Carnival stays focused on cruises as Royal Caribbean moves into resorts
Carnival executives said the company does not plan to follow Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort sector.
Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, according to the report. Carnival Corporation, meanwhile, intends to concentrate on its cruise operations across eight brands rather than pursue a similar resort investment.
During Carnival’s earnings call, President and CEO Josh Weinstein said the company’s priority is improving its cruise business. He characterized Carnival’s land-based offerings, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, as ancillary to the cruise experience.
Carnival expects Celebration Key to receive about 2.7 million guests in 2026, rising to a projected 3.5 million in 2027, when four of the company’s cruise brands are expected to visit the private destination. Weinstein said Carnival was considering a second development phase for Celebration Key but indicated that details were not yet ready to be discussed.
Carnival’s other private destinations include Isla Tropicale in Honduras, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos, Princess Cays in The Bahamas, Puerta Maya in Cozumel and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Royal Caribbean Group shares were trading at $260 at 2:05 p.m. on September 29, a level the report described as a 10% increase over five days.
