Micky Arison

Micky Arison grew up in the cruise business and spent the better part of two decades learning it from the ground up before being appointed chairman in 1990.

Mr. Arison began in the sales department at Carnival Cruise Lines and worked his way up becoming reservations manager in 1974. He became vice president of passenger traffic in 1976, and just three years later, Mr. Arison was named president.

In 1987, Carnival went public, raising $400 million for future expansion, and by early 1989, Mr. Arison engineered the acquisition of the venerable Holland America Line. The purchase also included Windstar Cruises and Westours (now Holland America Princess Tours), a leading Alaska tour operator, giving Carnival entrée to the premium segment of the cruise industry.

Over the next several years, Carnival Corporation acquired brands in various other markets including ultra-luxury Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line, as well as contemporary European operator Costa Cruises, the region’s number one cruise line.

In April 2003, Mr. Arison spearheaded the transaction combining Carnival Corporation’s six cruise operators with the brands of P&O Princess Cruises, creating a truly global cruise operator with the leading cruise brands in both North America and Europe.

Micky Arison is the Chairman of the Board Carnival Corporation & plc at Carnival Cruise Line, based in Europe. With a background in Tourism, Micky Arison has a rich history of leadership and innovation. Explore their detailed professional journey, key connections, and contributions to the industry on our platform.