The Israeli Family That Owns The Cruise Industry: The Arison Dynasty

Meet the Arisons - the Israeli family that has transformed the cruise industry into their personal empire.

The driving force behind Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise line operator, the Arison Family owns has their hands in many parts of global culture, including The Miami Heat NBA team.

In today’s episode, we’ll share their full family history - from the modest origins of the Romanian countryside to the very pinnacle of a lavish life of luxury.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:13 Chapter 1: The Aristocratic Arisons
4:51 Chapter 2: The Rise of Ted Arison
10:33 Chapter 3: The Peak of Ted Arison
14:17 Chapter 4: The Next Generation of Arisons
18:29 Chapter 5: Controversy and The Future

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Cruises often conjure images of sun-drenched decks, endless buffets, and adventure-packed family vacations. However, for the Arison family, cruise ships represent the cornerstone of a massive seaside empire that has helped them amass billions.

As the powerhouse behind Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise line operator with over 100 ships, the Arison family has transformed the typical one-week getaway into a multi-billion-dollar dynasty, acquiring luxury assets from iconic properties to the Miami Heat NBA franchise.

The Arison family's net worth is astronomical, with patriarch Micky Arison valued at $8.2 billion as of 2024, and his sister Shari Arison at $5.4 billion, ranking her among the richest women globally.

Their wealth stems from Carnival Corp, known to many as Carnival Cruise Lines. Micky, steering the ship as the company's chairman, holds a stake worth $1.7 billion.

Beyond cruising, Micky owns the Miami Heat, valued at $3 billion, showcasing his Midas touch across industries.

Shari Arison is not just basking in cruising success; she heads Arison Investments, which spans from real estate to artificial intelligence, controlling assets worth $2.5 billion.

Her lifestyle includes time aboard her $100 million yacht, reflecting the opulent life the Arisons lead, supported by assets like a private jet worth over $30 million and luxurious timepieces like Micky's $60,000 Rolex Daytona.

The Arison story began with Ted Arison in Tel Aviv, born into privilege in 1924. Ted's father, Meir Arison, owned the largest shipping company in Palestine, laying the foundation for what would become a global empire.

Ted's journey through American university education, service in the British army during World War II, and eventual migration to the U.S. set the stage for his future successes.

He founded Norwegian Cruise Lines in Miami with Knut Kloster in 1966, and despite a falling out, this venture marked the beginning of his profound impact on the cruising world.

In 1972, Ted established Carnival Cruise Lines, starting with a single ship and a vision of expansion.

His ventures weren't confined to the seas; in 1988, he founded the Miami Heat, merging his business acumen with his passion for basketball.

Ted's legacy continued through his philanthropy, notably with the creation of the Ted Arison Family Foundation in 1981, focusing on community projects.

Upon Ted's death in 1999, his children, Micky and Shari, inherited his business and philanthropic mantle.

Micky expanded Carnival Corp into a dominant force in the cruise industry, while Shari focused on Arison Investments and the family foundation.

Together, they navigated both growth and controversy, such as the Costa Concordia disaster in 2012 and allegations against Shari in 2018, which were later dropped.

Today, as Mickey and Shari approach the handover to the third generation, the Arison legacy is poised for further growth.

The dynasty continues to innovate and expand, underlining the lasting impact of Ted Arison's vision.

The Arisons have not only shaped the cruise industry but have set a standard for the integration of business success with family values and philanthropy.

[oldmoneyluxury]

COMMENT: Were you familiar with the Arisons - and what is your opinion of their family history?

[DrANashADay]

I love this channel! I knew about Mickey Arison since LeBron moved to the Heat in 2011 and a lil' bit about his yachts but not this...damn

[RayMartin-foey]

I knew ted and the family. I worked on the carnival in 1976-78
They all are fantastic people

[floridagirl]

Never knew this. Such a great family. ❤

[abubakarahmadu]

Innovation, indeed. Yes, quite familiar. Excellent video; very inspiring.

[emermbiemeri]

pasurija ime ashte qe keni kupu qe popullin hebrej nuk e urrej asni her jete nuk kam urrejte as te ardhen nuk e urrej po rrugen drejte ku jeni gjithon kam me ju perkra rruge te drejte ju pershendes

[bradcolby]

Why are you showing B role of Royal Caribbean ships…they have nothing to with Carnival Corp. I knew Mickey and Shari when they moved to Bal Harbour Florida. Nice history of the family..I wish them well.

[EdwardMilech-mdvv]

Well done
This brief history of the Arison family is very familiar to me as a keen cruise passenger and being a descendent of a Romanian Jewish family that settled in Canada and the US after WW2. I feel fortunate to have had great family holidays in the South Pacific, South America The Caribbean and Antartica travelling on Holland America Line, Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises all on great ships with wonderful facilities and staff. They do know how to create wonderful family memories.
Edward Milech
Sydney Australia

[emermbiemeri]

une gjithmon ender kam pas nji jete mesatare me pas edhe i qete me qen kurr nuk kam dashte te kem para pah mas

[smartdoctorphysicist]

Hi once again I am super happy for this family, I need for just one to reach out and help me, I will beside by self with joy. That is all I have to say.

[stuart]

THIS IS A RESPONSE to the comment asking "why call them Israelis when they're Jews"? -->Because that would be antisemitic. It's enough that this video has the same consistent tone of snarky scorn as in the video on the Bronfmans that doesn't appear in videos equally wealthy non-Jewish families. The tone distorts what is otherwise mostly unobjectionable content.

[johnbethea]

It is nice to build on already big money, but i like to see people who come from nothing to a self made empire.

[emermbiemeri]

shperblimi ashte paqja. te jetoni te lire gjithe boten

[BARCELONA.DRAGONS]

George Soros it's not Jewish he is an atheist ⚛️ in my point of view Jewish means religion not race not ethnicity not nationality

[KDieter]

The worst cruise ships Carnival the Jews like investing in America

[ScipioAmericanus__]

Why don’t you just say this J_wish family? Not Israeli

[hankslapper]

I would rather have a 3 some with me parents than go on a cruise ship puke