Which cruise lines does Carnival own? Here’s a list of cruise lines owned by Carnival Corp.
Carnival Corporation & PLC owns and operates many popular cruise brands, including namesake brand Carnival Cruise Line, which is also the corporation’s largest.
Eight cruise lines fall under the Carnival umbrella, making it the largest parent company in the cruise industry. You’ve likely heard of Carnival Cruise Line but might be less familiar with the smaller brands in the group.
Here’s a full list of cruise brands owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC.
Aida Cruises
Aida might not be familiar to you, but that’s by design. It caters fully to a German-speaking market, which means North Americans might find it difficult to mingle with fellow passengers and crew if they sail on one of the line’s 12 ships.
Aida’s vessels are painted with the line’s trademark faces, featuring yellow eyes, blue eyeshadow and bright red lips.
The line became part of Carnival Corp. in 2003, when the corporation merged with P&O Princess Cruises, which included Aida, P&O, now-defunct P&O Australia and Princess.
Carnival Cruise Line
Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Line started out with just one secondhand ship, Mardi Gras. Since then, it has grown to be the industry’s largest cruise brand with more than two dozen vessels currently in operation, all of which were built specifically for the line (including one of its newest, also named Mardi Gras in honor of the original ship).
Carnival refers to its fleet as the “fun ships,” offering a lively onboard atmosphere that focuses on pool parties, game shows and original entertainment. It prides itself on friendly service and a plethora of casual-yet-delectable dining venues. The line is an excellent choice for families, and it offers both short and long voyages at a variety of price points that make cruising affordable for most travelers.
Related: All you need to know about Carnival
Costa Cruises
Carnival Corp. took full ownership of Italian line Costa Cruises in 2000 after originally obtaining just 50% in 1997. The brand largely serves the Italian cruise demographic in the Mediterranean. In 2022, following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Carnival Corp. transferred some of Costa’s ships to Carnival Cruise Line, touting “Fun Italian Style” and offering North Americans a taste of what Costa has to offer.
Like its North America-based counterparts, Costa sails ships that include several restaurants, bars and entertainment venues but with an Italian flare — right down to gondola decor and pasta galore.
Cunard Line
The Carnival parent company took over a majority stake in Cunard in 1998, but the brand’s history began in 1840, when a Canadian war veteran established a fleet of steam-powered ferries and, later, ocean liners.
Throughout the years, Cunard vessels have been responsible for serving in wars, transporting immigrants and running transatlantic routes between the U.S. and Europe. The line started out offering necessary transportation but eventually pivoted to the luxurious leisure travel for which it is known today.
On board, try a fencing class, learn flower arranging or enjoy a full-service afternoon tea with real clotted cream served by white-gloved waiters.
Related: All you need to know about Cunard
Holland America Line
Acquired by Carnival Corp. in 1989, Holland America also carries a rich history dating back to 1873. It initially sailed transatlantic voyages that ferried immigrants between the Netherlands and New York City.
The line currently relies heavily on its heritage to inform its current identity. On board, passengers will find excellent food, music and customer service, all of which tend to draw slightly older passengers and multigenerational family groups.
Related: All you need to know about Holland America
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises is Carnival Corp.'s U.K. brand, providing a fun and affordable cruise experience for Brits.
It features an onboard vibe that’s slightly more upscale than sister brand Carnival but at a similar price point and with decidedly English touches, such as an absolutely scrumptious — and free — afternoon tea.
Like several of Carnival Corp.’s other brands, the line came under the umbrella in 2003 during the P&O Princess Cruises merger.
Princess Cruises
Princess was rolled under the Carnival umbrella in 2003 when Carnival Corp. combined with P&O Princess Cruises.
Princess’ ships walk the line between courting older passengers with their connection to popular 1980s television show “The Love Boat” and staying current with technological advancements that include the industry’s first fleetwide wearable, the OceanMedallion. As a result, the line appeals to a variety of passengers of all ages, including couples hoping to share a romantic vacation.
Related: All you need to know about Princess
Seabourn Cruise Line
In 1992, Carnival Corp. acquired a 25% stake in Seabourn before purchasing the entire brand outright in 2001. The luxury cruise line — which includes things like alcohol, Wi-Fi and gratuities in its fares — sails a fleet of lovely ships with a focus on high-end furnishings and next-level service.
Seabourn also began offering expedition sailings with a couple of vessels that were built specifically for cruises to rugged, far-flung and less-traveled destinations that include the Arctic and the Galapagos.
Related: All you need to know about Seabourn
Carnival Corp. FAQ
Does Carnival own Royal Caribbean?
No. Royal Caribbean International is owned and operated by the Royal Caribbean Group, which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, among other brands.
Does Carnival own Disney Cruise Line?
No. Disney Cruise Line is owned by The Walt Disney Company.
Is Princess owned by Carnival?
Yes. Princess Cruises is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.