Queen Mary 2. Cunard offers transatlantic cruises in record time with this ship. Her Majesty the Queen is Godmother to both Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. You will find most of Cunard’s itineraries between 7 and 14 days with a few world cruises each year as well.
AIDA Cruises
You might have seen these ships with the lips while out at sea. AIDA is a cruise line for the German-speaking market and offers a more casual, relaxing approach to cruising. With 12 ships already in its fleet, AIDA Cruises is building its largest ship to date (180,000 tons) which should be delivered sometime this year. AIDAnova is the 1st cruise ship in the world that will be completely powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), when it debuts in the fall of 2018
One of our writer’s had the chance to sail on an AIDA ship recently and wrote about his experience here.
Costa Cruises
With cruises mostly in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean at this time, Costa Cruises has a fleet of 15 cruise ships. The ships fly under the Italian flag, and the company is based in Genoa, Italy. Considered to offer some of Italy’s finest in regard to maritime décor and design, Costa will have 4 more ships added to its fleet over the next 3 years. These newbuilds will consist of two 5,220-passenger capacity ships and two 4,180-passenger capacity ships.
P&O Cruises (UK)
One of the most popular cruise brands in the UK, P&O Cruises UK began in 1837. The line currently operates 8 premium cruise ships and has one more on the way which will carry up to 5,190 guests. Three ships in the fleet cater to adult-only cruises while the rest of the ships offer family cruise vacations year-round. P&O Cruises UK is the sister company to P&O Cruises Australia, and the two were split in 2000 while still retaining close ties. Many of the itineraries with this line will go out of Southampton, England, but P&O also offers sailings to the Caribbean and around the world.
P&O Cruises (Australia)
This is the leading cruise line in Australia and offers more sailings to destinations in Australia and the South Pacific than any other brand. Offering a more relaxed cruise experience, P&O Cruises Australia currently has 5 ships in its fleet. In 2020 Golden Princess will be transferred to operate with P&O and will become the line’s largest ship at 108,865 tons.
