Carnival CEO on the cruise industry in the age of pandemics

Arnold Donald, Carnival CEO, joins "Closing Bell" to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on his business.

Even as the coronavirus pandemic brings the cruise industry to a global standstill, customers are already booking for 2021, Carnival CEO Arnold Donald told CNBC on Tuesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has roiled the travel industry across the globe, but perhaps no sector has been hit like the cruise industry. Passengers have fallen ill and died as cruise ships became outbreak sites. In response, ports have denied vessels entry, travelers have canceled trips and most cruise companies in the world have suspended operations.

Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world, has been at the center of several high-profile onboard outbreaks. Its Diamond Princess was quarantined at a Japanese port in one of the first major outbreaks outside of China, where the virus emerged in December.

Donald said the cruise industry will bounce back along with the rest of the travel industry.

“It’s been devastating temporarily. ... Travel is going to return, travel and leisure, and when it does, we’ll return with it. Social gathering at some point will return, and when it does, people will want to cruise,” Donald said on CNBC’s “Closing Bell.” “We’ve had substantial bookings. Bookings for 2021 are strong.”

It remains unclear, however, when ships will be allowed to sail again. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended the U.S. “No Sail Order” originally issued on March 14 for up to 100 days. Donald said Tuesday that Carnival, which is incorporated in Panama, has “voluntarily” extended its pause of operation.

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[Lanmiami]

This CEO is competent and held his ground firmly with strong principles and true to his company’s core values.
Hoping that all guests, people where cruise ships sail and it’s crew are safe and healthy in this unprecedented times and looking forward to sail again when situation improves

[KeithofRoss]

Sharp man! Great spokesman for the industry, calming and reassuring.

[kennyyuen]

I want to click "like" for the CEO but "dislike" for the interviewer.

[susannaholt]

Such a comfort to see steady command of leadership. Thank you, and calm seas ahead at the helm of Carnival!

[Knightransport]

This CEO held his ground despite this annoying-man child reporter. The power of positivity and the will of entrepreneurship is tougher than any obstacles in the long run.

[LennyGildersleeve]

Hang in there Arnold! We can't wait to get cruising again!!

[pholee]

Wow...this CEO is rock solid response. I will add some more when the dip comes.

[staadecker]

First off, shout out to Arnold for staying calm and collected, handling the questions with information and guidelines from the CDC, WHO, and scientists. Who knows what the future will hold or what the new normal will be post Covid-19? So, I thought his responses were appropriate and optimistic for the world going forward.... Because he's a CEO in charge of thousands of people's livelihood. Imagine if he was pessimistic and nihilistic about pausing operations. That would be terrible for morale.


I feel like some of the report's questions were trying to bait him into giving headline answers: Carnival CEO says ....

[vernefits]

CEO knows his business and seems to have his act together

[ephapax]

I own some Carnival stock. Seeing Mr. Arnold do this interview with such poise made me want to purchase more!

[SorinSilaghi]

I think I'd rather have this guy in charge of dealing with the pandemic rather than some of the politicians I've seen.

[makster]

Get em Arnold! Great performance by this CEO. I'm buying more.

[OurWorldofDanceSport]

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT CEO. Reminds me of Obama, how he answers to the reporters. Calm and clear. Thank you for sharing

[Think-For-Yourself-Man]

Silly annoying reporters. Let me paraphrase: “Why would you go to your normal workplace where you are in close proximity to coworkers for 9+ hours every single day of the year, instead of going for a week to a cruise for a week where you see people just while you sit at the dinner table and so forth?”. Duh. We all would choose a cruise all the time!

[erickdaniel]

Super great responses from the ceo, i know few ppl if any that could have answered so throughly and so patiently considering the attacks and redundant questions from the 2 interviewers. #LongLiveCarnival

[crepeitup]

I bought CCL stocks after this interview. This CEO made me feel confident in the cruise ship business. Maybe make policy mandatory where everyone coming on board must be tested prior to boarding. There is currently a 15 min test kit available I believe.

[Fidellio]

BRITISH SPEAKING JOURNALIST IS PLAYING DIRTY CDC GAME. CRUISES ARE JUST AS CLEAN IF NOT CLEANER THAN AIRPORT TERMINALS, SUBWAY STATIONS ETC

[classicalmusicvideos]

Great job Arnold, it was like watching ants pester an eagle!

[Who-efcb]

Can't wait to be cruising again. Bacon and fresh orange juice was my favourite part, and the morning lattes, while watching the sunrise as you coast into the islands.

[LennyGildersleeve]

Made over 4 grand on the stock already. Can't wait to use it for a nice Carnival cruise.