March 27 (Reuters) - Carnival Corp ( CCL )

raised its annual profit forecast on Wednesday, betting on

record demand for cruise vacations as well as higher prices.

The cruise operator now expects adjusted profit per share of

98 cents in 2024, compared with its prior forecast of 93 cents.

Analysts on average were expecting a profit of $1 per share,

according to LSEG data.

(Reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru)