As Carnival Corporation completes its acquisition of P&O Princess Cruises, Cruise Industry News (CIN) has analyzed market-share information from the top sailing regions around the world to show just how concentrated they have become following this consolidation. The conclusion: In 2003, “The Big Three” holding companies – Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCC), and the Star Cruises Group – will control 80 percent or more of most major markets. And as each company takes delivery of further newbuildings through 2006, such market dominance will continue to grow.
