Cruise Lines Owned by Carnival
The largest family in cruising, brand by brand.
Ask Which Line Fits YouCruise Lines Owned by Carnival
The cruise lines owned by Carnival make up the largest family in cruising. Carnival Corporation lists eight brands on its own website and says they operate a global fleet of more than 90 ships calling at over 800 ports and destinations. Each brand targets a different traveler or market, which is why a Carnival fun ship and a Seabourn yacht can share a parent company and almost nothing else.
For North American travelers the five brands that matter most are Carnival, Princess, Holland America Line, Cunard and Seabourn. Costa, AIDA and P&O Cruises (UK) are mainly sold in Europe, though you can book them from anywhere.
Carnival Cruise Line
The namesake brand is built around casual, upbeat fun: water slides, comedy, deck parties and many short sailings from US homeports. Since 2025 it also runs the ships formerly sailed by P&O Cruises Australia.
Suits: families, friends’ trips, first-timers on a budget, anyone who wants a relaxed, no-dress-code vacation.
May not suit: travelers seeking quiet, gourmet dining or in-depth destination time; the pace is party-first.
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line
Princess sits in the premium middle: large, comfortable ships, a strong Alaska and world-itinerary program and its Medallion wearable for keyless cabins and ordering. Suits: couples, multigenerational families, retirees who like plenty of choice. May not suit: travelers who want thrill rides, or those who want small-ship intimacy.
Holland America Line is the group’s classic premium brand, with mid-sized ships, live music venues and long, port-rich voyages including Alaska and grand voyages. Suits: travelers who prefer a calmer, traditional cruise and longer itineraries. May not suit: families with teens who want nonstop activity.
Cunard and Seabourn
Cunard is the British ocean-liner brand, best known for Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic crossings, formal evenings and afternoon tea. Suits: travelers who love tradition and sea days. May not suit: anyone who dislikes dressing up or wants a casual, beach-focused week.
Seabourn is the group’s ultra-luxury line, with small all-suite ships, inclusive fares and expedition ships for polar voyages. Suits: experienced, luxury-minded couples. May not suit: families or travelers on a mainstream budget.
Costa, AIDA and P&O Cruises (UK)
Costa is Italian in style and sails widely in the Mediterranean; AIDA is designed for German-speaking guests; P&O Cruises sails mainly from Southampton for British travelers. Each can be a good fit for North Americans who want a European atmosphere, but onboard language, dining hours and entertainment are built around their home markets — ask us before you book. For ports on these itineraries, see Europe Port Excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cruise lines are owned by Carnival?
Carnival Corporation’s own site lists eight brands: AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Together they operate a global fleet of more than 90 ships, according to the company.
What happened to P&O Cruises Australia?
Carnival Corporation folded P&O Cruises Australia into Carnival Cruise Line in 2025, so its ships now sail under the Carnival name. P&O Cruises (UK) remains a separate brand.
Is Princess or Holland America better for Alaska?
Both are long-established in Alaska and both offer cruisetours that add land days. Princess ships tend to be larger with more activities; Holland America’s ships are mid-sized with a more traditional pace. We profile who each suits rather than naming a winner.
Which Carnival Corporation Brand Fits You?
From a Bahamas weekend on Carnival to a Seabourn voyage, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match you to the right sister brand and quote it free.
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