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Aida Cruises

Aida might not be familiar to you, but that’s by design. It caters fully to a German-speaking market, which means North Americans might find it difficult to mingle with fellow passengers and crew if they sailed on one of the line’s 12 ships.

Aida’s vessels are painted with the line’s trademark faces, featuring yellow eyes, blue eyeshadow and bright red lips.

The line became part of Carnival Corp. in 2003, when the corporation merged with P&O Princess Cruises, which included Aida, P&O, P&O Australia and Princess.

Carnival Cruise Line

Costa Cruises

Carnival Corp. took full ownership of Italian line Costa Cruises in 2000 after originally obtaining just 50% in 1997. The brand largely serves the Italian cruise demographic in the Mediterranean. In 2022, following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Carnival Corp. transferred some of Costa’s ships to Carnival Cruise Line, touting “Fun Italian Style” and offering North Americans a taste of what Costa has to offer.

Like its North America-based counterparts, Costa sails ships that include several restaurants, bars and entertainment venues but with an Italian flare – right down to gondola decor and pasta galore.

Cunard Line

The Carnival parent company took over a majority stake in Cunard in 1998, but the brand’s history began in 1840, when a Canadian war veteran established a fleet of steam-powered ferries and, later, ocean liners.

Throughout the years, Cunard vessels have been responsible for serving in wars, transporting immigrants and running transatlantic routes between the U.S. and Europe. The line started out offering necessary transportation but eventually pivoted to the luxurious leisure travel for which the line is known today.

On board, try a fencing class, learn flower arranging, or enjoy a full-service afternoon tea with real clotted cream served by white-gloved waiters.

Holland America Line

Acquired by Carnival Corp. in 1989, Holland America also carries a rich history dating back to 1873. It initially sailed transatlantic voyages that ferried immigrants between The Netherlands and New York City.

The line currently relies heavily on its heritage to inform its current identity. On board, passengers will find excellent food, music and customer service, all of which tend to draw slightly older passengers and multigenerational family groups.

P&O Australia

P&O Australia was acquired by Carnival in 2003, and it remains the only cruise line in the world that caters entirely to Australian passengers who enjoy fun-in-the-sun cruises.

With just three ships in its fleet, the line is small but specific, offering round-trip voyages from Sydney and Brisbane in Australia and sailing throughout the Australia and New Zealand regions.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is the U.K. counterpart to P&O Australia, providing a fun and affordable cruise experience for Brits.

It features an onboard vibe that’s slightly more upscale than sister brand Carnival but at a similar price point and with decidedly English touches, such as an absolutely scrumptious — and free — afternoon tea.

Like several of Carnival Corp.’s other brands, the line came under the umbrella in 2003 during the P&O Princess Cruises merger.

Princess Cruises

Princess was rolled under the Carnival umbrella in 2003 when Carnival Corp. combined with P&O Princess Cruises.

Seabourn Cruise Line

In 1992, Carnival Corp. acquired a 25% stake in Seabourn before purchasing the entire brand outright in 2001. The luxury cruise line, which includes things like alcohol, Wi-Fi and gratuities in its fares, sails a fleet of lovely ships with a focus on high-end furnishings and next-level service.

Seabourn also began offering expedition sailings with a couple of vessels that were built specifically for cruises to rugged, far-flung and less-traveled destinations that include the Arctic and the Galapagos.

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