Carnival Corporation Expands Fleet in China

The Costa Cruises expansion builds on eight years of successful operations in China and Carnival Corporations surging momentum as the largest operator in the country. In addition to Costa Serena, another Carnival Corporation brand, Princess Cruises, will homeport out of Shanghai starting May 21 through Sept. 3, 2014, with Sapphire Princess, providing another unique cruising experience for Chinese travelers.
Adding a third ship based in China this year increases Carnival Corporations total 2014 capacity in the country by 66 percent. In 2015, with four ships based in China for the first time, Carnivals industry-leading capacity is expected to jump 140 percent over a two-year period.
Carnival Corporation has for years recognized that Chinese travelers would love the cruising experience, and that is why Costa Cruises was the first global cruise line to commit to sailing from China back in 2006, said Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald.
We have never been more committed to China as a market of great strategic importance for our company, and with todays news we will be the only global cruise company to have four ships operating out of China. More than that, as the worlds largest cruise company with a portfolio of 10 of the worlds most celebrated cruise lines, we are very well positioned to continue working with government officials in China to help the country meet its goal of becoming one of the most important cruise markets in the world.
Donald added, Todays news is another big step in that direction. Chinese travelers love sailing on Costas Victoria and Atlantica, and we are confident they will also love sailing on Costa Serena and Sapphire Princess. Our team is passionate about delivering a unique experience designed to exceed the expectations of every guest who boards one of our ships.
DIAMOND PRINCESS
Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group, said: Costa Serenas arrival in China is a monumental occasion for our company, and were proud to be the first global cruise line to have three ships based in China. As we execute our strategy to accelerate growth in China, which has great market potential, we have the benefit of eight years of experience in China to not only help guide our expansion, but also to find unique ways to surprise and delight our guests as more travelers in China experience Italy at Sea with Costa.
Carnival is investing significantly in China as well as in Asia to take advantage of strong growth opportunities across the region. In addition to investments in China, Carnival is concentrating on growth efforts in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea to maintain and expand its leadership position in Asia.
Highlights of Carnivals strong momentum in the region include:

Press Release, May 12, 2014, Image: Carnival Cruises