Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-20 07:13Group 1 - The U.S. cruise tourism market is expected to continue its record-breaking trend, with 21.7 million American tourists projected to cruise in 2026, up from 20.7 million in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth [1] - The growth in the cruise industry is occurring despite rising costs in the overall travel sector, as many Americans are turning to cruises as a more economical vacation option compared to flights and hotels [1] - Nearly half of cruise passengers in 2022 were first-time travelers since the pandemic, attracted by discounts and promotions [1] Group 2 - Cruise companies are leveraging price strategies to position cruise travel as a more cost-effective choice compared to land resorts, with ongoing promotions and membership discounts attracting both new and returning customers [2] - The cruise industry is investing significantly in enhancing the onboard experience, with at least $1.5 billion allocated to upgrade or expand private islands in the Caribbean [2] - Major cruise companies, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, have seen substantial stock price increases due to strong booking volumes, outperforming the S&P 500 index [2]