CARNIVAL CORPORATION.

The flag is red with a blue O outlined white. Loughran renders the white as a circle with the blue compressed into an oval and gives narrow white funnel edging. Photographs show the edging widening centrally on Carnival Spirit, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Elation, but remaining even on Carnival Glory, apparently varying with funnel shape. Brown makes the funnel emblem fill most of its width and gives a circular blue area with correspondingly wider white on the flag.

Joe McMillan’s C1328, observed aboard Carnival Miracle in 2005, is red with a white O filled blue. He also cites the corporate website, but Rosanoski notes that the website actually shows the differing C631 version.

Carnival Cruise Lines began early in 1972 as an American International Travel Services subsidiary managed by Ted Arison. Near bankruptcy in 1974, it was bought by Arison for $1 with responsibility for $5 million debt, through a Panamanian holding company called Carnival Corporation. By the end of 1975 it was secure from bankruptcy. Lloyd’s separately dates the operating company’s change from Carnival Cruise Lines Inc. to Carnival Corporation to 1994. The Arison family remained major shareholders. Technical Marine Planning of London was acquired in 1995; a connection with Miami’s Technical Management Planning is only suggested.

Expansion included Holland America in November 1988, a 50% Seabourn interest and 49% Epirotiki interest in 1995, Airtours and Costa interests in 1996, Costa’s joint acquisition with Airtours in 1997 followed by purchase of Airtours’ share, and Cunard in April 1998. The group also held Bolton Steam Shipping through Nosira in 1982–87. Seetours’ A’ROSA brand was sold to Arkona in December 2003; Windstar was sold in February 2007. Iberocruceros was a venture handled through Costa. The later source names All Leisure Group as Swan Hellenic’s owner.

USA, Miami [Doral] FL; UK, London is recorded in 1973–74.