Carnival Unveils Summer Promotions - Analyst Blog

Holland America Line — one of the most famous cruise lines of Carnival Corporation CCL and Carnival plc CUK — recently launched a promotional initiative to boost guest count during the summer of 2014. Under the program — Summer on Sale — customers may avail promotional offers on select cruises. These offers are valid for Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, Canada/New England itineraries and certain select locations of Europe.

For the program, fares will start from $499. Further, for Alaska, Europe or Canada /New England, the cruise line will offer free or lowered fares for the third and fourth person of a family. Guests who reserve the stateroom in selected cruises will be given a complimentary Signature $50 Beverage Card, up to $100 per stateroom.

Additionally, the cruiser line's Alaska Land+Sea Journey program offers an extensive overland tour of Alaska and the Yukon region, along with the Denali National Park.

Operating in the cruise industry for more than 140 years, Holland America is one of the most popular luxury cruise lines. It is also a member of the marketing group, World's Leading Cruise Lines. Boasting nearly 15 ships, Holland America Line offers nearly 500 cruises across 98 countries. Carnival is set to add a new vehicle under the line in Feb 2016.

The cruise business has expanded quickly in the recent years, especially around the Mediterranean region and Alaska. Additionally, Europe and Canada have historically been one of the largest source markets for cruise operators, and is expected to show significant growth in volume in the upcoming years. With such huge demand expected, cruiser lines are undertaking a host of promotional initiatives.

In fact, another cruise operator, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL, has also undertaken a host of brand building and promotional initiatives such as initiating a travel agent outreach program in Jun 2013, a vacation guarantee program and a marketing campaign on prime time to enhance bookings.

Carnival Corp. currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the same sector include Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. LYV, which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).