Some of the significant opportunities identified for Carnival include expanded distribution channels; new, improved, innovative ships; capitalizing on Costa�s powerful name-recognition in Europe; and increased strategic alliances within cruise industry. Commitment to growth has expanded distribution channels. From two ocean liners to six cruise lines and 43 ships in the past 30 years, Carnival is operating all over the world. Alliances with Costa have been successful and provide Carnival with a contemporary cruise line in the Mediterranean and Europe. Prosperous differentiation strategy has allowed Carnival to maintain improved and innovative ships that satisfy all ages of cruisers.
Taking advantage of these opportunities through successful strategies has made Carnival the leader in the cruise industry. Awareness of new opportunities and developing new strategies will keep Carnival in the top position. When discussing opportunities we must discern whether Carnival Corporation has developed proper strategies to maximize and complement their strengths.
Some of Carnival�s identified strengths include the marketing and operations background in the top management ranks, providing the best value in cruise vacations, redefining contemporary cruises, earning a great reputation in the industry, and having loyal employees who willingly sign new contracts to work another period of time after their current contract has expired. Carnival capitalizes on their main strength of �best values� through their cost leadership strategy. Again, they attract such a broad range of consumers though excellent value. Carnival has changed the perception that cruises are unaffordable luxury vacations by providing a wide range of packages with a wide range of prices, amenities, and activities. As the leader and innovator in the cruise industry, Carnival�s strategies can be credited to their executives and board members who have great marketing and operations backgrounds and continue to develop strategies over the years to take advantage of their strengths and opportunities for the future.
Overall, there is strong evidence that Carnival capitalizes on their strengths and opportunities through successful competitive and corporate strategies. This allows Carnival to stay ahead of the game when it comes to strong competition. Also, when considering the external environment and current situations that may cause a decrease in cruise vacations overall, Carnival will suffer less then competitors because of the successful strategy and focused positioning they have developed over so many years.