Royal Caribbean is the world's second-largest cruise company, operating 66 ships across five global and partner brands in the cruise vacation industry. Brands the company operates include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The company also has a 50% investment in a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The selection of brands in the portfolio allows Royal to compete on the basis of innovation, quality of ships and service, variety of itineraries, choice of destinations, and price. The company completed the divestiture of its Azamara brand in 2021 and plans to launch its new Celebrity River Cruise brand in 2027.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise operator in the world, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Miami. The company operates a diverse portfolio of nine major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises, with over 90 ships serving more than 700 destinations globally. Carnival has evolved from a single-ship operation into a leader in leisure travel through strategic acquisitions and innovation.
The company focuses on providing a range of cruise experiences, from affordable family vacations to ultra-luxury voyages. Its flagship, Carnival Cruise Line, offers fun and accessible cruises, while other brands cater to premium and luxury markets. Carnival emphasizes delivering joyful travel experiences that connect people with destinations, having served over 100 million guests since its inception. The company employs around 48,000 people and continues to innovate in onboard amenities and tour operations.