From the Cruise Industry News Newsletter 6/30/2011

Carnival Outlook

North American sailings are expected to make up for the shortfalls created in Europe this year, according to Carnival Corporation executives speaking on the company’s recent Q2 earnings call. The impact from the events in the Middle East and Northern Africa has been more significant than originally forecast and has also been affecting other itineraries in Europe. Carnival’s earnings guidance for 2011 is from $2.40 to $2.50 per share, down $0.15 from the guidance given in March, based on fuel costs remaining unchanged for the rest of the year.

Not surprisingly, analysts that follow the industry tend to be positive. Many believe the “bad news” is already built into current share prices and hence the rest of the year will produce an upside. Twelve-month (share) price targets range from $44 to $47. At press time, Carnival traded for $37.84, compared to a 52-week low/high of $29.68/$48.14.

Fabulous Fairy Tale

The newest ship to join the cruise fleet is the 114,500-ton, 3,012-passenger Costa Favolosa, having been built at an estimated cost of $750 million at the Marghera shipyard of Fincantieri. She will be the 15th ship in the Costa Crociere fleet, before the Fascinosa joins next year. Costa’s passenger capacity this year is estimated by Cruise Industry News to be approximately 1.3 million and will grow to nearly 1.5 million in 2013 with the full-year operation of the Favolosa and the Fascinosa.

Utopia

At press time, sources told Cruise Industry News that the letter of intent for the Utopia was expected to become a firm contract with Samsung Heavy Industries this week. Asked about the pending order, the yard said it hoped to finalize a deal soon, and Utopia asked Cruise Industry News to call back later in the week.

And there is more: A live 134-hour coverage of a Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes aboard the Nordnorge has gone viral; Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled the first look at balcony staterooms and mini-suites aboard its new generation of ships; Capital Dragon Global Holdings provides a glimpse of its business model; Oceania discounts up to 75 percent off brochure prices; newbuilding prices compared to market evaluation of cruise line berths; and about conference presenters that are too self-serving (and organizers who let them).

For the full reports, please read the June 30, 2011 edition of Cruise Industry News, the Newsletter, click here to subscribe

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