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Carnival reports small second quarter operating income as quarterly revenues hit record

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 June 2023 26 June 2023

Carnival Corporation & plc reduced net loss and reported a small operating income for the second quarter of its financial year, the company said in a statement.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2023 was $120 million, turning positive for the first time since the resumption of guest cruise operations and marking a significant milestone.

“Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2023 was $681 million, at the high end of the March guidance range of $600 million to $700 million,” Carnival said.

Net loss in the three months to 31 may narrowed to $1,100million from $1,834 million, while revenues rose to$4,931 million from $2,401 million.

For the first half of its financial year, Carnival reported a net loss of $1,100 million compared to a loss of $3,726 million a year earlier. Revenues rose to $9,343 million from $4,029 million.

Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein commented: "We reached a meaningful inflection point for revenue this quarter, with net yields surpassing 2019's strong levels, and we achieved positive operating income, cash from operations and adjusted free cash flow."

"We are already executing on our strategy to grow revenue by taking up ticket prices, even while maintaining record onboard spending levels, building occupancy and growing capacity."

"Based on continued strength in pricing, we delivered outperformance in the second quarter and raised our expectation for revenue in the second half, which coupled with the interest expense benefit we are capturing from deleveraging will bring another $275 million dollars to the bottom line for the year."

"With bookings and customer deposits hitting all-time highs, we are clearly gaining momentum on an upward trajectory. We are focused on the durable revenue growth and margin improvement that will deliver on our SEA Change Program and propel us on the path to delevering and investment grade leverage metrics," he said in the statement

Second Quarter 2023 Results and Statistical Information

Record second quarter revenue of $4.9 billion.

While gross margin yields were down compared to 2019, the company achieved a significant milestone of net yields in constant currency surpassing 2019 levels, above March guidance by 3.2% in constant currency.

Cruise costs per available lower berth day ("ALBD") increased 8.3% as compared to the second quarter of 2019.

In constant currency, adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below) increased 13.5% compared to the second quarter of 2019 and were above the high end of March guidance primarily due to the timing of expenses between the quarters.

Costs were higher as compared to 2019 as a result of higher dry-dock related expenses, higher advertising investments to drive revenue for 2023 and beyond, incentive compensation increases reflecting expected improvements in the company's current and long-term performance, as well as partially mitigating the impacts of a high inflation environment.

Total customer deposits reached an all-time high of $7.2 billion as of May 31 2023, surpassing the previous record of $6.0 billion as of May 31, 2019 by over $1 billion, driven by strong demand, bundled package offerings and pre-cruise sales, and a 26% increase compared to the prior quarter.

Bookings

The company saw continued acceleration of demand, with total bookings made during the quarter reaching a new all-time high for all future sailings. Booking volumes for the second quarter exceeded the first quarter's booking volumes, which was the previous record high.

Weinstein noted, "Our momentous wave period, typically a first quarter event, started in record breaking fashion at the end of the fourth quarter, set a record in the first quarter, actually accelerated in the second quarter and has continued into the third quarter. Booking volumes have been tremendous and we are gaining momentum with favorable pricing trends, which reflects improved commercial execution and returns on our advertising investments.”

“The booking lead times for our North America and Australia ("NAA") segment are now further out than we have ever seen, while lead times for our Europe segment continue to lengthen and are now within 10 percent of 2019 levels, which is an improvement of 10 points from the last quarter. In fact, our European brands' bookings taken this past quarter for second half 2023 sailings for European deployments achieved double digit percentage increases in both volume and price compared to 2019. Clearly the strength of our portfolio of world class brands is now shifting into high gear," he said

The company's cumulative advanced booked position for the remainder of 2023 is at higher ticket prices in constant currency, despite headwinds from the loss of St. Petersburg as a marquee destination due to the suspension of cruises to Russia (normalized for future cruise credits), as compared to strong 2019 pricing and a booked occupancy position that is near the high end of the historical range.

The company's current booking trends are compared to booking trends for 2019 as it is the most recent full year of guest cruise operations.

Aligned with the company's yield management strategy, and while still early, the cumulative advanced booked position for full year 2024 is above the high end of the historical range at strong prices.

Canada announces mandatory environmental measures for cruise ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 June 2023 26 June 2023

Even though cruise ships are important to Canada's domestic tourism sector, representing more than $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generating approximately 30,000 middle-class jobs per year, Canada has decided to ensure they are doing so in a more sustainable manner moving forward.

The Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, announced on June 23 mandatory environmental measures for cruise ships effective immediately. The measures address discharges of greywater (the drainage from sinks, laundry machines, bathtubs and showers, or dishwaters) and sewage (wastewater from bathroom and toilets).

These mandatory measures for the cruise ship industry include:

– Prohibiting the discharge of greywater and treated sewage within three nautical miles from shore where geographically possible across Canada;
– Strengthening the treatment of greywater together with sewage before it is discharged between three and twelve nautical miles from shore south of 60°N using an approved treatment device in non-Arctic waters. This will complement existing regulations for Arctic waters under the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act; and
– Reporting compliance with these measures in Canadian waters upon request.

The Government of Canada had announced these measures last year for the cruise ship industry on a voluntary basis, but going forward, cruise ships will be subject to fines for non-compliance with these measures, up to the maximum permitted ($250,000) under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. These measures will better protect Canada’s oceans and the marine environment, and will support the work that is underway to conserve 25 percent of Canada’s oceans by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030.

“These measures apply to cruise ships transiting through Canada’s Marine Protected Areas and marine refuges, and making them mandatory underlines our commitment to safeguarding our oceans for future generations as we support economic opportunities. With the threat of climate change and ongoing human activities impacting oceans, protecting them now has never been more urgent," said Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport

Cruise Liverpool, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines inspire school children

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 June 2023 23 June 2023

A class of Year 5 pupils set foot on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis with Cruise Liverpool as part of The Johnson Foundation’s My Big Future – a work experience initiative designed to inspire the next generation, said Cruise Liverpool that promotes the UK north west city in a statement.

“Last Friday, 26 children from Christ Church Primary School in Birkenhead, Wirral, were invited to spend the day at Cruise Liverpool, with a surprise visit on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis to explore the range of opportunities and careers available on board,’ Cruise Liverpool said.

Each pupil wrote their own CV and undertook out a mock job interview at Cruise Liverpool before the visit to the terminal where they enjoyed a tour of the ship, including a light show and talk from the Fleet Entertainment Technical Manager, the Executive Chef and Sous Chef alongside members of Cruise Liverpool’s team.

Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines that operates cruises from the city, said: “As a business that places a huge amount of importance on supporting local communities, we are proud to have supported the Johnson Foundation’s My Big Future programme – a phenomenal way of helping to support and develop local communities.”

The Johnson Foundation was established by Wirral businessman and philanthropist Peter Johnson in 1987, to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the Liverpool City Region and has since raised over £10 million for charitable causes in the area.

A representative at the Johnson Foundation said: “Our ‘My Big Future’ programme wouldn’t and couldn’t exist without forward thinking business and organisations such as Cruise Liverpool and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Their unwavering support, dedication and open mindedness has been astounding from the start. They truly understand and are just as passionate as us about inspiring little minds and raising aspirations from a young age. Some of the children in our group today come from particularly deprived / disadvantaged areas – some from families where two or three generations maybe haven’t gone to work.”

Ocean Albatros begins Arctic voyages

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 June 2023 22 June 2023

Albatros Expeditions, the industry-leading provider of expedition voyages, has announced the arrival and takeover of its newest vessel, Ocean Albatros, in Tromsø, Norway. The state-of-the-art ship has arrived just in time for the 2023 Arctic season, where it will depart on voyages to the awe-inspiring destinations of Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland.

Søren Rasmussen, Founder and Chairman of Albatros Expeditions was one of the first to embark Ocean Albatros for its precruise from Tromsø to Longyearbyen, where it welcomed its first guests on the 15 June, 2023. Rasmussen commented: “The vessel was delivered to us on 10 June, 2023 and we have been onboard for the past few days. It looks like the vessel is absolutely perfect for these conditions – very stable and performs great. We are just preparing to welcome our first guests onboard and I look forward to hearing what they think of Ocean Albatros, but I have very high expectations”.

The arrival of Ocean Albatros, alongside its sister ship, Ocean Victory, marks a new era of sustainability and environmental conservation for Albatros Expeditions. Both vessels are specially designed to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise their environmental impact, making them an ideal fleet for eco-conscious travelers who wish to explore the Arctic and Antarctica, while preserving their natural wonders.

In addition to its environmental efficiencies, Ocean Albatros also features an extraordinary expedition team. Albatros Expeditions is proud to have a team of experienced and passionate expedition leaders, naturalists, photographers and wildlife experts on board. They are dedicated to creating an immersive and educational experience for guests, showcasing the magic of the Arctic and the importance of sustainable tourism.

Ocean Albatros is equipped with the latest technology, safety and navigation equipment, enhancing guest comfort and making it the perfect vessel for polar explorations. Besides being a certified ice-class vessel, Ocean Albatros features unique opportunities for our guests to combine the modern day amenities with the spirit of adventure expeditions. The panorama sauna, open-air jacuzzis, 360 outside decks and hydraulic observation platforms all offer a unique perspective while sailing around the pristine environment of our polar regions.

The spacious cabins are elegantly furnished in Scandinavian style, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable environment in which to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of adventure.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Ocean Albatros and embark on new voyages this Arctic season,” said Greg Carter, CCO of Albatros Expeditions. “With the new vessel’s eco- efficient technology, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that our dedicated and passionate team will provide, and the superior comfort that the Ocean Albatros affords our passengers, we are confident that we are offering our guests an adventure of a lifetime, while also ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable region.”

American Queen Voyages renews focus on core river products, to sell two vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023

In a strategic decision to refocus its business on its award-winning river cruises, American Queen Voyages (AQV), part of Hornblower Group, has announced a series of deployment changes and updates set to commence in early 2024 and extend into 2025. New routes are now open for early bookings with early savings available on key dates.

"Our primary commitment is to deliver a best-in-class cruise vacation with a focus on immersive culinary and destination experiences,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages. “Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. River itineraries are exceptional and demonstrate this by returning again and again.” A fact recently supported through a McKinsey market survey where participants noted American Queen Voyages enjoys the highest brand affinity amongst U.S. river operators. “All of our focus is being put into updating and enhancing our popular river product with strategic partnerships and an elevated culinary program, which we know have been very well received,” added D’Aoust.

Revised 2024 Itineraries Include:

Lower Mississippi: AQV will begin the season with its popular Lower Mississippi voyages through the cities and historic port towns of the South on the 417-guest American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. Based on guest requests, we will offer new three- and four-day cruises for time-pressed travelers.

Upper Mississippi: Back by popular demand, we will be traversing the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. This epic, 16-day journey combines wildlife and intricate locks and dams, with Southern charms and the birthplaces of jazz and country music.

America’s Heartland: The 245-guest, paddle wheeler American Countess cruises the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. New Experiential Voyages include a bourbon-themed voyage with noted food and spirits experts, including Dickie Brennan, chef-owner of the legendary Bourbon House in New Orleans.

Snake & Columbia Rivers: Travelers can discover the unspoiled treasures of the Pacific Northwest aboard the 221-guest American Empress, including new wine-themed cruises. Depending on the voyage, guests can join a salmon excursion and bring their freshly caught and cleaned catch back to enjoy on the boat.

Alaska & British Columbia: AQV will return to Alaska for its third season. Aboard the environmentally friendly, 186-guest Ocean Victory, guests enjoy expeditions via Zodiac exploration boats and kayak excursions led by a team of naturalists and field guides in cooperation with California Polytechnic State University.

As part of its new focus, AQV will not return to the Great Lakes next season and as a result has announced its intent to sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels. All current published voyages will continue to operate as planned through November 2023.

Photo: Ocean Victory, owned by SunStone Ships, photographed in Alaska. Photo credit: Teijo Niemela