Carnival Improves Brand Perception, International Vacationers Push Profit High

It looks like Carnival is sailing through another quarter. The vacation cruise line improved its brand perception, earnings were stronger than people expected and that's pushing shares higher on Tuesday. Profit came in at $1.58 a share, much better than the expected $1.44. Revenue grew to $4.9 billion, about the same as estimates. Public perception ranking institute BrandIndex ranked Carnival the most improved U.S. brand in consumer perception in its mid-year report. Carnival's Great Vacation Guarantee took away some of the fears travelers had. It also introduced a new entertainment menu, which includes the Carnival Live Concert Series, and vacationers welcomed it. The cruise line hosted more travelers from Asia. CEO Arnold Donald said its China program grew double-digit during the quarter and will continue to be a focus.