440k+Newsrooms &Influencers 9k+Digital MediaOutlets 270k+JournalistsOpted In GET STARTED Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation MIAMI, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) today declared a quarterly dividend of $1.00 per common share payable on October 13, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2025. "Today's dividend increase reflects both the strength of our performance and our commitment to return capital ...

From May to October, Volendam and Zuiderdam will sail 20 voyages across 13 itineraries, offering guests cruise vacations between seven and 14 days. Each voyage will highlight Canada and New England's charming cities, culinary delights, rich maritime history and natural wonders. Thanks to Holland America Line's spacious midsized ships, nearly every itinerary includes scenic cruising of the St. Lawrence River and calls at Montréal or Québec City, Québec, Canada. "Our Canada & New England itineraries are desig ...

Core Points - Carnival Corporation & plc has raised $250,000 for World Central Kitchen since 2022 through its "Keep the Change" program, which encourages guests to donate spare change from casino winnings [1][2] - The "Keep the Change" program allows guests on six cruise lines to donate a portion of their casino winnings, with proceeds supporting meal relief efforts for those affected by humanitarian, climate, and community crises [2][3] - Carnival Corporation has a long-standing partnership with World Central Kitchen, contributing to various relief efforts, including support for emergency workers during the California wildfires in 2025 and hurricane relief efforts in 2024 [3][4] Company Initiatives - The "Keep the Change" program is part of Carnival Corporation's broader strategy to reduce food waste and support local communities, including donating meals to food banks [5] - The company emphasizes responsible gaming practices in its onboard casinos, providing a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for guests [4] Industry Context - Carnival Corporation is the largest global cruise company, operating a portfolio of world-class cruise lines, and is committed to making a positive impact on communities and the environment [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation has completed the redemption of approximately $322 million of its 5.750% senior unsecured notes due 2027, indicating a strong focus on improving its balance sheet and capital structure [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Actions - The redemption of the senior unsecured notes is part of the company's strategy to rebuild its investment-grade balance sheet and reduce interest expenses [2]. - The total amount redeemed was approximately $322 million, reflecting the company's proactive financial management [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - Carnival Corporation & plc is recognized as the largest global cruise company and one of the largest leisure travel companies, operating a diverse portfolio of cruise lines including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn [3].

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]

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) has seen a stock increase of 38.4% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry's 15.2% rise and the S&P 500's growth of 9.9% [1][2][8] Group 1: Growth Drivers - The recent stock surge is attributed to stronger-than-expected close-in demand and contributions from the TUI Cruises joint venture, with booking trends remaining robust into 2025 and 2026 [2][3] - Royal Caribbean's growth is supported by a strong pipeline of new ships, expansion into high-margin private destinations, and entry into river cruising, which are expected to enhance financial targets for 2027 and beyond [3][9] - Record load factors of 110% in Q2 2025 and strong booking volumes indicate resilient demand for cruise vacations, allowing the company to raise its full-year earnings per share (EPS) guidance by 31% year over year [7][12] Group 2: Financial Performance - The company expects adjusted EPS for 2025 to be between $15.41 and $15.55, an increase from previous estimates, reflecting strengthened analyst confidence [12] - Net yields rose more than 5% year over year in Q2, with onboard spending reaching record levels, contributing to improved margins and cash flow growth [10][11] Group 3: Challenges and Cost Pressures - Royal Caribbean faces rising cost pressures, with net cruise costs excluding fuel increasing by 2.1% year over year in Q2 2025, and projected to rise by 6% to 6.5% in Q3 [18][19] - The company is also dealing with external factors such as geopolitical tensions that could disrupt itineraries and affect booking momentum [20] Group 4: Valuation and Market Position - RCL is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 18.96X, slightly below the industry average, indicating an attractive investment opportunity [22] - The stock is trading above its 50-day moving average, suggesting solid upward momentum and price stability [24] Group 5: Investment Outlook - The current investment verdict for Royal Caribbean is to hold, as the company navigates rising cost pressures while aiming for sustainable margin expansion [27][28]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) shares have increased by 34% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry's growth of 16.3% and the S&P 500's growth of 10.2% [1][9] - The company's performance is driven by strong consumer demand, resilient macroeconomic trends, and favorable pricing across its fleet [2][6] Performance Drivers - Strong consumer demand has led to record results, with yields rising nearly 6.5% year over year, exceeding guidance by 200 basis points [6] - Customer deposits have reached all-time highs, indicating confidence in Carnival's brands despite global volatility [6] - Carnival is expanding its destination portfolio, with new enhancements aimed at elevating guest experiences and capturing market share from land-based vacations [10] Financial Metrics - In the fiscal second quarter, unit costs were 200 basis points better than guidance, and EBITDA margins reached their highest levels in nearly two decades [12] - The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved to 3.7, reflecting progress in debt reduction efforts [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 EPS has been revised upward from $1.88 to $2.00 over the past 60 days, indicating strong analyst confidence [13][17] Cost and Risk Factors - Cruise costs, excluding fuel, are projected to rise by 7% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 due to various factors including launch expenses and higher advertising spend [18] - Geopolitical risks, particularly related to the Middle East, have the potential to disrupt booking momentum and create near-term volatility [19] - The rollout of a new loyalty program in 2026 may temporarily pressure financials, with an estimated 50-basis point drag on yields in the first year [20] Valuation and Technical Analysis - Carnival stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 13.44, below the industry average of 19.18, indicating an attractive investment opportunity [21] - The stock is trading above its 50-day moving average, suggesting solid upward momentum and price stability [22] Investment Outlook - While Carnival's strong demand trends and progress on deleveraging support its long-term growth story, near-term challenges warrant caution [26] - Investors are advised to monitor the company's ability to sustain pricing momentum and control costs before committing new capital [27]

Key Takeaways Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is expanding capacity through a steady pipeline of new ships, aiming to strengthen demand in 2025. The company's strategy centers on moderate capacity growth, with each addition designed to drive pricing power, attract new guests and support yield expansion. Looking beyond 2025, Royal Caribbean plans to introduce seven new ships over the next few years, including Legend of the Seas in 2026, Icon 4 and Celebrity River in 2027, and Oasis 7 and Edge 6 in 2028. T ...

Core Viewpoint - The cruise industry is recovering post-pandemic, with Royal Caribbean positioned for growth while Carnival is focused on stabilizing its finances [1][2]. Royal Caribbean - Royal Caribbean is experiencing strong demand, with bookings extending into 2027, and is expanding its fleet with new Icon-class ships aimed at luxury travelers [3]. - The company has reduced its net debt from a pandemic peak of $22 billion to $18.3 billion, improving its credit profile to a BBB- rating from Fitch [4]. - Royal Caribbean's EBITDA margin stands at 42% in Q2 2025, and it trades at a forward P/E ratio of approximately 20x, above its pre-pandemic average of 14x, indicating investor confidence in its growth potential [5]. Carnival - Carnival is working on reducing its pandemic-era debt, targeting a net debt reduction of $8 billion by the end of 2025, but still carries over $25 billion in net debt, rated BB+ by Fitch [6]. - The company's focus is on operational stabilization rather than growth, with a forward P/E ratio of about 13x and an EBITDA margin of 24%, reflecting a slower recovery compared to competitors [7]. - Carnival's stock price is currently around $29, significantly below its pre-COVID range of $50 to $60, suggesting potential for long-term upside if its turnaround strategy is successful [13]. Investment Considerations - Royal Caribbean is recommended for investors seeking growth, with a current price of $311 and a 12-month target near $347, indicating a potential 10% upside [12]. - Carnival may appeal to contrarian investors, offering a discounted valuation and potential for significant long-term rewards if management successfully executes its turnaround strategy [13].

Industry Focus - The study identifies cruise ship casinos with the highest luck factor [1] Source - The information originates from a new study [1]