Sept 30 (Reuters) - Carnival Corp ( CCL ) raised its

annual profit forecast for the third time on Monday, buoyed by

continued strength in demand for cruise vacations as well as

higher pricing.

The Miami, Florida-based company's shares were up 2% in

premarket trading.

Cruise operators benefit from increased demand for vacations

on the sea during the summer, boosting an already robust year

for the companies as more travelers opt for the cruise

experience.

The company now expects 2024 adjusted profit per share

to be about $1.33, compared with an earlier forecast of about

$1.18.