Updated Version 1 - As demand increases, Carnival Corporation raises its annual profit forecast.

Rewrote the first paragraph, added prediction details, and included stock price, details, and background information throughout the article.

Reuters, September 29 - Carnival Corp (CCL.N) raised its annual profit forecast on Tuesday and said it expects a very strong booking trend for 2027. Boosted by this news, the cruise operator’s stock price rose nearly 12% in pre-market trading.

Despite continuing uncertainty driven by conflict in the Middle East, the company continues to benefit from affluent travelers—who still prioritize experiences, especially ocean cruises and bucket-list adventures.

Carnival is the only major US cruise company that typically does not engage in fuel hedging. By raising ticket prices and increasing pre-departure add-on sales, it has effectively mitigated the impact of rising fuel costs and increased investment.

“Throughout the quarter, our booking trends remained strong, with volumes significantly above last year and far exceeding capacity growth. This momentum highlights the effectiveness of our demand-generation efforts and the lasting appeal of our cruise brands,” said CEO Josh Weinstein.

The company now expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to be about $2.24, up from a prior forecast of around $2.22.

According to data compiled by London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), its quarterly revenue also reached $8.44 billion, topping the analysts’ average estimate of $8.3 billion.

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