When Carnival (CCL 0.29%) reported third-quarter 2023 earnings it was happy to note that it had record-level performance in some key metrics. So, in many ways, its business isn't just back to pre-pandemic levels, but exceeding them. Yet, unlike peer Royal Caribbean (RCL 1.37%), Carnival's stock hasn't recovered anywhere near pre-pandemic levels. Here's one important factor that helps explain the situation and something that investors should monitor.Carnival's big advance isn't big enoughCarnival's stock pri ...

Investors ended 2023 in a jubilant mood. Equity markets recovered nicely, with the S&P 500 gaining better than 24% after losing more than 19% in 2022. Shareholders of Carnival (CCL -3.25%) enjoyed a much better performance. Its stock price gains dwarfed the overall market, rising by 130%. That does present a dilemma for current and prospective investors, however.Does Carnival's stock still represent a buying opportunity, or are there better opportunities elsewhere for long-term investors? Sailing the seas a ...

The future of the U.S. economy is promising, marked by a robust recovery in the travel sector. In fact, spending and air passenger numbers are exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Leisure travel is resilient, and business and group bookings are on the rise, indicating a positive trend. International outbound travel is rebounding, contributing to a favorable outlook. Despite some challenges, such as concerns about inflation, the overall trajectory points toward economic growth and recovery in 2024. So, it’s time t ...

Shares of Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) have gained 41.1% in the past three months compared with the industry’s 16.5% growth. The company has been benefiting from strong bookings, marketing efforts and new ship additions. Also, the focus on strategic initiatives bodes well. However, increased expenses are a concern.Let us discuss why investors should retain the stock for the time being.Key Growth DriversCarnival gains from solid booking momentum. During the fiscal fourth quarter, the company reported sol ...

The cruise industry is witnessing a significant surge in bookings for 2024, surpassing pre-COVID levels across various income brackets. The allure of cruises, known for their cost-effectiveness compared with land-based options, remains strong.The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) forecasts that nearly 35.7 million passengers will embark on cruises in 2024, marking an increase from the 31.5 million passengers in 2023. This projection represents a 6% rise from the number of passengers who sailed i ...

Shares of Carnival (CCL 3.06%) were moving higher last month as the world's largest cruise line benefited from expectations that the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates in 2024. The company posted strong results in its fourth-quarter earnings report toward the end of the month.According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, the stock finished the month up 23%. As the chart below shows, Carnival notched much of its gains at the beginning of the month, though the stock also jumped on Dec. 21 aft ...

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard will bring back an exclusive series of Le Gavroche residencies at sea this year as two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux brings his iconic London restaurant to guests on Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2.The esteemed chef will close the popular Mayfair venue this month and oversee four Le Gavroche residencies across four exciting Fjords voyages in 2024. Michel Roux will partner with Cunard for an exclusive Le Gavroche at Sea collaboration The exclusive se ...

Upcoming Season Marks Princess' 55th Anniversary Sailing to AlaskaFT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, a name synonymous with elegance, adventure, and world-class hospitality, proudly celebrates Alaska today on the momentous occasion of its 65th anniversary of statehood. As the leader in Alaska vacations, Princess Cruises has been a part of Alaska's incredible journey, showcasing its natural beauty and cultural richness to millions of travelers from around the globe. Prin ...

Shares of cruise operators were among the worst performers in the S&P 500 SPX, -0.53% to start 2024, after posting record yearly gains in 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s stock NCLH, -6.91% fell 6.8% to lead the S&P 500’s losers, as it headed for a three-week closing low. The stock had soared 63.7% in 2023, to break the previous record of 37.8% in 2019 by a wide margin. The S&P 500’s second worst performer was Royal Caribbean Group’s stock RCL, -6.54%, which slumped 6.6%, which puts it on track ...

Macquarie has raised its Carnival Corp. CCL, -0.70% price target to $22 from $17, citing the cruise operator’s strong fourth-quarter results last month. The company’s results “were strong across major metrics and booking strength with higher-than-expected pricing, but costs were sticky,” wrote Macquarie analyst Paul Golding, in the note. The target price raise reflects normalized FY25 operations and stable pricing, with fewer total cost headwinds and easing fuel prices, according to Golding. Carnival’s sto ...