Carnival in Long Beach
Carnival Corporation will retain its leading market share going forward, with more than 40 percent of the global cruise market by 2026, but down from 44.3 percent this year, according to the 2016-2017 Cruise Industry News Annual Report. Meanwhile, MSC Cruises will double its market share.
The erosion of Carnival’s market share is due to the expansion of the industry with aggressive newbuilding programs by the other major cruise companies, and the entry of start-up Virgin Cruises.
Royal Caribbean, which has an estimated market share of 24.5 percent this year, will also erode slightly to 21.9 percent. MSC Cruises, however, will jump from 6.8 percent this year to 12.9 percent by 2026, attributed to its aggressive newbuild program. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which has a 9.1 percent market share this year, will stay relatively flat at 8.7 percent.