Conclusion

We have to ask-- does Carnival want to improve its reputation? Does it want to be perceived as having integrity and being transparent? Is it interested in conversing with stakeholders versus following out of style and inefficient social media practices?

Reputation Management is the only path to smooth sailing for Carnival Corporation and its nine cruise lines. We hope this plan provided entree points that yield rapid results. ESG reporting is soon to be required by the SEC and, as a publicly traded company, Carnival will be forced to publish its own environmental record. This could be undeniably contrary to values touted on websites, making transparency very difficult to establish thereafter. Carnival must begin now, using the best practices within Issue Management, to intercept environmental issues as they arise. Another high profile crisis would attract unwanted attention from governments and the public that could negatively affect business for Carnival.

We believe the recommendations within this plan will cause significant shifts in the corporation that will change even day to day operations. These will be difficult and costly to initiate and maintain. We strongly advise Carnival to undertake these changes and to begin now. Even if only a few are adopted, it will lead to further regard for its own reputation. We believe Carnival could emerge as a leader within the industry, using Reputation Management and Issues Management, that would deliver competitive advantage and added value to stakeholders and shareholders.

Nautical flag signaling a desire to communicate.