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The AIDA Evolution upgrade program has been so successful that Carnival Corporation has greenlit a similar drydock program for Holland America Line, with additional brands expected to follow, according to Josh Weinstein, president and CEO, speaking on the company's second-quarter earnings call.
Weinstein did not elaborate on which brands will announce upgrade programs next, but he underscored that the ship refurbishments enhance the guest experience while creating additional revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies.
Other brands in the Carnival portfolio include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard and Seabourn. Of those, Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises are the largest in terms of capacity.
The AIDA Evolution program will see seven AIDA ships receive significant mid-life upgrades, while Holland America will launch its own program later next year, with the Oosterdam becoming the first of six ships to undergo a series of updates as part of a $500 million investment.
Weinstein said that, in addition to technical upgrades, the company is evaluating enhancements to guest-facing public areas, the addition of new food and beverage venues, and opportunities to add cabins to existing ships.
"We also anticipate moderate capacity growth for Holland America as we leverage ways to add cabins to these ships," Weinstein said.
"The cabins are easy, and they pay for themselves in a couple of years," he added. "For Holland America and other brands, those will be part of the equation."
"When we look at the guest refurbishment side, we think about it like a newbuild, but with much lower costs involved," Weinstein explained.
Fuente: cruise industry news
