Core Viewpoint - The average brokerage recommendation (ABR) for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) is 1.64, indicating a general suggestion to buy the stock, but reliance solely on this metric may not be advisable due to potential biases in brokerage recommendations [2][5][10]. Group 1: Brokerage Recommendations - NCLH has an ABR of 1.64, which is between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 22 brokerage firms, with 15 of those being Strong Buy, representing 68.2% of all recommendations [2]. - Despite the positive ABR, studies suggest that brokerage recommendations often do not effectively guide investors toward stocks with the highest potential for price appreciation [5][10]. - Analysts from brokerage firms tend to exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings due to vested interests, leading to a disproportionate number of favorable ratings compared to negative ones [6][10]. Group 2: Zacks Rank vs. ABR - The Zacks Rank, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), is a quantitative model based on earnings estimate revisions and is considered a more reliable indicator of near-term stock performance compared to ABR [8][9]. - The Zacks Rank is updated more frequently and reflects changes in earnings estimates promptly, making it a timely tool for predicting future price movements [13]. - For NCLH, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has decreased by 0.1% to $2.03, indicating growing pessimism among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [14]. Group 3: Current Investment Outlook - The recent decline in the consensus estimate and other related factors have resulted in a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) for NCLH, suggesting caution despite the Buy-equivalent ABR [15].

Core Viewpoint - The consumer's determination to travel is driving a significant increase in global air passenger traffic, with a 15% year-over-year growth in the first half of 2025, particularly strong in Asia-Pacific and Europe [1][2]. Group 1: Travel Market Dynamics - Despite a nearly 10% decline in the U.S. dollar, which typically increases the cost of international travel, strong wage growth in the U.S. is offsetting this effect, leading to robust demand for travel [2]. - The combination of increased income and pent-up demand for previously inaccessible international destinations is fueling the travel market [2]. Group 2: Company-Specific Insights Booking Holdings - Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) is trading at over $5,600 per share, with a 12-month stock price forecast of $5,388.37, indicating a potential downside of 5.84% [4]. - The company reported earnings exceeding expectations by nearly 30% in its most recent quarter, showcasing its pricing power and impressive 86% gross margins, driven by artificial intelligence [5]. - Booking's strongest periods are typically in the second and third quarters, supported by demand for travel to Asia Pacific and Europe [5]. Marriott International - Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) has a current stock price of $280.08, with a 12-month forecast of $275.90, suggesting a downside of 1.49% [7]. - The company reported a global RevPAR increase of approximately 4% in Q1 2025, with international RevPAR up more than 6%, particularly strong in Asia Pacific [8]. - Marriott's diverse brand portfolio and expansion into luxury and upscale properties allow it to target less price-sensitive consumers [9]. Royal Caribbean - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) has a current stock price of $334.10, with a 12-month forecast of $280.40, indicating a downside of 16.07% [11]. - The cruise industry is experiencing a recovery, with Royal Caribbean's stock up over 106% in the last 12 months and more than 40% in 2025 [12]. - The company has significantly reduced its debt, refinancing approximately $3 billion in short-term debt and repaying about $2.1 billion in principal, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.21, which is more than 60% lower than its 2022 peak [13].

Company Overview - Viking Holdings Ltd went public in May 2024, raising $1.54 billion at approximately $24 per share [11] - The company focuses on passenger shipping and other forms of passenger transport, targeting English-speaking travelers aged over 55 years [11] - Viking's cruises do not allow guests under 18 years old, indicating a niche market focus [11] Financial Performance - The new investment into Viking Holdings was $245.5 million, accounting for 16% of the total funds raised [11] - Viking Holdings has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, indicating a moderate investment outlook [12] - The company has a Value Style Score of B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 23, which is attractive for value investors [12] - Four analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.05 to $2.41 per share [12] - Viking Holdings boasts an average earnings surprise of +12.5%, suggesting positive performance relative to expectations [12] Investment Considerations - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, Viking Holdings should be considered for investors' short lists [13]

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is focusing on its loyalty program strategy to enhance guest engagement and drive additional revenues, with strong cruising demand expected to continue into 2025 [1][8] - Customer deposits reached $6.33 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase from $5.5 billion in the previous year, indicating robust forward demand [1] Loyalty Program and Guest Engagement - Loyalty members accounted for nearly 40% of bookings in 2024 and spent 25% more per trip, demonstrating strong engagement and supporting the company's retention efforts for 2025 and beyond [2] - There is a notable increase in cross-brand bookings among loyalty members, indicating a preference for staying within the Royal Caribbean Group ecosystem [2] - Loyalty members show a higher inclination for direct bookings, aided by a doubling of mobile app usage for bookings in 2025, which helps reduce distribution costs [2] Enhancements and New Offerings - Royal Caribbean is enhancing its guest ecosystem with destination-driven improvements, such as the upcoming Royal Beach Club in Nassau, aimed at increasing guest satisfaction and maximizing ancillary spending [3] - The company is building loyalty across various touchpoints, including exclusive locations and digital booking flows, which supports higher guest value and repeat travel [3] Industry Trends - Other cruise lines, such as Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line, are also evolving their loyalty strategies to enhance guest retention and spending [4] - Carnival is shifting its loyalty model to reward total spend rather than just cruise nights, with a new program called "Carnival Rewards" aimed at creating a more personalized loyalty experience [5] - Norwegian Cruise is focusing on operational refinements and experiential upgrades without introducing a spend-based loyalty framework, maintaining its loyalty proposition based on cruise frequency [6] Financial Performance and Valuation - Royal Caribbean's shares have increased by 86.3% over the past three months, outperforming the industry's growth of 43% [7] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 4.82X, significantly higher than the industry's average of 2.5X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RCL's earnings in 2025 and 2026 indicates a year-over-year increase of 30.7% and 14.5%, respectively, with EPS estimates for 2025 having risen in the past 60 days [12]

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean (RCL) experienced a significant trading signal known as Power Inflow at a price of $331.57, indicating a potential uptrend and a bullish sign for traders [1][5]. Group 1: Power Inflow and Market Trends - The Power Inflow occurred within the first two hours of the market open, suggesting the overall direction of the stock for the remainder of the day, driven by institutional activity [3]. - Following the Power Inflow, RCL's stock reached a high price of $334.48 and a close price of $334.26, resulting in returns of 0.9% and 0.8% respectively [7]. Group 2: Order Flow Analytics - Order flow analytics, which involves analyzing the flow of buy and sell orders, helps traders gain insights into market conditions and make informed trading decisions [2][4]. - The Power Inflow is interpreted as a bullish signal by active traders, emphasizing the importance of understanding institutional movements in the market [2][5].

Core Points - Holland America Line is launching a special cruise to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026, departing from Boston on July 4, 2026 [1][3] - The seven-day cruise includes stops in Saint John, New Brunswick, an overnight stay in New York City, and a visit to Norfolk, Virginia, with access to historical sites [1][2][4] - The cruise aims to provide guests with a unique experience of American culture and history, featuring special events for the Fourth of July [3][6] Itinerary Highlights - The cruise will allow guests to view Boston's Fourth of July fireworks from the ship, enhancing the celebratory experience [2] - In Norfolk, guests can explore significant historical sites related to the Revolutionary War, including Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown [4][5] - The overnight stay in New York coincides with the "Sail 4th 250" tall ships event, providing guests with additional opportunities to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere [6][7] Pricing and Booking - Fares for the "America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" start at $1,459 per person for double occupancy, inclusive of port fees and taxes [8]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) has reported a significant rebound in profitability, achieving its highest second-quarter EBITDA margins in nearly 20 years, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $1.51 billion, an increase from $1.2 billion in the same quarter last year [1][9] - The company attributes its margin improvement to strong pricing and operational leverage, with yields increasing by nearly 6.5% year over year, surpassing guidance by 200 basis points [2][9] - Carnival has exceeded two of its three 2026 SEA Change targets ahead of schedule, with EBITDA per available lower berth day rising 52% from 2023 levels and return on invested capital increasing by 12.5% [3] Financial Performance - The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved from 4.1 to 3.7 in the fiscal second quarter, alongside a decline in interest expenses, indicating a positive trend in bottom-line metrics [4] - Carnival has raised its full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA outlook to approximately $6.9 billion, reflecting a 10% increase from 2024 levels and exceeding previous guidance of $6.7 billion [5][9] Competitive Landscape - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported EBITDA margins of 35% in the first quarter, a 360 basis point improvement year over year, driven by strong bookings and favorable pricing [6] - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) posted adjusted EBITDA of $453 million in the first quarter of 2025, with a trailing 12-month EBITDA margin of 35.5%, up 280 basis points from the prior year, supported by a company-wide efficiency program [7] Market Performance - CCL shares have increased by 40.5% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 16.8% [8] - CCL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.29X, significantly below the industry average of 18.98X [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings indicates a year-over-year increase of 38% and 13.4%, respectively, with EPS estimates having risen in the past 30 days [11]

Core Points - Royal Caribbean is set to launch the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, offering an all-inclusive beach day experience starting December 2025 [1][2][12] - The beach club will feature amenities such as pristine beaches, pools, the world's largest swim-up bar, and various dining options, all infused with Bahamian culture [2][8] Summary by Category Beach Club Features - The Royal Beach Club will include two beaches, three pools, and the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar, providing a vibrant atmosphere for guests [8] - Unique offerings include the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story private retreat accommodating up to 12 guests, featuring a whirlpool, frozen drink machine, and a slide [4][10] Dining and Beverage Options - Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across three beach grills and 10 bars, with all-inclusive day passes available [8][9] - Day pass pricing starts at $169.99 for adults with various options for different age groups, including free access for children under 3 [11] Booking and Availability - Bookings for the Royal Beach Club experience are now open for guests sailing to Nassau starting late December 2025 [1][12] - The beach club is part of Royal Caribbean's expansion of exclusive destinations, with future locations planned in Cozumel, Lelepa, and Mexico [12]

A new cruise passenger tax will go into effect in Mexico on July 1 as the government negotiates with Royal Caribbean and other companies https://t.co/lcbwstMjwf ...

Core Insights - Carnival's shares have risen approximately 11% in the past month and nearly 40% over the last 12 months, driven by strong second-quarter results that exceeded expectations [2][3] - The company reported revenue of approximately $6.33 billion, a 9% increase year-over-year, and net income of $565 million, up from $92 million a year ago [2] - Carnival has raised its full-year forecast, projecting adjusted net income to be 40% greater compared to 2024, indicating strong demand for leisure cruising post-Covid-19 [2] Financial Performance - Carnival's revenues have shown significant growth, with a 12.7% increase from $23 billion to $25 billion in the last 12 months, compared to a 5.5% growth for the S&P 500 [6] - The company's quarterly revenues increased by 7.5% to $5.8 billion in the latest quarter from $5.4 billion the previous year, while the S&P 500 saw a 4.8% improvement [7] - Carnival's operating income over the past four quarters was $3.8 billion, reflecting a moderate operating margin of 15.1% [7] Valuation Metrics - Carnival's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 1.3 compared to 3.1 for the S&P 500, indicating it may be slightly undervalued [4][6] - The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for Carnival stands at 16.4, while the S&P 500's P/E is 26.9, suggesting a more attractive valuation [6] Financial Stability - Carnival's debt was $28 billion at the end of the most recent quarter, with a market capitalization of $34 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 84.4% [8] - The company's cash (including cash equivalents) is $833 million out of total assets of $49 billion, leading to a cash-to-assets ratio of 1.7% [8] Resilience in Downturns - CCL stock has historically performed worse than the S&P 500 during downturns, with significant declines during the Covid pandemic and the inflation shock [9][10][11] - The stock has not yet recovered to its pre-crisis peak values, indicating potential vulnerabilities in economic downturns [10][11]