Carnival (NYSE: CCL) (NYSE: CUK) suffered during the early days of the pandemic, but this cruise giant has proven its ability to weather tough times -- and go on to recover and grow. The company has soared past analysts' earnings estimates quarter after quarter and reported various records, from revenue levels to bookings. This is all due to renewed demand for cruise travel, Carnival's leadership in the market (it's the world's largest cruise operator), and the company's efforts to favor growth and profitability.