(Reuters] -Carnival Corp claimed Monday Omicron caused a decline in near-term bookings. But, cruise demand late next year (2023) suggests the potential impact of new coronavirus strains on future sales.

The company’s shares fell slightly after the fourth quarter revenue estimate of the cruise operator was missed. This is because people avoid cruises as they are more likely to get sick in enclosed and crowded spaces.

Global concern has grown over Omicron’s rapid-growing variant. People are reviewing their travel plans immediately as they remain uncertain about the effectiveness or severity of Omicron variant vaccinations.

Operators of cruise ships could face new restrictions. After being docked in ports and having to anchor offshore, their vessels were unable to return to normal after the pandemic.

Carnival (NYSE: ) is Carnival’s competitor Royal Caribbean (NYSE:) Group said Monday that 48 of the 6,091 passengers on Symphony of the Seas were positive for COVID-19. However, nearly everyone was fully vaccinated.

Carnival predicted a net loss during the first half 2022, before becoming profitable in half two.

Carnival Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald stated that cash from operations was positive for November. He also said the company expects to see positive cash flow in the second quarter 2022.

Cunard and Holland America Line brand owners, the company said that bookings for next year’s second half and 2023 first-half were in the high end historical ranges. They also had higher prices.

Fourth-quarter adjusted net losses increased to $1.96 Billion from $1.86 Billion due to heavy spending on prepping its various brands of ships for sailings.

According to Refinitiv’s IBES data, revenue rose from $34million a year ago to $1.29billion. Analysts had predicted $1.41billion.