Who Owns the Major Cruise Ship Lines?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ship lines are owned by a variety of companies, from large conglomerates to private individuals. The three major cruise lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line – are all owned by publicly traded companies.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, owning nine brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and P&O Cruises. The company is headquartered in Miami and is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. owns six brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, CDF Croisieres de France, and TUI Cruises. The company is based in Miami and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. owns three cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The company was founded in 1966 as Norwegian Caribbean Lines and was later renamed NCL Holdings Ltd. It is based in Miami and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Other Lesser-Known Cruise Lines: In addition to these three major players there are many other smaller cruise lines that are privately owned or part of larger holding companies such as Apollo Global Management or Vard Holdings Limited. These include lines such as Seabourn Cruise Line (owned by Apollo Global Management), MSC Cruises (owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company), Costa Cruises (owned by Carnival Corporation & plc), AIDA Cruises (owned by Carnival Corporation & plc), Cunard (owned by Carnival Corporation & plc), Windstar Cruises (owned by Xanterra Parks & Resorts) and Viking Ocean Cruises (owned by Viking Global Investors).

Cruise ships offer an enjoyable way to travel the world while exploring a variety of cultures and destinations. With so many different companies owning various cruise lines it can be hard to keep track of who owns what but knowing this information can help you choose the right cruise for your next vacation or adventure at sea!

In conclusion, there are three main cruise ship lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line – that are all owned by publicly traded companies. In addition to these three major players there are many other smaller cruise lines that are privately owned or part of larger holding companies such as Apollo Global Management or Vard Holdings Limited. Knowing who owns a particular cruise line can help travelers make informed decisions when selecting their next seafaring adventure!