Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise shipping group, has reported a fall for its final quarter and full financial year net and operating results.

Group net profit for the three months to 30 November fell to $546 million from $609 million a year earlier and operating profit (EBIT) decreased to $548 million from $597 million. Revenues increased to $4.26 billion from $3.94 billion.

In the 12 months to 30 November, net profit fell to $2.61 billion from $2.78 billion and EBIT decreased to $2.81 billion from $3.07 billion. Revenues increased to $17.51 billion from $16.39 billion.

For the full year 2016, adjusted net income excludes unrealized gains on fuel derivatives of $236 million and other net charges of $37 million. Revenues for the full year 2017 were $17.5 billion, $1.1 billion higher than the $16.4 billion in the prior year.

"We exceeded the high end of our original full year 2017 guidance by $0.22 per share, achieving record cash from operations of $5.3 billion and another adjusted earnings per share record despite a significant drag from fuel and currency,” said Arnold Donald, President and CEO, in a statement.

“Our full year performance was led by over 4.5% growth in ticket prices while overcoming a variety of headwinds, affirming that our core strategy, which is anchored in delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving demand through marketing programs to increase cruise consideration, and introducing new more efficient ships through measured capacity growth all while leveraging our scale, can deliver consistent earnings improvements," Donald said.

Key information for the fourth quarter 2017 compared to the prior year:

Gross revenue yields (revenue per available lower berth day or "ALBD") increased 6.8%. In constant currency, net revenue yields increased 4.2% for 4Q 2017, better than September guidance of up 1.5% to 2.5%.

Gross cruise costs including fuel per ALBD increased 9.7 t. In constant currency, net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD increased 6.1%, in line with September guidance of up 6.0% to 7.0%.

Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates decreased earnings by $0.03 per share.

Voyage disruptions due to hurricanes reduced fourth quarter earnings by approximately $0.11 per share.