• AIDA Cruises, Germany
• Carnival Cruise Lines, United States
• Costa Cruises, Italy
• Cunard Line, United Kingdom
• Holland America Line, United States
• Ibero Cruises, Spain
• P&O Cruises, United Kingdom
• P&O Cruises Australia, Australia
• Princess Cruises, United States
• Seabourn Cruise Line, United States

It is surprising to me that each line does maintain its own identity -- established as an independent entity long before Carnival came a-buying. However, with the incredible, most-stupid-ever disaster of the Costa Concordia, it seems that Carnival believed they could just reap profits. To hell with overseeing safety regulations, laws and the hiring of responsible captains!

This guy, Francesco Schettino, would be a joke, the quintessential devil-may-care romantic Italian man -- that is, if he were not responsible for the lives of four thousand two hundred other human beings!

And btw in addition to its cruise brands, Carnival also has a Cruise Support segment, and as of November 30, 2010, owned and operated 15 hotels or lodges, with 3,420 guest rooms, 395 motorcoaches and 20 domed rail cars. In the past five years, the corporation's profit margins have been as high as 31.87%.

Of course the captain must be legally prosecuted and the Costa Company accept blame. But, as the parent, Carnival must assume responsibility for this horrific tragedy!

Positively,
Carolan