The Main Cruise Parent Companies
The Big Three Main Cruise Parent Companies and Their Subsidiaries
New! Updated April 2025
Discover the three cruise giants — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCLH — and the brands they own, from luxury to family-friendly cruises.
Thinking about booking a cruise? You might be surprised to learn that the world’s most popular cruise lines are owned by just three parent companies. Whether you prefer relaxed, flexible voyages, grand resort-style ships or luxury small-ship adventures, chances are the cruise you’re eyeing belongs to one of these global giants.
The ‘Big Three’, each oversee a portfolio of popular cruise lines. These companies operate across different market segments, offering everything from affordable, family-friendly cruises to luxurious, high-end experiences. Here’s your essential guide to the major cruise companies — and the brands you’ll find under their umbrellas.
1️⃣Carnival Corporation & plc 🇺🇸
About the Company:
Carnival Corporation was founded in 1972 with the launch of Mardi Gras, a converted ocean liner that began sailing from Miami. What started as a single-ship operation quickly grew into a cruise empire. Today, Carnival Corporation & plc is a dual-listed company (based in both the U.S. and UK) and the largest leisure travel company in the world, sailing under multiple brands across every major cruise market.
Fleet and Subsidiary Brands:
As the largest cruise company in the world, Carnival Corporation oversees a wide array of cruise lines catering to diverse markets. Its brands include:
Carnival Cruise Line: The “fun ships” of the industry, offering affordable, family-friendly cruises from North America, Australia and occasionally Europe . Now sailing with 25 ships, including the LNG-powered Carnival Jubilee (2023). Older Fantasy-class ships have been retired, modern ships now lead the fleet.. 🇺🇸
Princess Cruises: Offers a premium experience with a focus on destination immersion. Famous for its “Come Back New” promise, Princess blends comfort with destination-rich itineraries. The fleet now numbers 15, with the Sun Princess (2024) ushering in a new era of LNG-powered, next-generation vessels, with sister ship Star Princess joining the fleet in 2025. (Fleet of 15 ships). 🇺🇸
Holland America Line: Known for classic style, mid-sized ships and immersive cultural programming. The fleet currently includes 11 vessels, including the latest Pinnacle-class ships. Appeals to more mature travellers with mid-sized ships and cultural enrichment (Fleet of 11 Ships). 🇺🇸
Costa Cruises: Carnival’s Italian subsidiary, known for its European flair, currently operates 9 ships following the retirement of several older vessels. Focused on the European market, offering Italian-style hospitality (Fleet of 9 ships).🇺🇸 (🇮🇹)
AIDA Cruises: Aimed at German-speaking passengers, featuring casual and lively voyages. (Fleet of 12 Ships).🇺🇸 (🇩🇪)
Seabourn: Carnival’s ultra-luxury line, offering small-ship cruising with a yachting-style feel. The fleet now includes 7 ships, including expedition-ready vessels like Seabourn Venture. (Fleet of 7 Ships).🇺🇸
Cunard: Quintessentially British (yet US owned). Famous for its transatlantic crossings and iconic luxury liners like the Queen Mary 2. An iconic British brand, Cunard currently operates 4 ships, including the Queen Anne, which debuted in May 2024.(Fleet of 4 Ships).🇺🇸 (🇬🇧)
P&O Cruises: Tailored to British tastes, P&O Cruises offers informal yet familiar comfort. Its fleet consists of 6 ships, including the Excel-class Arvia (2022).(Fleet of 6 Ships).🇺🇸 (🇬🇧)
Recent Developments:
Carnival Corporation continues to invest heavily in fuel-efficient ships and green technology. By 2025, it will operate 16 LNG-powered vessels — the largest such fleet in the cruise industry. The company is also enhancing onboard tech, from wearable medallions to app-based planning tools.
2️⃣ Royal Caribbean Group
About the Company:
Royal Caribbean was founded in Norway in 1968 by three shipping companies with a shared ambition to reinvent Caribbean cruising. Its first ship, Song of Norway, debuted in 1970, and the brand’s reputation for innovation quickly followed — introducing the world’s first mega-ships and onboard surf simulators, skydiving tunnels and even robot bartenders.
Royal Caribbean Group is now the world’s second-largest cruise company, with a global footprint that extends beyond its namesake brand. Known for innovation and large-scale ships, Royal Caribbean Group operates some of the most recognisable brands in cruising:
Fleet and Subsidiary Brands:
Royal Caribbean International – Famous for groundbreaking ship design and big-ship experiences. The fleet currently includes 28 ships, with the arrival of Icon of the Seas in January 2024 claiming the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. Sister ship Star of the Seas is set to debut in August 2025. Home to the world’s largest cruise ships, offering family-friendly and adventure-focused experiences. (Fleet of 27 ships).🇺🇸
Celebrity Cruises – A premium cruise line known for sophisticated design and exceptional dining. Now operating 16 ships, including the stylish Edge-class vessels (Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent) and expedition ships. (Fleet of 16 ships). 🇺🇸
Silversea Cruises – Specialising in ultra-luxury, small-ship exploration. Silversea operates 12 ships as of 2025, including the new Nova-class Silver Nova (2023) Offering intimate ships and all-inclusive itineraries. (Fleet 12 ships). 🇺🇸.
TUI Cruises (50% joint venture) – Serving primarily the German-speaking market, offering both premium and family-friendly sailings with the “Mein Schiff” fleet. TUI also operate Marella Cruises in the UK. 🇺🇸/🇩🇪/🇬🇧
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (50% joint venture) – A boutique German luxury and expedition cruise line, famous for the high-end Europa and Hanseatic ships.Offers expedition and luxury cruising for German travellers.🇺🇸/🇩🇪
Recent Developments:
Royal Caribbean continues to push the boundaries of ship design, sustainability and onboard attractions. The Icon Class introduces liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, while also boasting record-breaking entertainment and recreation spaces. The company also has a strong presence in the growing expedition and luxury sectors via Silversea.
3️⃣ Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH)
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, offering flexibility in dining and entertainment.
About the Company:
Norwegian Cruise Line started life in 1966 as “Norwegian Caribbean Line,” pioneering short, affordable cruises from Miami to the Caribbean. Over the decades, NCL introduced many industry firsts, including private islands (Great Stirrup Cay) and “Freestyle Cruising” — an informal approach to dining and dress codes. In 2011, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) was formed to manage Norwegian Cruise Line and its growing luxury portfolio.
Fleet and Subsidiary Brands:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): A mid-range brand with innovative features and a relaxed vibe. Known for relaxed, flexible holidays at sea. As of 2025, the fleet stands at 19 ships, with the new Prima-class Norwegian Viva (2023) and the upcoming Norwegian Aqua (2025) showcasing modern design and eco-friendly features.Fleet of 19 ships).🇺🇸
Oceania Cruises: A premium cruise line focused on culinary excellence and destination-immersive itineraries. The fleet includes 8 ships, with the new Vista debuting in 2023 and Allura following in 2025.(Fleet of 8 Ships).🇺🇸
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: A luxury brand offering all-inclusive cruises, including shore excursions and personalised service. A leader in the all-inclusive ultra-luxury segment, offering 6 opulent ships including Seven Seas Grandeur (2023).(Fleet of 6 Ships)🇺🇸
Recent Developments:
In April 2024, NCLH announced a major new build program: eight new ships are planned across the three brands for delivery between 2026 and 2036. Alongside this, their private island, Great Stirrup Cay, is undergoing a multi-phase expansion including a new pier and upgraded guest facilities.
So, What’s the Difference?
While each of these parent companies operates globally, their approach varies:
Carnival Corporation The largest and most diversified, with a wide range of offerings from budget-friendly fun to ultra-luxury voyages.
Royal Caribbean Group Synonymous with innovation and mega-ship design, with a strong presence in the luxury and expedition sectors.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Known for flexibility and informal cruising, with a growing emphasis on ship design and upscale experiences.
Final Thoughts
When you’re planning your next cruise, it’s always worth remembering that many of the world’s most recognisable brands — whether you’re booking P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL or Oceania — are part of one of these three industry giants.
Their shared scale allows for industry-leading ship design, safety, sustainability and pricing — but each line still has its own unique personality. Whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxation, luxury, or fun for the whole family, there’s a brand and ship under one of these three banners that’s right for you.