Carnival Corporation Reports Record Q3 Earnings Amid Strong Demand and Operational Efficiency
Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL) reported record financial results for the third quarter of 2026, with net income reaching $1.9 billion—an all-time high—and total revenues hitting a record $8.4 billion driven by strong onboard spending and demand. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.43, exceeding guidance due to better-than-expected revenue performance and cost control. The company also reported customer deposits of $7.6 billion for the quarter, up 7% year-over-year. Carnival’s adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel rose by just 1.8%, outperforming expectations, while operational efficiencies led to a 3.8% improvement in fuel consumption per ALBD (available lower berths day). The company has repurchased $1.2 billion worth of shares since launching its buyback program six months ago and reduced total debt below $24 billion from a peak of $36 billion in 2023. Looking ahead, Carnival expects full-year adjusted EPS to reach $2.24—up slightly despite fuel price headwinds—and has shifted regional deployment plans for 2027, with Europe and the Caribbean tied as its largest markets.
Tickers: $CCL
Topics: cruise_industry financial_performance net_income revenue_growth