Carnival’s Arnold Donald Hints at a New Brand | Cruise News – May 1, 2015

Carnival’s Arnold Donald Hints at a New Brand

May 1, 2015

Porthole‘s Fran Golden interviewed Carnival Corp. President and CEO Arnold Donald last week at a Society of American Travel Writers conference in Miami, and while Donald didn’t break any big news he did some titillating hinting – including that the nine-brand company may be considering making it 10.

Donald said Carnival Corp. has identified what he called “a truly unique offering” that would turn avowed non-cruisers into cruisers. “We may have something that, if we take it to the finish line, you’ll hear about,” he said.

It won’t be river cruising: Donald said that based on economies of scale river cruising is “very unlikely.” With partners, Carnival Corp. has also been pursuing a possible domestic cruise brand for China.

Meanwhile, Carnival Corp. remains bullish on both China and possibilities in Cuba.

How soon Carnival brands can go to Cuba, once the trade embargo is lifted, will depend somewhat on already-booked guests. That’s because they would have to be willing to accept a change in itinerary, Donald said. But in terms of the popularity of Caribbean cruises, “Cuba absolutely ups the ante from an interest standpoint,” he said.

^{Photo: Fran Golden}

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