Carnival vs. RCL: Which Cruise Stock is the Better Buy Now?

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) are two major players in the cruise industry, each adopting different strategies to capitalize on the recovery in leisure travel [1][2] - Investors are assessing travel stocks based on demand momentum, margin sustainability, capital discipline, and balance sheet resilience [2] Carnival Corporation (CCL) - Carnival is focusing on a multi-brand strategy, destination-led investments, and margin improvements, achieving eight consecutive quarters of record revenues and yields [4][7] - The company reported a 26% increase in EBITDA and a 67% rise in operating income year-over-year for Q2 2025, with EBITDA margins at their highest in nearly two decades [4] - Upcoming projects include the launch of Celebration Key and expansions at Half Moon Cay and Mahogany Bay, aimed at enhancing demand and pricing premiums [5] - Despite near-term cost pressures, including a projected 7% rise in cruise costs ex-fuel for Q3 2025, Carnival's scale and improved balance sheet support its recovery [6][7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL suggests a 5.9% increase in sales and a 40.9% increase in EPS for fiscal 2025 [11] Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) - Royal Caribbean is pursuing a premium-positioned model with moderate capacity growth and innovative ship launches to enhance vacation experiences [8] - Recent fleet additions include Star of the Seas and the upcoming Celebrity Xcel, along with exclusive destination projects to drive yield improvement [9] - The company is advancing in digital adoption, with loyalty members accounting for 40% of bookings, contributing to higher revenue per guest [10] - RCL faces near-term margin pressures due to elevated operating costs and new ship ramp-up expenses [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RCL indicates a 9.1% increase in sales and a 32.2% increase in EPS for 2025 [15] Stock Performance and Valuation - CCL stock has surged 40.7% in the past three months, outperforming the industry and S&P 500, while RCL shares have increased by 43.5% [17] - CCL is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 14.21X, below the industry average of 19.75X, while RCL's forward P/E is 19.87X [20] - Carnival is viewed as a more compelling investment due to its broader brand portfolio, disciplined margin expansion, and structural improvements [22][23] - The combination of value, operational leverage, and balance sheet improvement positions Carnival favorably for sustainable shareholder returns [24]