In this article, we are going to list the 5 Largest Cruise Companies in the World. To read our detailed analysis of the cruise industry and its path to recovery following the coronavirus crisis, go to 15 Largest Cruise Companies in the World.
5. MSC Cruises
Geneva-based MSC Cruises is owned and operated by the private shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Co Ltd in Switzerland. MSC Cruises offers trips in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Seasonal itineraries are available as well which include South America, China, and the Emirates. MSC Cruises will start sailing again in May 2021 in Northern Europe.
In 2019, MSC Cruises reported an increase of 42% in its total assets to $13.5 billion from $9.5 billion. In the same year, the company posted a $3.9 billion net income. The company has a total of 17 vessels, as of 2019.
4. Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL)
Miami-based Royal Caribbean Group ranks 4th on our list of the 15 largest cruise companies in the world, with a market cap of $22.1 billion. RCL operates globally through its subsidiaries including Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur and Royal Caribbean International. According to Statista, RCL held a global market share of 23.9% in 2017. In 2019, RCL reported total revenue of $10.9 billion and total assets worth $30 billion.
RCL shares decreased by 0.7% in pre-market trading on March 1, 2021, after the cruise line said it had started offering $1.5 billion in public shares. On a good note, the first “fully-vaccinated” cruise ship, Odyssey of the Seas, will be sailing in May, where both guests and crew are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The itinerary includes visiting the Rhodes Island and Greek Islands of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.
Shares of RCL increased by 14.27% over the past twelve months.
3. Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ: EXPE)
Ranking third on our list of the 15 largest cruise companies in the world is the online travel company Expedia Group, with a market cap of $23 billion. Expedia Group operates the franchise travel agency Expedia Cruises. Formerly known as Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, the company specializes in marketing and sales of cruise, land, and air vacations.
Expedia Cruises and Princess Cruises had reportedly booked 9,000 passengers for their 2021 and 2022 cruises after a two-day promotion conducted in September 2020. The surge in interest in cruise voyages has given a boost to the travel industry as cruisers are looking for accommodation options as part of their journey.
Shares of EXPE increased by 66.56% over the past twelve months.
2. Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL)
Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise company in the world by market share. The company held the biggest market share of the cruise industry at 44% in 2017. In a 2019 financial report, CCL announced total revenues of $20.4 billion with gross cruise revenues amounting to $20.4 billion. As of November 2019, CCL has total assets worth $45 billion.
Carnival Corp is the most popular cruise company on our list with an impressive fleet portfolio including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, ultra-luxury ship Seabourne, Cunard, AIDA, Costa, and P&O Cruises. The world’s second-largest cruise company owns and operates more than a hundred ships cruising over 700 ports around the world.
This year, CCL scrapped 16 less-efficient ships to cut costs while cruising remains restricted in most parts of the globe. The company restarted cruise operations in September 2020 through its subsidiary Costa Cruises.
Shares of CCL fell 17.39% over the past twelve months.
1. Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS)
Topping our list of the 15 largest cruise companies in the world is Walt Disney with a market cap of $343 billion. Walt Disney operates as a family entertainment and media conglomerate. Disney Cruise Line offers four top-of-the-line cruise ships sailing to the breathtaking islands of The Caribbean and The Bahamas.
Disney Cruise will begin sailing again starting May 2021. The delivery of Disney’s three new cruise ships will be delayed by the impact of COVID-19 which was originally scheduled to be delivered in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Shares of DIS increased by 62.81% over the past twelve months.
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